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9 May 2024
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Cobb County, Georgia, to Resolve Allegations of Race Discrimination in Firefighter Hiring ProcessRead the Press Release
The Justice Department has secured an agreement with Cobb County, Georgia, resolving the United States’ claim that the County violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII) by using credit checks and a written exam that discriminated against African American firefighter candidates based on race. Cobb County has stopped using the challenged hiring practices and will pay $750,000 in back pay to applicants disqualified by those practices. The County will also hire up to 16 of those applicants with retroactive seniority.
“This settlement should send a strong message to employers that reliance on a job applicant’s credit history may be discriminatory and unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Consumer credit checks create a Catch-22 for people seeking access to job opportunities. Cobb County’s hiring practices created artificial barriers that prevented qualified Black job candidates from being considered for firefighter positions. Discriminatory barriers, like credit checks, not only cost candidates a fair chance at a job, they also prevent the public from being served by firefighters drawn from the most robust hiring pool possible.”
“Every person, regardless of race, deserves an equal opportunity to compete for jobs. Employers should identify and eliminate policies and procedures that create a discriminatory impact on applicants based on race,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “Our office will continue to devote resources to eliminate prejudicial policies that illegally deprive qualified candidates of a fair chance to compete for employment opportunities.”
The department’s lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Georgia, alleges that Cobb County discriminated in its firefighter hiring process in two ways. First, by screening out candidates based on their credit histories. Many employers use credit checks when screening applicants based on a mistaken assumption that credit history is a measure of character or job fitness. As the department alleges, Cobb County could not establish a connection between credit history and job performance or character and thus did not have a lawful reason for using credit history as part of its hiring process. Second, Cobb County ranked candidates based on their performance on a written examination designed to determine placement level in college classes. The department alleges that these practices disproportionately removed African Americans from consideration for firefighter positions without providing any evidence that candidates who advanced based on these practices were more qualified to serve as firefighters.
Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, and religion. Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination but also prohibits employment practices that result in a disparate impact upon a protected group, unless such practices are job related and consistent with business necessity.
The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. More information about the Civil Rights Division can be found at www.justice.gov/crt and more information about the division’s Employment Litigation Section can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.
Attorneys Brian McEntire and Juliet Gray of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Deputy Chief Aileen Bell Hughes for the Northern District of Georgia’s Public Integrity & Civil Rights Section are handling the matter.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Climate Nonprofit to Resolve Claims of Employment DiscriminationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement with Second Nature, a non-profit organization based in Massachusetts. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that Second Nature violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by posting discriminatory job advertisements that deterred non-U.S. citizens from applying for open positions.
“When employers advertise jobs only to U.S. citizens, they discourage and block other eligible workers like lawful permanent residents from applying, and deny them a fair chance to be considered,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will not tolerate national origin or citizenship status discrimination and is committed to knocking down these unlawful discriminatory barriers.”
After opening an investigation based on a worker’s complaint, the Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) concluded that Second Nature posted a job advertisement inviting applications only from U.S. citizens. In doing so, the company deterred non-U.S. citizens with permission to work (such as people granted asylum or refugee status, and lawful permanent residents) from applying to the job advertisements and being fairly considered for the employment opportunities. The investigation further determined that the lawful permanent resident who filed the complaint was deterred from applying for the job because of the discriminatory language in the posting. The INA’s anti-discrimination provision generally prohibits employers from discriminating in recruiting or refusing to hire workers based on their citizenship status or national origin.
Under the settlement, Second Nature will pay a civil penalty to the United States and pay the affected worker lost wages. The agreement also requires the company to train those employees who recruit on the INA’s requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements.
IER is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices and retaliation and intimidation.
Find more information on how employers can avoid discrimination in recruitment and hiring on IER’s website. Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Find more information on how employers can avoid citizenship status discrimination on IER’s website. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge. The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email [email protected]; sign up for a free webinar or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe for email updates from IER.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against the State of Iowa Regarding Unconstitutional State Immigration LawRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed suit against the State of Iowa to challenge Senate File 2340 (SF 2340) under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and Foreign Commerce Clause. The Constitution assigns the federal government to regulate immigration and manage our international borders. Pursuant to this authority, Congress has established a comprehensive immigration framework governing the entry of noncitizens into the U.S. and the removal of noncitizens from the country. Because SF 2340 is preempted by federal law and violates the United States Constitution, the Justice Department seeks a declaration that SF 2340 is invalid and an order preliminarily or permanently enjoining the state from enforcing the law.
“Iowa cannot disregard the U.S. Constitution and settled Supreme Court precedent,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “We have brought this action to ensure that Iowa adheres to the framework adopted by Congress and the Constitution for regulation of immigration.”
As outlined in the complaint, Iowa’s law would create a new state crime for unlawful reentry, with charges ranging from an aggravated misdemeanor to a felony. Additionally, SF 2340 would require state judges to order removal from the United States. The Supreme Court, in Arizona v. United States, has previously confirmed that decisions relating to removal of noncitizens from the United States touch “on foreign relations and must be made with one voice.” SF 2340 impedes the federal government’s ability to enforce entry and removal provisions of federal law and interferes with its conduct of foreign relations.
The suit was filed on behalf of the United States, including Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State.
ComplaintJury Finds District Man Guilty of First-Degree Sexual Abuse of a 13-Year-OldRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Damion Brown, 33, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury on ten felony charges, including first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree child sexual abuse, for sexually abusing the 13-year-old daughter of his long-time girlfriend in February of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The verdict was returned on May 7, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Anthony Epstein scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2024. Brown faces a maximum sentence 36 years in prison for the crimes.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 24, 2023, the 13-year-old victim was home alone with the defendant, who was the victim’s mother’s live-in boyfriend. While the victim was changing clothes, the defendant came into her room and began hugging and kissing her and pushed her onto her bed. The defendant performed a number of sexual acts on the child, then left the room laughing. The victim immediately left the apartment and reported to her aunt, who called the police. The defendant was still in the apartment when police arrived.
Subsequent DNA testing determined that the defendant could not be excluded from the positive results of DNA found on the victim after the abuse.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by the Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Sarah Folse and Robert Platt.
Ithaca Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Ithaca, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court on May 8, 2024, to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Noah Oliver Fisch-Lewis, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, beginning on September 23, 2022, and continuing until October 8, 2022, Fisch-Lewis communicated with an undercover agent posing as the mother of a 10-year-old girl. During this period, Fisch-Lewis repeatedly expressed, in very graphic terms, his desire to engage in sexual activity with the minor. On October 8, 2022, Fisch-Lewis drove from upstate New York, to Erie, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the purported 10-year-old, and was taken into custody upon his arrival at the agreed meeting place.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2024. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, Erie Police Department, Millcreek Police Department, and Erie County Detectives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fisch-Lewis.
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 (CEOS), 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.
Ingham County Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
DETROIT – An Ingham County man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children and transporting child pornography, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvorea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
John Michael Garron, 40, of Stockbridge, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge David M. Lawson. Garron’s conviction stems from his years-long sexual exploitation of a minor girl under his care, who was under 12 years old at the time. Garron took sexually explicit images and videos of the girl and recorded himself masturbating over her while she slept.
Garron’s crimes became known in 2023, when he bragged about his abuse of the minor child and distributed images of child pornography to other users online. Unknown to Garron, one of the online users he was communicating with was an undercover FBI agent. The FBI began investigating Garron, tracing him to his residence near Lansing. After a obtaining a search warrant, agents entered Garron’s residence and collected his devices. On the devices, agents located the images Garron had produced of himself assaulting the minor victim in his care, as well as over 28,000 images of child pornography that Garron had downloaded and shared with other users online.
“Garron sexually assaulted and exploited a vulnerable prepubescent girl under his care. Our office remains committed to using whatever resources necessary to bring those who prey on our children to justice,” U.S. Attorney Ison stated.
"This sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our community. The years of exploitation endured by this young girl are utterly reprehensible," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Today's verdict sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate such heinous acts, and we will relentlessly pursue justice for the victims."
