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Wednesday 17 April 2024
St. Paul Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul felon has been sentenced to 74 months in prison for illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 28, 2022, Bloomington police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Damien Kent Hallmon, 40, for multiple traffic violations and noticed several indicators of marijuana use. The occupants of the vehicle were asked to step out of the vehicle so it could be searched, and officers found a 9mm firearm with a loaded magazine and no serial number in Hallmon’s fiancé’s purse.
Because Hallmon has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The firearm seized in this case, a Polymer 80, is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” or a “privately made firearm” (PMF).
Hallmon was convicted by a federal jury on November 3, 2023, on one count of possessing ammunition as a felon. He was sentenced yesterday by Judge Kate M. Menendez in U.S. District Court.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bloomington Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Lab, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary S. Riverso, Ruth S. Shnider, and Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Man Admits Committing Month-Long Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man on Wednesday admitted committing 12 robberies or attempted robberies that occurred in less than a month in 2021.
James Mayes, 61, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to 10 counts of robbery, two counts of possession, brandishing and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of robbery within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
Mayes admitted committing eight armed robberies and one attempted robbery in St. Louis and three in St. Louis County between Oct. 13, 2021, and Nov. 10, 2021. Among his targets were four cell phone stores and three small markets or convenience stores. Mayes also robbed someone on the grounds of Gateway National Arch Park on Oct. 13, 2021, striking his victim on the shoulder with his gun. The next day, he tried to rob someone in the Laclede’s Landing area. While Mayes and his victim were struggling over his gun, he stabbed the victim and seriously injured him.
In other robberies, he threatened to kill employees of the targeted businesses. He fired his .380-caliber handgun at two different robberies.
St. Louis Robberies
- Oct. 13, 2021: Gateway National Arch Park armed street robbery.
- Oct. 14, 2021: Attempted robbery of a person on Laclede’s Landing.
- Oct. 17, 2021: Armed robbery of the T-Mobile at 4142 S. Grand.
- Oct. 20, 2021: Armed robbery of the Smoothie King at 1211 Pine.
- Oct. 23, 2021: Armed robbery of Kaiser Mart at 5008 S. Grand.
- Oct. 26, 2021: Armed robbery of Crown Food Mart at 300 S. Jefferson.
- Nov. 3, 2021: Armed robbery of Gallery Furniture/Home Accents at 310 N. Sixth Street, the Boost Mobile at 1644 S. Jefferson and Domino’s Pizza at 1428 N. 13th Street.
St. Louis County Robberies
- Oct. 25, 2021: Armed robbery of the Metro PCS at 6731 Page.
- Nov. 5, 2021: Armed robbery of Vapes and Snacks at 8820 Gravois Road.
- Nov. 10, 2021: Armed robbery of the Cricket Wireless store at 1084 Lemay Ferry Road.
A police officer responding to Mayes’ final robbery, at the cell phone store on Lemay Ferry Road, spotted Mayes, who matched the description of the robber. Mayes resisted arrest and bit the officer several times.
Mayes is scheduled to be sentenced on July 23. As part of the plea agreement, both sides have agreed to recommend a 20-year prison term for Mayes.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Pagedale Police Department, the FBI and the National Park Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case.
Serial Burglar Sentenced for 27 Counts of Second-Degree BurglaryRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Scotty Wayne Harjo, 40, of Tulsa, for 27 counts of Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Judge Hill ordered Harjo to serve 72 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
“Scotty Harjo targeted small businesses such as bakeries, breweries, and barber shops,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) spent countless hours investigating Harjo’s burglary spree. I want to thank them for their hard work and assisting federal prosecutors in securing this sentence.”
According to court documents, Harjo was released from federal prison in August of 2021 after serving 60 months for drug conspiracy. Shortly after his release, Harjo broke into 27 different businesses throughout Tulsa in 2022. Harjo targeted small businesses. Harjo told Tulsa Police Officers that “he did not really care because “we” (TPD) can’t do anything about it…”
Harjo is a citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey prosecuted the case.
Second Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Commercial Leasing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Armando Binelo, 46, of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, pled guilty for his role in a 20-million-dollar leasing fraud scheme. Daniel Raymond, 54, of Mebane, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Binelo faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.
“Our Assistant U.S. Attorneys are hard at work in unraveling complex financial frauds like this one, where a computer equipment supplier billed financiers for millions in a scheme that lasted years,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Research Triangle is a hub for tech and innovation. We are ramping up white collar fraud enforcement to ensure fraudsters who take advantage of our booming tech sector are held accountable.”
According to court documents and information presented in court, from March 2016 to January 2022, Binelo and Raymond executed a scheme to defraud financing companies in connection with computer equipment lease deals. The scheme’s targets were financing companies that offered small to medium-sized businesses (“customers”) financing and secured leases for computer servers and equipment. Under these leasing programs, financers paid for and took title to the equipment and then leased it to the customers for a fixed term. Financers entered into agreements with brokers who, for a fee, could bring potential equipment leasing opportunities to the financers for evaluation and approval. As a third-party independent financing source, financers did not manufacture or supply the computer equipment. Instead, the brokers, like Raymond, arranged for the purchase and delivery of the equipment to the customers, who then leased that equipment from the financers.
Raymond targeted financially distressed small business customers throughout the country and offered them leases for computer equipment. Typically, the customers Raymond targeted were seeking a cash infusion for operating expenses and had no immediate need for computer equipment. Nonetheless, Raymond enticed customers by offering lease deals with large cash rebates and long-term payback options. Raymond falsely assured customers that this was a common and legitimate practice and that they could always sell the computer equipment if they chose to. The cash rebates and payback options offered by Raymond were not known to or approved by the financers.
Raymond executed the lease agreements with the customers and then submitted the leases and invoices to a financer. If approved, the financer paid Raymond a lump sum payment, which was intended to represent the cost of the computer equipment to be supplied by Raymond, plus a small fee to be retained by Raymond as profit. Once the leases were signed and approved by the financer, Raymond instructed the customers to create false documents that claimed the computer equipment had been delivered, installed, and was operational at their business sites, despite no equipment being delivered or installed. These false declarations enabled the financier to pay Raymond. After Raymond obtained payment from the financers, he wired the cash rebates to the customers from his business checking account. Raymond sometimes did ship computer equipment to the customers. However, whereas the leases called for name-brand computer servers and hardware valued between $30,000 - $100,000, Raymond sent cheap computer equipment and parts.
Raymond was affiliated with the following businesses: Integrity IT Solutions, Inc. (“IITS”), Logos Consulting, LLC (“Logos”), Lendberry Corp. (“Lendberry”), US Server Supply (“USSS”), Online Concepts Inc. (“OC”), Referral Marketing Services (“RMS”), Sandriver Group, Inc. (“Sandriver”), Business Repair Consultants (“BRC”), and Buyback Funders, LLC (“Buyback”).
Binelo joined the scheme as a small business customer who entered fraudulent computer equipment leases with Raymond in exchange for cash rebates. Eventually, Binelo was recruited as a vendor/partner with various lending institutions. Under their arrangement, Raymond secured the fraudulent leases with customers, which Binelo passed off to the victim lenders. Victim lenders wired the proceeds to a bank account controlled by Binelo. Binelo took his portion of the proceeds and wired the remaining funds to Raymond.
Raymond participated in fraudulent lease deals valued at more than 20 million dollars. Binelo participated in fraudulent lease deals valued at more than 6 million dollars. Binelo pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00045-BO-1.
Second Jacksonville Man Arrested on Bank Fraud and Theft of Mail ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo (26, Jacksonville) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit theft of mail, and theft of mail. If convicted, Hidalgo faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, up to 5 years for the theft of mail and conspiracy to commit theft of mail counts, and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendant, Frank Anthony Acanda, defrauded. Federal law enforcement arrested Acanda on December 13, 2023.
According to the indictment, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others drove around areas of Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine and stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes over several months. After opening the mail and stealing checks and money orders, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others acting on their behalf, deposited the items into bank accounts controlled by them and then used ATMs to immediately withdraw cash. In some instances, the co-defendants altered the stolen checks by increasing the amount of the stolen checks to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw from ATMs.
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 Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Santo Domingo Woman Sentenced for Assault on Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Santo Domingo woman was sentenced to 17 months and 2 days in prison for assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer during a traffic stop.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2021, an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs executed a traffic stop on a car driven by Henryetta John, 31, for driving 15mph in a 45mph zone on the Pueblo of Santo Domingo. Initially, John sped up before eventually stopping. When the officer approached John, she observed her bloodshot eyes and that she had difficulty producing a driver’s license. John failed a subsequent field sobriety test and admitted to consuming alcohol.
