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Friday 26 April 2024
Former Mexican judicial officer convicted for hiring drivers to transport drug loadsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a Mexican citizen residing in the Brownsville area for conspiracy with intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before finding Gilberto Almaraz-Muniz, 55, guilty on one count of conspiracy and three counts of possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances following a five-day trial.
Law enforcement conducted a narcotics seizure in Klegberg County on March 10, 2022. At that time, authorities arrested co-conspirator Pedro Venegas Jr., 24, Brownsville. Once law enforcement noticed tampering within the engine, they took his truck to a secure location to remove the engine’s manifold and other components. The exposed internal workings of the engine revealed 23 bundles of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. The truck’s 6-cylinder engine had modifications to appear as an 8-cylinder to keep the drugs hidden within those areas.
Further evidence showed co-conspirator Jetzrael Saldana, 25, Brownsville, recruited Venegas as driver on behalf of Almaraz-Muniz who was a law enforcement official in Mexico and operated as the drug supplier. At trial, witnesses testified that Almaraz-Muniz would ask Saldana to recruit drivers to take drug loads past the immigration checkpoint for distribution in Houston and other areas. Almaraz would then arrange for the vehicles to be titled in the drivers’ names and have them do “dry runs” crossing the port of entry several times before hiding drugs within the vehicle.
The jury also heard evidence on two other drug seizures where Almaraz-Muniz hired drivers to deliver narcotics. The seizures included 83 kilograms of liquid meth at the Gateway International bridge in Brownsville on July 17, 2022, and a 24-kilogram seizure of black tar heroin in Robstown Sept. 26, 2022.
“This case removed over 100 kilograms off our streets,” said Hamdani. “My office will continue to prosecute not only those individuals caught transporting dangerous drugs but also those that provide and involve others in the illicit drug trade.”
Venegas and Saldana pleaded guilty June 1, 2022, and July 26, 2023, respectively, and their sentencing hearings are set for May 1 and May 8.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera presided over the trial and has set sentencing for July 17 for Almaraz-Muniz. At that time, he faces up to life imprisonment and a possible fine of up to $10 million.
Almaraz-Muniz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the South Texas Narcotics Task Force in Kingsville and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistants U.S. Attorneys Oscar Ponce and Victoria Aranda are prosecuting the case.
Former Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fraudulent Overtime SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Lieutenant Daniel J. Griffin was sentenced today in connection with an overtime scheme dating back to 2015.
Daniel Griffin, 60, of Belmont, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. Griffin was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $329,163, a fine in the amount of $176,700, as well as a $2,100 special assessment. In December 2023, Griffin was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of theft concerning a federal program and four counts of wire fraud.
Prior to trial, in November 2023, Griffin pleaded guilty to four additional counts of wire fraud and 11 counts of filing false tax returns in connection with defrauding a private school attended by two of his children from at least 2016 to 2019 by concealing his income and filing materially misleading financial aid applications.
Co-conspirator MSP Sergeant William W. Robertson was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of theft concerning a federal program and four counts of wire fraud. Robertson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2024.
From 2015 through 2018, Griffin, Robertson and other troopers in the Traffic Programs Section at State Police Headquarters in Framingham, conspired to steal thousands of dollars in federally funded overtime by regularly arriving late to, and leaving early from, overtime shifts funded by grants intended to improve traffic safety. During the course of the conspiracy, Griffin made and approved false entries on forms and other documentation to conceal and perpetuate the fraud.
When the MSP overtime misconduct came to light in 2017 and 2018, Griffin, Robertson and their co-conspirators took steps to avoid detection by shredding and burning records and forms. After an internal inquiry regarding missing forms, Griffin submitted a memo to his superiors that was designed to mislead them by claiming that missing forms were “inadvertently discarded or misplaced” during office moves.
Additionally, Griffin spent significant time running his security business, Knight Protection Services, during hours that he was collecting regular MSP pay and overtime pay. From 2012 to 2019, Griffin collected almost $2 million in KnightPro revenue. Of that total, Griffin hid over $700,000 in revenue from the IRS and used hundreds of thousands of dollars in KnightPro income to fund personal expenses, such as golf club expenses, car payments, private school tuition and expenses related to his second home on Cape Cod.
In November 2023, Griffin pleaded guilty to defrauding a private school attended by two of his children from at least 2016 to 2019 by concealing his KnightPro income and filing materially misleading financial aid applications, which understated his income and assets by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite Griffin’s lucrative MSP salary and KnightPro business, Griffin obtained over $175,000 in financial aid from the private school over the course of several years.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Deitch of the Public Corruption Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Maryland Tax Preparer Sentenced for Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Minnesota woman was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for preparing false tax returns on behalf of her clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kymberly Starr owned and operated The Tax Lady, also known as 5 Starr Business Solutions, a tax preparation business in Maryland. From 2013 to at least 2018, Starr inflated her clients’ tax refunds by preparing and submitting to the IRS false tax returns that claimed fraudulent tax deductions and fictitious business profits and losses. Starr’s conduct resulted in approximately $400,000 of tax loss to the IRS.
Additionally, in 2020 and 2021, Starr obtained over $83,000 in COVID-19-related Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans by submitting fabricated IRS forms containing purported bogus businesses and business income. Starr also used fabricated federal tax forms to file a false claim for unemployment insurance with the Maryland Department of Labor, from which she received over $55,000.
In addition to her prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang for the District of Maryland ordered Starr to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $539,043 in restitution to the United States and Maryland.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Shawn Noud and Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Former Grade School Teacher Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Asking Minors for Explicit Images on SnapchatRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a former elementary school teacher to 10 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to soliciting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from minors.
Jonathan C. Villmer, Jr., 26, of New Baden, Illinois, was charged by criminal complaint in August of 2023. Villmer will be required to register as a sex offender and serve an additional 7 years on supervised release upon his release from prison. Prior to his indictment, Villmer taught first grade at New Baden Elementary School and coached both girls and boys’ junior high sports teams.
“As a teacher and coach, the defendant was entrusted to educate and mentor youth, yet instead he preyed on and exploited his young victims’ vulnerabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “His predatory behaviors expressed a complete disregard for protecting children but rather abusing them. I’m thankful to the law enforcement agencies who worked to put this dangerous offender in federal prison.”
The case was initiated by an otherwise unrelated investigation by the Carmi Police Department regarding the distribution of CSAM. The investigation led law enforcement officers to a Snapchat account soliciting sexually explicit images and videos from minors that was connected to Villmer.
According to court documents, after obtaining a search warrant for Villmer’s Snapchat account, police discovered explicit conversations with a 13-year-old minor. Villmer asked the minor for the “sexiest images,” discussed having sex and taking the minor’s virginity, offered the minor marijuana, and requested photographs of her genitals.
Law enforcement identified other occurrences of sexually explicit conversations and requests for images with other minors within Villmer’s Snapchat account. His victims were generally 13-14 year old females.
“This sentence sends an important message to all predators: HSI will not allow crimes against children to go unpunished. We will continue to identify and investigate those who pose a threat to our communities,” said Sean Fitzgerald, special agent in charge for HSI Chicago. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our commitment to aggressively protect children from offenders like Villmer will remain steadfast.”
Based upon IP address records associated with the Snapchat account, law enforcement connected the account to Villmer. On August 18, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Villmer’s New Baden residence and seized two cell phones and other electronic devices. Villmer was arrested on scene.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with support from the New Baden and Carmi Police Departments, and the Jefferson County and Clinton County Sheriffs’ Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Former General Counsel of Large Public Company admits Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, New Jersey, man, and former general counsel for a large public corporation admitted willfully failing to file federal income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
John Goggins, 63, of Chatham, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court on April 25, 2024, to a four-count information charging him with willfully failing to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2018 through 2021.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Goggins was a former senior vice-president and general counsel of a large publicly traded corporation. For the years 2018 through 2021, Goggins earned total gross income of $54 million from wages, restricted stock awards, the exercise of annual nonqualified stock options, interest, dividends, and gains from stock sales. Goggins failed to file federal income tax returns for those years.
The willful failure to file tax returns charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Any prison sentence imposed on Counts One through Four may run consecutively to each other. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 6, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan with the investigation leading to the guitly plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark, and Trial Attorney Kenneth Vert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
goggins.information.pdfFormer Army Reservist Sentenced for Theft of Government Funds ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Former United States Army reservist, LEROY DANIELS, JR. (“DANIELS”), was sentenced on April 25, 2024, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of federal funds. Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced DANIELS to 30 months of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, Judge Brown also ordered DANIELS to pay $l1,693.87 in restitution to the United States Department of the Army.
According to court records, DANIELS stole $11,693.87 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never occurred.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors (MFH) for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former American Airlines Flight Attendant Indicted for Filming Minors in Aircraft LavatoryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former American Airlines flight attendant, previously charged by criminal complaint, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly surreptitiously recording or attempting to record a minor female passenger using a lavatory aboard an aircraft he was working in September 2023. The defendant is also alleged to have possessed recordings of four additional minor female passengers using lavatories aboard the aircraft he had worked previously.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, N.C., was indicted on one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor. Thompson was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested in January 2024 in Lynchburg, Va. He has been in federal custody since.
According to the charging documents, on Sept. 2, 2023, while working as a flight attendant onboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, N.C. to Boston, Mass., Thompson video-recorded or attempted to surreptitiously video-record a 14-year-old female passenger as she used the aircraft lavatory. Specifically, approximately midway through the flight, the minor victim got up to use the main cabin lavatory nearest to where she was seated. When the minor victim arrived at the lavatory it was occupied. After the minor victim had been waiting a short time, Thompson allegedly approached her, told her that the first-class lavatory was unoccupied and escorted her toward first class. Before the minor victim entered the lavatory, Thompson allegedly told her that he needed to wash his hands and that the lavatory’s toilet seat was broken and briefly entered the lavatory. It is alleged that, after Thompson exited the lavatory, the minor victim entered and observed red stickers on the underside of the toilet seat lid, which was in the open position, that stated, “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” and “REMOVE FROM SERVICE,” and “SEAT BROKEN” was hand-written in black ink on one of the stickers. It is alleged that, beneath the red stickers, Thompson had concealed his iPhone to record a video. The minor victim used her phone to take a picture of the red stickers and the concealed iPhone she found in the lavatory before exiting, at which time Thompson allegedly re-entered it immediately.
According to court documents, when the minor victim returned to her seat, she informed her parents of what she saw and showed them the picture. The victim’s parents reported the matter to other flight attendants onboard who notified the Captain, who in turn notified law enforcement on the ground. It is alleged that the victim’s father confronted Thompson who, shortly thereafter, locked himself in the lavatory with his iPhone for three to five minutes prior to the flight’s descent.
Upon the flight’s arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport, law enforcement observed that Thompson’s iPhone may have been restored to factory settings. It is alleged that a subsequent search of Thompson’s suitcase was found to contain 11 “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” stickers, like those observed by the minor victim on the back of the toilet seat. A search of Thompson’s iCloud account allegedly revealed four additional instances between January and August 2023 in which Thompson recorded a minor using the lavatory on an aircraft. The minor victims allegedly depicted in the surreptitious recordings were seven, nine, 11 and 14 years old at the time. Additionally, over 50 images of a nine-year-old unaccompanied minor were allegedly found in Thompson’s iCloud. The images included photos taken while the minor victim was seated in her seat pre-flight and close-ups of her face while sleeping.