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Diane Princ.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eric Ross, age 36, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for attempting to entice and coerce a 12-year-old child into sexual activity and for distributing and possessing 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.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Ross admitted that between October 22, 2021, and November 6, 2021, he sent sexually explicit text messages to someone he believed was an adult offering the sexual services of a 12-year-old girl, and to someone he believed was the 12-year-old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. During the same period, Ross also admitted that he distributed child pornography via an internet-based messaging application. Ross admitted that on November 6, 2021, he traveled to a hotel in Colonie, New York, with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 12-year-old girl. Ross was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location and was found in possession of child pornography at the time of his arrest.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 25-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release, ordered Ross to pay $3,000 in restitution to a victim whose images he possessed, and ordered him to forfeit the device that contained the child pornography. Ross will be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian prosecuted this 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.
Habitual Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 264 Months in Federal Prison for Subsequent Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Ennis Alexander Andrews, 44, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone, commonly known as “alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone,” “alpha-PVP,” or “Molly.” United States Attorney Jason R. Coody, for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We remain committed to support their efforts through the investigation and prosecution of criminals bringing drugs into North Florida. The imposed sentences illustrate the significant consequences of harming our citizens through their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
During August through October 2022, investigators conducted a series of controlled drug purchases of “Molly” from Andrews, after which warrants for his arrest were obtained. When officers went to arrest Andrews on October 13, 2022, he attempted to flee. After being detained, several ounces of “Molly” were found on his person.
“These dedicated efforts by investigators and the prosecution team highlight our shared commitment to addressing illegal drug activity in our community,” said Chief of Police Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “We know violent crime is often linked to drug activity, and it significantly reduces the quality of life for citizens. We will do everything we can to protect and serve those who call Tallahassee home.”
At the time of the investigation, Andrews was serving a term of federal supervised release imposed after his release from prison in July 2022. Andrews prison sentence will be followed by 6 additional years of supervised release.
“Collaborations between our DEA agents and local law enforcement are critical to mission success,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter, DEA Miami Field Division. “We truly value our partnerships in our efforts toward eradicating these dangerous drugs from our streets and neighborhoods.”
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Grant County Man Admits to Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Wesley Shane Haggerty, 35, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pendleton County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home on a report of a man waiving a gun. When officers arrived, Haggerty fled on foot with a pistol and was arrested after a short chase. Haggerty is prohibited from having firearms because of seven prior felony convictions and two misdemeanor domestic battery convictions.
Haggerty is facing up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Fredonia man pleads guilty to selling drugs that led to overdose deathRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John Wallace Buchanan, 37, of Fredonia, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Buchanan sold heroin, which he admits often contained fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He utilized social media to conduct his drug trafficking activities, and engage in unlawful firearms activities. Buchanan also utilized his residence to conduct his drug trafficking activities. One of Buchanan’s drug customers was an individual identified as B.G. In the early morning hours of January 10, 2022, the Ellicott Police Department responded to B.G.’s residence in Celoron, NY, for a death investigation. B.G. was found lying on the living room floor, clenching an elastic head band in his hands with a needle in close proximity. Law enforcement seized B.G.’s cell phone and recovered a social media conversation on January 7, 2022, between Buchanan and B.G., during which they discussed controlled substances. Buchanan sold methamphetamine and an opioid to B.G. later that day. The following day, B.G. sent Buchanan a message stating, “That stuff is strong.”
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Four Bergen County People Charged for Roles in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Four Bergen County, New Jersey, residents were arrested for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin in Newark, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Ernesto Adon Martinez, 38, Luis Arismedy Gomez Torres, 28, and Deury Luis Gomez Torres, 25, all of Fort Lee, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Jenny Desiree Rosario-Lorenzo, 28, also of Fort Lee, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and aiding and abetting the same.
Three defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on May 8, 2024, and were detained. Deury Gomez Torres remains at large.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants are members and associates of a drug trafficking organization that dealt fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin in and around Fort Lee and New York. The organization is affiliated with the Trinitarios street gang. The investigation revealed that the drug trafficking organization distributed in excess of 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The fentanyl and methamphetamine conspiracy count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. The heroin conspiracy and drug possession counts each carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark; U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, under the direction of Port Director TenaVel Thomas; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), under the direction of Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; the Fort Lee Police department, under the direction of Chief Matthew J. Hintze; the New York City Police Department, under the direction of Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban; and the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
rosariolorenzo.complaint.pdf martinezetal.complaint.pdfFormer Serviceman Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse While Stationed at Fort SillRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JESSIE SOLOMON DUNNAWAY, 23, of Georgia, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 9, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Dunnaway with sexual abuse. According to public record, on November 3, 2019, while stationed at Fort Sill Military Installation, Dunnaway sexually abused another person stationed at the military base.
Today, Dunnaway pleaded guilty, and admitted to sexually abusing the victim without their consent.
At sentencing, Dunnaway faces up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and term of supervised release of up to life.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Former Osceola Bank VP Pleads Guilty to $1.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former bank vice president pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling more than $1.5 million from St. Clair County State Bank in Osceola, Mo.
Stacia Wilson, 60, of Osceola, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a federal information that charges her with one count of bank fraud.
By pleading guilty today, Wilson admitted that she created $1,528,321 in false and fictitious loans, using bank customers’ information without their knowledge.
Wilson had authority as a loan processor to access and create loans within the bank’s computer system. She created numerous false and fictitious loans, then diverted the loan proceeds to her own personal use. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Wilson must forfeit to the government a money judgment of $1,528,321, which represents the proceeds she obtained as a result of her fraud scheme.
Under federal statutes, Wilson is subject to a sentence of up to 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 Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Ketchmark. It was investigated by the FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Former MDOC Officer Sentenced to 16 years for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A Jackson County man who had previously worked as a Michigan Department of Corrections Officer was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Shawn Gibson, acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations Detroit.
Aaron Ray Fetters, 29, of Jackson, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg. Fetters’ conviction stems from his years-long sexual exploitation of a minor girl known to him, who was in her mid-teens at the time. Fetters recorded himself sexually assaulting the girl repeatedly over the course of several years.
Fetters’ crimes came to light in 2022, when Homeland Security Investigations and Michigan State Police received a tip that Fetters had distributed images of child pornography to other users using a social media application. Law enforcement began investigating Fetters and retrieved his electronic devices, which led to the discovery of his recorded sexual abuse of the minor victim. On the same devices, investigators located hundreds of images of child pornography that Fetters had downloaded from the internet and shared with others, including children as young as infants being sexually assaulted.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners, including the MSP and HSI agents working on this case, a prolific sexual predator became known, his abuse was stopped, and he has been punished for his heinous acts .” U.S. Attorney Ison stated.
“HSI is dedicated to protecting our most vulnerable population against sexual predators who seek to take advantage of their innocence especially offenders in positions of public trust,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively protect children by diligently investigating online sexual offenses involving minors. My thoughts are with the victim in this case, and it is my hope that they can continue the healing process knowing justice has been served.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Michigan State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Rawsthorne and Diane Princ.
Former Federal Correctional Officer Indicted for Sexual Acts with an InmateRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging a former correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Tallahassee with sexual acts with an inmate in federal custody.
The indictment alleges that, between June 2023, and August 2023, Kerontrez Lamar Kenon, 22, of Midway, Florida, engaged in sexual acts with an inmate while employed as a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP).
“As alleged in the indictment, defendant Kenon exploited his authority as a correctional officer to sexually abuse an adult in custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As this charge reflects, the Justice Department will hold accountable officials who abuse their authority over those they are sworn to protect. ”
“The sexual abuse of inmates by federal correctional officers is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “This office will vigorously investigate and prosecute any officer who engages in such acts of abuse to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Today's indictment demonstrates the Justice Department Office of the Inspector General's ongoing commitment to aggressively investigate allegations of sexual abuse of inmates by Correctional Officers,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Justice Department.
If convicted, Kenon faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Steer and James McCain for the Northern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the Department's reform efforts.
Former Connecticut Resident Charged with Offenses Stemming from Alleged $4 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 21-count indictment charging JOHN A. MASANOTTI, JR., 69, of Bonita Springs, Florida, with offenses stemming from an alleged investment fraud scheme.
The indictment was returned on May 7, 2024, and Masanotti was arrested today. He appeared in federal court in Fort Myers, Florida, and was released on a $100,000 bond. Masanotti is scheduled to be arraigned in Hartford federal court on May 15.