The officer arrested John for driving under the influence. Initially, John complied, however when the officer attempted to place John in handcuffs, she slipped the handcuffs and physically assaulted the officer, causing them to roll down a hillside. The officer sustained multiple injuries as a result of the altercation.
When the officer separated from John, she climbed up the hill to her police vehicle and called for assistance while John fled. A K9 unit and other officers responded and pursued John. They found her hiding under a tree. John refused to respond to commands to come out from under the tree, so they attempted to use the police dog to retrieve her. John struck the police dog in the face. The K9 officer then put a cuff on John, and she tried to pull away and resist, but the officer and the police dog removed John from the tree and arrested her.
After completing her term of imprisonment, John will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Road rage driver sentenced to 7+ years in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 42-year-old King County man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 90 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Robby Lee Robinson was convicted in October 2023 following a four-day jury trial. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin told Robinson, “You turned a car accident into a dangerous situation for all the people around you on that highway.”
“Mr. Robinson grabbed a gun and started shooting at another driver on a busy highway – conduct that could have killed or injured others,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Despite prior convictions for illegally possessing firearms, he continues to get guns and is willing to use them. Then he lies about his conduct to police and on the witness stand. Such conduct merits a lengthy prison term.”
According to records filed in the case, just after 10:00 PM on November 8, 2022, a victim called 9-1-1 reporting that he had been involved in an accident and now the other driver was chasing and shooting at him. The incident occurred on the southbound lanes of Highway 18. After about five minutes, the driver was able to get away from the car Robinson was driving and reported to police that it appeared the car had exited the highway.
King County Sheriff’s deputies were able to locate the car with the shooter and followed it to Maple Valley where the driver, Robinson, finally stopped the vehicle and surrendered. In the car, police found two firearms, ammunition, and shell casings.
At trial, Robinson and his wife claimed the guns belonged to her and that Robinson did not know the guns were in the car. Robinson was alone in the car at the time of the incident. He testified that he felt threatened following the collision, and then described how he chased after the driver and repeatedly fired the gun he found on the floor of the car at the taillights of the other driver. The bullets broke a window on the victim car, and law enforcement recovered bullet fragments in the vehicle.
In asking for a nine-year prison sentence, prosecutors highlighted Robinson’s refusal to respect the law, and that he had committed this new crime while on supervised release. “Despite being convicted of this same offense (illegal firearms possession) and serving a 90-month sentence, Robinson was not deterred. He again possessed firearms and ammunition, and he again used them—this time to shoot at a random person driving on the road. The fact that no one was killed was sheer luck. And once again, Robinson sought to subvert the judicial process by committing perjury while testifying at trial and by suborning perjury by seeking to have his wife lie on his behalf to cover up his criminal conduct,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
“Mr. Robinson knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Yet, he turned to a firearm and used it in an act of violence in this case. We will vigorously investigate all those who are prohibited from possessing firearms and yet still do so, especially when they use firearms in violent acts.”
“The King County Sheriff’s Office is working tirelessly to remove illegal firearms from our streets,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “I’m grateful for the continued support we’ve received from the United States Department of Justice and other local law enforcement agencies to hold these individuals accountable for their dangerous actions. Together, we are working to make our communities and our residents safer.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), the Washington State Patrol, and King County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Rachel Yemini.
Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Anthony Darnell Deberry, 39, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2023, Deberry sold a controlled substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant at Deberry’s residence in Beckley. Deberry admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling fentanyl to the confidential informant on four other occasions within Raleigh County.
On July 5, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Deberry’s residence and found two 9mm handguns, 9mm ammunition, $2,000 and approximately 76.5 grams of fentanyl. Deberry admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl found during the search.
Deberry is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-28.
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Pittsburgh Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Kenneth Gaines, 33, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on February 15, 2024, Gaines, who has prior felony convictions, possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Ball and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Convicted at Trial for Committing and Conspiring to Commit Violent Home Invasions Targeting Business Owners and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Shaquan Brown, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted Monday by a federal jury in connection with conspiracy to commit armed home invasion robberies targeting the businesses and attached residences of their owners, as well as robbery affecting interstate commerce and attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
From November 2019 through January 3, 2020, Brown and three co-conspirators conspired to carry out a series of robberies that targeted business owners and another individual that they believed would keep cash in their home. The offenders used zip ties, duct tape, and firearms to commit these crimes. Brown researched his victims and their businesses, using a GPS tracking device to learn where the victims lived. The defendant and his co-conspirators targeted victims they believed kept cash in their homes, including business owners who were Asian and other business owners who dealt in cash.
On the night of December 31, 2019, Brown and two co-conspirators accosted the owner of a nail salon in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, as the owner returned to the business. The offenders forced the victim inside, and repeatedly demanded money, placing zip ties on the owner’s wrists, covering his mouth with duct tape, and striking his face with their fists and a gun. The men took cash from the business, then forced the owner to his residence, where they encountered his wife, their children, and their nanny. The men zip-tied the wife and all of their children, then continued to beat and injure the owner, and demand money. They ransacked the residence while making statements such as “we have been watching you for weeks.”
On the morning of January 3, 2020, Brown and another individual attempted to break into a residence in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The defendant had planned to commit an armed home invasion robbery of the homeowner, who was a business owner, and his family, to steal the owner’s business proceeds. While attempting to enter the victim’s home, the home security alarm system went off, and the police responded within minutes. The defendant led the police on a foot chase through the woods and into a creek, where he was arrested. The police recovered duct tape, zip ties, and a firearm from the defendant’s backpack.
“Home invasion robberies are terrifying for victims, shattering their sense of security where they once felt most safe” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “It’s unconscionable that running a successful business is enough to make you a target for criminals like Shaquan Brown, who prefer taking other people’s money at gunpoint to earning it for themselves. This verdict not only holds Brown accountable for the harm he’s done, it will keep him behind bars for years, so he can’t hurt anyone else.”
“Everyone should feel safe in their home,” said Charles Doerrer, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Philadelphia Field Division. “The violence that these families suffered is a serious crime, and this conviction will leave Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and homes safer. ATF is committed to working with our partners to prevent such violent crimes and seek justice for its victims.”
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30, 2024. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 84 months in prison and a statutory maximum of life in prison, and up to five years of supervised release.
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.
The case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Carissimi and Assistant United States Attorney J. Jeanette Kang.
Perry County man pleads guilty to federal child exploitation chargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Junction City, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography.
Since 2018, Clay Thomas Wolfe, 28, obtained child pornography from more than 250 victims via the mobile application Snapchat.
His plea includes a recommended sentence of 18 to 23 years in prison.
Wolfe pretended to be a 15-year-old female on Snapchat and used this persona to solicit child pornography from primarily middle school and high school aged boys. The victims who have been identified thus far reside in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Chillicothe, Ohio, and other various cities in the Southern District of Ohio and across the United States. Wolfe’s Snapchat account also contained sexually explicit photographs and videos of minor males as young as 10 and 11 years old.
The investigation was initiated in April 2022, when law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania learned that a sixth-grade student was sharing a nude photograph of a classmate that he received from Wolfe, who was pretending to be a teenage girl.
As part of his online persona, Wolfe – acting as the username “Ally” on Snapchat – sent the male victims photos and videos of pubescent female’s naked breasts and genitalia that he found on adult pornography sites or public social media accounts. Wolfe would also extort the victims by threatening to send the nude images of his victims to their friends and family unless they sent him additional images.
In total, Wolfe received approximately 850 images and 570 videos depicting child pornography.
Wolfe was arrested and charged federally in June 2023.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Parker and Iatarola commended the cooperation of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Perry County Prosecutor. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch and are representing the United States in this case.
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Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to gun trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian Arroyo Collazo, 28, of New Castle, PA, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to traffic in firearms, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that between July 2022, and March 2023, Collazo transported, or attempted to transport, firearms to the Jamestown, NY, area. These firearms included pistols, AR-style rifles, handguns, revolvers, and high-capacity magazines. Collazo trafficked a total of approximately 40 firearms. Collazo utilized social media to conduct firearm related conversations and effectuate his firearms trafficking activities. During these conversations, Collazo would send photos of firearms to potential buyers.
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.
