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6 June 2024
Luxury Jewelry Company Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing, Selling Millions of Dollars Worth of Precious MetalsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A manufacturing supervisor for a luxury jewelry company pleaded guilty today to stealing gold, silver and platinum from his employer over a period of more than three years.
Benjamin Preacher, 54, of North Attleboro, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods and one count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Sept. 18, 2024. In March 2024, Preacher was charged by criminal complaint.
Since 2018, Preacher worked fulltime as a manufacturing supervisor at a Rhode Island facility operated by a company that sells luxury items, including jewelry made from gold, silver and platinum. Preacher used his position to steal precious metals from the company’s facility in Rhode Island and then sell the metals to various businesses in Massachusetts.
Specifically, from in or about March 2020 to March 2023, Preacher sold precious metals to a Canton-based metals dealer roughly one to two times per month – with sales to that dealer alone totaling more than $1 million. Preacher’s sales of stolen metals included $50,521 in 18-carat gold in March 2020; $21,821 in 18-carat gold, “platinum scrap” and “sterling” in April 2021; and $30,939 in platinum in January 2022.
Preacher also sold more than $177,000 in stolen precious metals to a separate metals dealer in West Bridgewater between on or about May 16, 2023 and Nov. 16, 2023. This included gold sheets used by Preacher’s employer, which Preacher stole and sold, along with other gold scrap, for nearly $21,000.
On March 1, 2024, approximately 30 minutes into his shift, Preacher was captured on company security cameras stealing a piece of white gold “flat stock,” measuring approximately an inch in diameter and approximately as thick as a quarter, valued at roughly $2,200.
Precious metal in scrap form were located and seized during a search of Preacher’s home on March 14, 2024.
The charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the monetary gain or loss, whichever is more, and the charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the laundered funds. 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 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 Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Little Rock Man Who Illegally Possessed Firearm Sentenced to over 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Christopher Charles Mathis, a multi-convicted felon, will spend more than sixteen years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
On February 13, 2024, Mathis, 43, of Little Rock, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Today, Judge Moody sentenced Mathis to 195 months in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by three years of supervised released. Mathis, a felon with multiple violent felony convictions, was indicted on May 3, 2023, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Classified as an armed career criminal, Mathis’ sentence was based on the offense as well as his documented violent criminal history. The maximum penalty Mathis faced was not less than 15 years to life in prison, no more than five years on supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 22, 2022, officers from the Little Rock Police Department responded to an apartment complex in the 5000 block of West 65th Street in Little Rock, after receiving a 911 call about a man openly carrying a firearm. Upon arrival, officers spoke with witnesses who identified Mathis as the person carrying the firearm. A witness stated that Mathis did not live at the apartment complex, had previously made threats toward him, and was banned from the complex. Mathis was located on the property and taken into custody. A maintenance man located the firearm behind nearby dumpsters on the property, and witnesses confirmed that it was the same firearm they observed Mathis carrying.
Mathis has prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as prior convictions for residential burglary, domestic battery of a pregnant woman, terroristic threatening, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Little Rock Police Department.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
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Lincoln Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Stacey Vanarsdale, 37, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Vanarsdale to 132 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Vanarsdale’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release.
On August 10, 2022, Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (LLCNTF) served a search warrant, at the home of Stacey Vanarsdale. Vanarsdale was contacted outside and taken into custody. A co-defendant, Alphonso Johnson, Jr. was found in a bedroom within the residence. In the bedroom closet, investigators located a total of 365.9 grams of suspected meth, which was separated in 12-ounce quantity baggies. In the closet was $217.00 in U.S. currency and other illegal narcotics.
Law enforcement additionally downloaded and reviewed both Vanarsdale’s and Johnson’s personal cell phones. Text messages located on both devices indicated that Johnson directed people to meet with him or Vanarsdale at the apartment, for the purpose of selling drugs, and that they worked in concert to distribute these drugs.
The suspected meth was sent to the lab, and the lab determined that there was about 346.35 grams of meth, of which at least 180 grams was actual meth. The co-defendant, Alphonso Johnson, Jr., was previously sentenced to 132 months’ (11 years) imprisonment on March 1, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (LLCNTF).
Level-2 Sex Offender Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea man was sentenced yesterday for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Lasall Johnson, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
“Mr. Johnson’s incredibly dangerous predatory actions perpetuated the exploitation and abuse of the most vulnerable members of our society. The sentence imposed not only removes a threat from our communities but also sends a clear and unequivocal message to other potential offenders that possessing child sexual abuse material comes with grave and severe consequences,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Possessing child pornography is far from a victimless crime. Each image and video represents a real child who has been horrifically victimized, and consuming and distributing this material contributes to a cycle of abuse that leaves lasting scars on victims. Our office remains steadfastly committed to protecting children from such predators. This sentence is a reflection of our unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our communities, particularly the children who depend on us for protection.”
“Johnson secretly hoarded hundreds of images depicting the sexual abuse of innocent children until HSI investigators discovered that he shared those horrific images on a file sharing network available to users who sought them out. This sentence ensures that our communities are safer with him in federal prison,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI works tirelessly to bring to justice those who possess and distribute child sexual abuse imagery. Each image immortalizes the trauma of a child and we will do everything possible to stop the consumers who create the demand for this abuse.”
In or about June 2021, an investigation into a peer-to-peer file sharing program identified Johnson as the owner of an IP address distributing large quantities of CSAM files. On more than 85 occasions ranging from approximately June 2021 to April 2022, that IP address was offering to share suspected CSAM torrent files. During a search of Johnson’s rented bedroom, six electronic devices were seized including three cellphones, two thumb drives and an electronic tablet. A subsequent forensic analysis located approximately 341 image and video files depicting the sexual abuse of children across three of the seized devices, including files depicting victims as young as four years old.
In 1989, Johnson was convicted in Norfolk County Superior Court of two counts of assault to rape, for which he received a 20-year state prison sentence with two years committed and the balance suspended for 18 years. As a result of those convictions, Johnson is a Level-2 registered sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HSI SAC Krol and Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Leader of Brooklyn-Based Ninedee Gang Convicted of Racketeering and the Murder of a Former Government WitnessRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Brooklyn today returned a guilty verdict against Maliek Miller, a leader of the Ninedee Gang, a violent criminal enterprise operating out of the Louis H. Pink Houses in East New York, on all counts of a second superseding indictment charging him with racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in-aid-of racketeering, murder in-aid-of racketeering, unlawful use and possession of firearms, causing death through the use of firearms, being a felon in possession of ammunition and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. The verdict followed a four-week trial before United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. When sentenced, Miller faces a mandatory term of life in prison.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict.
“Today’s verdict is momentous because it holds Miller accountable for orchestrating a cowardly plot to kill a woman who bravely stood up to his Ninedee Gang, and it upholds the rule of law for the residents of the Pink Houses who just want to go about their lives and raise their children without the plague of violence and danger inflicted on them by ruthless criminals like the defendant,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The verdict ensures that Miller will spend the rest of his life in prison, which I hope provides some measure of solace to the family of Shatavia Walls.”
“The perceived need for revenge never justifies murder. In 2020, Maliek Miller ordered the heinous killing of Shatavia Walls - who testified against Miller's gang - to send a message to residents in the Louis H. Pink Houses not to cooperate with law enforcement. There is no place for such egregious violence in our city, especially when used in retaliation to incite fear. May today's conviction offer some closure to Shatavia Walls's family and serve as a deterrent to gangs who use violent tactics in furtherance of their criminal activity,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
“Today’s guilty verdict is another step toward eradicating gang violence in New York City,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “The NYPD will continue to partner with the FBI and everyone at the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District to present solid cases for prosecution, to secure meaningful federal prison sentences, and to deliver justice for victims, their families, and our communities.”
As proven at trial, Ninedee Gang members are affiliated with the “5” and “6” Pink Houses apartment buildings and have engaged in ongoing gang-related violence within and outside of the New York City Housing Authority complex. The Ninedee Gang’s main rivalry, dating back over a decade, is against the “7” and “8” buildings in the Pink Houses. Ninedee Gang protects its turf through violence, makes money by selling drugs and committing fraud and seeks to silence anyone who they perceive to be working with law enforcement.
The murder of former government witness, Shatavia Walls, was coordinated by Miller and other Ninedee Gang members as part of that ongoing gang rivalry. Specifically, the victim was targeted by the Ninedee Gang because of her affiliation with the “7” and “8” buildings associated with the Makk Baller Brims gang and because she had previously testified at a federal criminal trial against a Ninedee associate in the Eastern District of New York. Prior to her testimony, fliers had been posted around the Pink Houses stating, “Shatavia Been a Rat And She Still Ratting.”
On July 4, 2020, Ms. Walls and others were involved in a physical altercation with members of Ninedee, including Miller’s cousin, for lighting fireworks around young children. Miller went to the scene of the altercation, called Ms. Walls a “snitch,” fought with Ms. Walls and fired a shot in the air. Following the altercation, Miller agreed with other Ninedee Gang members to kill Ms. Walls, and set a plan to do so in motion.