The indictment alleges that Masanotti, who formerly resided in Darien, Connecticut, was the owner and managing member of Middlesex Mortgage Group, LLC, also known as Middlesex Group, LLC (“Middlesex”), based in Darien. Through Middlesex, Masanotti, acting as an investment advisor, purported to manage a pooled investment vehicle on behalf of investors. Masanotti claimed to clients and potential clients that invested funds were going to be, and were in fact, pooled together and invested in foreign currency and other investments. Between approximately 2016 and 2023, Masanotti defrauded at least 10 clients of a total of more than $4 million by using their money for personal expenses, and to pay returns to other clients. Masanotti provided clients with fraudulent monthly account statements from Middlesex that showed fake investment profits.
The indictment also alleges that Masanotti made false statements to the FBI during the investigation, and filed false records in an attempt to obstruct the investigation.
The indictment charges Masanotti with eight counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; 11 counts of making illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count; one count of making false statements, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; and one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; with the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
Former Columbus vice detective sentenced to 11 years in prison for depriving victims’ civil rights, obstructing justiceRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus vice detective was sentenced in federal court today to 132 months in prison for crimes related to kidnapping victims under the guise of an arrest.
Andrew K. Mitchell, 60, of Sunbury, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to two counts of depriving individuals of their civil rights while acting under color of law and one count of obstructing justice.
Mitchell was employed by the Columbus Division of Police from 1988 until 2019 and was assigned to the vice unit from 2017 until 2019. As part of his duties in that role, Mitchell conducted law enforcement actions for solicitation offenses.
“As a member of the vice unit and a long-serving police officer, Mitchell was well aware of the special vulnerabilities of the sex workers and often drug addicted females with which he came into contact,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Instead of helping them seek refuge, Mitchell was the type of predator who purposely targeted these women. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to upholding the community’s work to connect victimized women to services and to prosecuting those who prey on vulnerable victims, no matter who they are.”
According to court documents, in July 2017, Mitchell picked up a sex worker who was working in the Hilltop near Sullivant and Whitethorne avenues. Mitchell was in plain clothes and an unmarked black sedan. He told the victim he was a police officer and acted as if he were doing a check for any outstanding warrants on the victim.
Mitchell used this ruse to handcuff the victim to the doorknob of his vehicle. He drove the victim to a nearby parking lot with multiple dumpsters and forcible held and detained the victim against her will before dropping her off at her boyfriend’s residence.
Similarly, in September 2017, Mitchell picked up a second sex worker in the Hilltop. Mitchell was again in plain clothes and was driving a dark SUV. He began discussing the victim’s rates for sexual activity before announcing that he was an officer with the vice unit and said she was going to jail.
Mitchell kidnapped the victim and drove her to Lindbergh Park, holding her against her will.
Mitchell was also sentenced today for obstructing justice. Specifically, during the federal investigation into Mitchell’s civil rights crimes, he directed several individuals to assist him in cleaning out one of the rental properties he owned, located on Denune Ave. The individuals disposed of evidence including photos, clothing, bedding and rental records, and used bleach extensively in the apartment to clean a bed, couch, ottoman and floor.
Mitchell was charged federally and arrested in March 2019.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.
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Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced on Bribery ChargesRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for bribery of public official.
According to court documents, in June 2023, Fernando Castillo, 42, who was a Border Patrol Agent with the United States Border Patrol (Customs and Border Protection), solicited a $5,000 bribe from a citizen of El Salvador and Mexico. Castillo told the foreign national that in exchange for a payment of $5,000 Castillo could provide immigration paperwork that would permit the individual to remain in the United States. Castillo made false entries in the individual’s immigration file and printed the fraudulent document. Shortly after he met with the individual, agents apprehended Castillo in possession of the false documentation.
On February 1, 2024, Castillo pled guilty to one count of bribery of a public official.
On May 9, 2024, Castillo was sentenced to 18 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
“A federal officer who sells his office for personal gain shatters public trust in government officials,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. “Unfortunately, Castillo’s crime unfairly tarnishes the honest officers who serve the public with dedication day in and day out. We will eagerly hold officers like Castillo accountable.”
“Fernando Castillo engaged in conduct that betrayed the oath he took to faithfully serve the citizens of the United States of America,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “His behavior should not take away from the outstanding work done each day by the vast majority of law enforcement professionals at U.S. Border Patrol. The FBI encourages the public to continue to support our active and ongoing efforts to root out public corruption by reporting corrupt activity to the FBI El Paso Field Office at (915) 832-5000.”
“CBP takes all allegations of misconduct seriously,” said CBP OPR Acting Special Agent in Charge Rosa P. Mendez-Mier. “CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is proud to be a part of the Border Corruption Task Force and appreciates the hard work of all of the investigative agencies that contributed to this outcome.”
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General, and United States Customs and Border Protection-Office of Professional Responsibility investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Johnston prosecuted the case.
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Five Men Sentenced in a Federal Case Involving Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy, Illegally Possessing a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Money Laundering Conspiracy, and Retaliating Against a WitnessRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – This week the last of five defendants was sentenced in a case involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, money laundering, and retaliating against a witness.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodwich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Ron Eckart of the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force made the announcement.
According to court documents, Steven Edlin, 50, of Loretto, Kentucky was sentenced on May 8, 2024, to 1 year in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of retaliating against a witness.
Chaz Hughes, 31, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 10 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, two counts of money laundering, and one count conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Bryson Sleet, 26, of Lebanon, Kentucky, was sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 5 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sleet was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On November 20, 2018, in Taylor Circuit Court, Sleet was convicted of possession of cocaine.
On December 22, 2021, in Marion Circuit Court, Sleet, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance.
On January 7, 2021, in Marion Circuit Court, Sleet was convicted of trafficking in cocaine and possession of methamphetamine.
Curtis Cunningham, 27, of Lebanon, Kentucky, was sentenced on February 14, 2024, to 6 months home detention, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Joshua Salazar, 34, of Lebanon, Kentucky, was sentenced on February 8, 2024, to 12 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, six counts of money laundering, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Salazar was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 29, 2011, in Marion Circuit Court, Salazar was convicted of trafficking in cocaine.
On August 19, 2016, in Nelson Circuit Court, Salazar, was convicted of trafficking in cocaine, felon in possession of a handgun, and felon in possession of a firearm.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the IRS, the ATF, the KSP, and the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Final “Calicartel” Defendant Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Devin Shanahan, 29, of Winnetka, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine over the dark web, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Shanahan worked with his coconspirators to create narcotics vendor accounts on various dark web marketplaces in 2018 and 2019, including accounts known as “BuxomBrunette,” “CaliCartel,” and “Playground.” Shanahan used his computing expertise to set up, troubleshoot, and help his co-conspirators operate their technical infrastructure, including encryption and shipping tools as well as cryptocurrency wallets. These vendor accounts consummated over 2,000 sales of narcotics between October 2018 and May 2019, totaling approximately 1.7 kilograms of heroin, 2.9 kilograms of cocaine, and 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond, and includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California prosecuted a number of other defendants and co-conspirators in cases related to Shanahan’s, including the following:
- United States v. Ian Hoffmann, No. 2:21-cr-00017-JAM, in which defendant Ian Hoffmann was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
- United States v. Gabriel Alva, No. 2:21-cr-00178-JAM, in which defendant Gabriel Alva was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- United States v. Catherine Stuckey, No. 2:20-cr-00044-JAM, in which defendant Catherine Stuckey was sentenced to two years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- United States v. George Franco, No. 2:21-cr-00244-JAM, in which defendant George Franco was sentenced to two years of probation for distributing cocaine.
Shanahan is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge John A. Mendez on October 8, 2024. Shanahan faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Fentanyl Importer Sentenced to More than Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Francisco Nicolas Orozco-Montijo, 28, a United States citizen residing in Nogales, Mexico, was sentenced on Wednesday by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 63 months in prison, followed by 60 months of supervised release. Orozco-Montijo pleaded guilty to Importation of Fentanyl on February 5, 2024.