All minor victims involved in this matter have been identified and their families contacted by law enforcement.
It is further alleged that hundreds of images of AI-generated child pornography were also found stored on Thompson’s iCloud account.
The charge of attempted sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Both charges also provide for at least five years and up to a lifetime 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for International Fraud Conspiracy That Targeted Senior CitizensRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Jorrel Tyler Jackson, 31, of Seffner, Florida, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens in several states, including Michigan. U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering, who imposed the sentence, found that Jackson was responsible for causing $1,584,077 in loss to 22 victims of the conspiracy, and ordered him to pay restitution in that amount.
“Crimes that exploit seniors can be devastating, depriving victims of their savings, their independence, and their dignity,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office will vigorously pursue criminals who target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens in Michigan.”
According to court records, Jackson’s role in the conspiracy was to meet with victims and collect packages of money from them, which he then passed on to higher-level members of the conspiracy. He also recruited others to join the conspiracy. A victim in West Michigan lost $398,000 to the conspiracy.
Jackson was one of seven defendants who were charged last year with participating in the fraud scheme. For the victims, the scheme began when they received a message on their computers warning that a virus had infected their devices. The messages urged the victims to call a number to get help. When the victims called the number provided, they got a response from someone claiming to work for a tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple. In truth, they were scammers located in India, who scared the victims into giving money to the conspiracy with a variety of different ruses.
In one version of the scam, victims were told their bank accounts had been compromised and they needed to withdraw all their cash and give it to fake “federal agents” for safekeeping. In another version, victims were told a virus had infected their computers and they needed to pay for technical support. In a third version, victims were told they had been identified in a criminal investigation and needed to turn over money to clear their names. Regardless of which ruse was used, the result was the same: victims were convinced to give money to the scammers. Victims did this during in-person meetings with fake “federal agents,” by mailing boxes of cash to addresses provided by the scammers, by wire transfers to bank accounts controlled by the scammers, or through gift cards they purchased at the direction of the scammers.
U.S. Attorney Totten shared the following safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim: “To protect yourself, never click on unsolicited pop-ups, links sent by text message or email, don’t download software at the request of someone you don’t know, and always remember that the government and law enforcement will never call and ask you for money.”
“Fraudsters are targeting our senior community at an alarming rate nationwide. Criminals continue to take advantage of their trusting nature and generosity,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Michigan. “We must empower our seniors with knowledge about elder fraud and its various forms to protect them from this intolerable manipulation. If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, we ask that you report it immediately to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. We will not allow these criminals to continue exploiting our seniors.”
For more information on preventing elder fraud and help for victims, visit the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website, which includes a list of Michigan-specific resources. The FBI Elder Fraud website also provides several resources, including the following tips to help seniors protect themselves:
- Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
- Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers.
- Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
- Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.
- Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
- Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
- Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts, and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan, and the Department of Homeland Security in Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Stiffler prosecuted the case.
Five of the seven defendants charged in the case have entered guilty pleas. The charges against the remaining two defendants are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Involving Small Business Administration Disaster FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston to conspiring to use stolen identities to fraudulently obtain disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to launder the funds.
Hector Garcia, 52, of Ocala, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2024.
Garcia conspired with Ramon Cruz, Darwyn Joseph, Edwin Acevedo, and others, to use stolen identity information of United States citizens to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Garcia used stolen identity information of a United States citizen to open a fraudulent bank account, which was then linked to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive the SBA funds. Garcia and his co-conspirators used debit cards associated with those accounts to launder the funds by purchasing iPhones for re-sale. Garcia and other co-conspirators wired a portion of the funds to the Dominican Republic.
Over $452,000 in SBA funds were fraudulently obtained in connection with the scheme. Approximately $250,000 of this money was used to purchase iPhones in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Cruz and Joseph pleaded guilty and were each sentenced in August 2023 and October 2023, respectively, to two years and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. Acevedo pleaded guilty and was sentenced in August 2023 to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, as well as 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Orlando, Fla.; Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General; Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; Department of State; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; New Hampshire State Police; and the Acton, Nashua (N.H.), Manchester (N.H.) and Ocala (Fla.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Adam W. Deitch of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Financial Advisor Sentenced for $1.2 Million FraudRead the Press Release
A financial advisor who conned at least ten clients out of more than $1.2 million was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Dusty Sternadel, 43, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud. She was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.
According to plea papers, Ms. Sternadel, a financial adviser at a large multi-national financial services firm, tricked clients into sending her money and checks, which she deposited into her own accounts.
On Sept. 18, 2019, for example, Ms. Sternadel transferred almost $27,000 from a client’s brokerage account into their personal checking account. She then falsely told the client-victim that the firm had accidentally transferred someone else’s money into the checking account, and instructed the victim to write out a check for that amount. The victim complied, and Ms. Sternadel deposited the funds into her own business bank account and used it for personal expenses.
Over the course of the scheme, which lasted from 2019 to 2022, Ms. Sternadel stole at least $1.2 million from ten victims:
- Victim 1: $286,021.63 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 2: $18,122 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 3: $ 101,240.50 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 4: $21,064 ($9,334 of which was refunded by the firm)
- Victim 5: $43,099.21 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 6: $51,600 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 7: $204,442.82 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 8: $40,000
- Victim 9: $288,979.89 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
- Victim 10: $175,201.25 (refunded to the victim by the firm)
At sentencing, prosecutors said most of the victims were elderly, and some of them were even suffering from cognitive decline.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht prosecuted the case; Assistant U.S. Attorney John de la Garza handled the forfeiture.
Federal jury convicts two Montanans, one Californian of meth, fentanyl trafficking in Butte, Helena areasRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A federal jury on Thursday convicted two Montana residents and a California man of drug trafficking crimes for bringing pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena communities for distribution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a four-day trial that began on April 22, the jury found Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, 36, of Anaheim, California; James Andrew Stringari, 51, of Whitehall; and Janet Dean White, 57, of Butte, guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for Sept. 3 for all three defendants. The defendants remained detained pending further proceedings.
“These three defendants are the last of eight Montanans and Californians indicted and now convicted for bringing at least 13 pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena areas. The harm and misery they inflicted on people so they could make money cannot be overstated. Their convictions show that our office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in rooting out and ridding these drug trafficking rings from our cities and towns. I am grateful to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney, our support staff, and the 11 law enforcement agencies who investigated and prosecuted this case,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
At trial and in court documents, the government alleged that from June 2022 until about January 2023 in Butte and Helena, Fuentes, Stringari, White and five other co-defendants conspired to traffic meth and fentanyl. In June 2022, the Utah Highway Patrol stopped an individual traveling in a vehicle carrying 3.5 pounds of meth and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl and learned that the individual was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by “Esco,” who was Fuentes. Law enforcement further learned that Fuentes was staying at a house in Whitehall along with at least one co-defendant, Stringari, and that Fuentes was supplying both fentanyl and meth throughout the Butte area from the Whitehall residence. In addition, law enforcement inspected a source’s cell phone and corroborated information about meth and fentanyl trafficking that implicated Fuentes, Stringari, White and another co-defendant.
The government further alleged that in October 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle leaving the Whitehall residence. White was a passenger in the vehicle, and law enforcement found one pound of meth in her purse. In November 2022, law enforcement again stopped White in a vehicle and located three quarters of a pound of meth and more than 100 pills containing fentanyl. White also possessed several cell phones, which contained messages indicative of White’s drug distribution.
In addition, investigators in November 2022 intercepted packages containing approximately 9,000 pills containing fentanyl that were mailed by a co-defendant from California to the address in Whitehall and learned of a package the co-defendant had mailed to an address of another co-defendant in Butte. In January 2023, investigators intercepted another package containing 3,000 pills containing fentanyl that was sent from California to the address in Butte. Law enforcement also learned that Fuentes was now staying at a house in Helena.
Law enforcement conducted coordinated stops and raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.
Co-defendants Martin Topete Garcia, 32, his brother, Johnathan Topete, 28, both of Mira Loma, California, Trevor Allen Handy, 27, of Butte, Anthony Wayne Johnson II, 51, of Santa Ana, California, and Agatha Noriz Carranza, 34, of Whitehall, pleaded guilty earlier to charges in the case and are pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney is prosecuting the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Former High School Coach Sentenced to 35 Years on Child Exploitation ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy sentenced Alfredo Bruce Smith, 53, of St. Thomas, to 35 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Upon release from prison, Smith must register as a sex offender. On September 13, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to a 20-count indictment charging him with both federal and territorial child sexual exploitation offenses.
“One of our greatest responsibilities is to protect our children, and we will continue to target child predators who sexually abuse them. This case is particularly egregious because Smith used his position of trust to victimize students over a period spanning 15 years. I am grateful to all who worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice for the minor victims who were abused by this defendant” United States Attorney Smith said.
“This case is a reminder of the inherent dangers the children of our community face every day. We must all work together as a community to report individuals committing these crimes. Homeland Security Investigations is steadfast in its commitment to investigate and pursue justice for those who misuse their positions of trust to sexually abuse our children”, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos said.
According to court documents, Smith was employed as a hall monitor and track and field coach at the Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas from 2006 to 2021. During his tenure at the school, Smith sexually assaulted and exploited multiple male students who attended the school. Smith’s crimes were revealed in 2019 after he sexually assaulted a minor male student during a track and field meet in Puerto Rico. The victim reported to law enforcement that Smith forced him and other minor male students to engage in sexual intercourse and sodomy both on and off the school campus, and that Smith used his cell phone to record himself and the minor male victims engaging in sexual acts and pornography.
Court documents further revealed that Smith’s Facebook account contained a large quantity of sexually explicit material, including videos of sexual activities between Smith and the minor male victims, recorded in different locations in St. Thomas. When Smith was arrested on September 1, 2021, law enforcement seized a laptop, a camcorder and five cellular phones which contained a large quantity of videos and photographs containing child pornography. Smith used his position as hall monitor to remove minor male students from their classrooms during and after school hours to sexually abuse them in empty classrooms and offices on the school’s campus. In fact, Smith’s office, where most of the sexual abuse took place, was next door to the principal’s office. Smith also used the school’s official vehicle and camcorder to transport the minor male students and record the sexual abuse at various locations in St. Thomas.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Molloy told Smith that “Charlotte Amalie High School during those 15 years was your playground to molest those children. School is supposed to be a safe haven – like their home, not a place that cases trauma and pain.” Molloy further stated that “if it were not for the courage of the children who reported these atrocities, we would not know what happened.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everard E. Potter and Natasha Baker.
Eveleth Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – An Eveleth man has been sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s plea agreement and court documents, between January 1, 2023, and March 9, 2023, Juan Pedro Alapisco-Ochoa, 52, knowingly conspired with co-conspirators to acquire fentanyl with the intention of distributing it. On January 7, 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled buy and purchased over 1,000 fentanyl pills from Alapisco-Ochoa and his co-conspirators. On March 7, 2023, as part of a separate investigation, postal inspectors stopped a shipment addressed to the defendant’s apartment which contained 481 grams of methamphetamine packed inside a stereo speaker. Shortly afterwards, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery to Alapisco-Ochoa’s apartment. Agents seized 11 grams of methamphetamine, 170 blue fentanyl pills, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia from the apartment.