On July 7, 2020, Walls was spotted by a Ninedee Gang hit team, who chased her down a path at the Pink Houses. She was shot numerous times by Ninedee Gang members Quintin Green and Joe Santana. Ninedee Gang member Shakur Bey destroyed the clothing that Green and Santana wore during the shooting by throwing the items down an incinerator chute. Ninedee Gang member Kevin Wint, who was not present at the murder, rented a hotel room at a Best Western Hotel near John F. Kennedy International Airport to provide a place where the shooters could hide out overnight. Ms. Walls died of her injuries ten days later.
Green, Santana, and Bey have pleaded guilty to their roles in the murder and are currently awaiting sentencing. Wint pleaded guilty in March 2023 and was later sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean, Margaret Schierberl and Irisa Chen are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Elizabeth Reed and with the assistance of Intelligence Analyst Eungee Hwang and Intelligence Specialist Ashley Hinkson.
The Defendant:
MALIEK MILLER
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
SHAKUR BEY (also known as “Speedy)
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New YorkQUINTIN GREEN (also known as “Wild Child”)
Age: 23
Brooklyn, New YorkJOE SANTANA (also known as “Baby Joe”)
Age: 20
Brooklyn, New YorkKEVIN WINT (also known as “Kev G”)
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-331 (LDH)
Laurel Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Ship Stolen Cars to West AfricaRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Rodley Balthazar, age 30, a Haitian citizen residing in Laurel, Maryland, to 37 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen motor vehicles and receipt and possession of stolen motor vehicles.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Port of Baltimore Director Adam Rottman of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Colonel Joseph F. Scott.
According to his plea agreement, between approximately September 2019 and June 2022, Balthazar worked with others to fraudulently rent vehicles from Hertz, Avis, and other car rental companies at locations in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, and elsewhere. Balthazar was able to rent these cars using false identifications and credit cards.
The vehicles would then be transported to Maryland where they would be loaded onto large cargo shipping containers and taken to the Port of Baltimore. Then, using false declaration forms and other paperwork to conceal the containers’ contents, the containers with rental vehicles inside would be exported to West Africa via cargo ship where the vehicles could be sold.
Law enforcement is aware of more than 40 vehicles that Balthazar and his co-conspirators either exported or attempted to export to West Africa.
Co-conspirator Jonathan Davis, age 39, of Laurel, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of stolen vehicles and was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison. A third co-conspirator, Abdul Karim Turay Jr. has pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2024.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the HSI Border Enforcement Security Task Force and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Timothy F. Hagan who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Lansing Man Sentenced in Federal Gun CaseRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that 48-year-old Lansing resident, Tom Allen Manuel, was sentenced to 57 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On December 19, 2023, Manuel was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm knowing it had an obliterated serial number. Manuel pled guilty to the first charge on February 6, 2024.
“Mr. Manuel has a 30-year record of violent criminal behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “He has blatantly disregarded the law and repeatedly committed crimes while serving his sentence for past offenses. The people of Lansing deserve protection from such conduct, and my office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to help keep our communities safe from violent offenders.”
The grand jury charged Manuel with carrying a loaded pistol on October 27, 2023. At the time, he was a convicted felon. Manuel had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for violating bond on a pending armed robbery charge in Lansing Circuit Court. The District Court imposed a longer sentence than usual because Manuel has a 30-year criminal record for violent crime and the Court was concerned that he remained a danger to the community.
“Accountability matters. Tom Manuel is a convicted serial violent offender who knowingly possessed an illegal firearm.” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Manuel is going to have a lot of free time to reflect on his consistent track record of illegal activity. Our community is a safer place today with Mr. Manuel off the streets.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United Sates Attorney Timothy VerHey, and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Lansing Police Department.
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June Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Adam Alshekhly. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Alshekhly, 27, transient, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition knowing he was previously convicted of several felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele W. Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-177
Ronald Buckley Jr.; Terrance Vohn Morrow. Robbery in Indian Country (Count 1); Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Counts 2 & 5); Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery (Count 3); Hobbs Act Robbery (Count 4). Buckley, 38, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with taking property of value by force and using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Buckley and Morrow, 40, of Kinta, are further charged with affecting interstate commerce by robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff's Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen J. Flynn and Kenneth Elmore are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-174
Dakota Austin Clark. Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. Clark, 23, of Grove and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with possessing visual images depicting the sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old. The FBI and Grove Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-179
Fabian Cobos Carpena. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Carpena, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Jul. 2013, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele W. Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-173
Jacob Andres Gutierrez. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Gutierrez, 25, of transient and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with breaking into an occupied dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele W. Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-176
Lerontez Sherod Hill; Bobbe Gene Taylor; Tashonna Leigh Anderson; Walter Jay Johnson; Kemareay Keishion Green; Jeremiah Hamlin. Kidnapping; Hobbs Act Robbery; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (second superseding). Hill, 38, of Tulsa; Taylor, 25, of Tulsa; Anderson, 36, of Bixby; Johnson, 26, of Tulsa; Green, 25, of Atoka; and Hamlin, 40 of Tulsa, are charged with kidnapping and robbery in Aug. 2021. They are further charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and in relation to robbery. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and John Brahser are prosecuting the case. 23-CR-318
Michael Vincent Martin. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country (Count 1); Abusive Sexual Contact by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Count 2); Tampering with a Witness by Intimidation, Threats, and Corrupt Persuasion (Counts 3 & 7); Sexual Abuse Without Consent in Indian Country (Count 4); Cyberstalking (Count 5); Tampering with a Witness by Intimidation, Threats, and Corrupt Persuasion (Count 6). Martin, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with assault by strangulation of an intimate dating partner, engaging in sexual contact by force or threat, and without consent. Martin is further charged with attempting to influence and prevent the tribal victim from testifying and communicating with law enforcement. Additionally, he is charged with cyberstalking. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-180
Eliseo Morales-Lopez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Morales-Lopez, 28, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Mar. 2015, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-172
Lazaro Nonthe-Calvio. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Nonthe-Calvio, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Apr. 2020, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-181
Brandon Parada-Reyes. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Parada-Reyes, 27, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Feb. 2023, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-182
Mateo Pinto-Gomez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Pinto-Gomez, 35, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Feb. 2019, at or near Nogales, Arizona. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-183
Walther Fabian De La Cruz Rodriguez. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (Counts 1 & 2); Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 3 & 4); Production of Child Pornography (Count 5). Rodriguez, 29, a Mexican national, is charged with coercing and enticing two child victims to engage in sexual activity. He is further charged with engaging in sexual acts with two child victims under the age of 16. Additionally, Rodriguez coerced and enticed a child victim to record a video depicting sexually explicit conduct. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Kate Brandon are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-175
Clifton Clay Warren. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country; Attempted Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Warren, 35, of Lawton and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with strangling and suffocating an intimate dating partner. He is further charged with attempting to kidnap his victim. Additionally, Warren is charged with assault that resulted in serious bodily injury. The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-171
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Jessie Michael Collins will spend 35 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
On January 23, 2024, Collins, 32, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of child pornography. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Collins to a lifetime of supervised released. Collins, who had a pending state charge for possession of child pornography, was indicted on April 5, 2023, on two counts of distribution of child pornography. The maximum penalty Collins faced was not less than five years and not more than 20 years in prison on each count and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that Collins used an online chat application to talk to others about sexually exploiting children. Through this online chat application, Collins would engage in conversations about sexually abusing children. He also would receive, view, and share sexually explicit photographs of children with other members in the group. At one point, Collins stated to an undercover agent that he had sexually abused a 12-year-old and, “Lol a 12yo ever since her I’ve wanted younger I know I can’t just go pick one up as hot as that would be[.]”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant.
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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
Hot Springs Woman Sentenced to more than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS - A Hot Springs woman was sentenced yesterday to 235 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More Than 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court documents, beginning in April of 2021 and into May of 2021, Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted two (2) separate controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Melissa Kay Lane, age 46, in the Western District of Arkansas, Hot Springs Division. The suspected methamphetamine from both controlled purchases was submitted to the DEA Southeast Laboratory and determined to be a total of 219.13 grams, or approximately 8 ounces, of pure methamphetamine.
In September of 2021, Lane was arrested on outstanding drug warrants issued by the State of Texas. Subsequent to her arrest, it was determined that Lane was in possession of over seven (7) kilograms, or approximately 15.5 pounds, of methamphetamine at her residence.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance from the Hot Springs Police Department and the 18th East Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted 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.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Harrison Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting and Abusing a 5-Year-Old FemaleRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Harrison man was sentenced yesterday to 660 months imprisonment without the possibility of parole on two (2) Counts of Sexually Exploiting a Minor via the Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.
According to Court documents, in July of 2023, a five-year old female disclosed to her mother that Aaron Micheal Ricketts, age 32, had been sexually abusing her. The minor subsequently disclosed in a forensic interview that Ricketts had also taken nude pictures of her. Law enforcement with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office later arrested Ricketts and seized his cellular phone. A subsequent forensic examination of the cellular phone revealed multiple sexually explicit images and videos documenting Rickett’s sexual abuse of the minor starting when she was four years old. At sentencing, the United States presented the Court with evidence that Ricketts also distributed images of the minor on the internet and solicited images from other purported minors in exchange.