In March 2023, Orozco-Montijo applied for entry into the United States from Mexico via the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. During a search of his vehicle, Customs and Border Protection agents discovered over 50 kilograms of fentanyl concealed within the spare tire and rear quarter panels of the car.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00943-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-059_Orozco-Montijo# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two People for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on May 7, 2024, charging a Frankfort man and woman with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, from May 2021 to December 2022, Kendrick C. Brown, 33, and Brooke R. Williams, 33, both formerly of Louisville, unlawfully obtained money and property totaling over $130,000 from a federally insured financial institution. Brown and Williams utilized several business entities they created to obtain commercial lines of credit. Using lines of credit issued to “Kendrick Brown Properties, LLC,” “BBS Tax Services, LLC,” and “Little Brown People, LLC,” Brown and Williams funded personal expenditures on items such as jewelry, salon visits, high-end clothing, dining out, and thousands of dollars in retail gift cards. As they approached and exceeded the limits on the commercial lines of credit, Brown and Williams made a series of fraudulent transactions that appeared to be automated clearinghouse (“ACH”) payments on the accounts. In making these fraudulent transactions, Brown and Williams used account numbers for closed accounts and accounts belonging to other people. These fraudulent transactions temporarily freed up more credit on the accounts and Brown and Williams continued to make fraudulent purchases.
Brown and Williams made their initial court appearances yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Brown and Williams each face a maximum sentence of 120 years in prison followed by a mandatory minimum 24 months in prison for identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Eric Lee Bagley Sentenced to Twenty Years for Distribution of Child Pornography and Distribution of a Crush VideoRead the Press Release
Chattanooga, Tenn. – Today, Eric Lee Bagley, 44, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Honorable Charles Atchley, United States District Court Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Following his incarceration, Bagley will be on a term of supervised release for 10 years, and he will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions. In addition, he was ordered not to own, possess, or have access to animals.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Bagley agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2); and one count of distribution of a crush video in violation of 18 U.S.C. 48(a)(3).
In the plea agreement filed with court, Bagley admitted that, in February 2023, he contacted an undercover officer on an online platform known as Kik, believing the officer was as an adult female who had access to her 8-year-old niece. The defendant wrote that he was interested in sexual contact with both the notional adult female, the notional 8-year-old, and wanted to include a dog in the sexual contact with them both.
While communicating with the person he believed was an adult female, and, to entice her and the notional 8-year-old, the defendant distributed several videos depicting minors and dogs engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A sexually explicit image of a non-human animal is defined as a “crush video.” On July 27, 2023, Bagley traveled to Athens, Tennessee intending to engage in sexual contact with the notional adult female and the notional 8-year-old, and he was arrested.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
This case arose out of a crimes against children undercover operation which was part of the FBI’s annual Operation Cross Country. Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Shelbyville Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Red Bank Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department, and the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney James T. Brooks and Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Minor represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources.”
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Enoree and Piedmont Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Logan Holmes, 21, of Piedmont, was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison, and Christian Cruz, 28, of Enoree was sentenced to more than eight years after both pled guilty to a drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine and methamphetamine.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Logan Holmes was a source of supply for kilograms of methamphetamine, and Christian Cruz was a source of supply for kilograms of cocaine to co-conspirators in the case. Holmes was on home detention for a state conviction of possession with intent to distribute cocaine at the time he was supplying others in this conspiracy with methamphetamine. When state officers executed arrest and search warrants at Holmes’ residence, they located methamphetamine and five guns, two of which were stolen. When law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Cruz’s house, officers found another five guns, including an unregistered short barrel rifle.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Logan Holmes to 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Judge Coggins sentenced Christian Cruz to 98 months imprisonment, to be followed by a four-year term of supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Schoen is prosecuting the case.
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El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con una organización sin ánimo de lucro en el sector climático que resuelve acusaciones de discriminación en el empleoRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia ha anunciado hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Second Nature, una organización sin ánimo de lucro con sede en Massachusetts. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que Second Nature infringió la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) al publicar anuncios de empleo discriminatorios que disuadieron a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. de solicitar puestos vacantes.
«Cuando los empleadores anuncian trabajos solo a solicitantes que son ciudadanos de los EE. UU., desalientan y previenen a otros trabajadores elegibles, tales como residentes permanentes legales, que presenten una solicitud y les niegan una oportunidad justa de ser considerados», comentó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «La División de Derechos Civiles no tolerará la discriminación por motivos de nacionalidad de origen o estatus de ciudadanía y se compromete a derribar estas barreras discriminatorias ilegales».
Después de iniciar una investigación basada en la queja de un trabajador, la Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés), de la División de Derechos Civiles, concluyó que Second Nature publicó un anuncio de empleo que pedía solicitudes solamente de postulantes que son ciudadanos de los EE. UU. Al hacerlo, la empresa disuadió a los ciudadanos con permiso para trabajar (como personas con asilo o estatus de refugiado y residentes permanentes legales) de enviar una solicitud como respuesta al anuncio de empleo y de ser considerados de forma justa para las oportunidades de empleo. Más aún, la investigación determinó que al residente permanente legal que presentó la queja que llevó a la investigación del Departamento se le desalentó de solicitar el trabajo debido al lenguaje discriminatorio en la publicación. La disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA generalmente prohíbe que los empleadores discriminen a la hora de reclutar o negarse a contratar a trabajadores en función de su estatus de ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen.
En virtud del acuerdo, Second Nature pagará sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y pagará al trabajador afectado el salario perdido. El acuerdo también requiere que la compañía capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a los requisitos de supervisión y declaración departamentales.
La IER es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, la ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación en la contratación y el reclutamiento en el sitio web d e la IER. Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto. Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía en el sitio web de la IER. Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia. El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected]; inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico de la IER.
Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Nathaniel Larson, 26, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. Larson pleaded guilty to this charge on February 8, 2024.
On July 11, 2023, an Eau Claire police officer stopped a car Larson was driving for a traffic violation. Larson’s behavior during the stop was suspicious, so the officer asked him to exit the car. Larson then consented to a search and the officer found a small bag of heroin and fentanyl in his pants pocket. Larson was arrested and during a subsequent search of the car, the officer found a loaded Taurus 9 mm handgun and an extra loaded magazine. Larson is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition because of a prior felony conviction for second degree recklessly endangering safety.
At the sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Larson’s behavior has been out of control and that a long sentence was necessary to protect the community. Larson was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his prison term.
The charge against Larson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department, West Central Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Defendant Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Two Shootings and Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHRISTOPHER SMITH, a/k/a “Christopher Johnson,” a/k/a “Mad Max,” a/k/a “Max,” a/k/a “Trouble,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams to eight years in prison in connection with committing two shootings and an armed carjacking in the Bronx and Yonkers, New York.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Christopher Smith committed two dangerous shootings and an armed carjacking over the span of two months. He put New Yorkers’ lives in jeopardy and brazenly flouted the rule of law. This Office remains steadfast in its commitment to ending the scourge of gun violence on the streets of New York City and will continue to hold accountable those who endanger public spaces.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court:
Over a two-month period in the fall of 2022, SMITH committed two shootings and an armed carjacking.
In September 2022, SMITH encountered a group of men standing in front of a convenient store in Yonkers, New York. SMITH asked the men to sell drugs for him, but when the men refused, SMITH brandished a black handgun with a light blue handle, as depicted in the images below:
After SMITH brandished his gun, the group of men dispersed, and SMITH and a friend drove away in the friend’s black Mercedes-Benz. Approximately 30 minutes later, SMITH and his friend drove back to the same area and found the group of men with whom SMITH had gotten into an argument. After another altercation, SMITH fired his gun twice in the vicinity of the group of men, and SMITH and his friend sped off in the Mercedes-Benz.
Approximately 30 minutes later, law enforcement stopped the Mercedes-Benz in Mount Vernon, New York. Although SMITH’s friend was in the driver’s seat, SMITH jumped onto his friend’s lap and attempted to drive the Mercedes-Benz into the police vehicle to flee. When that failed, law enforcement opened the driver’s side door and arrested SMITH’s friend, but SMITH fled the scene on foot while carrying his gun in his pocket. A 30-minute foot chase ensued. Eventually, SMITH ran up to a 70-year-old woman who was exiting her church and placing her belongings into her Jeep. SMITH shouted at the woman to give him her car keys, forcibly ripped her keys out of her hands, climbed into her Jeep, and sped off with her Jeep, as well as her other personal belongings.
Just two months later, in November 2022, SMITH was residing in the Bronx, New York, with a friend whom he had known for approximately 10 years. SMITH argued with his friend over poor quality narcotics and left the apartment. Soon thereafter, SMITH reappeared on the outside balcony of the apartment with a black handgun with a light blue handle. SMITH lifted the window screen, aimed his firearm through the window at his friend’s head, and fired one shot. The friend ducked and ran at SMITH, who fled the scene.