Alapisco-Ochoa pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced on April 24, 2024, in U.S. District Court by Judge Michael J. Davis.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Lake Superior Violent Crime Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter prosecuted the case.
Ecuadorian National Sentenced to 1 Year and 1 Day for Illegally Entering the US After a Prior RemovalRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Ecuadorian national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for entering the United States after a prior removal.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Cristian Paul Pinguil-Caguana, 37, to 12 months and one day in prison. Pinguil-Caguana has been incarcerated since October 6, 2023. He pleaded guilty on November 27, 2023.
According to court records, during an investigation of another individual with an open immigration detainer, U.S. Border Patrol personnel in the Jackman area encountered Pinguil-Caguana in a vehicle with that individual. Pinguil-Caguana identified himself as from Ecuador and reported that he was in the country illegally. Immigration records showed that he had previously been removed from the U.S. on four occasions, mostly recent in September 2021 at Alexandria, Louisiana, and had been prosecuted a total of four times for immigration offenses. Pinguil-Caguana had not obtained the express consent of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.
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Doctor Convicted for $5.4M Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a New Jersey doctor today for causing the submission of over $5.4 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for orthotic braces ordered through a telemarketing scheme.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Adarsh Gupta, M.D., 51, of Sewell, signed thousands of prescriptions for orthotic braces for over 2,900 Medicare beneficiaries whom he was connected with by telemarketers who convinced the beneficiaries to accept unnecessary braces. After briefly speaking to the beneficiaries over the telephone, Gupta prescribed orthotic braces for them. For instance, Gupta prescribed a back brace, shoulder brace, wrist brace, and knee brace for an undercover agent after speaking with the agent for just over a minute on the telephone. In another instance, Gupta prescribed a knee brace for a Medicare beneficiary whose legs had previously been amputated. The evidence presented at trial showed that Gupta could not possibly have diagnosed the beneficiaries or determined that the braces were medically necessary during his brief telephonic encounters with them. Nonetheless, Gupta signed prescriptions for braces that falsely represented that the braces were medically necessary and that he diagnosed the beneficiaries, had a care plan for them, and recommended that they receive certain additional treatment. Gupta’s false prescriptions were used by brace supply companies to bill Medicare more than $5.4 million.
The jury convicted Gupta of three counts of health care fraud and two counts of false statements relating to health care matters. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 8, 2024 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each of the health care fraud counts and five years in prison on each of the false statements relating to health care matters counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Darren C. Halverson and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Lyons for the District of New Jersey. Trial Attorney Steven Michaels of the Special Matters Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section assisted with filter matters.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
District Man Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Robbery and Firearms Related ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ralph Butler, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 28 months in prison for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon (felony) of two men on September 22, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Butler pleaded guilty on February 7, 2024, to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz.
According to the government’s evidence, with which Butler agreed, on September 22, 2023, at around 5:45 a.m., Butler and another individual approached two men in the 2200 block of Shannon Place SE, produced handguns, and robbed them of their phones, car keys, currency, and, ultimately, their vehicles, which were parked nearby. Butler drove off in one victim’s car, while his accomplice drove off in the other victim’s SUV. Both vehicles were later recovered in Butler’s neighborhood in Southeast Washington D.C.
Surveillance footage captured both Butler and his accomplice in the area surrounding the crime scene, as well as Butler and his accomplice each driving the stolen vehicles. MPD officers arrested Butler on October 19, 2023.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief. Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parron.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On Saturday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Location information is available from the DEA, along with items that cannot be accepted. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This April’s event is DEA’s 26th nationwide event since its inception 14 years ago. Last spring, Americans turned in nearly 599,897 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 4,675 sites operated by the DEA and 4,383 from its state and local law enforcement partners.
The DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop-off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium-ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium-ion batteries. Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and deaths caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. To support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially among America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.
The DEA’s “Take Back” day and “Get Smart About Drugs” initiatives address the vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses because of these drugs. Synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl, are the primary driver of the increase in overdose deaths. For information on DEA’s “Take Back” in Spanish, click here, or for more information on the “Get Smart About Drugs” publication, click for English or Spanish.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. For more information, visit DEA’s year-round collection site locator. Participating in the next DEA Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27th, simply means cleaning out your medicine cabinet or anywhere you keep unused, unwanted, or expired medications and dropping them off at your nearest collection site. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 27th Take Back day event, go to DEA Drug Take Back event or by calling 800-882-9539.
The FDA also provides information on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. More information is available here: English or Spanish.
###Convicted Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to Life Plus 25 Years for Fort Myers Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. (71, Mansfield, OH) to life in federal prison plus 25 years in federal prison for armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Davis to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Davis entered a guilty plea on December 20, 2023.
According to court documents, Davis entered a bank in Fort Myers on October 31, 2023, and discharged a handgun while making verbal commands to the teller to give him money from the cash register. After obtaining money from the teller, Davis fled the bank. Davis was previously convicted of armed bank robbery and using and carrying a short-barreled shotgun in relation to a crime of violence in November 2001.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Colombian National Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Import Tons of Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ÁLVARO FREDY CÓRDOBA RUÍZ was sentenced to 14 years in prison today for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. CÓRDOBA RUÍZ pled guilty on January 2, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s sentence demonstrates this Office’s commitment to prosecuting drug traffickers like Córdoba Ruíz, who seek to import tons of cocaine into the United States. Those who seek to flood our streets with narcotics will face serious consequences, especially when they partner with violent drug trafficking organizations like the FARC. I commend the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office who work tirelessly to investigate and disrupt these complex drug importation networks. Their work has a profound impact on countless lives in our communities.”
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
CÓRDOBA RUÍZ conspired with his co-defendants and other individuals associated with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”) — a violent organization based in Colombia that was dedicated to the overthrow of the Colombian government and responsible for the production and distribution of the majority of the cocaine that eventually reached the United States — to source and distribute tons of cocaine destined for the United States. CÓRDOBA RUÍZ negotiated with individuals he believed to be narcotics traffickers from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (the “Mexican DTO”) seeking to establish a cocaine supply line from Venezuela to the United States. These individuals, however, were actually confidential sources working at the direction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).
In recorded communications during the investigation, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ agreed to assist the planned cocaine venture through his political and logistics connections in Colombia. With respect to the former, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ connected confidential sources purporting to be members of the Mexican DTO with a Colombian politician, conveying that, in exchange for financial and political support, the politician would help to facilitate a cocaine partnership between the defendant, his co-conspirators, and the confidential sources purportedly functioning as the Mexican DTO. CÓRDOBA RUÍZ also connected the confidential sources with individuals who offered to provide large quantities of cocaine and security for the promised cocaine loads. In December 2021, to prove their bona fides and establish the quality of their supply, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ sold the confidential sources a five-kilogram sample of cocaine containing a high level of purity — lab tests demonstrate the cocaine was between 86.6% to 89.1% pure — from a FARC-associated farm outside of Medellín. CÓRDOBA RUÍZ was arrested in Colombia in February 2022, while negotiating a much larger partnership with the Mexican DTO, which contemplated the shipment of approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine per week.
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In addition to the prison term, CÓRDOBA RUÍZ, 65, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit and Bogotá Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Kaylan E. Lasky, and Kevin T. Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] Communications, conversations, and statements discussed and quoted herein are described in substance and in part, and many of these conversations occurred in Spanish.
Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than Eleven Years in Prison for Carjacking Four Vehicles and Robbing a UPS TruckRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man who carjacked four vehicles, robbed a UPS truck, and committed multiple street robberies has been sentenced to more than eleven years in federal prison.
JAHEIM HENYARD committed the UPS robbery, three of the carjackings, and two street robberies within days of each other in August 2020 in Oak Park, Ill., Cicero, Ill., and Chicago. The other carjacking occurred in December 2019 in a supermarket parking lot in Westchester, Ill. During that carjacking, Henyard’s accomplice and the victim, who was armed and possessed a concealed carry license, engaged in an exchange of gunfire. Henyard also attempted to carjack another vehicle at gunpoint in Oak Park in July 2020, but was unsuccessful.
In the UPS heist, Henyard and two others – DARIUS YOUNG and XAVIER TATE – robbed the truck on a residential street in Oak Park on the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2020. During the robbery, the UPS driver was ordered to lay face down in the street while the offenders removed boxes from the truck and sped off. All three defendants pleaded guilty and admitted their roles in the heist. Henyard’s guilty plea also included the four carjackings as well as the attempted carjacking.
U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis sentenced the defendants this month to federal prison terms:
- Henyard, 22, of Chicago, was sentenced to eleven years and three months.
- Young, 28, of Berwyn, Ill., was sentenced to four years.
- Tate, 27, of Chicago, was sentenced to seven years and nine months.
The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department, Oak Park Police Department, and Cicero Police Department participated in the investigation. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles W. Mulaney and Simar Khera.
Cave Junction Man Sentenced to More than 14 Years Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Cave Junction, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison Thursday for illegally possessing methamphetamine and 12 firearms while on state supervision.
William Thomas Gillespie, 39, was sentenced to 173 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
“This lengthy prison sentence is a just outcome for a man who poses a significant danger to the community. We thank our partners on the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team for their dedication and commitment over many months to bringing Mr. Gillespie to justice,” said Nathan J. Lichvarick, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices.
“With Mr. Gillespie’s lengthy criminal record involving drug distribution, illegal firearms, and flight from supervised release, this significant sentence is well warranted,” said Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division. “ATF will always investigate those who endanger our communities and citizens through their illegal actions.”
According to court documents, on April 6, 2020, Gillespie was arrested in White City, Oregon attempting to deliver approximately 174 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, he possessed six baggies of methamphetamine and a digital scale. After Gillespie consented to a search of his residence, investigators located and seized 12 firearms, including an AR-15 and multiple AK-style rifles. Three of the firearms were found to be stolen and one had an obliterated serial number.
On November 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Gillespie with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, illegally possessing a short-barrel rifle, and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
On June 23, 2021, Gillespie was released from custody pending trial, and, on August 1, 2022, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
On January 2023, Gillespie absconded from his supervised release and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On September 13, 2023, Gillespie was located and arrested in Bandon, Oregon.
This case was investigated by the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team (RADE), a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. RADE includes members from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Probation & Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This case was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Cascade Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Rolling Back OdometersRead the Press Release
A man who was responsible for forty-seven cars that had lower, false odometers was sentenced to federal prison on April 8, 2024.
Randolph Forrest, age 69, from Cascade, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 17, 2023 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
Information from sentencing showed that from June 2012 through July 2021 Forrest conspired with others to roll back odometers on used cars to sell them for more money. Forrest and others involved in the scheme tampered with the odometers of at least forty-seven cars by having the odometers fraudulently altered to reflect lower mileages. They then sold the cars to unsuspecting buyers at higher sales prices than the buyers would have paid had the true mileage been disclosed. As part of the fraud, Forrest mailed forms to a repair business requesting that odometers be changed to reflect lower mileages. Forrest advertised the cars with the lower, false mileages on Facebook and Craigslist.
Forrest was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Forrest was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and six months’ home confinement. He was ordered to make $140,178.55 in restitution to forty-seven victims of his offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually and has established a special hotline to handle odometer fraud complaints. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393 or send an email to [email protected].