This case is being 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 plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan DiGirolamo, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Erie, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Spizarny Sr.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Paducah Felon Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah man was sentenced yesterday to 7 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Brian Laird of the Paducah Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Myree Marshall, 51, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a SCCY, model CPX-2, 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol on August 8 and 9, 2020. Marshall was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On February 10, 1995, in McCracken Circuit Court, Marshall was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
On March 25, 2004, in McCracken Circuit Court, Marshall was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
On January 24, 2019, in McCracken Circuit Court, Marshall was convicted of assault under extreme emotional disturbance.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Paducah Police Department and the ATF Paducah Satellite Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Oswego County Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tyler Ager, age 30, of Oswego County, New York, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
During his change of plea hearing in December 2023, Ager admitted that, in May 2023 and June 2023, he possessed child pornography on his phone and uploaded a child pornography file to a public website where adults chat with other adults. He also admitted that, in April 2021, he was convicted of sexual abuse in the second degree in Parish Town Court. His offense conduct in that case involved him having a 4-year-old minor touch his penis. He received a term of probation for his state offense, which he was serving when he committed the offense for which he was sentenced today. Following his 120-month term of imprisonment, Ager will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Oklahoma Man Arrested for Allegedly Throwing Pipe Bomb at Satanic Temple in Salem, Mass.Read the Press Release
BOSTON – An Oklahoma man was arrested and charged today for allegedly throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass.
Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., was charged in a criminal complaint with using an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. Palmer was arrested this morning and will make an initial appearance in the Western District of Oklahoma on Thursday. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents and TST’s website, TST is a “non-theistic organization” founded in 2013 and headquartered in Salem, Mass. In addition to serving as the organization’s headquarters, TST’s Salem location also functions as a public, TST-themed art gallery.
At approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras outside TST captured a man walking towards TST wearing black pants, and black jacket, a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. According to the charging documents, as the man approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb—a type of improvised explosive device or “IED”—threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. Seconds later, the pipe bomb partially detonated causing minor fire and related damage to TST’s exterior.
According to the charging documents, the pipe bomb appeared to have been constructed from a section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails, which were attached to the pipe with tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with a powder-like substance, preliminarily identified as smokeless gunpowder. A single human hair was allegedly located on the pipe bomb containing a DNA profile from a Caucasian male.
A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to where the pipe bomb was discovered. Among other things, the letter allegedly stated:
DEAR SATANIST
ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
ONE DIES. I OBEY.
Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation identified a black Volvo sedan, allegedly registered to Palmer, driving erratically in the immediate vicinity of TST both before and after the incident.A photograph of Palmer, who is a Caucasian male, posted to a social media website shows him wearing a tan-colored tactical vest like the vest worn by the suspect in the TST surveillance video. Palmer also allegedly comments frequently on a social media website about religious matters and themes similar to those contained in the handwritten note found outside of TST on April 8, 2024.
Finally, the charging document alleges that on April 3, 2024, Palmer purchased PVC pipe and matching PVC end cap—like the pipe and end cap used to construct the pipe bomb—from a home improvement retailer in Oklahoma.
The charge of using fire or an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MALCOM JOHNSON, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on April 16, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, JOHNSON sold $400 worth of heroin to a DEA confidential source in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. He was charged with violating Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Judge Morgan set sentencing for July 23, 2024. JOHNSON faces up to 20 years imprisonment a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ODINE DOMINICK, age 33, of New Orleans, was indicted on March 8, 2024, for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts. The indictment was unsealed on April 15, 2024.
DOMINICK is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). He is charged in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
As to Count 1, DOMINICK faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Murray Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Murray, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Nicky Knight of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Gary Sims, 49, of Murray, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On June 23, August 11, and August 18, 2021, in Calloway County, Kentucky, Sims distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. On August 18, 2022, in Calloway County, Kentucky, Sims possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of grams of methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and DEA Paducah Post of Duty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Morris County Man Admits Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Anselmo Girimonte, 53, of Wharton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Dec. 27, 2021, through Jan. 17, 2022, Girimonte distributed material containing images and video files of child sexual abuse, via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. Law enforcement used undercover online sessions to access the P2P program and during these sessions a user shared multiple video files of adults sexually abusing prepubescent children from an internet protocol address traced to Girimonte’s residence. During a March 2, 2022, search of Girimonte’s residence, law enforcement found over 100 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused, on Girimonte’s cell phone.
The count of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The count of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Rockaway Township Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
girimonte.indictment.pdfMiddletown Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing 3 Supermarket Banks in 2022Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GINO RIZZO, 29, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing three banks in 2022.
According to court documents and statements made in court, using notes demanding cash, Rizzo robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on July 16, 2022, in Newington on July 18, 2022, and in West Hartford July 20, 2022. Rizzo’s girlfriend, Jalania Pantano, also participated in the West Hartford robbery (photo attached).
Rizzo was arrested on July 21, 2022. On April 11, 2023, while on pre-trial release, he disconnected his GPS electronic monitoring bracelet and absconded from his court-mandated rehabilitation center. He has been detained since his re-arrest on May 22, 2023. On January 25, 2023, Rizzo pleaded guilty to bank robbery.
Pantano was arrested on August 30, 2022, and she pleaded guilty to bank robbery on August 23, 2023. On December 5, 2023, she was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, and West Hartford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Robert S. Dearington.
Michigan Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Lowell, Michigan, was sentenced in federal court on April 16, 2024, to 20 years of incarceration, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction on three counts related to the sexual exploitation of a minor from the Western District of Pennsylvania, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Frank Davis, 31.
According to information presented to the Court, during online chats in August 2022, Davis sent obscene videos depicting himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct to a minor. During the conversation, Davis also induced the minor to create and send images and videos of themself engaged in sexually explicit conduct to Davis.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations-Grand Rapids (Michigan), and the Lowell Police Department (Michigan) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Davis.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
Mexican National Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Smuggling Meth into the United StatesRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 144 months in prison with credit for time served for one count of conspiracy to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Sixto Margarito Riojas-Menchaca, 42, and codefendant Marcelo Fabian Rodriguez-Suarez were referred to a secondary inspection as they entered the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. The Customs and Border Protection officer (CPBO) noticed two fire extinguishers under the back seat of the vehicle. The CBPO had seen the same Mexican brand fire extinguisher in prior seizures. A K-9 gave a positive alert to the back seat of the vehicle on the driver’s side. Inside the fire extinguishers office several vacuum-sealed bags and packages containing a white crystal like substance. The substances tested positive for 4.54 kilograms of heroin and 7.88 kilograms of methamphetamine. The two men were taken into federal custody and charged with four counts related to the importation of heroin and methamphetamine.
Riojas-Menchaca pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in April 2022. Rodriguez-Suarez pleaded guilty in January 2023 and currently awaits sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 28.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Markovits prosecuted the case.
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Marine at Fort Leonard Wood Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A U.S. Marine Corps private who was stationed for training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., has been sentenced in federal court for transporting child pornography across state lines.
Gevoni Rayon Brown, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, April 16, to 12 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Brown to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered Brown to pay $24,000 in restitution to eight victims of child pornography discovered on his cell phone. Brown will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Sept. 21, 2023, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. Brown admitted that he exchanged sexually explicit videos with a 15-year-old female in California with whom he communicated via Instagram, Snapchat, and Discord. Brown was stationed in Florida at the time of these conversations, from March 4 to June 26, 2022, before being stationed in North Carolina.
Brown arrived at Fort Leonard Wood for training on Nov. 9, 2022.
On Dec. 14, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant on Brown’s barracks room and seized two cell phones, which contained child pornography. Brown admitted that he carried the cell phones with him on the plane when he traveled to Missouri.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Richmond, Calif., Police Department, and the Contra Costa County, Calif., District Attorney’s Office.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Man Involved in Fatal Robbery of St. Louis County Cab Driver Sentenced to 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a man involved in the fatal shooting of a cab driver in Hazelwood, Missouri in 2022 to 17 years in prison.
Coron Dees was one of four teens who robbed Dewight Price, 54, at gunpoint on April 24, 2022. All four have pleaded guilty and three await sentencing.
Dees, now 20, Jeremiah Allen, 20, and Trishawn Jones, 19, each pleaded guilty to a robbery charge. Jones and Tywon Harris, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting in the commission of a murder.