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In addition to his prison term, SMITH, 28, of Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Yonkers Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda C. Weingarten and Katherine Cheng are in charge of the prosecution.
Covetrus Sentenced for Criminal Misbranding of Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Covetrus North America LLC, a company based in Dublin, Ohio, which sells veterinary products to customers across the United States, was sentenced yesterday to one-year of probation for causing the introduction and delivery of misbranded veterinary prescription drugs into interstate commerce.
In addition, the court ordered Covetrus to pay over $23 million in criminal fines and forfeitures.
Covetrus will forfeit $21,534,091, pay $1,000,000 to the Virginia Department of Health Professions, as well as a fine of $1,000,000. In addition, Covetrus is obligated to keep in place appropriate compliance measures to prevent future violations.
According to court documents, from March 2019 to December 2021, Covetrus shipped over $20 million in prescription drugs from their non-pharmacy locations throughout the United States to end-users that were not authorized to receive prescription drugs. Shipments from non-pharmacy locations to non-authorized end-users or locations are deemed “misbranded.”
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia and Special Agent in Charge George Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations - Metro Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Virginia State Police investigated the case, with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case.
Compton Man Who Led Ring that Trafficked Cocaine from California to Alaska Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics ChargeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Compton man who led a Southern California-based drug trafficking organization that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine to Alaska via commercial flights and U.S. mail pleaded guilty today to a federal narcotics charge.
Raul Cisneros Jr., 45, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He has been in federal custody since October 2020.
According to his plea agreement and other court documents, from at least July 2014 to August 2016, Cisneros managed the operations of a drug trafficking outfit that sold cocaine and methamphetamine to customers.
In October 2015, law enforcement stopped Cisneros in his car while he was en route to an accomplice’s home to pick up money. In his car, Cisneros possessed approximately $5,003 in cash, which were drug proceeds. He also possessed approximately 10 kilograms (22.1 pounds) of cocaine packaged in five separate bundles, which he intended to sell to customers.
After obtaining a search warrant for Cisneros’ home, law enforcement seized from Cisneros’ kitchen cabinets approximately 30.7 kilograms (66.1 pounds) of cocaine, approximately 167.7 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately 3.6 kilograms (1.1 pounds) of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found hundreds of used empty green cellophane wrappers and a money counter, which Cisneros used to facilitate his drug distribution operation.
Law enforcement also seized from Cisneros’ kitchen four firearms and 72 rounds of ammunition during this search.
In total, agents recovered $568,357 in cash proceeds from drug deals and – in the trunk of Cisneros’ white Honda Accord vehicle, which was parked in the driveway of his residence – approximately 7.02 kilograms (15.5 pounds) of cocaine wrapped in seven packages of green cellophane stashed inside a bag. Cisneros admitted in his plea agreement to intending to distribute the cocaine to others as part of his drug trafficking operation.
Cisneros is the final defendant to plead guilty in this case. Federal prosecutors have secured eight convictions in this matter.
United States District Judge Fernando M. Olguin scheduled an August 8 sentencing hearing, at which time Cisneros will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this matter. Substantial assistance was provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. This investigation was conducted with the support of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
Assistant United States Attorneys Kathy Yu and Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.
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.
Co-Owner of Mattapan Plumbing and Heating Supply Company Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns and Using Unreported Receipts to Buy Gold BarsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The co-owner of a Mattapan plumbing and heating supply company pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns in connection with a scheme to use millions of dollars of unreported business receipts to buy gold bars.
Claudio Poles, 78, of Dorchester, pleaded guilty to four counts of filing false tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Aug. 9, 2024. Poles was charged on April 30, 2024.
Poles failed to accurately disclose the company’s gross business receipts to its tax preparer, who prepared the company’s tax returns using the false information Poles provided. Poles then used some of the unreported gross receipts to purchase more than $10 million of gold and silver bars for himself from bullion dealers. To conceal the nature of the purchases he made from the company’s bank accounts, Poles described the purchases, in the memo section of the checks, as being for boilers, materials, and plumbing and heating supplies.
Between 2019 and 2022, Poles falsely and fraudulently reported losses on his individual tax returns and omitted personal income that he received from the business by purchasing the gold and silver bars.
The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $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 and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Participating in a MurderRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a handgun and participating in the murder of a man in Chicago on Labor Day weekend in 2022.
ANDREI TAYLOR illegally possessed the loaded firearm on the afternoon of Sept. 19, 2022, in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood on Chicago’s Near West Side. Taylor was a passenger in a Kia Optima that had been stolen in a carjacking earlier that afternoon. When a Chicago Police squad car approached the Kia, Taylor and three other occupants fled the vehicle and ran off on foot. Taylor tossed the gun, which had an extended magazine, into the backyard of a nearby residence before he was apprehended by police. Taylor had previously been convicted of three firearm-related felonies in the Circuit Court of Cook County and was not lawfully allowed to possess the gun.
Taylor, 27, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. imposed the prison sentence during a hearing Wednesday in federal court in Chicago. In addition to the illegal firearm possession, Judge Tharp found that Taylor participated culpably in the premeditated murder of Kadaivion Jones, who was fatally wounded on Sept. 2, 2022, while standing on a sidewalk in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood. The handgun illegally possessed by Taylor in the Kia was one of the guns used to shoot Jones.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elie Zenner and Simar Khera.
Holding firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative that brings together law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive solutions to the most pressing violent crime problems in a community. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
California Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Selling Guns and Methamphetamine over InternetRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A California man was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for conspiring to unlawfully sell firearms and methamphetamine via the internet, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Angelo Chavez, 24, of Manteca, California, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count each of conspiracy to unlawfully deal in firearms and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Starting in August 2020, undercover law enforcement agents began communicating with Chavez and several conspirators via a social media platform, where Chavez and his conspirators advertised for sale various narcotics and firearms. From August 2020 and December 2021, undercover law enforcement agents purchased 13 firearms from Chavez and his conspirators, including six AR-15 firearms, two of which were shipped with auto sear switches which enable the firearms to function as fully automatic machine guns. Undercover agents also purchased methamphetamine from Chavez and his conspirators. Chavez and his conspirators were paid mostly in cryptocurrency and mailed the drugs and guns from addresses in California to New Jersey.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Chavez to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; and special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division in Newark.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AL VERNON BROWN, age 52, a Los Angeles, California resident, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to a two-count indictment which charged him with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, BROWN mailed half-kilogram quantities of heroin from California to his co-conspirators in New Orleans, including CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON and KEVIN JOHNSON. On June 22, 2021, agents seized a package containing 485 grams of heroin that was mailed by BROWN to Metairie, Louisiana and was intended for KEVIN JOHNSON.
For each charge, BROWN faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Buffalo man pleads guilty to drug chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Carlo D’Angelo, 45, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (a-PVP), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2021, D’Angelo possessed approximately 6.1 grams of a-PVP, which he intended to sell, when he was located at a hotel in Amherst, NY. Also, located in D’Angelo’s vehicle were glass pipes with burnt residue, multiple plastic containers consistent with the manufacture of aPVP, and $5,100.00 in cash, proceeds of drug trafficking.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo man charged with drug distribution following traffic stopRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Marlon G. Holt, Jr., 50, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on May 7, 2024, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Holt’s vehicle. According to the complaint, during the stop, Holt provided inconsistent and untruthful answers to the deputy’s questions, including stating he was returning from New York City after doing dry wall work. However, law enforcement knew that the time frame could not be correct, since Holt’s rental vehicle was recorded in Myrtle Springs, Texas on May 5, 2024, by a license plate reader. In addition, when law enforcement asked Holt if he had dry wall tools, he opened the rear of the vehicle and showed tools that were inconsistent with dry wall work. The tools appeared to be brand new and never used. During the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle, investigators recovered approximately nine-kilogram shaped bricks of suspected cocaine, approximately eight half-kilogram wrapped packages of suspected methamphetamine, $10,000 cash, and three cell phones.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Holt made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Brooklyn Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on May 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Christopher Williams, 42, of Brooklyn, New York, with distributing cocaine base on March 26, 2024, and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine base on April 23, 2024.
Williams’ arraignment will occur this afternoon at 3 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Williams is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Williams faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Williams is represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.