U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harrison Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Harrison County Man Admits to Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brock Corel Pearson, 42, of Meadowbrook, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
According to court documents, Pearson was found with an unregistered short-barreled shotgun in Harrison County.
Pearson faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Guilty Verdict for District Man on Aggravated Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tyrone Johnson, 43, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty yesterday by a Superior Court jury of aggravated assault while armed and related charges, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The verdict followed a two-week trial before Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo. The jury also found Johnson guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during each of those crimes of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm. Judge Demeo scheduled sentencing for September 6, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, at around 5:40 a.m. on August 30, 2022, Johnson entered Starburst Plaza, located at the intersection of Benning Road NE and Bladensburg Road NE, and asked the victim if he could buy a cigarette from him. The victim did not have any cigarettes and told Johnson “no.” Johnson then told the victim to, “Give it up,” before taking out a handgun. Johnson then fired multiple times at the victim at close range, hitting him in his midsection. Johnson then ran into a nearby apartment complex. Police later identified Johnson through review of video surveillance, GPS records, and ballistics evidence that linked Johnson to this shooting and one committed one week before this offense.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
This case was prosecuted at trial by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Travis Wolf and Matthew Goldstein.
Guam Drug Dealer Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Ian David Waki, age 48, from Guam was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment for Possession of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.
On July 7, 2023, officers with the Guam Police Department attempted to stop a stolen Ford Fl50 truck. A police pursuit ended on a dead-end road in a jungle area. Waki was found sitting in the driver's seat of the truck. After being told to shut off the engine, Waki revved the vehicle and then fled on foot. Officers apprehended him a short distance away following a brief struggle.
Officers recovered a partially open wallet containing bags of methamphetamine, MDMA, and a cellphone just outside the vehicle. A wallet with more bags of methamphetamine, amphetamine pills, $1,069 in currency, and Waki’s driver's license were located within the vehicle. The DEA Southwest Laboratory determined the substances contained 105.6 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 97 percent.
“I applaud the efforts by GPD officers throughout this investigation,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “This case once again highlights the dangers officers face during traffic stops. Fortunately, this matter had a good outcome for our communities.”
This investigation was conducted by the Guam Police Department with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Devarup Rastogi, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.
Ghost Gun and Ammunition Land Convicted Felon Back in Prison for 65 MonthsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mark Harris, 27, a previously convicted felon from Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 65 months in prison for possessing three different firearms between June 1 and November 2, 2023, one which was an untraceable “ghost gun,” and more than 150 rounds of ammunition. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police.
Harris, aka “Romilli,” pleaded guilty on February 29, 2024, to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered Harris to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2023, law enforcement learned of an Instagram live stream posted by Harris in which he produced a black handgun and stated something to the effect of “crack a (explicit) head with this joint.” Based on the post, Harris’s prior felony conviction and his location in the District at the time of the posting, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for his residence.
On June 1, 2023, law enforcement executed the search warrant. In Harris’s bedroom under the mattress, law enforcement seized a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with no serial number (a privately manufactured firearm or “ghost gun”) and an extended magazine with 12 rounds of ammunition and one bullet in the chamber. Inside a closet, law enforcement recovered a Palmetto PA-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 42-round capacity magazine. In addition, they found more than 133 rounds of assorted silver and bronze ammunition; ammunition in four boxes under the bed; 10 bottles of promethazine, and two bags of white powdery substance in a small safe.
Despite the execution of the search warrant on June 1, by June 30 Harris again went on Instagram to post images of additional firearms in his possession. On October 4, 2023, Harris publicly posted to his Instagram account a YouTube music video for his song “Add It Up,” in which he is depicted holding a firearm with an extended magazine and a “giggle switch” used to convert the weapon into a fully automatic machine gun. On November 2, 2023, law enforcement again executed a search warrant at Harris’s residence. This time, they found Harris in his bedroom, where they recovered: a stolen black .40 caliber Glock 22 pistol with a 15-round capacity magazine containing 14 rounds and one round in the chamber; 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition from a dresser drawer; various prescription forms contained within a bag on the floor; and two empty promethazine bottles next to the bed. Law enforcement arrested Harris and he has remained in custody since his arrest.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration- Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department with valuable assistance from the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sitara Witanachchi of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Washington D.C. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Crosby.
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Galvion to Pay $2,495,000 to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Galvion, Ltd. (Galvion) has agreed to pay $2,495,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act through the knowing sale of non-conforming parts to the United States Department of Defense.
Galvion is headquartered in Montreal, Canada with three production facilities located in the United States, including one in Newport, Vermont. Galvion manufactures protective head systems for use by law enforcement and military personnel, including the United States military. Among the company’s products is the modular suspension system (MSS), a helmet insert.
Through prime vendors, the company sold MSS products to the United States under the Defense Logistics Agency’s Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistic Support (SOE TLS) Program, which requires that textiles be sourced from the United States in accordance with the Berry Amendment. The government’s investigation revealed that between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019, the company used a non-domestic source of pads in the MSS products sold through the SOE TLS program, as well as a foreign source of nets and harnesses for some orders.
Galvion has acknowledged that employees with oversight of material sourcing, product operations, and/or product sales during this period were aware that certain components in these orders needed to be sourced from the United States and that non-compliant components nevertheless were used. The government alleges that these acts violated the False Claims Act, a civil fraud statute that prohibits the knowing submission of false claims to the government.
“Fraud by government contractors and subcontractors is a serious issue and can erode the integrity of government programs,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “By selling improperly sourced products to the military, the company placed profits over compliance with clear regulations. This settlement demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to root out fraud among companies who do business with the government.”
“The introduction of non-compliant materials into the military supply chain poses a significant risk to our nation’s service members,” stated Brian J. Solecki, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, to ensure that individuals and companies who engage in fraudulent activity, at the expense of the Department of Defense, are held accountable for their actions.”
“This settlement further demonstrates the resolve of Army CID, and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army,” stated Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly, of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office.
During the period in question, the MSS was a product of Revision Military Ltd (Revision); in September 2019, Revision’s owner sold the company and certain product lines but retained the protective head system business, which thereafter operated as Galvion.
To resolve the claims against it, Galvion has agreed to pay to the United States a total of $2,495,000. This amount reflects Galvion’s acceptance of responsibility, cooperation with the government investigation, and compliance measures Galvion implemented after 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Almquist Lively handled this matter for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Investigative support was provided by the United States Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
This investigation stemmed from a complaint made to the DLA Hotline related to the origin of materials used in the company’s MSS products. The government encourages individuals with information on potential fraud to report it, as complaints and hotline tips often play a key role in holding companies accountable. To report fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement impacting DLA, contact the DLA Hotline by completing the online form at https://www.dla.mil/Inspector-General/Hotline-Form/. You can also report concerns to [email protected] or call 1-800-411-9127. Requests for confidentiality will be honored to the full extent allowed by law.
The settlement agreement between the United States and Galvion is available at this link:
Galvion Settlement Agreement.
Four Men Charged with Carjacking and Kidnapping Resulting in Death of A South Florida WomanRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Jordanish Torres Garcia (28, Orlando), Kevin Ocasio Justiniano (27, Orlando), Giovany Crespo Hernandez (27, Orlando), and Dereck Alexis Rodriguez Bonilla (21, Orlando),with carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing the death of K.A. If convicted on all counts, Torres Garcia, Ocasio Justiniano, Crespo Hernandez, and Rodriguez Bonilla face a minimum mandatory of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
According to the indictment, on April 11, 2024, Torres Garcia, Ocasio Justiniano, Crespo Hernandez, and Rodriguez Bonilla aided and abetted each other and others to carjack and kidnap K.A, resulting in the death of K.A. While committing the carjacking, Torres Garcia, Ocasio Justiniano, Crespo Hernandez, and Rodriguez Bonilla aided and abetted each other in the use of a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking causing the death of K.A.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, St. Cloud Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshal Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie McNeff and Dana Hill.
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.
Video statement from U.S. Attorney Handberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEz8M45kGqE
Former Vice President and employee of Florida aircraft parts broker sentenced to prison for aircraft parts fraudRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On May 28, Daniel Navarro, 50, of Miami Lakes, Florida, the former Vice President of Sofly Aviation Services (Sofly), an aviation parts distribution company, and Jorge Guerrero, 71, of Hialeah, Florida, a Procurement & Asset Management Specialist for Sofly, were sentenced to federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
U.S. District Senior Judge Federico A. Moreno sentenced Navarro to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 36 months of supervised release; and sentenced Guerrero to 12 months and 1 day in prison, to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. Navarro and Guerrero were ordered to pay no less than $204,055 in joint and several restitution. A $93,309.22 forfeiture order was placed on Navarro’s property.