After leaving a party in downtown St. Louis, the four teens stopped at a gas station in the 700 block of North Tucker Boulevard. At 5:23 a.m., Harris called for a taxi. They planned to take the taxi to a fake address near Allen’s home, then run away without paying. After learning that they would have to prepay for the ride, the teens began discussing plans to rob Price.
They told Price to drive to Hazelwood Central High School, thinking there would be no witnesses there at that time. When they arrived, Dees and Jones pulled out firearms and demanded cash from Price. Price begged the teens not to shoot him. After Price handed cash to Jones, he grabbed a firearm he kept in his door. Allen warned the others that Price had a gun. Price began to get out of the cab, but Harris opened his door, knocking Price to the ground.
Jones saw Price’s firearm and fired once, hitting Price in the torso. The teens then ran away.
Allen and Jones are scheduled to be sentenced in May and Harris’ sentencing is scheduled for July.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel is prosecuting the case.
Man Charged with Sexual Abuse on Grounds of Gateway Arch National ParkRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Fairview Heights, Illinois was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday and accused of committing a sexual assault in Gateway Arch National Park.
Monte Derrell Boatman, 35, was indicted on one count of sexual abuse. The indictment accuses him of committing the forcible assault on park grounds on Dec. 6, 2023, and placing the victim in fear of death, serious bodily injury or kidnapping.
Boatman is in custody.
The sexual abuse charge is punishable by up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service and the St. Louis Metropolitan police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.
Long Island Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Prescription Drug Diversion SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Trevor Lawry was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 96 months in prison for orchestrating a yearslong conspiracy to divert Oxycodone and other prescription medications from a Hempstead pharmacy into the illicit market.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Regional Office, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, announced the sentence.
“While communities across the country reeled from an opioid epidemic, this defendant operated an elaborate scheme that illegally diverted huge quantities of prescription medications into the hands of drug users, including people struggling with addiction,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will continue doing its part to find and hold responsible individuals at all levels of the illegal supply chain who contribute to the scourge of opioids in this District.”
United States Attorney Peace thanked the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, the New York City Human Resources Administration, the New York Police Department, and the Nassau County Police Department for their significant contributions to the investigation.
DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino stated “For two years, Lawry spearheaded a diverted prescription drug trafficking conspiracy using forged prescriptions, putting profits above public health. This sentencing stands as a testament to our commitment in combatting the scourge of opioids being sold on the street, and those responsible for selling them.”
“HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat the illegal distribution of controlled substances to patients enrolled in HHS programs,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The defendants in this drug trafficking organization are being held responsible for wantonly disregarding responsible prescribing practices, seemingly exploiting the opioid epidemic affecting our communities.”
As set forth in court filings, between February 2018 and March 2020, Lawry headed a drug trafficking organization that used forged paper prescription forms—sourced from stolen prescription pads—to obtain large quantities of several controlled substances that are commonly diverted for recreational use: Oxycodone, Adderall, Alprazolam (also known as “Xanax”), and Promethazine with Codeine syrup. During the relevant time period, more than 500 fraudulent prescriptions for these medications were filled at D.R.A. Pharmakon, Inc. d/b/a D’s Pharmacy (D’s Pharmacy) in Hempstead, where one of Lawry’s co-conspirators worked as a pharmacist. In total, the conspiracy involved nearly a kilogram’s worth of stolen prescription medication, which Lawry and his co-conspirators then advertised for sale on social media and eventually sold at street level.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Bagnuola is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from the Office’s Special Agent Michael J. Cassidy.
The Defendant:
TREVOR LAWRY
Age: 38
Hempstead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-506 (JMA)
Local man indicted for filing false tax returnsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A suburban Houston man is set to appear on charges of filing fraudulent and false statements on his federal tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Joseph Patrick Butler is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury returned the four-count indictment April 4 which was unsealed upon his arrest. It alleges for tax years 2017 through 2020, Butler signed false joint Form 1040 U.S. individual income tax returns and received inflated tax refunds to which he was not entitled.
According to the indictment, Butler’s joint tax returns include false entries showing he allegedly received hundreds of thousands in wages. His employers allegedly withheld over $100,000 per year.
The indictment also alleges Butler falsely received over $260,000 in refunds for tax years 2013 through 2020.
If convicted, Butler faces up to three years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine for each of the four counts as charged.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Shirin Hakimzadeh are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Lincolnton, N.C. Woman Charged with Selling Fentanyl That Led to an Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Charlotte indicted Madison Dare Winslow, 24, of Lincolnton, N.C., for allegedly selling fentanyl that led to an overdose death, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Kyle Burns, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Tracy Ledford of the Maiden Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making the announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, on February 14, 2022, in Catawba County, Winslow did knowingly and intentionally distribute a controlled substance, that being fentanyl, that caused a victim’s overdose death. The indictment also alleges that Winslow distributed fentanyl on April 4, 2022, which is after the date of the victim’s fatal overdose.
Winslow is expected to make her initial appearance in court on Thursday, April 18, 2024. She is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The charges in the indictments are allegations. The defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked HSI and the Maiden Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and remains the deadliest drug threat in the United States. Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of 10 pills seized by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. According to the DEA, in 2023, the agency seized more than 79.5 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. That’s equivalent to more than 376.7 million lethal doses of fentanyl - enough to kill every American across the country. So far this year, the 2024 fentanyl seizures represent over 82.6 million deadly doses.
For information and resources related to substance use disorder, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locator.
Leader of Multimillion-Dollar Clinic Scam Resentenced for Health Care and Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A New York man was resentenced today to nine years in prison and ordered to pay $39 million in restitution for his role in a multimillion-dollar health care kickback and tax avoidance conspiracy, after his previous sentence was vacated.
According to court documents, Aleksandr Pikus, 48, of Brooklyn, orchestrated a scheme to refer Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to health care providers at clinics in Brooklyn and Queens in exchange for illegal kickbacks. The health care providers submitted millions of dollars in false and fraudulent claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs related to these illegally procured beneficiaries. Pikus and his co-conspirators then laundered a substantial portion of the proceeds of these claims through companies they controlled, including by cashing checks at several check-cashing businesses in New York. Pikus failed to report that cash income to the IRS, instead using sham shell companies and fake invoices to conceal the transactions. He used the cash for his personal benefit and to pay kickbacks to patient recruiters who, in turn, paid beneficiaries to receive treatment at the medical clinics.
Pikus was convicted at trial in 2019, but his conviction was overturned on appeal. On remand, the district court dismissed the indictment without prejudice. Pikus was reindicted in January 2023 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive and pay health care kickbacks and conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the lawful functions of the IRS in May 2023.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York; and Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
IRS-CI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Leader of Catalytic Converter Crew Pleads Guilty; Final Defendant to PleadRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of a regional organized theft crew who orchestrated the thefts of catalytic converters from nearly 500 vehicles across the region, multiple jewelry store robberies and the stealing of ATMs pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston.
Rafael Davila, a/k/a “Robbin Hood,” 35, of Springfield, Mass, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit bank theft; and bank theft. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2024.
In April 2023, Rafael Davila was arrested and charged along with six others in connection with the theft, transportation and sale of stolen catalytic converters taken from nearly 500 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2022 through April 2023. It is believed that a significant number of additional thefts have not been identified or were not ever reported to law enforcement.
According to court filings, there has been a precipitous decline in catalytic converter thefts reported in Massachusetts as a result of the April 2023 takedown – with less than 15 reported incidents of catalytic converter theft over the past 11 months following the arrests, in comparison to the hundreds of thefts reported during the nine-month period prior.
Catalytic converter theft has become a nationwide problem due to the high-valued precious metals they contain – some of which are more valuable than gold, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each in recent years. The theft of a vehicle's catalytic converter results in damage that renders the vehicle inoperable – both mechanically and legally under EPA regulations – until properly replaced.
The crew was led by Davila, who engaged in catalytic converter thefts and burglaries on a full-time basis – committing thefts multiple nights per week for upwards of eight hours a night. Davila was responsible for the planning of and transportation to each targeted theft – using his vehicle, determining price values for stolen converters and purchasing needed materials. Davila maintained meticulous notes accounting for the locations that he and his co-conspirators had targeted and the number of catalytic converters that had been stolen, including the makes and models and when they were dropped off for sale.
The thefts resulted in losses of approximately $5,000 per vehicle with certain trucks costing over $10,000 to repair. This amounts to an approximate $2 million in losses suffered by more than 300 separate victims who were forced to deal with their vehicles being disabled for potentially weeks on end. The more than 300 victims included businesses and individuals across Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire, including a food pantry, automotive businesses, tradesmen, a bakery, single parents, a home healthcare provider and the elderly. Some businesses were repeatedly targeted on multiple nights.