Bronx Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute over Five Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jevon Henry, age 42, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty today to possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his plea, Henry admitted that, on January 29, 2024, he travelled to Syracuse from New York City carrying approximately five and one-half kilograms of cocaine in two pieces of luggage. Henry also admitted that he intended to distribute the cocaine in Syracuse. Through investigation, DEA Agents were able to interdict Henry at a local hotel before he could distribute any of the cocaine.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2024, in Syracuse, at which time Henry faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting the case.
Bloomington Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Receiving and Distributing Drugs Through the Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Bloomington, Illinois husband and wife, Wesley Noonan, 50, and Christina Noonan, 44, of the 1900 block of East Taylor, were sentenced on May 8, 2024, to federal prison for conspiring to distribute, and possessing with intent to distribute, the fentanyl analogue, para-Fluorofentanyl. Christina Noonan was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Wesley Noonan, whom the court found played a minor role in the conspiracy as compared to his wife, was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. Wesley Noonan was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon completion of his term of imprisonment.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that Christina and Wesley Noonan, acting together, unlawfully received and sent a wide variety of drugs using the United States Postal Service. Acting from their home in Bloomington, Illinois, they utilized a popular phone application to coordinate with an overseas source of supply to obtain parcels of pills that they then further distributed throughout the United States using the United States Postal Service. The Noonans distributed these substances for over a year until April 6, 2022, when federal and state authorities executed a search warrant at their residence and uncovered the distribution center in their family home. A distribution log revealed that Christina, acting with Wesley’s assistance, mailed over 1,750 parcels containing over 250,000 Schedule I, II, and IV pills to locations in all 50 states between February 2021 and April 2022.The shipments included parcels logged as Tramadol, Zolpidem, Cathinone, Adderall, Lorazepam, Hydrocodone, Percocet, and other substances.
Although the Noonans distributed a diverse spectrum of pills, the search warrant on their home yielded approximately 1,750 pills marked as Adderall, but which in fact tested positive as para-Fluorofentanyl, a Schedule I opioid analgesic analogue of fentanyl.
A federal complaint, followed by an indictment, were filed in July 2022. Christina Noonan pleaded guilty in August 2023, and Wesley Noonan pleaded guilty in November 2023.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute para-Fluorofentanyl are 10 years to life imprisonment, a possible $10,000,000 fine, followed by a minimum of 5 years of supervised release. At sentencing, both Christina and Wesley Noonan qualified for “safety valve” pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 3553(f), which relieves certain drug trafficking offenders from statutory mandatory minimum sentences.
“This case demonstrates how illegal drug distribution is ever evolving and how law enforcement will use all available tools to counter it. It also shows why taking illegally obtained pills is extremely dangerous. As documented in DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, an illegally obtained pill, often manufactured overseas, can appear to be one substance, like Adderall, and in fact be something very different and deadly like fentanyl,” explained Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit, which focuses on cases involving pharmaceutical controlled substances diverted from the legal chain of commerce to the illegal drug market, investigated this case in conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
Billionaire Chinese National Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison and Removal from United States for Straw Donor Campaign Contribution Scheme and Other FraudsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Hui Qin, also known as “Qin Hui,” “Hui Quin,” “Muk Lam Li” and “Karl,” a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), who was listed on Forbes Magazine’s List of Billionaires and who operated SMI Culture, a Hong Kong-based entertainment entity, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to seven months’ imprisonment for making political contributions in the names of others, immigration fraud and producing a false identification document. Qin pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2024. As part of his plea, the defendant consented to abandonment of his fraudulently obtained LPR status and removal from the United States immediately after the sentencing. Qin has been incarcerated since his arrest seven months ago on October 2, 2023.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the sentence.
“Qin’s brazen flouting of our political and immigration systems, and his defrauding government agencies resulted in a felony conviction, prison sentence and today, his removal from the United States,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Qin has learned a lesson in American civics the hard way, that no one is above the law.”
“Hui Qin violated our democratic norms by illegally attempting to influence election campaigns through fraudulent political donations,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. “His unlawful actions and repeated efforts to exploit various government agencies were disrupted by the FBI and such attempts by other threat actors will not be tolerated. Today’s sentence and his removal from the United States should dissuade any future schemers from engaging in similar activity. The FBI is committed to exposing all forms of corruption, especially those that threaten election integrity and our duly elected officials.
“Qin interfered with our election system and tried to gain advantage through his straw donations. He furthered his criminal activity by misrepresenting himself on documents to obtain a false Visa, then lived with an illegitimate status in his $5 million Manhattan apartment. It is through our law enforcement partnerships and good police work that Qin was held accountable for behaving like he was above the law,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso.
“By flouting laws vital to the sanctity of the federal election and immigration systems, the defendant threatened not only the community's safety, but the democratic foundation on which the United States of America was established,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in- Charge Arvelo. “Hui Qin’s sentencing today underscores the importance of law enforcement’s collaboration, coordination, and unwavering dedication to one common goal: protecting the public. HSI New York stands united with our partners against any individuals attempting to jeopardize our national security.”
As set forth in court filings and facts presented at the plea proceeding, between December 2021 and December 2022, Qin agreed to reimburse other individuals who made contributions on his behalf to the campaign committees for a candidate for a New York City-wide political office, a member of the United States House of Representatives for a congressional district in the Eastern District of New York and a candidate for a House of Representatives seat in a Rhode Island congressional district. During the scheme, straw donors made approximately $11,600 in contributions on Qin’s behalf, which caused the campaign committees to file false contribution reports with the Federal Election Commission in 2022.
Additionally, as part of his plea Qin admitted that, in April 2019, he filed a false application for LPR status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In the application, Qin falsely swore, under penalty of perjury, that he had never used another name. In fact, in 2008, a PRC government official provided Qin with the alias “Muk Lam Li” and between 2008 and the filing of Qin’s LPR application, Qin obtained identification documents, including a Hong Kong identification card, a PRC identification card and a Hong Kong passport in the name of the Li alias, which contained Qin’s photograph, but a date of birth different than Qin’s. Around September 2017, Qin used the Li alias to transfer more than $5 million from the PRC to a United States bank account, a portion of which was used to purchase a luxury Manhattan apartment, where Qin resided.
Qin also pleaded guilty to engaging in interstate travel to fraudulently obtain a Florida driver’s license. In December 2020, Qin traveled from New York to Florida and applied for a driver’s license at Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). At the time of his travel, Qin was a resident of Old Westbury, Long Island and Manhattan, but he signed an application stating that it was “true and correct” that he resided at an address in Miami, where he had never lived. To bolster this false assertion, Qin presented FLHSMV officials with fake bank and credit card statements bearing the name “Hui Quin” and the false Miami address. After FLHSMV issued Qin a Florida Driver’s License, he presented it to banks and a motor vehicle insurer as identification.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Adam Toporovsky are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
HUI QIN (also known as “Qin Hui,” “Hui Quin,” “Muk Lam Li” and “Karl”)
Age: 55
Old Westbury, Long Island and Manhattan, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-100 (JMA)
Barbourville Pharmacy and its Pharmacist-in-Charge to Pay $215,000 to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Barbourville pharmacy, Smith Family Pharmacy, and its pharmacist-in-charge, Stephanie Smith, agreed to pay $215,000 in civil penalties, to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) by filling prescriptions for controlled substances that had been issued without a legitimate medical purpose, in contravention of a pharmacy’s corresponding responsibility to ensure that only valid prescriptions are dispensed.
The CSA was passed to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. The CSA’s requirements, which apply to entities like pharmacies that purchase, dispense, and sell controlled substances, are designed to protect the public from the dangers posed by highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances that could be diverted into the illicit market. Under the CSA, pharmacies have a legal responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are dispensed only pursuant to valid prescriptions. Prescriptions are only valid if issued by a medical provider for a legitimate medical purpose, acting in the usual course of their professional practice. The CSA requires pharmacists to investigate prescriptions that appear to be invalid, such as those that bear “red flags” for diversion or abuse, and to refuse to fill such prescriptions if the concerns cannot be resolved.