More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/odometer-fraud and tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at this page: www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf.
Forrest was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on May 6, 2024.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-1016.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Careless Firearm Use Near Exeter Residence Leads to a 1 Year Plus 1 Day Sentence for Illegal Possession for Millinocket ManRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Millinocket man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Scott Lynch, Jr., 23, to 12 months plus one day imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Lynch pleaded guilty on December 13, 2023.
According to court records, in November 2020, the Maine Warden Service received a complaint about shots being fired at a residence in Exeter, Maine. A game warden observed bullets lodged in the exterior walls of the residence, and the homeowners reported hearing gunshots from across the pond and seeing two individuals wearing hunter’s orange. The warden located Lynch and a 14‑year-old minor in a parked truck. Lynch admitted to the warden that that he had been target shooting in the woods. He also told the warden that he was a convicted felon. The warden located .22 caliber and .308 caliber casings in the woods where Lynch stated they had been shooting.
While at the minor’s house to retrieve the .22 rifle, the warden overheard the minor tell his mother that there was another rifle hidden in the house, which the mother then retrieved. Lynch had the key to a gun case on a key ring on his belt. Two guns were retrieved from the case, a .308 caliber rifle and a 9mm pistol, with obliterated serial numbers. Further investigation showed both the guns and the case had been stolen from a vehicle in Millinocket, and Lynch told investigators that he had traded a dirt bike for the firearms.
The Maine Warden Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
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- California-Based Nursing Home Chain and Two Executives to Pay $7M to Settle Alleged False Claims for Nursing Home Residents Who Merely Had Been Near Other People with COVID-19
California man who participated in email fraud to steal more than $3 million from boatbuilding companies sentenced to 16 months in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 47-year-old Inglewood, California, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 16 months in prison for an email compromise scheme that stole more than $3.3 million from two companies involved in manufacturing ferries and engines for those ferries, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Leslie Redd III, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez noted the severe impact that the crime had on the victim businesses and their employees, causing employees’ pay to be delayed and cut, and threatening the businesses’ viability.
According to records filed in the case, including the plea agreement, in October 2018, Redd entered a scheme with a co-conspirator in Pennsylvania and others. The scheme began when a malicious link was sent to an email address of an employee at the engine-building company. The link allowed the conspirators to gain access to the company’s email system and review various emails, including those transmitting invoices. The conspirators then posed as a billing executive at the engine manufacturing company and sent the boat-building company instructions to wire the payment funds to a specific bank account. The conspirators had set up a fake company and the account at a Pennsylvania bank specifically to receive these funds. The false emails indicated the engine-building company’s usual bank account was undergoing an audit and said that the engine-building company therefore needed to use a different bank than it had previously.
On October 29, 2018, the boat builder paid the invoice for $3,316,730 by wiring the funds as directed by the fraudulent emails. The co-conspirator in Pennsylvania quickly forwarded $3,074,500 to bank accounts controlled by Redd and other co-conspirators. Of the ill-gotten funds, Redd kept $857,350 in accounts he controlled. Investigators were able to seize $420,817 from those accounts.
In the sentencing memo, prosecutors describe how Redd, forwarded more than $2,000,000 of the money that he had received to China to other co-conspirators – people whose names he did not even know. Judge Martinez expressed particular concern that American citizens would help foreign criminals defraud fellow Americans.
Redd will be on three years of supervised release following prison. He was ordered to pay $2,802,368.24 in restitution (the amount of the outstanding loss).
The case was investigated by the FBI Seattle Office Cyber Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Friedman and former Assistant United States Attorney Siddharth Velamoor.
California Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – PEDRO VAZQUEZ, age 31, of California, was sentenced on April 25, 2024, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count 1) and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count 2), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846 respectively. VAZQUEZ was sentenced by Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, on each count, to 48 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. All sentences are to run concurrently with each other.
VAZQUEZ, and others known and unknown, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, VAZQUEZ drove to Metairie, Louisiana to conduct a narcotics transaction that involved a quantity of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
CFO of Two New Jersey Companies Charged with Participating in Multi-Million-Dollar Kickback Scheme to Defraud Williams Sonoma, Inc.Read the Press Release
OAKLAND – Domenick Nardone appeared in federal court in Oakland this week to face conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and related charges for his alleged role in a kickback scheme that defrauded Williams Sonoma, Inc. (WSI) of millions of dollars, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley of the Oakland Field Office.
According to a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2024, Nardone, 66, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, conspired with others to pay millions of dollars in kickbacks to Eric Marsiglia, a former WSI executive and co-defendant in the case, to ensure Marsiglia would direct additional business to two New Jersey companies controlled in part by Nardone as Chief Financial Officer and minority owner. Nardone was arrested in Florida on March 29, 2024, and made an appearance in federal court there shortly thereafter. He was released on a $250,000 bond.
“Williams Sonoma is a Bay Area institution, and the defendants charged in this case are accused of taking advantage of their positions to defraud that venerable company out of millions of dollars over several years,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “As National Crime Victims’ Rights Week comes to an end, I am proud to say this Office is committed to vindicating the rights of all victims, including companies like Williams Sonoma that call our district home.”
“Greed can easily overtake one’s ability to be content. Mr. Nardone abused his position as the Chief Financial Officer and conspired with others to secure favorable contracts only to end up in court,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley. “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to unravel the truth and bring these selfish acts to light. We value our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of California as we press forward with charging those who entangled themselves in this multimillion-dollar kickback scheme.”
WSI is a home-goods retailer that operates brands Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and others. As alleged in the superseding indictment, Marsiglia was WSI’s Vice President of Engineering, Projects, Planning, Facilities, and Real Estate, and, as such, was responsible for identifying commercial real estate opportunities for the company. In his position, Marsiglia allegedly solicited and received millions of dollars from the two New Jersey companies—one a forklift company, the other a warehouse racking and logistics company—in part owned and controlled by Nardone and Michael Podhurst, a Vice President at the two companies who was also charged for his role in the offense and pleaded guilty in June 2023. In exchange, Marsiglia allegedly directed contracts for WSI’s business to those companies. The superseding indictment alleges that, from 2018 to 2020, WSI awarded companies connected to Nardone and/or Podhurst more than $48 million in contracts for work done at warehouses around the country, and that Marsiglia, Nardone, and Podhurst arranged for more than $12 million in kickbacks to be paid to Marsiglia’s shell company, REM Group LLC, which Marsiglia allegedly set up for the sole purpose of receiving and hiding kickback payments.
The superseding indictment also alleges that Marsiglia engaged in a second scheme to defraud WSI. In his role at WSI, Marsiglia was responsible for negotiating real estate contracts on behalf of WSI that required third parties to pay millions of dollars in brokerage fee rebates to WSI. According to the superseding indictment, rather than ensure that WSI received the brokerage fee rebates, Marsiglia conspired with others to have the rebates paid to his shell company, REM Group LLC. The superseding indictment charges Marsiglia and others with diverting and misappropriating approximately $5.9 million in broker commission rebates owed to WSI.
In total, the superseding indictment alleges that, from 2018–2022, Marsiglia fraudulently received nearly $20 million through his shell company, REM Group LLC, all of which was in the form of stolen broker rebate payments or kickbacks received for awarding business to entities connected to Nardone and/or Podhurst.
Marsiglia, 49, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, first appeared on the superseding indictment in federal court in San Francisco on April 23, 2024, although he had previously appeared in federal court in both Mississippi and San Francisco on an indictment issued in April 2023. Both Marsiglia and Nardone are next scheduled to appear in federal court in San Francisco on June 11, 2024, before the Honorable Richard Seeborg, Chief United States District Judge. The defendants have each pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Nardone and Marsiglia each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, if appropriate, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1346, and 1349, as well as a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $500,000, plus restitution, if appropriate, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). The court also may order an additional term of supervised release to begin after any prison term as part of the sentence for either or both defendants. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christiaan Highsmith is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Aarian Beiti. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by CI.
Boston Man Sentenced to Nearly Eight Years in Prison for Murder-For-Hire Plot Targeting His Former Wife and Her BoyfriendRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for trying to hire a contract killer to murder his ex-wife and her boyfriend.
Mohammed Chowdhury, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 92 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2024, Chowdhury pleaded guilty to two counts of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire.
“Mr. Chowdhury literally thought he could get away with murder,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Mr. Chowdhury’s disturbing conduct – in combination with the misogyny and dehumanization he expressed in trying to carry out this plot – speak volumes about how dangerous he is. This case represents the most extreme form of domestic violence and we will use all tools at our disposal to protect women in abusive relationships.”
“Anyone willing to hire a hitman to kill a once beloved family member and her new boyfriend is clearly a danger to the community,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Thankfully, the FBI Boston’s Violent Crimes Task Force was able to thwart this deadly and horrific plot. Violent criminals like Mohammed Chowdhury need to be locked up, for everyone’s safety, and today’s sentence ensures he won’t be able to harm anyone for a significant period of time.”
In November 2022, an individual notified law enforcement that Chowdhury was soliciting assistance in having his ex-wife murdered. The individual said that Chowdhury had paid someone to conduct the murder for hire, but that they took the money and did not follow through with Chowdhury’s request. Chowdhury subsequently told the individual that he needed the murder done as soon as possible and that he would get the money to do so, even robbing a store if necessary to obtain the funds. The individual provided Chowdhury’s phone number to law enforcement, who thereafter used an undercover agent posing as a contract killer, to communicate with Chowdhury about his murder for hire plot.
On numerous occasions in December 2022 and January 2023, Chowdhury met with undercover agents posing as the contract killer and their associates, to seek help with killing his ex-wife and her new boyfriend, whom she left him for. During these meetings and communications, Chowdhury explained that his ex-wife would not let him see his children; described his frustration with his ex-wife’s westernization and independent thinking; and expressed that he wanted the undercover agents to rob and beat his ex-wife and her boyfriend so that he would not be a suspect. Chowdhury asked, “So how we gonna disappear his, uh, body?” and stated, “No evidence. No evidence. No evidence from like, you know, that, uh, I did something, you know?” Chowdhury provided the undercover agents with photographs of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, where they lived, where they worked and their work schedules. Chowdhury ultimately agreed to pay $4,000 per murder, with a deposit of $500.
Chowdhury met with the undercover agents on Jan. 17, 2023, provided the $500 deposit and confirmed that he wanted the murders committed. Chowdhury was then immediately taken into federal custody.
According to court records, in October 2019, Chowdhury was charged in Boston Municipal Court – Roxbury Division with violating an Abuse Prevention Order prohibiting him from abusing, contacting, or coming within a certain distance of his ex-wife. Chowdhury pleaded to sufficient facts and received a continuance without a finding.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm and John T. Dawley of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Charged with Sexually Exploiting MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Worcester for child exploitation offenses.
Jalen Latimer, 25, of Roxbury, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Latimer is currently in state custody on related offenses and will appear in federal court in Worcester on April 30, 2024. The defendant was previously charged by criminal complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor on Feb. 16, 2024.
According to the indictment, in July 2023, Latimer conspired with another individual to sex traffic a minor victim. It is further alleged that Latimer coerced two other minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.
Latimer was arrested in February 2024 and is facing charges by state authorities in Worcester Superior Court of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault and battery of a child, human trafficking of a minor and depicting a minor in sexual conduct.