Once in possession of the stolen catalytic converters, the crew would then sell them to Jose Torres, who would accumulate stolen catalytic converters from multiple theft crews and then in turn sell them to scrap dealers – transacting approximately $30,000 to $80,000 in stolen catalytic converters per week. Torres then sold stolen catalytic converters to scrap dealers who have since been charged federally for interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering in the District of Connecticut, the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Oklahoma. Rafael Davila admitted to conspiring with Torres to transact in the stolen catalytic converters.
In addition to the catalytic converter thefts, Davila also admitted to conspiring to steal from ATMs of federally insured banks in Massachusetts on three separate occasions in December 2022. This conspiracy involved the use of stolen trucks and chains to rip the ATMs from the ground and gain access to the vault.
Rafael Davila also admitted to committing burglaries of two New Hampshire jewelry stores on Jan. 12, 2023, and the theft of a trailer on Dec. 14, 2022. Davila admitted to breaking into the stores by smashing the glass doors and breaking the jewelry cases and stealing the jewelry. The combined total value of the jewelry stolen during the burglaries was determined to be over $137,000, with each store facing approximately $10,000 in costs to repair the resulting damage.
Rafael Davila is the seventh and final defendant charged in Operation Cut & Run to plead guilty. All six of his co-defendants have pleaded guilty - three of whom have since been sentenced, each to more than three years in prison. The three remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing.
The charge of conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank theft provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank theft provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the proceeds, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kevin Gallagher, Director of Operations for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Northern District of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of California; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and the New England State Police Information Network. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Over 70 local police departments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut contributed to this investigation through the submission of their investigations of catalytic converter thefts in their jurisdiction. The Massachusetts Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Abington, Acton, Andover, Auburn, Bedford, Bellingham, Beverly, Billerica, Burlington, Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Concord, Cranston, East Hampton, Easton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Hampton, Hanover, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Ipswich, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, Malden, Mansfield, Medford, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Norwell, Norwood, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Springfield, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sudbury, Tyngsborough, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, Wilmington, Woburn and Worcester. The New Hampshire Police Departments contributing to the investigation were Bow, Concord, Derry, Hooksett, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem, Windham. The Connecticut Police Departments contributing to the investigation were South Windsor and Windsor.
Leader of Black-Market HIV Medication Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Nine Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BORIS AMINOV was sentenced today to nine years in prison for engaging in a years-long scheme that exploited vulnerable HIV patients and defrauded Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least $20 million. AMINOV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Boris Aminov orchestrated a scheme to get rich by lying to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies and by depriving vulnerable HIV patients of legitimate and safe medications. He also made millions of dollars through buying and distributing black-market HIV medications to pharmacies all over New York City. Today’s sentencing brings a measure of closure with Aminov now facing the obligation to pay over 13 million in restitution.”
According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictments and statements made in court proceedings:
From at least in or about 2017 through at least in or about 2023, AMINOV and others engaged in a scheme that defrauded Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance companies out of at least approximately $20 million through trafficking in black-market HIV medication. In doing so, they exploited at least hundreds of low-income individuals who had been prescribed HIV medication, jeopardizing the health and safety of those patients.
AMINOV distributed black-market HIV medications to pharmacies that were owned and operated by other co-conspirators. That medication was then dispensed to unknowing patients who believed they were receiving legitimate medication. To further their scheme and conceal their proceeds, co-conspirators used bank accounts associated with their respective pharmacies to funnel money to shell companies controlled by AMINOV.
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In addition to the prison term, AMINOV, 47, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,270,379.50, and ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $4,401,495.00.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Jackie Delligatti are in charge of the prosecution.
Kansas woman indicted for threats to Presidents Biden & ClintonRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with making threats against current and former nationally elected officials.
According to court documents, Lori Davis, 40, of Park City is charged with one count of threats against a former president of the United States and one count of threats against the president of the United States.
Davis is accused of calling the Clinton Foundation in New York in September 2021 and leaving a message threatening to kill former U.S. President William (Bill) Clinton.
In 2024, Davis is accused of making multiple posts on social media threatening to murder U.S. President Joseph (Joe) Biden.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Ismael Deleon-Ortega Jr, 59, Liberal of was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.
Devin Dewater, 27, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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KC Man Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and for illegally possessing a firearm.
John A. Caylor, 55, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, April 16, to 13 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 20, 2023, Caylor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Caylor admitted that he participated in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Feb. 28, 2020, to Sept. 20, 2022.
Co-defendant Jose Jesus Sanchez-Mendez, 42, a citizen of Mexico who illegally entered the United States, pleaded guilty on Sept. 20, 2023, to his role as the chief local operative of the drug-trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl sourced from Mexico. Sanchez-Mendez managed the importation, processing, and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
During the conspiracy, Caylor sold methamphetamine and other illegal drugs to a confidential informant on eight separate occasions. Caylor was arrested when he met the confidential informant for a ninth transaction, at which time Caylor was in possession of approximately 29.8 grams of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement officers searched Caylor’s hotel room and found a loaded Bersa .380-caliber handgun under a pillow on the bed, approximately 525.3 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Caylor is among 44 defendants charged in this case, and among seven defendants who have been sentenced. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled for Sanchez-Mendez.
On June 8, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led an operation that involved 140 officers and agents from 14 state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers made 34 arrests, executed 16 search warrants and seized 84.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, 10.4 kilograms of fentanyl, 7.6 kilograms of cocaine, 10.5 kilograms of marijuana, 687 Xanax pills, 3.1 kilograms of unknown pills, a quantity of bulk cash, five firearms, a 3D printer with manufactured ghost gun parts, and a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and Megan A. Baker. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Olmsted County, Minn., Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case 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.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Texas Education Agency to Ensure Testing Accommodations for People with DyslexiaRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – The United States has reached a settlement with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), a state agency responsible for certifying teachers to teach in classrooms across the state of Texas, to resolve alleged violations of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the administration of the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) examination, a standardized examination required for the issuance of certain teacher certification fields in Texas.
The Department of Justice received an ADA complaint alleging that an individual with dyslexia and dysgraphia was denied oral administration as an alternative testing arrangement for the STR examination. The complaint prompted an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. The ADA prohibits public entities from administering a licensing program in a manner that subjects individuals with disabilities to discrimination because of those disabilities.
Under the settlement agreement, the TEA agrees that it will allow a qualified reader or text-to-speech technology as an alternative testing arrangement for the STR examination for testing candidates who otherwise establish through appropriate documentation that such modifications are appropriate, including for individuals who are diagnosed with dyslexia. Additionally, to resolve the complaint, the TEA will provide the requested modifications to the complainant when they take the STR examination.
“Preparing for professional certification examinations is a stressful time for anyone, let alone people with disabilities who may also worry that their requests for alternative testing arrangements may be rejected,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “People with dyslexia should not be denied the testing accommodations they deserve. The ADA requires such modifications to ensure that people with disabilities are not being graded on their disabilities, and unfairly denied access to their chosen professions.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Goode represented the government during the resolution process. For more information about the ADA, visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s tollfree information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Justice Department Launches Carjacking Task Forces in Targeted Areas Across the CountryRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that 11 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have now established a carjacking task force to focus efforts and resources on this important public safety threat.
“The Justice Department has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe. We do so by targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime and by acting as a force multiplier for our state and local law enforcement partners. We’re seeing results — with violent crime declining broadly nationwide,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today, we are launching seven new carjacking task forces across the country to build on the success of task forces in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Tampa, where available data shows that carjacking rates are now falling. When prosecutors, officers, agents, and analysts come together to crunch data, share intelligence, and apply best practices, we can make real progress in the fight against all forms of violent crime, including carjacking.”
In keeping with the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the task forces represent a strategic enforcement priority for the Department, focusing federal resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime.
Building on the initial efforts of and best practices learned from carjacking task forces in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Columbia, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the following seven districts are announcing the creation of carjacking task forces in their communities:
- District of Oregon
- Eastern District of Texas
- Northern District of Alabama
- Northern District of California
- Eastern District of Louisiana
- Southern District of Mississippi
- Western District of Washington
Carjacking and other violent crime task forces have proven to be an effective part of successful violent crime reduction strategies by focusing on significant crime drivers and taking violent offenders off the streets of our communities. For example, carjackings in Philadelphia declined by 31% from 2022 to 2023, and armed carjackings are down 28% in the District of Columbia this year compared to the same period in 2023. In Chicago, carjackings decreased 29% from a high in 2021 through the end of 2023.