According to settlement documents, the Government alleged that, from April 2017 to December 2021, Smith Family Pharmacy, under Ms. Smith’s supervision, filled over 500 prescriptions for highly addictive drugs like oxycodone and oxymorphone, that showed “red flags” for diversion or abuse, but failed to resolve those concerns. The prescriptions displayed several “red flags,” including combinations of commonly abused substances, high dosages of controlled substances, and patients traveling to out-of-state physicians to obtain prescriptions. Some prescriptions with “red flags” that were filled by Smith Family Pharmacy were determined to have been written by out-of-state physicians that have since been convicted of illegally prescribing controlled substances (United States v. Herrell, et al., 6:21-cr-13).
“Under the Controlled Substances Act, pharmacies and pharmacists play a critical gatekeeping function, helping to prevent diversion of controlled substances into the community,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Prescription drug abuse continues to be an enormous challenge to our communities. We simply must ensure that everyone is doing their part to combat this crisis – including pharmacies and pharmacists – and we will continue to enforce these critically important provisions of the CSA.”
“Retail pharmacies are the last line of defense against the diversion of controlled medications with a potential for abuse, and Smith Family Pharmacy fell short of their obligation to operate in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “I’m very proud of the hard work done by the men and women of the DEA in this investigation, which led to a substantial fine, as well as safeguards to oblige the pharmacy to compliance going forward.”
The DEA and Smith Family Pharmacy also entered into a four-year Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement. Specifically, Smith Family Pharmacy agreed to hire a new pharmacist-in-charge, to replace Ms. Smith; agreed to submit quarterly compliance reports to DEA; and agreed to provide employee training, addressing the identification and resolution of “red flags.” The agreement represents an opportunity for Smith Family Pharmacy to demonstrate compliance with its legal requirements under the CSA.
The settlement considered the penalties associated with the alleged violations, as well as Smith Family Pharmacy’s and Ms. Smith’s ability-to-pay.
The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that all levels of the supply chain that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances will be held responsible for violations of the CSA. Tips from all sources about possible violations of controlled substances laws can be reported to the DEA at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, London Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Stubblebine and Katie Sheridan represented the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Barbourville Pharmacy and its Pharmacist-in-Charge to Pay $215,000 to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Barbourville pharmacy, Smith Family Pharmacy, and its pharmacist-in-charge, Stephanie Smith, agreed to pay $215,000 in civil penalties, to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) by filling prescriptions for controlled substances that had been issued without a legitimate medical purpose, in contravention of a pharmacy’s corresponding responsibility to ensure that only valid prescriptions are dispensed.
The CSA was passed to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. The CSA’s requirements, which apply to entities like pharmacies that purchase, dispense, and sell controlled substances, are designed to protect the public from the dangers posed by highly addictive or dangerous controlled substances that could be diverted into the illicit market. Under the CSA, pharmacies have a legal responsibility to ensure that controlled substances are dispensed only pursuant to valid prescriptions. Prescriptions are only valid if issued by a medical provider for a legitimate medical purpose, acting in the usual course of their professional practice. The CSA requires pharmacists to investigate prescriptions that appear to be invalid, such as those that bear “red flags” for diversion or abuse, and to refuse to fill such prescriptions if the concerns cannot be resolved.
According to settlement documents, the Government alleged that, from April 2017 to December 2021, Smith Family Pharmacy, under Ms. Smith’s supervision, filled over 500 prescriptions for highly addictive drugs like oxycodone and oxymorphone, that showed “red flags” for diversion or abuse, but failed to resolve those concerns. The prescriptions displayed several “red flags,” including combinations of commonly abused substances, high dosages of controlled substances, and patients traveling to out-of-state physicians to obtain prescriptions. Some prescriptions with “red flags” that were filled by Smith Family Pharmacy were determined to have been written by out-of-state physicians that have since been convicted of illegally prescribing controlled substances (United States v. Herrell, et al., 6:21-cr-13).
“Under the Controlled Substances Act, pharmacies and pharmacists play a critical gatekeeping function, helping to prevent diversion of controlled substances into the community,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Prescription drug abuse continues to be an enormous challenge to our communities. We simply must ensure that everyone is doing their part to combat this crisis – including pharmacies and pharmacists – and we will continue to enforce these critically important provisions of the CSA.”
“Retail pharmacies are the last line of defense against the diversion of controlled medications with a potential for abuse, and Smith Family Pharmacy fell short of their obligation to operate in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “I’m very proud of the hard work done by the men and women of the DEA in this investigation, which led to a substantial fine, as well as safeguards to oblige the pharmacy to compliance going forward.”
The DEA and Smith Family Pharmacy also entered into a four-year Memorandum of Agreement as part of the settlement. Specifically, Smith Family Pharmacy agreed to hire a new pharmacist-in-charge, to replace Ms. Smith; agreed to submit quarterly compliance reports to DEA; and agreed to provide employee training, addressing the identification and resolution of “red flags.” The agreement represents an opportunity for Smith Family Pharmacy to demonstrate compliance with its legal requirements under the CSA.
The settlement considered the penalties associated with the alleged violations, as well as Smith Family Pharmacy’s and Ms. Smith’s ability-to-pay.
The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that all levels of the supply chain that manufacture, distribute, and dispense controlled substances will be held responsible for violations of the CSA. Tips from all sources about possible violations of controlled substances laws can be reported to the DEA at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, London Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Stubblebine and Katie Sheridan represented the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Bank Robber Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing American Falls BankRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Steven James Parker, 50, who most recently lived in Gooding, Mountain Home, and Boise, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for the September 1, 2023, robbery of the Bank of Commerce in American Falls, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, on September 1, 2023, a man entered the Bank of Commerce in American Falls, holding a handgun. He charged toward the first teller’s station and pointed a gun directly at the tellers’ faces, ordering them to fill a grocery bag with money. Both tellers put money in the bag and the man left the bank, stating “I’ll be back,” on his way out. Police arrived at the bank and located photos of the robber from cameras in the bank and from nearby businesses and also found photos of the robber’s truck. Photos were circulated on social media and a tipster stated that the robber was Parker. Police went to Parker’s residence in Mountain Home and to his friend’s residence in Boise where they obtained search warrants and located the gun and Parker’s truck used in the robbery. Police also found some of the bank money taken in the robbery.
The 13-year sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill is a combined sentence of six years for the bank robbery and a consecutive seven-year sentence for the use of the gun in the commission of the bank robbery, for a total sentence of 13 years. Judge Winmill also ordered Parker to pay restitution to the bank of $11,106 and to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. He pleaded guilty to the crimes on January 24, 2024.
Parker has three prior convictions for bank robbery, including a 2002 federal conviction and two other state court bank robbery convictions. Parker had been out on parole from state custody for only about five months when he committed the bank robbery in American Falls.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the American Falls Police Department, the Power County Sheriff’s Office, the Power County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Blackfoot Police Department, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, and the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Haycock prosecuted the case.
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Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Furtherance of A Stolen Identity Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – On May 8, 2024, Dolapo Lawal, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to federal charges of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to the guilty plea, Lawal knowingly and willfully participated in and executed a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme to obtain fraudulent tax refunds using the identities of elderly victims, then load those refunds onto debit cards tied to bank accounts opened in the victims’ names, send those cards to secure known addresses throughout the United States, and finally withdraw those refunds in cash.
As outlined at his guilty plea Lawal’s involvement in the scheme can be grouped into two efforts.
In the first instance, Lawal intentionally trafficked and used 24 Green Dot Bank debit cards in elderly victims’ names in the spring of 2022. These cards were fraudulently loaded with more than $200,000 in 2021 tax refunds, which were fraudulently obtained through identity theft. On April 8, 2022, the Baltimore County Police Department lawfully stopped and searched Lawal’s Mercedes S-class sedan. During the search, officers found approximately $18,900 in cash and these 24 debit cards in a bag left under Lawal’s seat. Lawal admitted to officers on the scene that this was his bag. The vehicle also contained multiple plastic bags filled with opened packaging for these or similar debit cards. Cell tower pings, automated license plate reader data, bank records, and Lawal’s admissions to law enforcement show that Lawal had used these 24 cards to conduct more than 300 cash withdrawals at ATMs to obtain more than $80,000 in the preceding month. Lawal later admitted that he used these fraudulent debit cards on multiple occasions to conduct cash withdrawals for his personal benefit – specifically to make payments on his Mercedes and to pay off personal credit card debt.