According to court records, beginning in 2012 and continuing into 2019, Navarro and Guerrero purchased “as removed” aircraft parts and resold them using certificates that falsely claimed the parts to be airworthy under the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The fraudulent approval tags represented those “as removed” parts to be overhauled, tested/inspected or repaired, which misled their buyers into believing them to be airworthy. Most often, Navarro and Guerrero would use an FAA approved repair station’s FAA certificate number to falsely certify the part to have been overhauled, tested/inspected or repaired by that repair station, when in fact they never were. According to the court documents, those parts were sold to Canadian airlines and a U.S. Department of Defense contractor.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent-in-Charge Darrin K. Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office, and Joseph Harris, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG), Southern Region announced the sentences imposed.
DOT OIG conducted this investigation jointly with DCIS and with assistance from the FAA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Keller prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Klco handled asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under Case No. 23-CR-20416.
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Former Takeda Employee Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in $2.3 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former senior level employee in the technology operations group of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in a scheme to defraud the company of at least $2.3 million.
Priya Bhambi, 40, of Brookline, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Bhambi and an alleged co-conspirator, who did not work at the company, were charged in an indictment filed on March 23, 2023.
Between approximately January 2022 and October 2022, Bhambi and her alleged co-conspirator orchestrated and executed a scheme to defraud Takeda of at least $2.3 million in payments for purported consulting services by submitting fabricated invoices on behalf of a sham consulting company.
In February 2022, the co-conspirator, in coordination with Bhambi, allegedly incorporated Evoluzione Consulting LLC (Evoluzione). Later, Bhambi created a website for Evoluzione with false information, including fabricated blog posts, to make it appear that Evoluzione was a legitimate consulting business. After incorporating Evoluzione, Bhambi, allegedly in coordination with the co-conspirator, submitted a statement of work to Takeda and caused Takeda to sign a master services agreement with Evoluzione and issue a purchase order to Evoluzione for consulting services with a total cost of $3.542 million. Then, between March and May of 2022, Bhambi and the alleged co-conspirator fabricated and submitted to Takeda five separate invoices for services that Evoluzione had not performed, each in the amount of $460,000. When questioned by Takeda employees, Bhambi and the alleged co-conspirator made false representations regarding the services purportedly provided by Evoluzione. Takeda paid all five of the invoices to business accounts allegedly opened by the alleged co-conspirator in the name of Evoluzione.
In total, Bhambi and the alleged co-conspirator defrauded Takeda of $2.3 million in payments to Evoluzione for services not provided. Bhambi and her alleged co-conspirator used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a Mercedes-Benz Model E; purchase a diamond engagement ring; make a down payment on a $1.875 million condominium in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood; and place a deposit on a wedding venue.
In connection with the charges, the Court issued seizure warrants for the Mercedes, over $1 million in fraud proceeds from accounts the defendants controlled, $49,985 from the wedding venue deposit and issued a restraining order to preserve the Seaport condominium for forfeiture.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud carry a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement today. Takeda has provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie A. Wright of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is handling the forfeiture of aspects of the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Records to Obstruct A Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wesley Wayne Hunter, Jr. age 28, of Yukon, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation.
The Government’s Superseding Indictment alleged that on July 20, 2023, while on duty in his official capacity as a Canadian County Sheriff’s Deputy, Hunter purposefully deactivated the mobile tracking system on his work phone, altering and falsifying the official record of his activities. As part of his plea, Hunter admitted to deactivating the mobile tracking system while transporting a female pretrial detainee from Bryan County to Canadian County before pulling his patrol car off the transport route. Hunter further admitted he did this to conceal and impede any future investigation into his subsequent criminal misconduct.
The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John Russell, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Hunter will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending a presentence investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Richard Lorenz, in consultation with Trial Attorney Laura Gilson from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, represented the United States.
Former Sanger Police Officer Charged with Additional Civil Rights Violation Involving Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
FRESNO, CALIF — A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging former Sanger police officer J. Deshawn Torrence, 40, of Corcoran, with an additional count of deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law for sexually assaulting a woman with whom he interacted during the course of his duties.
Torrence was previously indicted in July 2022. At that time, he was charged with engaging in various forms of nonconsensual sexual conduct, ranging from directing a victim to remove her clothing without a legitimate law enforcement purpose to forcing his victims to engage in sex acts, all while serving as a police officer. The superseding indictment adds a charge involving an additional victim. According to the indictment, Torrence sexually assaulted the additional victim after locking her in his patrol vehicle and driving her to an isolated location.
U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar and Special Litigation Counsel Michael Songer of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Torrence faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for the counts of deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury, including sexual abuse. He faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law, and he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of deprivation of rights under the color of law resulting in bodily injury. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Public Official Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Honest Services FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Bridgette Crowell, a former public official who managed government contracts at the District of Columbia’s Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) and, before that, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), pleaded guilty today for participating in a scheme in which she reaped benefits from steering lucrative government contracts to her co-conspirators' private companies.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Acting Inspector General Kevin B. Muhlendorf of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Office of Inspector General, and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.
Crowell, 39, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal Information charging her with conspiracy to commit wire and honest services fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan scheduled sentencing for September 6, 2024.
In a related case, Obinna Ogbu, 52, of Silver Spring, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire and honest services fraud for his conduct as an employee at WMATA and his actions with Crowell at OCP. In another matter, Ifediora Oli, 41, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was previously charged with conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“The defendants have admitted to a corrupt scheme where government contracts were steered to companies that unlawfully paid government officials in connection with the contracts,” said US Attorney Graves. “Such corruption of our government agencies will not be tolerated. We commend the diligent work of our investigative partners who helped uncover a multiyear conspiracy to defraud WMATA, the District of Columbia, and the District’s citizens.”
“Crowell misused her position to steer lucrative contracts to private companies, and in return, she received cash payments and a new car,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott. “The FBI Washington Field Office, in coordination with our federal and district partners, worked tirelessly to unmask this scheme, and we will continue to investigate allegations of criminal activity that degrade community trust in our public servants."
“These guilty pleas highlight WMATA OIG’s commitment to investigating procurement fraud impacting WMATA activities,” said Acting Inspector General Muhlendorf. “The OIG will continue to work with our investigative partners to pursue those who violate the public’s trust for personal gain.”
“These judicial outcomes highlight the unfortunate fact that taxpayers become the victim when government employees and contractors collude to enrich themselves unjustly,” said Inspector General Lucas. “The DC OIG and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our shared commitment to hold accountable those who seek to deprive District residents of the benefits of their tax dollars.”
According to court documents, Crowell began working at the District’s Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) in 2019 as a contracting specialist. Before that, she worked at WMATA as a contract administrator. Crowell first met her co-conspirators when working at WMATA. Ogbu was a WMATA employee. Oli was an employee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but separately held himself out as the Principal of Highbury Global Group, Inc. (Highbury). By 2021, Crowell understood that her co-conspirators had orchestrated a bribery scheme in which Ogbu received things of value for misusing his position at WMATA and steering WMATA-related business opportunities to Oli and Highbury.
While at OCP, Crowell agreed to steer government contracts to Highbury and another company created by Ogbu, The Nupath Company (Nupath), in exchange for things of value. Crowell misused her official position at OCP by, among other things: alerting her co-conspirators to upcoming solicitations; providing them with non-public information about the solicitations, including information regarding contract pricing; helping Highbury and Nupath secure government contracts; and taking multiple steps to conceal her personal connections to Highbury and Nupath.
Crowell’s misconduct led to Highbury obtaining a $630,000 contract with the District to provide the District’s Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) with COVID-19 Testing Supplies; Nupath receiving a $27,000 contract to provide the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with certain equipment; and Nupath being awarded a nearly $850,000 contract to provide MPD with assistance carrying out pre-employment suitability background investigations for officer candidates. For her official actions and participation in the fraudulent schemes, Crowell received things of value from her co-conspirators, including as much as $10,000 cash per month, a new car, and assistance with closing costs for a new home.
As part of his guilty plea, Ogbu admitted that his misconduct began in 2018 and ultimately resulted in Highbury and Nupath receiving roughly $2 million in funds originating from WMATA and District contracts.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with the WMATA Office of the Inspector General, and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Visser of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Former Postal Employee Charged with Stealing Checks from Mail; Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging KIERRA BLOUNT, 34, of Stamford, with fraud, identity theft, and mail theft offenses.
The indictment was returned on March 26, 2024, and unsealed yesterday. Blount is currently being sought by law enforcement.
The indictment alleges that Blount, at times while employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Stamford, stole mail and obtained stolen mail for the purpose of obtaining checks that were payable to other individuals. In approximately November 2021, Blount opened a bank account using the name and social security number of an individual without the identity theft victim’s knowledge. Blount and others fraudulently changed the payee names on stolen checks to the name of the identity theft victim, forged the victim’s signature on the back of the checks, and deposited them into the bank account Blount opened. From November 2021 until the account was closed in April 2022, Blount and others deposited tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks into the account. They then used the funds for their own purposes.
The indictment charges Blount with eight count of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years; and one count of unlawful possession of stolen mail, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.