The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides of a sentence of up to life in prison, up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier; and Oxford Police Chief Michael K. Daniels made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Rhode Island State Police and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Asset Forfeiture Actions Result in More Than $2.28 Million Returned to Victims of 2 Business Email Compromise ScamsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that, through civil asset forfeiture actions, the government has recovered approximately $2,288,385 for victims of two separate business email compromise scams.
A business email compromise (“BEC”) scam, which usually involves email spoofing, involves the creation of email messages with a deceptive sender display name. When a bad actor engages in an email spoofing attack, the bad actor sends an email header that displays an inaccurate sender address, which can deceive the receiver unless the receiver inspects the header closely. This inaccurate sender address is usually someone the receiver knows and trusts, so the receiver might open malicious links or engage in risky behavior that the receiver would otherwise not engage in. In each of these cases, the bad actors impersonated one of the parties to the real transactions and replaced the intended beneficiary account with their own just prior to payment. By changing the intended beneficiary account, the bad actors commit a business email compromise scam.
In the first scam, criminal actors compromised an email account associated with a member of management team of the City of New Haven’s Board of Education. In June 2023, these actors created a fake email account that mimicked the email of a bus company that held a contract with the Board of Education for bussing. The criminal actors used the compromised email address to send test emails between the compromised email address and the newly created fake bus company email address. Using the fake bus company email address, the criminal actors then were able to change the bus company’s payment information from the real bus company to an account held by the criminal actors, and New Haven sent approximately $5.9 million dollars to the account. The government successfully seized and forfeited approximately $1,187,691 of the stolen money that was contained in two bank accounts. When combined with an additional approximately $3.6 million dollars that was returned by the financial institutions with the assistance of law enforcement, the government was able to significantly mitigate the loss to the City.
The second forfeiture action involved a New Haven-based healthcare company that was a victim of a BEC attack. In April 2023, the company’s yearly medical malpractice insurance payment was set to be paid. Shortly before the due date, the company received a fraudulent email, purportedly from its malpractice insurance company, with new wire instructions. The company sent approximately $1,652,254 via a wire transfer using the newly provided instructions. The company discovered the fraud in late May 2023 after it received a payment reminder from its insurance company. The investigation revealed that the unknown actor had created an email address that mimicked that of a known employee of the insurance company. By the time the BEC scam was discovered, approximately $551,000 had been transferred out of the account that the victim wired the money into. The government successfully seized and forfeited approximately $1,100,694 remaining in the account, and the company was reimbursed by insurance for the remaining loss.
“These cases demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to helping victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for these crimes, and by using civil asset forfeiture, we can expeditiously recover as much stolen money as possible and return this money to victims prior to criminal convictions. Although it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you were a victim of a crime, we stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work with the victims in these cases and with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section to properly return the forfeited money to the victims.”
“To avoid becoming the victim of a BEC scheme, verify email addresses are accurate when checking mail on a cellphone or other mobile device before you open any attachments or follow any instructions,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuller. “Never make any payment changes without verifying with the intended recipient by phone or in person. If you think you have been a victim of a BEC scheme, immediately contact your bank to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity, and file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.”
The Internet Crime Complaint Center, is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov to report a crime, and for updated information regarding BEC trends and other cyber fraud schemes.
These cases are being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.
Armored truck company employee pleads guilty to stealing cash meant for ATMsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An employee of an armored truck company that delivered cash to bank branches and ATMs pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to embezzling money as a bank agent.
Justin Eskridge, 37, of Reynoldsburg, admitted he took more than $220,000 from PNC ATMs. Eskridge was employed as an armed service technician for Loomis LLC and delivered cash for and to federally insured financial institutions. Loomis contracted with PNC Bank to transport money to various ATMs and bank branches.
Eskridge was employed with Loomis beginning in July 2021 and transported bags of money by armored vehicle to various PNC branches and ATMs. The thefts began around Dec. 14, 2022, and continued through Jan. 9, 2023.
PNC bank tellers reported shortages totaling approximately $226,000 cash when they balanced the residual amounts on certain ATMs. An investigation by Loomis identified Eskridge as the technician servicing that route.
Eskridge eventually admitted to Loomis that he had taken the money and led Loomis to recover approximately $144,000 cash hidden in his car. As part of his plea, he will pay the remaining balance to Loomis.
Theft or embezzlement by a bank employee or agent is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence, and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz is representing the United States in this case.
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Annandale doctor who regularly prescribed “excessively high” opioid amounts pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Annandale doctor pleaded guilty today to maintaining a drug-involved premises.
According to court documents, Lino Cueto Montilla, 57, was licensed to practice medicine in 1995. Montilla practiced as an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn). Montilla did not specialize in pain management, nor did he receive training on how to treat patients suffering from chronic pain.
From 1999 to 2015, Montilla worked as an ob-gyn with Fairfax Ob-Gyn Associates, rarely prescribing Schedule II pain medication to his patients. In January2016, Montilla began to treat patients at Fairfax Pain Clinic (FPC), which specialized in pain management. From January 2016 through September 2020, Montilla was the primary doctor prescribing Schedule II controlled substances at FPC.
FPC was only open during the morning on two days per week. During an approximate three-hour period on those days, Montilla would see and prescribe opioids to approximately 20 patients, spending, on average, less than 10 minutes with each patient. Despite conducting only cursory exams of patients, Montilla prescribed excessive amounts of opioids to many of these patients for years.
Montilla prescribed high opioid dosing without first confirming diagnoses, performing relevant medical examinations, or reviewing prior medical records, which were relevant and necessary steps when prescribing such high opioid dosages. Montilla rarely ordered his patients to seek physical therapy or any other treatment for their chronic pain. Montilla maintained very limited documentation in the patient files, including failing to document his reasons for prescribing high opioid dosages.
Montilla is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 9. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Morgan and Zoe Bedell are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-72.
Anchorage man sentenced to over 17 years for child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison and will serve the rest of his life on supervised release for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials.
According to court documents, Australian law enforcement discovered Michael Whitmore, 31, was distributing child sexual abuse images on an encrypted social media application. Australian law enforcement referred the case to the FBI and Anchorage Police Department.
U.S. law enforcement determined that Whitmore had also been the unidentified subject of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cybertips related to distribution of images depicting violent child sexual exploitation.
In March 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Whitmore’s residence and discovered over 4,100 images and 2,200 videos on his devices, with some visuals depicting prepubescent minors. The investigation determined that Whitmore was an active member of at least 82 messaging groups used to exchange child sexual abuse materials on various applications.
Whitmore was arrested in March 2021 and pleaded guilty in August 2022.
In imposing the sentence, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sharon L. Gleason noted the sadistic nature of the images and videos, sophisticated computer use and active participation of the defendant, and noted that she hopes this case deters other individuals who have no criminal history from partaking in possessing or distributing child sexual abuse materials.
“Mr. Whitmore contributed to the plague of revictimization that possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials causes to innocent victims across the country and the world,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “My office remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our most vulnerable community members and ensure that perpetrators who choose to victimize children are brought to justice.”
“Mr. Whitmore callously collected and shared child exploitation material depicting the horrific abuse of very young children,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The FBI and our local and international law enforcement partners will continue to identify and hold accountable those who contribute to these online crimes against children.”
“Committing a crime against a child is a horrifying act. The case against Michael Whitmore is one of the more gruesome we’ve seen due to the ages of the victims involved and the sheer volume of material in Whitmore’s possession that he not only consumed but shared with other like-minded offenders,” stated APD Chief Michael Kerle. “Every time Whitmore passed along images, he revictimized the very people whom adults are supposed to protect. We are grateful for the partnership we have with the FBI. With our combined investigative efforts, the perpetrator will be held accountable for his criminal behavior.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department, with assistance from Australian Law Enforcement, investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Additional Charges Brought Against North Shore Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury sitting in Boston has returned a superseding indictment charging 16 individuals in Massachusetts in connection with their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking and money laundering scheme that allegedly distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The superseding indictment includes the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances that was initially brought against the following defendants in November 2022:
- Lawrence Michael Nagle, a/k/a “Mikey,” 32, of Saugus;
- Christopher Nagle, a/k/a “Cuda,” 28, of Revere;
- Javier Bello, a/k/a “Javi,” 27, of Beverly;
- Anthony Bryson, 33, of Billerica;
- Frantz Adolphe, 28, of Lynn;
- Soyanna Lages, 33, of Somerville;
- David Muise, a/k/a “Pinky,” 35, of Swampscott;
- David Delauri, 30, of Haverhill;
- Alexander Villar, 33 of Danvers;
- Edward Ortiz, 32, of Swampscott;
- Yaira Ramos-Rivera, 39, of Billerica;
- Jose Garcia, 45, of Roslindale;
- Chevon Dorce, 43, of Lynn; and
- Gino Castillo, 33, of Salem.
Additionally, the superseding indictment also adds two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition for defendant Lawrence Michael Nagle; three additional counts of possession with the intent to distribute various controlled substances against Nagle and Castillo; as well as a money laundering conspiracy charge against Nagle and two new co-defendants Nancy Lopez, 33, of Saugus; and Samuel Saillant, 38, of Lynn.
Lopez was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was released on conditions. Saillant will make an appearance at a later date.
Fourteen of the 16 defendants charged in the superseding indictment were among 23 individuals arrested and charged in October 2022 in connection with a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization that distributed Adderall (both pharmaceutical-grade pills and counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine), methamphetamine, Xanax, Oxycodone (both pharmaceutical-grade and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl), cocaine and marijuana, among others. All 23 individuals were later indicted along with two additional defendants in November 2022. Eleven defendants have since pleaded guilty.Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan D. Panich and James E. Arnold of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ada Resident Sentenced to 293 Months for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and AssaultRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Ryan Christopher Dill, age 37, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 293 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, on one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, and 120 months on one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The terms of imprisonment will run concurrently.
On September 29, 2022, Dill pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on December 25, 2021, Dill stabbed, bludgeoned, and sexually assaulted the victim at an Ada residence. The crimes occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Dill will remain in the 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 Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.
Thursday 25 April 2024
Youngsville Man and Former Educator Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Angel Rafael Cardona, 35, of Youngsville, Louisiana, was sentenced today on child pornography charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Cardona to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Cardona was charged in an indictment with one count of using a facility to cause a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and he pleaded guilty to the charge in January of this year. Evidence in this case revealed that in June 2023, Cardona began communicating through Whisper, an online chat application, with a user who identified as a 13-year-old female. Unbeknownst to Cardona, the user was an undercover law enforcement agent. Cardona sent a direct message to the user inquiring about a post she had made about summer school. Two days later, Cardona asked the user if they had an account on another online chat site and the agent responded that they did have a Kik account, and he then contacted the undercover minor female through that application. These communications between the two continued from June 8, 2023, to July 10, 2023, until the user told Cardona that the Kik application kept crashing and to contact her through text message and provided a phone number. The text messages between Cardona and the undercover agent continued through July 24, 2023.
Conversations about sex, sexual experiences, and the undercover agent’s body were brought up by Cardona throughout this time period. On numerous occasions, the undercover agent made reference to her age of 13. The conversations regarding her sexual inexperience increased over time becoming more graphic and detailed. Eventually, Cardona began asking the undercover agent for pictures of herself and asked for images containing sexual material. On July 11 and 13, 2023, Cardona specifically and explicitly asked for the undercover agent to produce and send him child pornography. The undercover agent gave excuses of her mother’s presence in the home for not complying and Cardona instructed her to be sneaky about it in order to create the images.