The newly formed task forces will be led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), working alongside state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners. At initial kickoff meetings, task force members will come together to institute expedited sharing and prompt action procedures related to car thefts, carjackings, and the recovery of stolen or suspect vehicles — as well as effective evidence gathering and technology exploitation strategies. The task forces will also collaborate on how to use federal sentencing enhancements for cases where adults use juveniles to commit carjackings, as well as work with state and local authorities to ensure the appropriate handling of juvenile suspects. The task forces will also assist state and local officials who wish to seek Justice Department grant funding for juvenile intervention and diversion resources.
Individual Charged with Sex-Trafficking of Women on Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn Known as the “Penn Track,” and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY - Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Joel David Forney, also known as “Sirbar,” with three counts of sex trafficking, Mann Act transportation for purposes of commercial sex and coercion and enticement of a minor. The charges in the indictment arise from the defendant’s trafficking of women to work as prostitutes in New York, including along an open-air sex trafficking market on a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn, New York known as the Penn Track, as well as the defendant’s alleged transportation of women from New York to multiple other states, including Connecticut and Missouri, with the intent that they engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit. The charges also arise from the defendant’s alleged rape of a teenage girl in 2014. Forney was arrested this morning in Kissimmee, Florida and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in the Middle District of Florida.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kristen M. Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Justice Department, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant raped a minor, and preyed on vulnerable women to sell their bodies for his own profit, while subjecting them to constant acts and threats of violence,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “With today’s arrest, this Office seeks to hold Forney accountable for his cruel and depraved crimes. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to eradicate the degradation of women forced into sex work at the Penn Track and elsewhere in the district.”
Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the New York City Police Department/FBI Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force for their outstanding investigative work on the case.
“These charges represent the darkest side of the criminal world. Not only did Joel Forney allegedly force several victims into commercial sex trafficking through repeated violence and death threats, but he also allegedly raped a female minor victim after luring her into his residence. Today’s arrest affirms the FBI’s promise to investigate those who commit such heinous crimes, and ensure they are brought to justice,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
As alleged in court filings, between at least the summer of 2016 and continuing through at least 2022, Forney trafficked women to engage in commercial sex in Brooklyn, New York and in other states through force, fraud and coercion for his financial benefit. The defendant trafficked his victims both in hotel rooms and on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn, a notorious location for commercial sex known as the Penn Track. The defendant subjected the victims to his total control and forced them to adhere to a list of rules designed to maximize his profits and minimize their resistance. When his victims disobeyed his directives, he used physical violence, and sometimes death threats, as a form of punishment.
Forney allegedly began trafficking Jane Doe #1 in the summer of 2016, when he lured her to travel from her home in Wisconsin to New York City with false promises of a legitimate job offer. When Jane Doe #1 arrived, he brought her to a hotel where he raped her and threatened her with violence. He then photographed her and posted advertisements on the internet using her photo to promote commercial sex. For the next several months, the defendant trafficked Jane Doe #1, bringing her to hotels in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and other locations, where he compelled her to engage in commercial sex. The defendant retained the majority of the proceeds of her commercial sex work. If Jane Doe #1 failed to earn enough money or acted in a way that he viewed as disrespectful, he would slap, punch, or sexually assault her. He routinely threatened to kill Jane Doe #1. On one occasion, he showed Jane Doe #1 a photograph on his phone of a dismembered woman and told her that “this is what happens to bi-----s who leave their pimps.”
Forney began trafficking Jane Doe #2 in October 2017 at the Penn Track and in other states where he forced her to perform commercial sex for his financial benefit. As was the case with Jane Doe #1, Forney kept the majority of the financial proceeds of Jane Doe #2’s work. Forney would beat her if she violated his rules. On one occasion, angered by Jane Doe #2’s perceived disobedience, Forney punched her in the face, breaking her front tooth.
Forney trafficked a third victim, Jane Doe #3, beginning in May 2017. As with Jane Doe #2, the defendant compelled Jane Doe #3 to work in commercial sex largely on the Penn Track, and kept most of her earnings. Like all the women the defendant trafficked, Jane Doe #3 was instructed to strictly adhere to the defendant’s rules, and any acts of disobedience were met with violence and threats.
In addition to sex trafficking, Forney also engaged in sexually predatory conduct directed at a minor. Specifically, in June 2014, when Forney was 31-years-old, he encountered Jane Doe #4, who was then 14 years-old, walking home in Queens. He told her she was pretty; she told him her age. After exchanging contact information, the defendant continued to communicate with the girl—regularly telling her she was beautiful—before inviting her to his home where he raped her.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Forney faces a minimum term of 15 years in prison, and up to life imprisonment.
If you are a victim of trafficking—whether by Forney or someone else—and have information to provide, please contact the FBI, which is prepared to help you regardless of your immigration status, at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Elbert and Antoinette N. Rangel and Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOEL DAVID FORNEY (also known as “Sirbar”)
Age: 41
Kissimmee, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-146 (KAM)
IRS Revenue Agent Indicted for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Revenue Agent for the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly filing false personal tax returns for three years.
Ndeye Amy Thioub, 67, of Swampscott, was indicted on three counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of filing false tax returns as an employee of the United States. Thioub was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2024.
According to the charging documents, Thioub was hired in 2006 as an Internal Revenue Agent in the IRS Large Business and International Division. As a Revenue Agent, Thioub planned and conducted examinations of tax returns using extensive and specialized knowledge of accounting techniques, practices and investigative audit techniques to examine and resolve various tax issues of individuals and business organizations. As a result of her education, training and experience, Thioub was highly knowledgeable about tax law. In addition, Thioub received yearly training in IRS Employee Tax Compliance, which instructs that IRS employees must comply with their tax obligations, including timely filing accurate tax returns and payment of taxes due.
It is alleged that Thioub filed false personal tax returns for tax years 2017, 2018 and 2019. It is further alleged that, for each year, Thioub filed a false Schedule C claiming a business loss from a purported “import and export” business she claimed to have. As a result, the claimed net loss was carried over to her personal IRS Form 1040s and used to reduce Thioub’s adjusted gross income and ultimate tax liability.
The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. The charge of filing a false tax return by an employee of the United States provides for discharge from employment and a sentence of up to five years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. 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; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Christopher J. Gust, Acting Special Agent in charge of the U.S. Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hopkinsville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Daniel Champion, 42, of Hopkinsville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On June 29, 2021, in Christian County, Kentucky, Champion possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Hopkinsville Police Department, with assistance from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Guam Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Jason Solatario Brown, age 48, from Yigo, Guam was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252. The Court also ordered five years of supervised release following imprisonment and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. The Court also ordered Brown to register with the Sex Offender Registry anywhere he lives, works, or goes to school.
On November 24, 2020, a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent searched Brown’s cellular telephone. During the examination the agent discovered 28 videos and images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The images depicted adult males engaging in sexually explicit conduct with young boys. Evidence revealed that Brown shared the videos and images with another person using the Facebook messenger app. Brown shared the images after receiving a request for images of children below the age of fifteen.
“Our children are facing unprecedented threats to their safety,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Digital technology facilitates nearly every crime. We must make every effort to combat the exploitation of children. Those who violate their innocence will be held accountable.”
“This sentence demonstrates that the FBI will vigorously pursue those who target young innocent children and bring justice to those who have been victimized,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “We ask the public to be vigilant and report these heinous acts to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or at tips.fbi.gov so we can put these perpetrators away for a long time
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This prosecution is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, whose mission is to combat internet or technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. PSC works in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The case was prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.
Grand Jury Indicts Former School Janitor Accused of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a Grand Jury indicted Bradley Arkesteyn, 28, of Rockford, for possessing child pornography. Arkesteyn was previously charged by criminal complaint, and he has been detained by the Court since March 20, 2024. Arkesteyn is set for arraignment on April 24, 2024.
“My office will always fight to protect the most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Every image of child exploitation is a crime, whether possessed, viewed, or distributed. My team will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable.”
As described in more detail in the criminal complaint, Arkesteyn allegedly posted images and videos of child pornography in a social media group called “kiddo only.” Arkseteyn also allegedly communicated privately with an undercover FBI task force officer about a sexual interest in children and his work as a custodian in an elementary school. The relevant school district has been notified.