Former Fresno Sleep Clinic Owner Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Submitting over $1.5 Million in Fraudulent Claims for Sleep Studies to Medicare and Medi-CalRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jeremy Gober, 43, of Hanford, was sentenced to 46 months in prison Wednesday for committing health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Gober co-owned and co-operated Got Sleep Inc., which operated sleep clinics in Fresno and Orange Counties. Sleep clinics perform diagnostic sleep studies to identify disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
From August 2016 through July 2020, Jeremy Gober caused Got Sleep to submit thousands of claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal for sleep studies that were not actually performed on patients. The claims also falsely stated that the patients had been referred for the sleep studies by physicians with whom Jeremy Gober had previously worked. This was done because Medicare and Medi-Cal will not pay for a sleep study unless the patient was referred by a physician. Gober caused more than $1.5 million in fraudulent claims to be submitted and $587,000 to be paid out by Medicare and Medi-Cal.
On March 11, 2024, Jeremy Gober’s brother, Travis Gober, was sentenced to 19 months in prison for his conviction in a similar health care fraud and aggravated identity theft scheme related to other sleep clinics in the Central Valley.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.
Former Federal Credit Union Employee Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced defendant Jalen Craig McMillan, age 30, of Jessup, Maryland to 54 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and restitution of $165,891.68.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Christina Bentham of the U.S. Secret Service – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the evidence presented at his four-day trial, McMillan used his position as a “Member Service Representative” at a federal credit union to facilitate both the opening of accounts in the names of identity theft victims and subsequent financial transactions, including assisting with loans. As detailed at trial and in court documents, co-defendant Archie Paul and his co-conspirators obtained, possessed, and used fictitious identities and the personal identifying information (“PII”) of real persons (the “victims”), which Paul and co-defendant John Fitzgerald Washington used to manufacture and procure false identification documents displaying the PII of the victims, but photographs of others. Paul, co-defendant Tiffany Rainel Williams and others then used the false identification documents to impersonate the victims and with the help of McMillan and other conspirators, open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions in their names, including making large withdrawals from the victims’ accounts.
In addition to the conspiracy and bank fraud charges, McMillan was convicted of aggravated identity theft for providing the identifying information of a bank customer to Paul, knowing that it would be used to facilitate the fraud. Specifically, the evidence proved that McMillan used his special access to the bank’s customer database to steal confidential PII belonging to Victim 5, a customer at the bank. McMillan provided that information to Paul. A co-conspirator subsequently opened a bank account using Victim 4’s PII and Victim 5’s banking information. McMillan serviced the transaction and assisted the co-conspirator in obtaining a $10,000 loan in Victim 4’s name, which the co-conspirator immediately withdrew in cash.
Trial evidence proved that the conspirators intended to fraudulently obtain more than $400,000 from the bank and successfully defrauded the bank of more than $150,000.
Co-defendants Archie Paul, a/k/a “Carter Hill” and “Zion Davis,” age 31, of Laurel, Maryland; John Fitzgerald Washington, age 52, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Tiffany Rainel Williams, age 37, of Glenarden, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and have been sentenced.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the U.S. Secret Service for its work in the investigation and thanked the City of Laurel Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Bijon Mostoufi and Ranganath Manthripragada, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Former Director at New York City Mayor’s Office Arrested for Participating in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of TOMMY LIN in connection with a scheme to steal millions of dollars from financial institutions, which resulted in the theft of over $10 million. LIN was arrested this morning and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. LIN was charged in a Superseding Indictment along with ZHONG SHI GAO, a/k/a “George,” and FEI JIANG, a/k/a “Jeffrey,” a/k/a “Brother Fei,” who were previously arrested in November 2023. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Tommy Lin allegedly participated in a complex bank fraud scheme while also serving as a Director in the New York City Mayor’s Office and Senior Advisor to the NYPD’s Asian Advisory Council. Leveraging his connections to law enforcement, he allegedly leaked personal identifying information to members of the scheme, ran background checks for them, and even arranged for federal immigration authorities to arrest an individual in exchange for $20,000 in cash. I thank the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners for their persistence in investigating this fraudulent and corrupt scheme.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Tommy Lin, a former director in the Mayor’s Office, allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud more than a dozen financial institutions of at least $10 million by submitting illegitimate fraud reports to force the banks to reimburse them. To facilitate this conspiracy, Lin allegedly assisted members of the scheme in running background checks and accepted a significant cash bribe to arrange the arrest of a slighted accountholder by immigration authorities. Those in municipal offices are expected to conduct themselves with rectitude and obedience to the law, not engage in the purposeful manipulation of our economic infrastructure. The FBI is committed to ensuring all citizens, especially those in positions of authority, adhere to financial regulations and will investigate individuals who seek to profit from fraudulent plots.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
LIN previously served as the Director of Constituent Services in the Community Affairs Unit for the New York City Mayor’s Office between in or about 2014 and in or about 2019. As part of his responsibilities in the New York City Mayor’s Office, LIN served as a Senior Advisor to the New York City Police Department’s Asian Advisory Council.
Between at least in or about 2018 and in or about 2022, LIN participated in a scheme with GAO, JIANG, and others to steal millions of dollars from banks by causing transfers of funds between accounts they controlled, then falsely and fraudulently reporting that the transfers were unauthorized, which induced the financial institutions to credit them the amount of the transfers. The scheme was responsible for over $10 million in actual losses to nearly a dozen banks.
LIN participated in the bank fraud conspiracy by, among other things: providing names and dates of birth for potential accountholders to be used in the scheme, running background checks on members of the scheme to ensure that law enforcement was not investigating them, and accepting approximately $20,000 in cash in exchange for arranging for a Deportation Officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest a disgruntled accountholder who had previously participated in the scheme.
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LIN, 41, of Forest Hills, New York, is charged with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Department of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation of this case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, James Ligtenberg, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Former California Police Officer Charged with Sexually Assaulting Multiple Women While on DutyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Fresno, California, returned a superseding indictment charging former Sanger, California, Police Department officer DeShawn Torrence with deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law for sexually assaulting four women with whom he interacted during the course of his duties.
Torrence was previously indicted in July 2022. At that time, he was charged with engaging in various forms of nonconsensual sexual conduct, ranging from directing a victim to remove her clothing without a legitimate law enforcement purpose to forcing his victims to engage in sex acts, all while serving as a police officer. The superseding indictment adds a charge involving an additional victim. According to the indictment, Torrence sexually assaulted the additional victim after locking her in his patrol vehicle and driving her to an isolated location.
Five of the counts charged in the superseding indictment carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. One count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. The remaining counts each carry a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California and Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Sacramento Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Felon Who Threatened Gas Station Employees with Gun Sentenced to 100 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry Edward Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon who threatened employees of a St. Louis, Missouri gas station with a gun to 100 months in prison.
Richard Skinner, 45, pleaded guilty in December to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted being caught by police with a semi-automatic pistol on March 27, 2023, after a dispute with employees of a gas station in the 1100 block of South Kingshighway Boulevard in St. Louis. The employees told police Skinner threatened them with the gun during a confrontation. They restrained him after a struggle.
Skinner has prior convictions that include a cocaine conspiracy charge, forgery and robbery, a sentencing memo says.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Goeke is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Federal Jury Convicts North Port Man of Producing and Possessing Videos of Minors Engaged in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Raul Colon-Ocasio (32, North Port) guilty of producing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possessing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Colon-Ocasio faces a maximum penalty of up to 70 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2024. Raul Colon-Ocasio was indicted on April 5, 2023.
According to evidence presented at trial, in September 2022, a mother called the police to report her minor child was missing. While trying to locate the child, the police observed social media communications between Colon-Ocasio and the child that were sexual in nature. The child was located by the police and returned home. In October 2022, an FBI Task Force Officer assumed the social media account of the child and began communicating with Colon-Ocasio. On October 18, 2022, instead of Colon-Ocasio meeting with the child, he was instead met by the police and his cellphone was seized.
A subsequent forensic analysis of Colon-Ocasio’s cellphone revealed numerous videos that he had produced of two minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct that he had saved and collected on his cellphone.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office that assisted in this investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to Serve Four Additional Years in Federal Prison after Assaulting a Federal Corrections OfficerRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – REYES LUIS HOLGUIN, 31, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been sentenced to serve an additional 48 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal corrections officer, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, in August 2023, Holguin was an inmate at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, when he entered a federal corrections officer’s office without permission. Holguin slammed the door shut and told the officer, “You are not leaving the office.” Holguin then assaulted the officer before quickly being subdued by the same officer. The officer sustained minor injuries. As a result of this incident, on November 7, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Holguin with assault on a federal officer involving physical contact.
On February 1, 2024, Holguin pleaded guilty, and admitted to physically assaulting the federal corrections officer.