He brought up the idea of meeting in person on numerous occasions and eventually they agreed to meet at Veterans Park in Lafayette on July 24, 2023. The defendant admitted that he intended to meet the person he believed to be a minor female for the purpose of engaging in some form of sexual activity that would be a crime under the laws of the state of Louisiana.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Craig R. Bordelon.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting Stolen Human Body Parts Out of the State of ArkansasRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK— Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced today that a former employee of a mortuary services provider has pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Candace Chapman Scott, 37, of Little Rock, entered this guilty plea today before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Judge Miller will sentence Scott at a later date. Transporting stolen property across state lines is punishable by not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000. The maximum penalty faced by Scott for mail fraud is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.
The investigation revealed that Scott, while an employee at a mortuary services provider between October 2021 through approximately July 15, 2022, stole human body parts and fetal remains. Scott would then sell the stolen human body parts and fetal remains, arranging for them to be transported across a state line to the purchaser.
Scott was indicted on April 5, 2023, and charged with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. In exchange for her guilty plea, the remaining charges were dismissed.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If you have information relating to this case or think you may have been impacted by this case, you may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at [email protected].
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Weymouth Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Weymouth man was sentenced yesterday in connection with an elaborate money laundering conspiracy.
Chengzou Liu, 38 was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2023, Liu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering as well as possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
In July 2022, Liu was charged along with seven others in connection with elaborate money laundering and money transmitting conspiracies allegedly led by two of Liu’s co-conspirators Qiu Mei Zeng and Shi Rong Zhang.
According to the charging documents, Zeng and Zhang co-owned China Gourmet, a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Zhang was also a registered owner of Wonderful Electronics, an electronics and restaurant supply business based in Hanover. It is alleged that the defendants used these businesses to run a large-scale money laundering and money transmitting operation that involved the laundering of drug proceeds and proceeds from stolen and/or fraudulent gift cards.
Liu was a large-scale marijuana trafficker who laundered his drug proceeds allegedly through China Gourmet. On at least three occasions, Liu was observed delivering bags of cash that contained tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to the restaurant, which was then allegedly wired to accounts in the U.S. and China. It is alleged that in a span of just three weeks in October 2021, Liu delivered about $170,000 in drug proceeds to his conspirators to launder to his bank accounts in China.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Braintree Police Chief Timothy Cohoon; and Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren A. Graber and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Violent Felon and his Accomplice Sentenced to Combined 50 Years in Federal Prison for Eight Armed Robberies and Two Shootings in One MonthRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tyrell Cage, 29, and Jayla Deane, 36, of Indianapolis have been sentenced to federal prison for a series of armed robberies of Indianapolis businesses in 2021.
Cage was sentenced to forty years in federal prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Cage was also ordered to pay $2,668 in restitution and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
Deane was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Deane was also ordered to pay $1,030 in restitution and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following her release from federal prison.
In total, Cage robbed eight businesses and Deane robbed two:
#
Date
Location
Defendant
1
April 25, 2021
BP Gas Station, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
2
April 25, 2021
McDonalds, East 10th St.
Cage
3
May 19, 2021
Little Caesar’s Pizza, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
4
May 19, 2021
Metro by T-Mobile, East 10th St.
Cage & Deane
5
May 20, 2021
Piezano’s Pizza, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
6
May 23, 2021
Valero Gas Station, Massachusetts Ave.
Cage
7
May 23, 2021
Five Below, West 86th St.
Cage & Deane
8
May 27, 2021
Lion’s Den, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
In each of the robberies, Cage pointed a black handgun at the employees and ordered they give him money from the business. On multiple occasions, Cage threatened that he would shoot the employees if they did not comply with his demands for money.
During the April 25, 2021, attempted robbery of the McDonalds, the cashier told Cage that only managers can open the register and turned his back to get help from the manager. In response, Cage fired three shots at the employee.
During the May 20, 2021, robbery of Piezano’s, Cage forced the employee on the ground after she gave him the money and then duct taped the employee’s hands together.
On May 23, 2021, Cage attempted to rob a Valero gas station of fried chicken and a pack of cigarettes using the same gun. When the employee saw the gun, he reached for the fried chicken. Cage shot the employee in the stomach, critically wounding him. Cage fled from the gas station. The same day, he committed another robbery.
During the two robberies in which Cage and Deane worked together, Deane served as a decoy by distracting employees. While employees were distracted, Cage brandished a black handgun, and demanded cash from the registers.
On June 1, 2021, IMPD officers conducted a court-authorized search and arrest of Cage and Deane at the InTown Suites Hotel on West 85th Street. During a search of the room, investigators located clothing, shoes, hats, and jewelry worn by Deane and Cage during each of the robberies, as well as a phone taken during the robbery of the Metro by T-Mobile and coloring books and pencils taken during the Five Below robbery. Investigators also located the black Taurus G2 9mm semiautomatic handgun used during the robberies.
Cage has been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, which prohibit him from ever legally owning a firearm.
“These defendants engaged in an armed spree of violence and intimidation, critically wounding an innocent person and terrorizing many more,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The lengthy federal prison sentences imposed here demonstrate that these grave offenses carry grave consequences. I commend IMPD, the FBI, and our federal prosecutors for their work to hold these violent criminals accountable and make our communities safer.”
"The outstanding collaboration of the FBI and the IMPD halted this duo's violent crime spree ," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to diligently investigate and pursue those who engage in this violent behavior.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Wood and former Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Ventura Man Pleads Guilty to Extortion, Armed Robbery, Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Charges Related to Crime Spree Last YearRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Ventura County man pleaded guilty today to 10 felonies for extorting a taco truck vendor, robbing two small businesses, and fraudulently using debit and credit cards from a victim he robbed at gunpoint during a crime spree late last year.
Oscar Aguirre Silva, 30, of Ventura, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by extortion (Hobbs Act), two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), three counts of bank fraud, two counts of attempted bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
Also pleading guilty today at a separate hearing was Edward Donaldo Ramirez Martinez, 28, of Ventura, Silva’s accomplice, who pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court documents, on November 6, 2023, Silva threatened violence to extort a taco truck vendor in Oxnard.
On November 10, 2023, Silva robbed a woman at gunpoint and stole her iPhone, and her purse, which contained a credit card and a debit card in the victim’s name as well as a debit card in the name of another victim. Ramirez served as the getaway driver during this armed robbery. Both men then traveled to a Walmart store in Ventura, where they used the stolen cards to purchase $524 worth of merchandise. Later, Silva and another co-defendant, David Ray Reyes, 30, of Ventura, then used and attempted to use the stolen cards to purchase other items at an Oxnard smoke shop.
On November 25 and 26, 2023, Silva robbed two Oxnard businesses – a smoke shop and a grocery outlet.
Finally, on December 2, 2023, Ramirez, while under the influence of methamphetamine, possessed an assault rifle that did not bear a serial number – commonly known as a “ghost gun.” The firearm carried four rounds of ammunition. Ramirez was not legally permitted to possess the ghost gun or the ammunition because of his February 2020 felony conviction in Ventura County Superior Court for carrying a loaded firearm.
United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera scheduled an August 8 sentencing hearing for Silva, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud-related count, up to 20 years in federal prison for each Hobbs Act extortion and robbery count, and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison term for each aggravated identity theft count.
Judge Vera also scheduled an August 8 sentencing hearing for Ramirez, who will face a statutory maximum sentence of 12 years in federal prison, which includes a mandatory two-year prison sentence for the aggravated identity theft count.
Reyes pleaded guilty on March 6 to one count of attempted bank fraud, one count of bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Reyes will face up to 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud count and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison sentence for each aggravated identity theft count at his May 29 sentencing hearing before Judge Vera.
All three defendants remain in federal custody.
The Ventura County Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ventura Police Department, conducted this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Lyndsi C. Allsop of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.
United States Attorney’s Office Hosts National Crime Victims’ Rights Week CeremonyRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – Yesterday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina- with the Victim Services Interagency Counsel of North Carolina, Triad Ladder of Hope, and the Greensboro Police Department – hosted an event honoring victims of crime in Guilford County.
The event, attended by community members, law enforcement partners, and victims’ rights groups, is part of the Department of Justice’s annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) that pays tribute each year to the victims of crime all around the nation. Speakers at the event included US Attorney Sandra J. Hairston, Assistant District Attorney for Guilford County Kelly Thompson, Dr. Irish Spencer of Families Against Senseless Killings, and Deputy Chief Renae Sigmon and Detective Caroline Holliday of the Greensboro Police Department.
In 2022, there were nearly 20 million crime victimizations in the United States. More than 6.6 million were the result of violent crimes, including rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Of that 6.6 million, only about 42% were reported to police. In 2023, Guilford County reported hundreds of cases of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, gun violence, homicide, and human trafficking.
“As prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and victim/witness professionals, we are committed to upholding the rights of crime victims and providing them with vital assistance,” said United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston. “We are honored to do this work, and are inspired by the remarkable strength and resilience of the victims we meet. The people gathered here today, whether they be survivors, advocates, or members of law enforcement, share a powerful bond. You may come from different neighborhoods and different walks of life, but you are bound by courage and a commitment to make our community safer and stronger.”
Each year in April, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which honors crime victims and those who serve them. This year, NCVRW is April 21-27, and the theme is How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors. This year, the USAO is focusing on creating safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them and offer support, options for life-saving services, and most importantly, hope. Learn how you can help by visiting https://OVC.OJP.Gov/NCVRW2024.
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United States Attorney Announces Return of Indictment Charging 21 Defendants in Bank Fraud Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown, United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Felton L. Joseph, Jr., and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil, announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging 21 defendants in connection with a federal bank fraud case following an investigation into their illegal activities in the Shreveport area.
The defendants charged in the seven-count indictment are as follows:
Defendant Name
Charges
Destane Glass, 22, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Sharmaine Jackson, 25, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Elijah D. Brown, 24, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Eric D. Loud, 23, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Arazhia R. Gully, 23, Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Zarrajah Z. Watkins, 22, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Maya L. Green, 23, Bossier City, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Possession of a Counterfeit Security
Olivia Deboe, 23, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Possession of a Counterfeit Security
Tina Marie Bryant, 42, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Possession of a Counterfeit Security
Cynthia R. Bryant, 22, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Possession of a Counterfeit Security
Trameka McGinty, 24, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Shaquentalas B. McGinty, 25, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Donte N. Larrimore, 24, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Javonte J. Lejay, 27, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Octavia L. Mitchell, 32, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Lakysa S. Barfield, 26, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Shmarrian J. Taylor, 26, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Shamaya S. Pouncy, 26, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Precious Wilbert, 24, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Possession of a Counterfeit Security
Kyra D. Washington-Bates, 23, Shreveport, LA
- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
Rakeydra S. Shepherd, 27, Shreveport, LA
- Possession of a Counterfeit Security
The indictment alleges that from January 1, 2021, and continuing until on or about October 31, 2022, defendants Glass, Jackson, Brown, Loud, Gully, Watkins, Green, Deboe, T. Bryant, C. Bryant, T. McGinty, S. McGinty, Larrimore, Lejay, Mitchell, Barfield, Taylor, Pouncy, Wilbert and Washington-Bates, and others known and unknown, knowingly and willfully conspired to commit bank fraud. It is alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained money from financial institutions including, but not limited to, USAA Savings Bank (USAA Bank), Chase Bank, and Navy Federal Credit Union (Navy Federal).