“I am grateful to our dedicated agents and task force officers from the Western Michigan Based Crimes Against Children Task Force (WEBCHEX) for their investigative work on this case,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Today's indictment is a testament to the FBI and task force officers’ daily work to combat sexual exploitation, particularly against minors. Those who engage in such crimes will face justice.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. The case is being investigated by the FBI.
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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Georgian National and Son Charged with Laundering More Than $500,000 They Believed to Be Drug Cartel ProceedsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Spencer L. Evans, the Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the arrest of YOHANAN ELIGOOLA and DAVID ELIGOOLA in connection with a conspiracy to launder money that the defendants believed to be narcotics proceeds. The individuals who purported to be operatives of a narcotics cartel were in fact undercover law enforcement officers (the “Undercover Agents”), and YOHANAN ELIGOOLA also attempted to sell those individuals various weapons, including surface-to-air missiles. YOHANAN ELIGOOLA was arrested on April 15, 2024, in New York, New York, and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the Southern District of New York. DAVID ELIGOOLA was arrested yesterday in Miami, Florida, and presented before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Yohanan Eligoola worked with individuals he believed to be representing a drug cartel to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars and to sell them deadly weapons, including surface-to-air missiles. Unbeknownst to him, those cartel members were in fact undercover FBI agents. Our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office work relentlessly to disrupt dangerous criminal activity.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans said: “FBI Las Vegas would like to thank our partners at the SDNY U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI New York, and FBI Miami for their diligent work leading to these arrests. We are committed to working collaboratively and utilizing our partnerships to combat organized crime groups to stem the illegal flow of weapons that endangers U.S. national security.”
As alleged in the Complaints:[1]
The Undercover Agents represented to YOHANAN ELIGOOLA that they worked for a drug cartel, and YOHANAN ELIGOOLA arranged to launder their narcotics proceeds. Over the course of 2023, YOHANAN ELIGOOLA, DAVID ELIGOOLA — YOHANAN ELIGOOLA’s son — or their co-conspirators received large quantities of cash from the Undercover Agents on five separate occasions. In total, they received more than $500,000 in cash, and returned all of it — minus their fee — back to the Undercover Agents in the form of laundered cryptocurrency and bank wires.
YOHANAN ELIGOOLA informed the Undercover Agents that he could launder up to $1 million in cash per day on behalf of the cartel and that “the bank will never ask you a question” when YOHANAN ELIGOOLA transferred the laundered funds back to them.
Before he had received any money from the Undercover Agents, YOHANAN ELIGOOLA asked one of them if the money was “from drugs.” The Undercover Agents told him that it was and that they were “dealing with Colombians.”
YOHANAN ELIGOOLA also offered to sell the Undercover Agents various munitions and bragged that he controlled a large fraction of the defense industry in a particular country. YOHANAN ELIGOOLA further claimed that he marked up munitions he sold by approximately 500% because they were “black market.” The Undercover Agents informed YOHANAN ELIGOOLA that they “have issues with aircraft,” referred to “the fucking helicopters,” and asked for “stingers.” Because the Undercover Agents represented that they worked for a drug cartel, the Undercover Agents meant that government helicopters had been interdicting the operations of the cartel, and the Undercover Agents wanted Stinger missiles — which are man-portable surface-to-air missile systems that are effective in shooting down helicopters — in order to shoot down those helicopters.
YOHANAN ELIGOOLA asked the Undercover Agents to send him a list of the type of munitions they wanted to purchase and offered to let the Undercover Agents visit him in other countries to see the munitions firsthand.
The Undercover Agents subsequently requested a number of weapons, including rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank weapons, suicide drones, and Stinger missiles. YOHANAN ELIGOOLA responded that he could provide most of those weapons and listed the prices he would charge. As to the Stinger missiles, YOHANAN ELIGOOLA offered FN-6 and FN-16 man-portable surface-to-air missile systems as alternatives.
On April 15, 2024, the Undercover Agents met with YOHANAN ELIGOOLA at a restaurant in New York, New York, in order to make a down payment on the surface-to-air missiles. The Undercover Agents provided YOHANAN ELIGOOLA with $690,000 in cash as a down payment for approximately eight such missiles. YOHANAN ELIGOOLA was then arrested by the FBI.
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YOHANAN ELIGOOLA, 58, of the nation of Georgia, and DAVID ELIGOOLA, 34, of Hallandale Beach, Florida, are each charged with conspiracy to launder money, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah Fergenson and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaints 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 Complaints and the description of the Complaints set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
Furniture company employee sentenced to 5 years in prison for embezzling more than $26 million from employerRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Central Ohio man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 60 months in prison for embezzling more than $26 million from his Columbus employer.
As part of his sentence, Yi He, 36, of Powell, will pay restitution to his former employer and to the IRS, and he will forfeit a Tesla vehicle.
According to court documents, Yi was a long-time and trusted employee of a furniture company that provides furniture to retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, Kohls, Walmart and Ashley. Yi was solely responsible for payroll and payroll tax-related duties for the company.
From 2018 until 2022, Yi embezzled money from the company’s bank account into his own personal and financial investment accounts. Yi submitted false and fraudulent bank and financial statements to the company’s leadership to remain undetected.
For example, in one wire transfer in February 2022, Yi wired himself $100,000. Yi falsified that month’s bank account statement by removing the transaction entirely.
In total, Yi stole $26.5 million from the company.
Yi also helped oversee an employee incentive LLC that rewarded company employees with 10 or more years of service. The LLC offered employees a way to earn more and supplement retirement. Yi similarly embezzled from the LLC’s bank accounts. For example, in one wire transfer in April 2022, he paid himself $200,000 by falsely categorizing the transfer as “Rent.” In total, he stole $635,000 from the LLC.
Yi failed to accurately report his income to the IRS for tax years 2018 through 2021, causing a total tax loss of approximately $6.8 million.
Yi pleaded guilty in August 2023 to committing wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight is representing the United States in this case.
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Fruitland Man Charged with Assault and Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland man is facing federal charges following allegations that he and his brother instigated a confrontation at a residence which culminated in a standoff with law enforcement officers. Walliford Tso, 35, of Fruitland, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court for an initial appearance where the Court temporarily detained him pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for April 17, 2024.
The criminal complaint alleges that on March 23, 2024, Tso and his brother, Justin Tso, went to Jane Doe’s home in Fruitland, New Mexico. Justin entered the home and asked Jane Doe for a cigarette. When she told Justin that she had no cigarettes, Justin took a machete that was lying near the front door without permission and walked away.
When Jane Doe’s significant other, John Doe 1, yelled after the brothers, a verbal altercation followed. After the exchange, the brothers chased John Doe into the house. As Jane Doe was locking the door behind him, the brothers kicked in the door, entered the home and assaulted John Doe.
John Doe was able to get away and exited the house with Jane Doe and their small child. Jane Doe and John Doe called 911 using their cellphone. A Navajo Police Department officer arrived during the incident and detained Tso’s brother before searching for Tso. The search led him to Tso’s parents’ house about 200 yards away. The officer went around to the back of the house and observed Tso hiding behind a structure with a rifle in his hands. Tso raised the rifle and pointed it at the officer, who took cover and gave Tso commands to drop the weapon. Tso eventually obeyed and was taken into custody.
Tso is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted of the current charges, Tso faces up to 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Four District Men Charged with PCP Conspiracy and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 21-count superseding indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, charges four Washington D.C. men — Lamont M. Langston, 43; Jamar Bennett, 44; Norman Morris, 43; and Kelvin Sanker, 42 — with distributing and conspiring to distribute mass amounts of phencyclidine (also known as PCP) in the metropolitan region, and with firearms offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, of the DEA Washington Division.
According to court documents, the defendants organized a drug trafficking organization that packaged and distributed multiple kilograms of PCP in the District of Columbia. Jamar Bennett allegedly sold PCP to undercover officers on numerous occasions in 2023 and 2024. The PCP was supplied by Langston, with assistance from Morris and Sanker. Bennett and Morris are also alleged to have dealt fentanyl in the District of Columbia, with Bennett selling large quantities of fentanyl to an undercover officer.