In the second instance, Lawal possessed over 300 additional unique Green Dot Bank debit cards in his home on or about June 21, 2023. That day, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Lawal’s residence. During the search, IRS-CI agents found, among other items, a box containing more than 300 additional unique Green Dot Bank debit cards. Lawal’s iPhone – also seized pursuant to the same search warrant – contained photographs of several of these cards along with portions of the packaging for each of the cards that had the bank account number and routing number for the corresponding account associated with the card. Approximately 200 of these cards were linked to bank accounts opened in the names of additional victims, which were listed as the direct deposit accounts for fraudulent 2021 and 2022 tax refund claims filed in the names of those same victims. Many of these tax returns were filed after Lawal’s April 8, 2022 traffic stop. The total amount of fraudulent tax refund claims associated with these cards was over $3 million. The IRS had not issued these refund claims before law enforcement searched Lawal’s home.
In total, Lawal’s offenses furthered a scheme to defraud the United States of over $3 million.
Lawal faces a maximum of ten years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release for access device fraud. He also faces a minimum mandatory sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, which will run consecutive to the access device fraud sentence, followed by up to one year of supervised release.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the IRS-CI for its work in the investigation and thanked the Baltimore County Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph L. Wenner, and Paul Riley, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter Announces Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and CollusionRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the formation of the Antitrust Division’s Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion (HCMC). The HCMC will guide the division’s enforcement strategy and policy approach in health care, including by facilitating policy advocacy, investigations and, where warranted, civil and criminal enforcement in health care markets.
“Every year, Americans spend trillions of dollars on health care, money that is increasingly being gobbled up by a small number of payers, providers and dominant intermediaries that have consolidated their way to power in communities across the country,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Led by Katrina Rouse, the task force will identify and root out monopolies and collusive practices that increase costs, decrease quality and create single points of failure in the health care industry.”
The HCMC will consider widespread competition concerns shared by patients, health care professionals, businesses and entrepreneurs, including issues regarding payer-provider consolidation, serial acquisitions, labor and quality of care, medical billing, health care IT services, access to and misuse of health care data and more. The HCMC will bring together civil and criminal prosecutors, economists, health care industry experts, technologists, data scientists, investigators and policy advisors from across the division’s Civil, Criminal, Litigation and Policy Programs, and the Expert Analysis Group, to identify and address pressing antitrust problems in health care markets.
The HCMC will be directed by Katrina Rouse, a long-serving antitrust prosecutor who joined the Antitrust Division in 2011. She previously served as Chief of the division’s Defense, Industrials and Aerospace Section, Assistant Chief of the Division’s San Francisco Office, a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and a Trial Attorney in the division’s Healthcare and Consumer Products Section. She holds degrees from Columbia University and Stanford Law School, and clerked for federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Rouse will serve concurrently as the division’s Deputy Director of Civil Enforcement and Special Counsel for Health Care.
The Antitrust Division welcomes input and information from the public, including from practitioners, patients, researchers, business owners and others who have direct insight into competition concerns in the health care industry. Members of the public can share their experiences with the Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion by visiting HealthyCompetition.gov. Where appropriate, the division will refer matters to other federal and state law enforcers.
Albany Resident Indicted for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Stephen Brisee a/k/a Sage Brisee, age 30, of Albany, was indicted earlier this week for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
A criminal complaint, previously filed in this case, alleges that Brisee distributed videos depicting adults sexually abusing girls as young as infants. The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted on all charges, Brisee faces at least 15 years and up to 40 years in prison; a fine of up to $250,000; and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Brisee may also be ordered to forfeit the devices used to commit the crimes, and to pay restitution to victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Brisee would also be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.
Brisee has been ordered detained pending trial.
HSI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner 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.
ALERT: Federal Court Related ScamsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Jane E. Young and United States Marshal William Hart are alerting the public of a rise in complaints regarding two scams. The first scam is a jury summons scam aimed at obtaining New Hampshire residents’ personal identifying information and a payment of a fine. The second scam is a cash bond scam aimed at receiving virtual currency deposits from victims.
The reported phone fraudster(s) in the jury summons scam represent themselves to be a United States Marshal or a state or local law enforcement officer, claiming to be contacting New Hampshire residents that did not comply with a jury summons. They request a return call in an effort to obtain personal identifying information and/or threaten to arrest an individual if a fine is not paid.
In the cash bond scam, fraudster(s) are calling individuals informing them of fake pending criminal charges and directing them to pay bail money using public virtual currency machines or kiosks.
“Fraudsters are always finding new ways to exploit our fears and obligations,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “While jury duty is one of our most fundamental civic duties, the Court does not use law enforcement officers to arrest potential jurors. Additionally, the government will never ask you to pay fines or taxes by phone or via a virtual currency machine. Please protect yourselves – be cautious when giving out your personal identifying information.”
“The United States Marshals Service will never request your personal information by phone. Be on guard with your personal information if you don’t know who is calling. Don’t give it to anyone,” said United States Marshal William Hart. “Please know it is okay to ask for a phone number and complete independent research to confirm the phone number, by contacting the authorities.”
If someone contacts you soliciting a return call or a payment of a fine in response to your non-compliance of a jury summons or if someone calls you to inform you of pending criminal charges that can be resolved by a bail payment, please notify the Clerk’s Office at the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire by calling 603-225-1423 or email [email protected].
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8 May 2024
Zuni Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has pleaded guilty in federal court to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In his plea agreement, Daryl Jay Dickson, 38, admitted that as a previously convicted felon he knew he was not allowed to possess a firearm and ammunition. The handgun he possessed will also be forfeited to the United States government.
The Court ordered that Dickson remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Dickson faces between 27 and 33 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, Dickson will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Zuni Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of Zuni Fish and Wildlife and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement# # #
Woodbridge man pleads guilty to selling fentanyl and machinegunsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, around June 2023, Fernando Alexis Orellana Banegas, 24, came to the attention of agents investigating drug trafficking and firearms sales in the Woodbridge area. Orellana was using the Telegram app to sell drugs and firearms under the username, “Boofpak Exotics.” Through this username, Orellana advertised various illicit narcotics, including counterfeit oxycodone pills, and firearms for sale.
From July 12, 2023, to Nov. 15, 2023, the FBI conducted six controlled purchases from Orellana. Over those six transactions, Orellana sold approximately 495 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, three firearms, and two machine gun conversion devices. On two occasions Orellana sold fentanyl pills and firearms in the same transaction, and on another occasion he sold fentanyl pills along with machinegun conversion devices.
Orellana is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and an additional mandatory minimum of five consecutive years in prison for the firearms charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo Rodriguez and Catherine Rosenberg are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-92.
Windsor Woman Sentenced to 4 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Alicia M. Allen, 38, Windsor, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years in federal prison for possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution, and money laundering. The prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Allen pleaded guilty to these charges on January 24, 2024.
Law enforcement began investigating Allen in the summer of 2022, after she was observed meeting with another individual under investigation for fentanyl trafficking. On November 28, 2022, officers met with Allen at her residence, and she admitted that she purchased fentanyl pills for distribution. She turned over 579 fentanyl pills and a firearm to the officers. A subsequent financial investigation showed that Allen made significant sums of money selling fentanyl. She used personal and business bank accounts to launder the drug proceeds, providing false explanations to the bank about the source of the funds. On March 9, 2023, officers seized over $42,000 from Allen’s business bank account. Allen was unemployed during the entirety of the investigation, had no legitimate business, and the source of the funds in her business bank account was determined to be drug proceeds.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Allen was dealing large quantities of an extremely dangerous drug, fentanyl, over a long period of time. Judge Peterson also found Allen’s pattern of dishonesty and concealment of significant drug proceeds to be aggravating factors.
The charges against Allen were the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Wichita man sentenced to prison for threats to Pres. BidenRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 21 months in prison for threatening to kill the President of the United States of America.
According to court documents, Cody McCormick, 28, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of making a threat against the President of the United States.
In April 2023, McCormick sent a Wichita television station a Facebook message detailing his intention to murder U.S. President Joseph (Joe) Biden. The message read in part, “I will get a Greyhound bus ticket and go and shoot him."
U.S. Secret Service agents interviewed McCormick. The agents asked McCormick if they needed to be worried about him if President Biden came to Wichita. McCormick responded that if given the opportunity, he would "force him (POTUS) to step down from office" and would "kidnap him". He also told agents, "My intent is to kill Joe Biden if I don't get the help I need."
The U.S. Secret Service and the Wichita Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster prosecuted the case.
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