It is alleged in the indictment that defendants Glass, Jackson, Brown and Loud worked with one or more employees at the Teleperformance Call Center in Shreveport to obtain account information related to USAA Bank customers. The indictment alleges that Gully, Green and Watkins, who were employees at Teleperformance in Shreveport, illegally provided account information typically targeting older bank customers with high account balances as the defendants believed they were less likely to regularly monitor their account activity. Using the account information provided, the co-conspirators made, or caused to be made, counterfeit checks drawn on USAA Bank and used social media and other methods to recruit individuals who were willing to have the counterfeit checks deposited into their bank accounts in exchange for money.
The indictment further alleges that Deboe, T. Bryant, C. Bryant, T. McGinty, S. McGinty, Larrimore, Lejay, Mitchell, Barfield, Taylor, Pouncy, Wilbert and Washington-Bates each used their bank accounts, or allowed those accounts to be used, to negotiate counterfeit checks drawn on USAA Bank and shared the proceeds with other co-conspirators.
According to the indictment, counterfeit checks were deposited or messages were sent through a social media site (SMS) regarding the deposits and counterfeit checks as follows:
Date
Defendants Involved
Details of Alleged Act
11/27/21
Cynthia R. Bryant to Destane Glass
Message sent through SMS showing $40,000 deposit to Bryant’s Chase Bank account
12/13/21
Maya L. Green to Elijah D. Brown
Message sent through SMS offering to sell him USAA Bank account information
1/21/22
Maya L. Green to Elijah D. Brown
Message sent through SMS indicating she had new USAA Bank account information she was willing to sell
5/11/22
Javonte J. Lejay
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $32,000 deposited into his Chase Bank account
5/20/22
Javonte J. Lejay
Entered Margaritaville Casino in Bossier City, LA and made three cash withdrawals totaling $24,000 from his Chase Bank account
5/25/22
Arazhia R. Gully to Elijah D. Brown
Text message sent containing age and account balances of eight USAA Bank customers
5/25/22
Elijah D. Brown to Arazhia R. Gully
Text message sent indicating he was interested in account information related to a 79-year-old customer with account balance of approximately $442,000
5/25/22
Arazhia R. Gully to Elijah D. Brown
Text message sent containing picture of her computer monitor displaying account information related to the USAA Bank customer referenced in paragraph above
6/1/22
Destane Glass to Zarrajah Watkins
Text message sent requesting two account numbers
6/1/22
Destane Glass to Zarrajah Watkins
Text message sent inquiring which account belonged to the oldest person and how much was in the account
6/6/22
Arazhia R. Gully to Elijah D. Brown
Text message sent containing age and account balances of three USAA Bank customers
6/6/22
Elijah D. Brown to Arazhia R. Gully
Text message sent indicating he was interested in the account information related to a 95-year-old customer with account balance of approximately $174,000
6/6/22
Arazhia R. Gully to Elijah D. Brown
Text message containing picture of her computer monitor displaying account information related to the USAA Bank customer referenced in paragraph above
6/13/22
Shamaya S. Pouncy
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $10,000 deposited into her Navy Federal account
6/13/22
Shaquentalas B. McGinty
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $15,000 deposited into her Navy Federal account
6/17/22
Shaquentalas B. McGinty and Sharmaine Jackson
Both defendants entered Bally’s Casino in Shreveport, LA and withdrew $7,000 cash from McGinty’s Navy Federal account
6/21/22
Kyra D. Washington-Bates
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $16,000 deposited into her Navy Federal account
7/1/22
Eric D. Loud to Zarrajah Watkins
Text message sent requesting that she send a number before he printed some checks
7/25/22
Octavia L. Mitchell
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $15,000 deposited into her Chase Bank account
7/25/22
Lakysa S. Barfield
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $15,000 deposited into her Chase Bank account
8/2/22
Shmarrian J. Taylor
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $18,000 deposited into her Navy Federal account
8/3/22
Octavia L. Mitchell and Sharmaine Jackson
Both defendants entered Bally’s Casino in Shreveport, LA and withdrew $7,000 cash from Mitchell’s Chase Bank account
8/3/22
Lakysa S. Barfield and Sharmaine Jackson
Defendants met at Bally’s Casino in Shreveport, LA and they withdrew $7,000 cash from Barfield’s Chase Bank account
8/11/22
Donte N. Larrimore
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $9,500 deposited into his Bank of America account
8/17/22
Trameka McGinty
Counterfeit USAA Bank check in the amount of $5,000 deposited into her Navy Federal account
8/22/22
Donte N. Larrimore and Eric D. Loud
Both defendants entered Bally’s Casino and withdrew $4,660 from Larrimore’s Bank of America account
9/19/22
Sharmaine Jackson to Zarrajah Watkins
Text message sent requesting “fresh” account information
In addition, the indictment charges defendants C. Bryant, T. Bryant, Green, Deboe, Wilbert and Shepherd each with one count of knowingly possessing a counterfeited security of USAA Bank with the intent to deceive.
The defendants will make their initial appearance and be arraigned in federal court on their charges.
“The banking system is clearly one of the driving forces behind national, state, and local economy in every community across the United States and is critical in consumer transactions on a daily basis,” said United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “In these trying economic times, this office is committed to prosecuting those who use national and local banks to defraud other banks, businesses, consumers, and bank customers.”
“This case should serve as a strong deterrent for criminal actors considering taking part in similar fraud schemes,” said Resident Agent in Charge Felton L. Joseph, Jr. “The U.S. Secret Service and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and pursue prosecution of these alleged crimes in order to safeguard our communities.”
“For months criminals took advantage of a company that serves our veterans, and preyed upon its customers,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of the New Orleans Field Office. “This indictment is the first step in holding those who stole from those who have honored our country with their service, accountable for their despicable actions. The FBI thanks its partners in this case in helping to bring this corruption to light.”
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the USSS, FBI, Louisiana State Police and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.
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U.S. Attorney’s Offices remind Sheriffs and Police Chiefs of obligations under Federal Civil Rights LawsRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorneys Tessa M. Gorman and Vanessa Waldref today sent a letter to Washington State Sheriffs and Police Chiefs reminding them of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The letter notes multiple complaints about law enforcement agencies in Washington State failing to provide communications aids or services to individuals with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
“We want to be sure law enforcement personnel in Washington comply with the law so that officers truly serve and protect all our residents,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Interactions with law enforcement can be high stress and high stakes encounters – effective communication is critical in these moments to protect everyone involved.”
“To impart justice, law enforcement and prosecutors must ensure that victims, witnesses, and defendants are able to be heard,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We value everyone’s voice, and we’re hopeful state and local leaders will continue to take the steps necessary to improve language access throughout the Evergreen state.”
“We appreciate the U.S. Attorneys’ focus to assist and help local law enforcement to follow ADA compliance, rather than the use of litigation only. We have the same goals and appreciate their partnership.” Steven D. Strachan, executive director, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC).
The letter to law enforcement cites recent ADA investigations regarding services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the last few years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington has resolved a total of ten cases addressing communication with law enforcement officers and in correctional facilities. The complaints concern agencies and organizations across a broad geographic area: from southwest Washington to the Canadian border.
The office continues to receive and investigate communication-related Civil Rights complaints directly from individuals and referred by advocates such as the Northwest Justice Project.
In just the last month, DOJ finalized three voluntary settlements with the Everett Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office over allegations they failed to provide services to accommodate individuals’ hearing disabilities. In February, DOJ finalized an agreement with the King County Sheriff’s Office to improve language access services for people who are Limited English Proficient.
In hopes of preventing these civil rights violations, the letter provides resources for law enforcement such as best practices, frequently asked questions about the ADA, a specific ADA guide for law enforcement, and resources for improving communications with individuals with Limited English Proficiency.
Assistant United States Attorneys Susan Kas of the Western District of Washington and Molly Smith of the Eastern District of Washington handle non-criminal Civil Rights matters for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
For more information on our Civil Rights and ADA work, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/civil-rights
dcl_waspc_-_april_25_2024.pdf 2023_12_11_lelai_ltr_2_leas_final_508.pdfU.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Crime Victims and Victims’ Rights Advocates at Annual CeremonyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – As part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania again honored a number of crime victims for their strength and resiliency, as well as law enforcement personnel, community partners, and attorneys for their exceptional service to victims of crime during the office’s annual Victim and Victim Advocates Recognition Ceremony that took place yesterday afternoon in the Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse.
President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater attention and respect to the needs and rights of victims of crime. Each April, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania joins U.S. Attorney’s Offices and other federal, state, and local communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by honoring victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also participates in several events throughout the district to bring awareness to the services available to victims. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 21-27. The theme is “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors,” with a focus on creating safe environments for crime victims to share their experiences and offer support, options for life-saving services, and most importantly, hope.
“Crime does not discriminate. It finds victims from all walks of life and makes them members of a club they never wanted to join,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan. “The strength and resilience victims of crime demonstrate throughout the criminal justice process is truly remarkable, and we are proud to stand beside them every step of the way. The work that our office and our partners—inside and outside government—do to support these individuals, protect and enforce their rights under the law, and pursue justice on their behalf is at the core of what we do.”
In addition to honoring several civilian victims of crime during the ceremony, the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented awards to several members of the office and law enforcement and community partners, recognizing their work on behalf of victims of crime throughout the past year. Law enforcement and community partner award recipients included:
• Five physically injured members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police—Officers Daniel Mead, Michael Smidga, Anthony Burke, Timothy Matson, and John Persin—were honored with Strength and Resiliency Awards for their bravery in responding to the October 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting and their assistance in the resulting investigation and prosecution.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Carla Durrant was honored with an Outstanding Service Award for her role as the lead investigator in a case involving hate crimes committed by two defendants against more than a dozen severely disabled, non-verbal residents of a Western Pennsylvania health care facility.
• Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents Michael Radens and Carey Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Bengel were recognized with Outstanding Service Awards for their roles in the successful dismantling and prosecution of a large-scale conspiracy to defraud elderly victims. A local bank manager was also honored for quickly alerting local law enforcement when a victim attempted to withdraw a substantial sum of cash based on false representations made to the victim by members of the conspiracy.
• Margie Rosselli from the Clearfield County Victim Witness Office was recognized with an Outstanding Service Award for her work providing primary advocacy assistance to a victim and the victim’s family members in a case involving the sexual exploitation of a child.
• Assistant United States Attorney Heidi Grogan was honored with the U.S. Attorney’s Victim Advocate Award for both her role as the office’s Project Safe Childhood coordinator and her advocacy for victims and victims’ rights in each of her own cases. By ensuring that victims are regularly updated and consulted regarding case developments and allowing time to meet with victims whenever they have questions, Ms. Grogan has fostered increased trust with and participation from victims and their families, resulting in numerous successful convictions and sentencings.