At the sentencing hearing on June 5, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Holguin to serve 48 months in federal prison to be served after his existing sentence—a 10-year sentence for distribution of fentanyl in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona—followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the serious nature of Holguin’s assault on the officer, his criminal history, and the need to deter Holguin and other federal inmates from engaging in similar conduct.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Assaulting and Causing Bodily Injury to Three Federal Corrections OfficersRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Waters, age 37, a federal prison inmate, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 168 months’ imprisonment for three counts of assaulting a federal officer.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the evidence presented at a three day trial held in January 2024 revealed that on January 18, 2023, while an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Canaan (“USP Canaan”), in Wayne County, PA, Waters assaulted three federal corrections officers, causing bodily injury to each man. More specifically, the evidence showed that while being counseled for a rule violation, Waters repeatedly struck one corrections officer in the head with his fists. Then, during this assault, Waters disarmed the officer of his service baton and used it to strike the officer in the head. When additional corrections officers responded to assist, Waters bit two other corrections officers.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Mannion ordered that Waters’ 168-month sentence run consecutively to the federal sentence that Waters was already serving at the time of the assault.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Special Investigative Services component within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
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Edgerton Man Sentenced to a Year for Straw Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Lorenzo Lacey, 27, Edgerton, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for inducing and causing another person to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Lacey pleaded guilty to this charge on March 7, 2024. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Lacey induced and caused co-defendant Irene Johll, 23, Oregon, Wisconsin, to falsely state on firearms purchase forms that she was the actual purchaser of three handguns, when in fact Lacey was the actual purchaser. The practice of lying to a firearms dealer about the identity of the actual purchaser is commonly referred to as a “straw purchase” and it is illegal.
At Lacey’s sentencing, Judge Conley was troubled by Lacey’s actions in this case, stating that there were many red flags indicating the severity of his conduct. Judge Conley noted that dangerous shootings are too common in Madison, and that many of the firearms used in those incidents are illegally obtained.
On March 26, 2024, Johll pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. She is participating in a deferred sentencing agreement.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting ‘straw purchase’ cases” said U.S. Attorney Timothy O’Shea. “I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with the Fitchburg Police Department. Our office will continue to work closely with ATF and local law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence by holding accountable those who use guns in crime and those who provide guns to criminals.”
Lacey is currently charged in Dane County Circuit Court in connection with a shooting that allegedly involved one of the firearms purchased for him by Johll. That case is still pending, and Lacey is presumed innocent in that case unless proven guilty.
The federal charges against Lacey were the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
District Teen Indicted on Multiple Armed Carjacking, Armed Robbery and Related Charges from August 2023 Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Zakyh Samuel, 16, of Washington, D.C., was indicted on May 30, 2024, on charges stemming from an August 24, 2023, crime spree throughout the District, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Samuel was charged as an adult by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in a 16-count indictment. Samuel was charged with two counts of armed carjacking, five counts of armed robbery, and assault with intent to rob while armed, along with possession of a firearm during each of those crimes of violence.
Samuel was arraigned on May 31, 2024, before the Honorable Jason Park.
According to the government’s evidence, Samuel and his accomplices used a stolen burgundy Jeep Grand Cherokee to traverse around the District and prey on members of the community from about 1:30 a.m. to 5:15 a.m., flanking their victims, brandishing firearms, demanding property, and then fleeing, in each offense. DNA testing and surveillance footage later linked Samuel to the spree of offenses.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Distributor of “Pedo Lives Matter” child pornography chatroom sent to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Spring resident has been sentenced for distributing, receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Oscar Barrios pleaded guilty Nov. 30, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett has now sentenced Barrios to 144 months for the distribution and receipt of child pornography counts and 120 months for the possession of child pornography count, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 144-month term of imprisonment. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted Barrios violated a position of trust as a father with minor children in the household. Barrios was further ordered to pay $20,500 in restitution to the victims and will serve five years life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Barrios will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Barrios distributed and received child pornography on multiple messaging applications such as Kik and Discord. He participated in chatrooms, including one named “Pedo Lives Matter,” where members engaged in trading child pornography. In these chatrooms, Barrios made statements proclaiming sexual interest in a minor female relative.
During a search of his electronic devices, law enforcement uncovered 66 videos and one image of child pornography.
Barrios will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebekah Saunders and Christine Lu are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Daughter who stole more than $700,000 from elderly mother in Lewistown while serving as caregiver sentenced to four and one-half years in prisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A woman who forged checks to steal more than $700,000 from her elderly mother in Lewistown while purporting to serve as her caregiver was sentenced today to four and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 60, of Billings, pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered Lewis-Stella to pay $725,145 restitution.
“It shocks the conscience that after a lifetime of love from her mother, Lewis-Stella, when her vulnerable mom needed her most, stole so much of her money that her mom had to sell her home to move into an assisted living facility. Every case involving elder fraud and abuse is repulsive, but it is particularly odious when it is done by a family member. Whether the perpetrator is a family member or stranger, we will continue intensifying our efforts to fight elder fraud and abuse to protect the generations who came before us,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
The government alleged that from November 2021 to July 2023, Lewis-Stella, under the guise of serving as caregiver for her mother, forged approximately 70 of her mother’s checks to steal her fortune. In one instance, Lewis-Stella attempted to cash a forged check for $500,000. Lewis-Stella also reused checks by altering numbers and depositing them twice. To conceal her crimes, Lewis-Stella called the banks and impersonated her mother and intercepted mailed bank statements before her mother could see them. In addition, Lewis-Stella stole and pawned a 100-ounce silver bar from her mother, used her father’s credit cards after his death to accumulate $14,000 in charges for her personal expenses and stole and forged a $12,505 life insurance check written to her husband’s son. Lewis-Stella used the money for clothes, travel, entertainment, restaurants, online shopping, cosmetic procedures and tattoos.
In addition, the government alleged that Lewis-Stella’s mother was a vulnerable victim because of her advanced age and because she relied almost entirely on her daughter for care. After the thefts were discovered, Lewis-Stella’s mother was forced to sell her home and move into an assisted living facility.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karla E. Painter and Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fergus County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Adult Protective Services conducted the investigation.
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Cumberland County Men Indicted for Firearms and Drug-Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marty Robinson, age 46, and Jordan Brown, age 35, both of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2024, on charges of firearms and drug trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Robinson and Brown for conspiring to make a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm and aided and abetted by each other, making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on or about June 5, 2023, Brown bought a firearm for Robinson in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and lied to a licensed dealer of firearms about being the actual buyer and transferee.
The indictment also charges Robinson with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person on June 7, 2023, in Cumberland County.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Carlisle Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was also prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses against Robinson is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. The maximum penalty under federal law for the indicted offenses against Brown is 15 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Crips Gang Member Sentenced to 11 Years for Drug Trafficking and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Daquan Rosenboro, age 24, of Grifton, a validated member of the Crips gang, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for nine separate charges related to trafficking methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Roseboro pled guilty to the charges earlier this year.
“Trafficking high-purity meth with a toddler in the car and brandishing guns and dope in hype videos with small children - it’s a level of recklessness we rarely see,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Craven County Sheriff’s swift action ensures this validated Crips gang member won’t put kids at risk again anytime soon.”
Sheriff Chip Hughes stated, “This prosecution represents our emphasis on investigating and convicting high-priority gang related drug dealers. We appreciate the cooperation of our local and Federal law enforcement partners and the work of the U.S. Attorney's Office in putting this dangerous felon behind bars.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Rosenboro after learning that he was trafficking drugs in and around Craven County. Between December 6, 2022, and January 26, 2023, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of high-purity methamphetamine from Rosenboro, including a controlled purchase of 54 grams of methamphetamine where a toddler was in the rear of the vehicle occupied by Rosenboro at the time of the sale. Rosenboro also sold a SAR 9mm handgun to someone working at the direction of law enforcement. Rosenboro had a prior felony conviction, which prohibited him from owning a handgun. Rosenboro was arrested on January 26, 2023. Following his arrest, a search of his residence uncovered various illegal drugs, a loaded .22 caliber rifle with a large capacity magazine, and 27 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.
During the investigation, agents discovered videos of Rosenboro with suspected methamphetamine. The videos show him dancing with an AR-style pistol tucked into his waistband and holding cash while small children can be seen in the background. Law enforcement determined that one of the $100 bills Rosenboro held in the video was part of the government funds utilized in an undercover purchase from him.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the sentencing. ATF, the Craven and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Kinston, Grifton, and New Bern Police Departments investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-00010-BO-BM.
Court Sentences Grand Bay Man to 100 Months Imprisonment in Multi-Defendant Interstate Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On June 5, 2024, United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Grande sentenced David Willis Hale to 100 months imprisonment for his role in a multi-defendant interstate methamphetamine drug trafficking conspiracy.
Documents filed with the Court established that Hale was involved with five other persons to transport and distribute methamphetamine from Texas to Mobile County, Alabama. Hale served as a drug courier in the organization. On numerous occasions Hale transported methamphetamine from Lafayette, Louisiana, where he met another courier (co-defendant Daniel Castillo Garcia) working for the Texas supplier (co-defendant Christopher Perales). Hale would then transport the methamphetamine back to Mobile for David Eric Crumpton and Heather Jeanean Boone.