Langston was arrested on February 25, 2024, by MPD officers after fleeing from a police cruiser and discarding a handgun that had been converted into a machinegun with a “giggle switch.” Langston hid from law enforcement in the Watts Branch tributary stream until he was located with help from an MPD helicopter and extracted with an MPD K9. From Langston’s person, coat, and vehicle, law enforcement recovered an AK-style Mini Draco pistol loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition, a water bottle containing an amber liquid that tested positive for PCP, and nearly $10,000 in cash. Langston made his initial appearance in District Court on March 1, 2024.
Bennett was arrested March 6, 2024, and made his initial appearance the same day. During a search of his residence, law enforcement recovered a Ruger LC9 handgun. Today, April 17, Morris was arrested in Anne Arundel County and Sanker was arrested in Washington D.C. Morris and Sanker also made their first court appearances today.
All four defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute PCP. Langston is also charged with using, carrying, and possessing a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Bennett is charged with five counts involving the distribution of fentanyl, and nine counts involving distribution of PCP. Morris also faces a fentanyl distribution charge.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case is being investigated by DEA and FBI. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Roman of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Marine Sentenced to 15 Years for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A former marine was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for distribution and possession of child pornography. Jonathon Allen Frew, age 33, pled guilty on August 17, 2023. He was also assessed $10,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and $5,000 under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.
According to court documents and other information presented in court Frew was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) after Kik social media reported on five separate occasions one of its users had uploaded child pornography. Kik made the report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who forwarded the report to NCIS after learning the Kik account and IP address used to upload the images were connected to Frew who was an active-duty Marine at the time.
Results from a Kik search warrant showed on one day Frew uploaded 24 images and videos of child pornography into a chat group. Pursuant to a search warrant, Frew’s home was searched, and digital devices were seized. Child pornography was located on his cellular device. In total Frew possessed approximately 250 images and 30 videos of child pornography. Frew ultimately admitted to law enforcement that he obtained child pornography and would later upload it to chat groups. Frew’s collection of images and videos included very young children, infants, and toddlers, as well as images depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing was concluded. U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III presided over the sentencing. The United States NCIS investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
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. 4:22-CR-64-D.
Former KC Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., man who moved to Mexico and lived under another name, pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to produce child pornography.
Wyatt Christopher Maxwell, also known as “Louis Whitaker,” 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of attempting to produce child pornography.
Maxwell lived in Kansas City, Mo., at the time of the offense, but afterward moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he went by the name “Louis Whitaker” as a cabaret singer. He was arrested in Mexico following his indictment and has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
According to today’s plea agreement, the Overland Park, Kansas, Police Department received tips in February 2021, via the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers tipline, that Maxwell was producing child pornography with a 16-year-old resident of Overland Park. Maxwell reportedly uploaded the child pornography to various online accounts. The child victim told investigators that Maxwell had been recording sexually explicit videos of the two of them for several months. Some of the recordings were created at Maxwell’s residence and some were created in a nearby park.
Law enforcement agents interviewed Maxwell on Feb. 3, 2021. He confirmed he uploaded videos to his accounts on OnlyFans and JustForFans, for which he estimated he made from $3,000 to $10,000 per month from subscribers. Maxwell admitted he created approximately 20 videos where he was engaged in some type of sex act with the child victim. Those videos were uploaded to his OnlyFans and JustForFans accounts.
Investigators found 39 videos of child pornography that were downloaded on Maxwell’s cell phone, 96 videos of child pornography involving the child victim, and 24 images of child pornography involving the child victim.
Investigators confirmed payments from Maxwell’s OnlyFans account totaling $49,151, and from Maxwell’s JustForFans account totaling $2,954. There were 153 videos uploaded to the JustForFans account, 16 of which depicted sexual activity involving the child victim.
Under federal statutes, Maxwell is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by the FBI and the Overland Park, Kan., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former Employee of Defunct New Jersey Marble and Granite Company Admits Participating in $17 Million Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former employee of a now-defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler today admitted his role in a scheme to defraud a bank in connection with a $17 million secured line of credit, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Nitin Vats, 52, an Indian national, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to count one of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2016 through March 2018, an owner and employees of Lotus Exim International Inc. (LEI), including Vats, conspired to obtain from the victim bank a $17 million line of credit by fraudulent means. The victim bank extended LEI the line of credit, believing it to have been secured in part by LEI’s accounts receivable. In reality, the conspirators had fabricated and inflated many of the accounts receivable, ultimately leading to LEI defaulting on the line of credit.
To conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, Vats created fake email addresses on behalf of LEI’s customers so that other LEI employees could pose as those customers and answer the victim bank’s and outside auditor’s inquiries about the accounts receivable. The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the victim bank losses of approximately $17 million.
The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution to which Vats pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
vats.indictment.pdfFlorida attorney sentenced to federal prison for role in COVID-19 fraud schemeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Florida attorney has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for participating in a scheme to illegally obtain funding from a federal COVID-19 small business relief program.
Shaquandra Woods, 41, of Jacksonville, Fla., was sentenced to 75 months in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker, who presided over the four-day trial in which a federal jury convicted Woods, also ordered her to pay $42,848 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Shaquandra Woods prolifically filed fraudulent applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds for herself and for others,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to prosecute those who engage in such self-enriching behavior at taxpayers’ expense.”
As authorized by the CARES Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Woods, an attorney licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia, completed at least nine applications for EIDL funding for herself and others, fabricating and submitting false documents to support the applications.
As a result of the fraudulent applications, Woods was successful in obtaining more than $300,000 for herself.
“Woods will now pay the price for stealing pandemic relief funds that others needed to keep a business open or to keep a roof over their heads,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke of FBI Atlanta’s Savannah Resident Agency. “Federal programs such as these are set up to help those in need, not to benefit criminals. Prosecution of those who illegally obtain government benefits will continue to be a priority for our office.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who defraud SBA’s programs will be held accountable,” said Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region of the SBA Office of Inspector General. “Our office will remain steadfast in pursuing those who exploit such vital resources for personal gain, ensuring accountability and justice for the American taxpayer. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to pursuing justice in this case.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan C. Grover and Former Senior Litigation Counsel Jenna G. Solari.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Florida Man Charged with Sex Trafficking Multiple Women and Sexually Assaulting a Minor in New YorkRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed in Brooklyn, New York, today charging a Florida man with sex trafficking multiple women and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Joel David Forney, 41, of Kissimmee, was charged with sex trafficking; interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution; and coercion and enticement of a minor. Forney was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this evening in the Middle District of Florida.
Forney allegedly trafficked women to work in commercial sex in New York, including at an open-air sex trafficking market along a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn known as the Penn Track, as well as the defendant’s transportation of women from New York to multiple other states, including Connecticut and Missouri, with the intent that they engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit. Forney is also charged with coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to the indictment, for years, Forney preyed on vulnerable women in tough financial circumstances by sex trafficking them, violently assaulting them and subjecting them to constant threats of violence.
If convicted, Forney faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York and Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI New York Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Elbert and Antoinette N. Rangel for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
If you are a victim of trafficking — whether by Forney or someone else — and have information to provide, please contact the FBI, which is prepared to help you regardless of your immigration status, at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five People Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking in the Eastern PanhandleRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five people have been sentenced for their crimes involving fentanyl distribution across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
- Christopher Arthur Jones, also known as “Smooth,” of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 300 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for racketeering enterprise (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl distribution charges. Jones, age 39, was the leader of the organization, directing members of the enterprise to sell drugs, commit acts of violence, launder money, and commit fraud in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The business was based in Philadelphia, but Jones had drug houses in Martinsburg, West Virginia and elsewhere.
- Noah Izreel Neverdon, age 21, of Parkville, Maryland, was sentenced to 70 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Neverdon sold fentanyl as a part of a drug operation from Baltimore to West Virginia.
- Dylan Moyers, age 24, of Romney, West Virginia, was sentenced to 41 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for his role in a drug conspiracy, selling heroin and fentanyl in Hampshire and Mineral Counties. According to court documents, Moyers’ home was used as a heroin and fentanyl sales hub for the operation.
- Michael Nicholas Calder, also known as “Ice,” age 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 85 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. According to statements made in court, a traffic stop of Calder’s vehicle yielded fentanyl pills, cocaine, and eutylone.
- Russell Guy Fitzgerald, age 61, of Rawlings, Maryland, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Fitzgerald, also known as “Rusty,” was selling fentanyl from his Maryland home and a home in Mineral County, West Virginia. Searches of both locations resulted in the seizure of fentanyl capsules, methamphetamine, cocaine, and 20 firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.
The agencies involved in the various investigations include: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard.
The Jones matter 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.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.