• Victim Assistant Specialist Adrienne Howe also was awarded the U.S. Attorney’s Victim Advocate Award for her outstanding years of service in all facets of the work at the U.S. Attorney’s Office on behalf of crime victims, and in particular for her years of assistance to the those impacted by the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting and her tireless support of those crime victims during the months-long capital trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania is committed to ensuring that federal crime victims are afforded all rights to which they are entitled by law. To learn more about our Victim Witness services, please visit our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/vw.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates Sexual Assault Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky joined the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Department of Justice as a whole, as well as advocates, survivors, victim service providers, justice professionals, police and first responders, and communities across the U.S., in observing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). “I encourage the public to join with us in raising awareness and supporting survivors,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett.
Sexual assault includes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by federal, tribal, or state law, including when victims lack the capacity to consent. “It is a serious crime that affects far too many in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. More than half of women and nearly one-third of men experience physical sexual violence during their lifetimes, according to CDC survey data. Also, women and racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately impacted when it comes to sexual violence. American Indian, Alaska Native, and multiracial women report rape victimization more than 1.5 times the national rate. Additionally, lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women and men report experiencing sexual violence, rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, and sexual harassment in a public place at higher rates than heterosexual men and women. Further, people with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than that of people without disabilities, according to an analysis of Department of Justice data.
Online harassment and abuse is also very harmful. Cybercrimes, such as the sharing of intimate images of someone without their consent, are often used to intimidate, coerce, stalk, or harass a victim. Virtual acts of sexual violence can cause a victim to experience substantial trauma and fear for their physical safety. “Our Office is fully committed to holding perpetrators accountable and supporting all victims throughout the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett.
Due to the prevalence of sexual assault in our society and its traumatic impact on victims, it is critically important to create supportive environments for anyone harmed and teach young people ways to prevent sexual assault. It is especially necessary to reach young people with information and resources about sexual violence because CDC survey data shows over 80 percent of rape survivors report that they were first raped before age 25. During this month of awareness, we can discuss ways to prevent sexual assault in our communities through bystander intervention and empower survivors through mobilization of allies.
DOJ-funded programs provide valuable resources to enhance prevention efforts, increase availability of trauma-informed services for survivors, and support law enforcement initiatives. OVW and the Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) grant recipients lead programs that meaningfully and compassionately address sexual violence and promote victim safety. During the 2023 fiscal year, organizations providing essential services to sexual assault survivors in the Western District of Kentucky were awarded over $782,036 in grant funding under OVW’s State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program and OVW’s Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program to further their support of sexual assault survivors. In addition, the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet was awarded $2,445,428 under OVW’s STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program to develop programs to end gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable. “I encourage victim services providers and justice partners across our District to learn more about the federal grant funding opportunities available to further bolster coordinated community responses to sexual assault in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. Grants.gov is an excellent source of information on federal grants across all federal agencies, including active DOJ grant funding opportunities.
“As we near the end of April and of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we must rededicate ourselves to increasing public awareness, supporting survivors, and ending sexual violence in all forms, not just in April, but all year round” said U.S. Attorney Bennett.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. There are many services available to help. Connect with a counselor anonymously by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In addition, you can find a local resources page on OVW’s website, which lists resources and services in your area, as well as opportunities to get involved. If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
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U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Encourages West Virginians to Participate in DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. United States Attorney Will Thompson encourages West Virginians to take advantage of this latest opportunity to dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications.
Take Back Day offers a free, safe and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs that are susceptible to diversion and abuse. Dozens of collection sites throughout West Virginia have already been announced. Information including a collection site locator is available at www.DEATakeBack.com.
“This may seem like a small, simple step to take, but safely disposing of prescription drugs can go a long way in preventing tragic outcomes,” Thompson said.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
For more than a decade, the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception
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.
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Two Burlington Women Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington woman was sentenced on April 22, 2024, to thirty years in federal prison for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, attempted sex trafficking of a child, and sex trafficking three adult victims.
According to public court documents, Miesha Lasha Stanley, 32, in 2022, used force, fraud, and coercion to compel victims to engage in sex acts with customers in exchange for money. Stanley took some or all of the money that the victims earned. Stanley used the victims’ vulnerabilities, which included lack of stable housing, drug addiction, abusive relationships, and lack of familial support, to compel them to engage in paid sex acts. Stanley allowed the victims, most of whom were females in their late teens and early 20s, to live at her residence in Burlington. Stanley posted sex advertisements for the victims online, communicated with customers, and arranged for customers to engage in sex acts with the victims at her residence and other locations. Stanley also conspired with co-defendant Rosella Marie Taylor to sex traffic one of the victims.
After completing her term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On April 1, 2024, Taylor, 36, was sentenced to 122 months of imprisonment for conspiring to sex traffic, attempting to sex traffic, and sex trafficking two victims. Taylor used force, fraud, and coercion, and conspired with Stanley to use force, fraud, and coercion, to compel an adult victim to engage in paid sex acts. Taylor invited the victim, who struggled with stable housing, and was unemployed, to live at Taylor’s residence in Burlington. Taylor posted sex advertisements for the victim online and drove the victim to meet customers for paid sex work. Taylor took some or all of the money the victim earned. Additionally, Taylor attempted to sex traffic a minor victim. Taylor posted sex advertisements for the victim online, arranged for a customer to engage in sex acts with the victim, and drove the victim to the customer’s residence. However, the customer did not answer the door, and the victim left with Taylor.
After completing her term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“On behalf of the Burlington Police Department, I would like to recognize the efforts of the personnel and agencies involved in this case,” said Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer. “Special recognition should be given to the investigators, who began with some small pieces of information and actively pursued all leads which ultimately led to this resolution. And of, course, I commend the victims who came forward and cooperated with law enforcement even under the most difficult circumstances. It was not an easy thing to do and their bravery and courage must be commended. This case also serves as a reminder that human trafficking is everywhere, not just large metropolitan areas. It is important for everyone to be vigilant about their surroundings both for themselves and their community.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa and the Burlington Police Department made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, assisted by the Des Moines County Attorney’s Office, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Victims particularly susceptible to being trafficked include those with criminal histories, a history of physical or sexual abuse, uncertain legal status, and dependency on controlled substances. Individuals who purchase sex from minors or from those who are otherwise exploited for commercial sex are also subject to prosecution for sex trafficking under federal law, if they knew or were in reckless disregard of the fact that they were under the age of 18, or that force, fraud, or coercion was used.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Texas woman heads to prison for trying to smuggle over 3,500 rounds of ammunition into MexicoRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 52-year-old resident of Channelview has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle thousands of rounds of ammunition in spare tire, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Maria Tapia-Aguilar pleaded guilty Feb. 28, 2022.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Tapia-Aguilar to serve 51 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
“3,500 rounds and seven different calibers – not child’s play,” said Hamdani. “We have laws in place for a reason, and we can never know in whose hands these items may be at any given time if people try to circumvent those rules. Exporting ammunition can be just as dangerous as the weapons themselves as it not only endangers U.S. citizens, but also puts the lives of those on both sides of our border at risk, especially if in the arms of criminals.”
On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement observed Tapia-Aguilar purchasing large amounts of ammunition at a local Edinburg store. Afterwards, she engaged in strange driving behavior and committed a traffic violation. Authorities then conducted a traffic stop which resulted the discovery of ammunition hidden in the vehicle’s spare tire.
Tapia-Aguilar admitted to possessing 3,580 rounds of ammunition, including seven different calibers, for transport to Mexico. She also informed law enforcement that this was not the first time she exported ammunition to Mexico.
Tapia-Aguilar as permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Tax Attorneys and Insurance Agent Convicted in Tax Shelter SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Charlotte, North Carolina, convicted two tax attorneys and an insurance agent of conspiring to defraud the United States and helping clients file false tax returns based on their promotion and operation of a fraudulent tax shelter.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2011 to November 2022, Michael Elliott Kohn and Catherine Elizabeth Chollet, both attorneys and residents of St. Louis, and David Shane Simmons, a licensed insurance agent and broker based out of Jefferson, North Carolina, promoted, marketed and sold to clients a fraudulent tax scheme known as the Gain Elimination Plan.
The defendants designed the plan to conceal their clients’ income from the IRS by inflating business expenses through fictitious royalties and management fees. These fictitious fees were paid, on paper, to a limited partnership largely owned by a charity. In reality, Kohn and Chollet fabricated the fees.
Kohn and Chollet advised clients that the plan’s limited partnership was required to obtain insurance on the life of the clients to cover the income that was allocated to the charitable organization. The death benefit was directly tied to the anticipated profitability of the clients’ businesses and how much of the clients’ taxable income was intended to be sheltered.
Simmons earned more than $2.3 million in commissions from selling the insurance policies, splitting the commissions with Kohn and Chollet. Kohn and Chollet received more than $1 million from Simmons. Simmons also filed false personal tax returns that underreported his business income and inflated his business expenses, resulting in a tax loss of more than $480,000.
In total, the defendants caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $4 million.
A sentencing date has not been set. They face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Simmons also faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing false personal tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Todd Ellinwood of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Tax Attorneys and Insurance Agent Convicted in Tax Shelter SchemeRead the Press Release
STATESVILLE, N.C. – A federal jury in Charlotte has found two tax attorneys and an insurance agent guilty of conspiring to defraud the United States and helping clients file false tax returns based on their promotion and operation of a fraudulent tax shelter, said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office (IRS CI), join U.S. Attorney Dena J. King of the Western District of North Carolina made the announcement.
“Tax fraud is not just a crime against the government,” said U.S. Attorney King. “It’s a betrayal of trust to every honest taxpayer. Today’s guilty verdict sends a clear message that we will not tolerate tax fraudsters who promote and operate fraudulent tax schemes. Their conduct compromises the integrity of our tax system and burdens the rest of us with the weight of their deceit.”
“The defendants’ use of tax schemes was clearly intended to conceal income from the IRS,” said Special Agent in Charge Eakins. “Today’s verdict reinforces our commitment to every American taxpayer that IRS CI special agents will continue to identify and help bring to prosecution those who promote illegal schemes designed to evade the payment of taxes.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2011 to November 2022, Michael Elliott Kohn and Catherine Elizabeth Chollet, both attorneys and residents of St. Louis, Missouri, and David Shane Simmons, a licensed insurance agent and broker based out of Jefferson, North Carolina, promoted, marketed, and sold to clients a fraudulent tax scheme known as the Gain Elimination Plan.
The defendants designed the Plan to conceal their clients’ income from the IRS by inflating business expenses through fictitious royalties and management fees. These fictitious fees were paid, on paper, to a limited partnership largely owned by a charity. In reality, Kohn and Chollet fabricated the fees.
Kohn and Chollet advised clients that the Plan’s limited partnership was required to obtain insurance on the life of the clients to cover the income that was allocated to the charitable organization. The death benefit was directly tied to the anticipated profitability of the clients’ businesses and how much of the clients’ taxable income was intended to be sheltered.
Simmons earned more than $2.3 million in commissions from selling the insurance policies, splitting the commissions with Kohn and Chollet. Kohn and Chollet received more than $1 million from Simmons. Simmons also filed false personal tax returns that underreported his business income and inflated his business expenses, resulting in a tax loss of more than $480,000.
In total, the defendants caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $4 million.
A sentencing date has not been set. They face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Simmons also faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of filing false personal tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte and Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Todd Ellinwood of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.