On August 3, 2020, Hale was stopped in Hancock County, Mississippi with $8,000 in U.S. currency, given to him by Boone to purchase approximately one pound of methamphetamine from Perales. On December 28, 2020, Hale was stopped in Harrison County, Mississippi, with approximately 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine that he was in the process of delivering to Crumpton in Mobile. Crumpton had ordered the methamphetamine from Perales and then directed Hale to meet Castillo-Garcia in Lafayette, LA to obtain the methamphetamine. Crumpton, Castillo Garcia and another member of the conspiracy, Julie Alesia Roberts, have already been sentenced by the Court. Perales and Boone will be sentenced in the future.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mobile Police Department, Narcotics Unit, the Harrison and Hancock County, Mississippi, Sherriff’s Offices and the Galveston County Texas Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Trafficking Firearms from Alabama to MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court for illegally transporting dozens of firearms from Alabama into Massachusetts.
Jahquel Pringle, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2024, Pringle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to illegally transport firearms; two counts of illegal transportation or receipt in state of residency of firearm purchased or acquired outside of state of residency; and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pringle was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2022 along with co-defendants Brandon Moore, Jarmori Brown and Kobe Smith.
Pringle, Brown, Moore and Smith conspired to obtain at least 24 firearms from Alabama, where Moore lived, and then transport them to Boston. In two separate trips in July and August 2020, Pringle traveled from Boston to Alabama on a commercial bus to pick up the firearms from Moore and then transported the firearms, concealed within luggage, back to Boston by bus. At least seven of the firearms have been recovered from the streets of Boston and surrounding communities. Pringle was captured on video firing one of the firearms in Alabama. Pringle is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
In July 2023, Brown was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Moore’s case was transferred to the Middle District of Alabama where he has since pleaded guilty. Smith pleaded guilty in March 2024 and will be sentenced on June 12, 2024.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case was prosecuted by the Major Crimes Unit.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Avery Jones-Neal (29, Dunedin) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Jones-Neal entered a guilty plea on February 21, 2024.
According to court documents, Jones-Neal sold cocaine to a confidential informant on July 25, July 26, and July 31, 2023. On July 26, 2023, Jones-Neal also sold a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon. A search warrant was executed on the residence where the sales took place and law enforcement located additional cocaine inside that residence. Jones-Neal was subject to enhanced sentencing penalties since he had two prior convictions for narcotics distribution.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
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.
Convicted Felon Arrested for Avionics Equipment TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Mario Mercier Hernandez (59, New Port Richey) with five counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. If convicted, Mercier faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Mercier that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for proceeds obtained from the offense.
According to court documents, beginning around 2019, Mercier embarked on a string of thefts of avionics equipment from more than two dozen airports across the United States, including airports in Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, Maryland, and South Carolina. Mercier entered each airport, broke into airplanes, and stole valuable electronics equipment from the planes. After each theft, Mercier transported the stolen equipment to the Middle District of Florida.
Mercier owned and operated JWG International and JWG Aviation in the Middle District of Florida. These companies purported to provide aid to impoverished children in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Mercier used these companies to sell the stolen avionics equipment on various websites to unsuspecting purchasers around the United States.
Mercier’s thefts continued until May 23, 2024, when he was arrested while stealing equipment from aircraft at the Caldwell Executive Airport in Caldwell, Idaho. In 2008, Mercier was convicted for transportation of stolen property in the Middle District of Florida, relating to a similar scheme to steal and resell avionics equipment.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation Officer of Inspector General, St. Mary's Sheriff's Office (Lexington Park, Maryland), Canyon County Sheriff's Office and Caldwell Police Department (Caldwell, Idaho), Wilkes County Sheriff's Office (Wilkesboro, North Carolina), McClain County Sheriff's Office (Purcell, Oklahoma), Concord Police Department (Concord, North Carolina), Baxter County Sheriff’s Office (Mountain Home, Arkansas), Moore County Sheriff's Office (Carthage, North Carolina), Hillsborough Township Police Department (Hillsborough, New Jersey), Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina), Statesville Police Department (Statesville, North Carolina), Dorchester County Sheriff's Office (Summerville, South Carolina), Asheboro Police Department (Asheboro, North Carolina), Oconee County Sheriff's Office (Walhalla, South Carolina), Nashau Police Department (Nashau, New Hampshire), Citrus County Sherriff's Office (Inverness, Florida), Greenwood County Sheriff's Office (Greenwood, South Carolina), Lane County Sheriff's Office (Eugene, Oregon), Ontario County Sheriff's Office (Canandaigua, New York), Stow Police Department (Stow, Massachusetts), Burke County Sheriff's Office (Morganton, North Carolina), Iredell County Sheriff's Office (Mooresville, North Carolina), Charles County Sheriff's Office (Waldorf, Maryland), Thomasville Police Department (Thomasville, Georgia), Clarksville Police Department (Clarksville, Tennessee), Macon County Sheriff's Office (Franklin, North Carolina), Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (Lincolnton, North Carolina), McMinn County Sheriff's Office (Athens, Tennessee), Robertson County Sheriff's Office (Springfield, Tennessee), Lumberton Police Department (Lumberton, New Jersey), Bedminster Police Department (Bedminster, New Jersey), Spanish Fork Police Department (Spanish Fork, Utah), and Vancouver Police Department (Vancouver, Washington). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Karyna Valdes.
- Commercial fisherman pleads guilty to falsifying fishing records and taking an endangered sperm whale
Charges Announced in Connection with April 2023 Mass Poisoning in Kalamazoo CountyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced multiple drug charges against James Smith, aka “Yola,” of Kalamazoo County in connection with an April 2023 mass poisoning event in Kalamazoo County. That event resulted in at least 6 deaths linked to fentanyl.
“What Kalamazoo experienced in April 2023 is a snapshot of the crisis we confront across America: more deaths than ever, driven by fentanyl, and snatching the lives of even first-time users with no idea they’re consuming this deadly poison,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “While we’ll never prosecute our way out of this crisis, today marks an important first step toward justice. This investigation is ongoing, and I encourage anyone with information to come forward. Now is the time.”
This past Tuesday, June 4, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a multi-count indictment, which is attached to this press release. The indictment charges Smith with 8 counts.
- Count 1 charges Smith with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Death. In particular, the indictment alleges that Mr. Smith conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and that the use of the fentanyl resulted in the death of D.M., one of the individuals who died during the April 2023 mass poisoning event in Kalamazoo County. This crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a maximum of life.
- Counts 3-9 charge Smith with Distribution of Cocaine, each count representing a separate distribution event that allegedly occurred between August 10, 2023, and February 6, 2024. These crimes carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
In addition, Count 2 charges Patrick Martin with Use of a Communication Facility to Commit a Drug Felony. In particular, the indictment alleges that on April 12, 2023, in Kalamazoo County, Patrick Martin used a cell phone to facilitate Count 1, that is the drug distribution that resulted in the death of D.M. This crime carries a maximum sentence of 4 years in federal prison.
Smith was arrested yesterday, Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and had his initial appearance in federal court in Grand Rapids that same day. Mr. Smith is currently being detained and his arraignment, detention hearing, and initial pretrial conference is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Martin will have his arraignment and initial pretrial conference on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11 a.m.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to the April 2023 mass poisoning event in Kalamazoo County is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety through the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) at 269-337-8880. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.
“We are pleased that we were able to work with our federal partners in this investigation and that we were able to bring forward charges and make an arrest for those who were responsible for that tragic day in our community,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen. “The actions of a few had life changing results for many. This investigation and arrest re-affirm my unwavering commitment to protecting our community from the dangers of drug trafficking. We hope that this arrest will result in more information being brought forward to assist with this ongoing investigation.”
“Fatal drug poisonings caused by deadly drugs like fentanyl are a significant threat across the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “Today’s enforcement actions demonstrate our resolve to bring those responsible for this erosion and destruction of our communities to justice. This investigation is a clear demonstration of the strength of partnerships throughout the region and our commitment to protecting west Michigan from the scourge of illicit drugs.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (see here), in 2023 at least 107,543 people died from drug poisoning across the United States, which is near the all-time high of 111,029 deaths in 2022. In Michigan, at least 2,931 people died from drug poisoning in 2023. Approximately 75% of the 2023 drug poisoning deaths across the United States were due to fentanyl.
The following services are available for people experiencing addiction, or their friends and loved ones:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis.
- Cope Network (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties), 269-580-8290, www.copenetwork.org.
- The Grand Rapids Red Project (providing free Naloxone and other harm reduction services in Kent and Muskegon Counties), 616-456-9063 (Kent County), 231-563-6865 (Muskegon County), www.redproject.org.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a webpage that identifies county-by-county services.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Portage Department of Public Safety, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Campbell County Man Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine and CocaineRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Newport, Ky., man, Tyjuan Eugene Crossty, 41, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 188 months, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
According to his plea agreement, on March 24, 2023, Crossty was traffic stopped by law enforcement in Covington, where law enforcement smelled marijuana, located a small amount of marijuana, and uncovered a loaded handgun in the glove compartment. Law enforcement utilized DNA evidence collected from the firearm located in the glove department and it showed to be a match with Crossty’s DNA. After obtaining a search warrant for Crossty’s Covington residence, on June 9, 2023, law searched his residence and discovered 32.7 grams of crack cocaine, 3.898 grams of actual methamphetamine, and items that were consistent with manufacturing crack cocaine and with distributing both crack and crystal methamphetamine.
Crossty admitted to law enforcement that he distributed large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine, and further admitted that he was distributing pressed fentanyl pills, in amounts of 2500-3500 pills at a time, as a middleman on multiple occasions.
Crossty was previously convicted of aggravated robbery, in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 2000.
Under federal law, Crossty must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon release from prison, Crossty will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Director Scott Hardcorn; Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force; and Chief Brian Valenti, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, and the Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Campbell County Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Newport, Ky., man, Derrick Buchanan, 31, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 87 months, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to his plea agreement, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of marijuana from Buchanan at his residence in Newport, and the informant reported that Buchanan had a gun openly displayed during the drug transaction. Thereafter, law enforcement searched Buchanan’s residence, finding 2.66 kilograms of marijuana, $2,010 in cash, and a loaded handgun, which matched the description of the informant. Buchanan admitted that one of the reasons he possessed the firearm was to protect himself, his drugs, and his proceeds from robbery.
Buchanan was sentenced had previously been convicted of trafficking in marijuana in Campbell County Circuit Court in 2021, and he was aware that conviction and that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Under federal law, Buchanan must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Director Scott Hardcorn, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DEA and Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Campbell County Inmate Sentenced for Trafficking in Fentanyl Resulting in Two OverdosesRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – An inmate at the Campbell County Detention Center, Jonathan Bernard Stanley, Jr., 39, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 264 months, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious physical injury.
Stanley had recently been convicted and sentenced to a term of 51 months in federal prison, for conspiring to distribute heroin, by the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky in 2018. He was ultimately released from custody in July 2022, and began an eight-year period of supervised release.
According to court documents, on November 8, 2022, Stanley was arrested for a violation of his supervised release and was lodged at the Campbell County Detention Center. Thereafter, on November 15, 2022, Campbell County Detention Center staff were notified of an issue inside of one of the cells. Specifically, one of the inmates was unconscious and not breathing, and the other was also exhibiting signs of a suspected drug overdose. EMTs administered naloxone to both inmates, retrieved the remainder of the substance, and transported both inmates to the hospital. Both inmates eventually recovered.
The second inmate told law enforcement that they both consumed the same substance, which was supplied to them by Stanley in exchange for money to be deposited into his jail account. Hospital records and testing of the substance confirmed that the two inmates each overdosed from fentanyl. Jail surveillance video and other inmate interviews also confirmed that Stanley had distributed the substance that caused the two overdoses.
Under federal law, Stanley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Daley, Campbell County Jailer; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the Campbell County Detention Center and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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California Man Found Guilty of Sending Threatening Emails to FBI that Included Threats to Bomb Its L.A. Field OfficeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a California man for sending threatening emails to the FBI, including ones in which he threatened to bomb the FBI Los Angeles Field Office and referenced the notorious “Unabomber.”
Mark William Anten, 52, of Sun Valley, was found guilty of two counts of threats by interstate communication. He has been in federal custody since December 2023.
According to evidence presented at a three-day trial, from July 2023 to December 2023, Anten sent a series of increasingly threatening communications to the FBI, culminating in two threats to bomb the FBI field office in Westwood.
"This verdict should make clear that the Justice Department has no tolerance for threats of violence against the FBI,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The men and women of the FBI are courageous public servants who do their work with integrity and skill, and we will stop at nothing to hold accountable those who threaten them with violence."
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our community safe and therefore deserve our thanks and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “Those who threaten the FBI and other law enforcement officers ignore the daily sacrifices these officers make to protect us and undermine the rule of law. We will continue to stand with our law enforcement partners.”
These emails included repeated references to Theodore John Kaczynski, also known as “The Unabomber,” whose 20-year bombing campaign killed three people and injured nearly two dozen more. Kaczynski was convicted of federal crimes, spent the bulk of his prison sentence in the Supermax federal prison in Colorado and died in a different federal prison last year.
On Nov. 20, 2023, two FBI task force officers interviewed Anten in front of his residence. During the interview, Anten admitted to sending the previous communications and the officers admonished him to stop contacting agents, the affidavit states. Despite the admonition, Anten’s conduct escalated.
On Dec. 5, 2023, Anten sent to FBI agents an email in which he wrote, “I AM THE UNABOMBER” and “I WILL UNABOMB THE LOS ANGELES FBI HQ.”
The next day, Anten wrote to FBI agents, “I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact it would be very explainable by your actions.” He concluded the email with, “[y]ou ain’t getting away with this one,” and signed the email, “SuperMax or Death.”
Anten also sent FBI agents an email, which attached a photograph depicting the results of an internet search for “how to make a dirty bomb.”
Later that day, Anten visited the FBI Los Angeles Field Office and later emailed agents that he visited their building and would continue to do so. Surveillance footage confirmed Anten’s presence there.
Anten was convicted of two counts of threats by interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 13 and faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clifford D. Mpare and Kedar S. Bhatia for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case.
Brooklyn, New York Man Arrested for Fentanyl Trafficking in BurlingtonRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Kajuan Woods, 35, of Brooklyn, New York has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute in Burlington, Vermont in January 2024. Woods was arrested in connection with this complaint on June 4, 2024. Woods’s initial appearance in court is scheduled for June 6, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle in Burlington.
According to court records, on January 19, 2024, Woods was one of six individuals located inside 195 St. Paul Street, Apartment A, Burlington, where law enforcement executed a search warrant as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Woods was wearing a satchel at the time, and within the satchel was nearly ten grams of fentanyl, including some fentanyl containing xylazine, drug packaging materials, and over $1,100 in U.S. currency. Within the apartment, law enforcement found seven handguns, three of which had previously been reported stolen. In the apartment over 22 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 48 grams of cocaine base, and approximately 17 grams of fentanyl were found.
Then, in the early morning hours of May 12, 2024, officers from the South Burlington Police Department encountered Woods and a woman apparently passed out in a running vehicle. Woods provided a false name to officers. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed over 28 grams of suspected cocaine, a partially loaded 9-millimeter Glock magazine, a stolen Apple MacBook Pro, and over $2,400 of stolen clothing.
On June 4, 2024, after responding to reports of a male threatening a woman with a firearm on Pearl Street, Burlington Police Department officers located Woods and a woman in a vehicle and attempted to detain them. Woods was momentarily compliant, then ran from police, leading them on a foot chase through multiple backyards. After Woods was apprehended, officers learned his identity and arrested him pursuant to an active federal arrest warrant. A search of Woods’s person revealed over 34 grams of suspected cocaine and a bullet in his pocket. Within the vehicle that Woods had been driving, officers found a fanny pack on the floorboard of the driver’s seat that contained a Glock 17 Gen4 9-millimeter pistol, suspected cocaine base, ten wax folds of suspected fentanyl, and empty wax folds. Also, over $3,200 in U.S. currency was located in the vehicle.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Woods is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Woods faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the current charge in the complaint. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts and hard work of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and also thanked the South Burlington Police Department.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Woods is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Attica Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – James Venable, 63 years old, of Attica, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Venable was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense.
According to documents in the case, on or about September 13, 2022, Venable possessed child pornography while having a previous conviction for possession of child pornography.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Albuquerque Man Convicted of Federal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque was convicted by a federal jury, after less than 30 minutes of deliberation, of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between February and June 2022, Mike Tomasaour sold an undercover detective with the Albuquerque Police Department methamphetamine and fentanyl. Most of the transactions took place at the Court John Motel in Northwest Albuquerque.
On June 28, 2022, DEA agents planned a larger buy from Tomasaour at the motel and then executed a search warrant on the motel room. Agents planned to buy five pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills. Prior to the buy, agents set up surveillance on the motel. While waiting for the agreed upon time, agents observed Robert Grado enter Tomasaour’s motel room with a purple bag. Shortly thereafter, Tomasaour texted the agent that the "groceries” were ready. Agents moved in to make the arrests and execute a search.
A search of Tomasaour's motel room yielded a loaded firearm, which was stolen, 92.6 grams of methamphetamine, 101 grams of fentanyl, and $760 in cash. During the search, Tomasaour threw the purple bag out the motel room window. The bag contained 2316.4 grams of meth and 278.5 grams of fentanyl. A search of Grado's vehicle yielded 2 additional guns, 65 grams of fentanyl pills, and 149.5 grams of meth.
The Court ordered that Tomasaour remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Tomasaour faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and up to a term of life followed by a minimum of 5 years of supervised release.
Grado pled guilty to conspiracy, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon on May 9, 2024. At sentencing, Grado faces not less than 15 years in prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albuquerque Police Department jointly investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Louis Mattei prosecuted the case.
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