Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 27 March 2024
Jonathan Bash Sentenced to 21 Years Imprisonment for Distribution of A Fentanyl Analogue Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Today, Jonathan Bash, 25, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga, after distributing para-fluorofentanyl, resulting in the overdose death of Charlotte Gallant. Following his incarceration, he will be on supervised release for five years.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Bash pled guilty to distributing para-fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Charlotte Gallant, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). According to the plea agreement, Bash sold a fentanyl analogue to a young man who shared it with his girlfriend, Ms. Gallant. According to filed court documents, Bash misrepresented the drug as ketamine, a commonly abused “club drug” that is often used for its perceived anesthetic and hallucinogenic effects. Both the young man to whom Bash sold the fentanyl analogue and Ms. Gallant overdosed. The young man suffered serious bodily injuries but ultimately survived the overdose. Paramedics were unable to revive Ms. Gallant, who died shortly after ingesting the drug.
“This is a tragic case. Using any kind of narcotic acquired on the streets or even from a friend, regardless of how the drug appears to be marketed, can unknowingly lead to the use of fentanyl, and the effects can be lethal,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III. “Our office will continue to prosecute these cases to bring justice to the community and the families of the victims, including Ms. Gallant and her family.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Tennessee who brought justice to this investigation,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “This case sends a clear message that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service along with our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to protect the communities we serve by combating the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl and holding drug traffickers accountable.”
“A 21-year sentence highlights the serious risks fentanyl poses and serves as a testament to HSI’s collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “Fentanyl has a devastating impact on our communities and HSI will continue to fight alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle illicit narcotics organizations.”
“The most impactful investigations occur through meaningful collaboration and coordination with our local, state, and federal partners. The FBI is a proud federal partner of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations, said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
The criminal investigation was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Chattanooga Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Brooks and Frank Clark represented the United States.
###
Johnstown Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Conspiring to Possess CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States Senior District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Clinton Dudley, 36.
According to information presented to the Court, in and around August 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Dudley knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Dudley.
Jamaican National Admits Making False Statement in United States Passport ApplicationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Jamaican national admitted making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Stefan Anderson, 47, of Jamaica, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court on March 26, 2024, to one count of false statement in a passport application. The matter, originally indicted in the Western District of Michigan, Southern Division, was transferred by consent to the District of New Jersey for plea and sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 21, 2022, Anderson applied for a U.S. passport in Wyoming, Kent County, Michigan. Anderson falsely claimed to be another individual, a United States citizen. Anderson also presented a Michigan Temporary State Identification card bearing that individual’s name and personal identifying information in support of the application.
The count of false statement in a passport application carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Detroit Resident Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, Detroit Field Office with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
anderson.indictment.pdfIllegally Armed Domestic Abuser Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison After Threatening to Kill Girlfriend with GunRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jose de Jesus Rodriguez-Soto a/k/a Pedro Torres, 34, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2023, IMPD officers were dispatched to investigate a domestic violence incident near Eagledale, in Indianapolis. Once officers arrived, the victim’s daughter reported that Torres came to their home with a pump-action shotgun and threatened to “kill them all.” Torres was still at the home and sitting in his vehicle with the firearm visible. Torres resisted the officers, but they were ultimately able to safely arrest him and secure the weapon.
The victim later informed officers that Torres sent her threatening text messages, which included a picture of the shotgun he brought to her home. Later that evening, Torres called the victim from jail and attempted to get her to drop the charges against him.
Torres is a Mexican national who was in the United States without lawful authorization, prohibiting him from legally possessing a firearm.
“Violent, illegally armed abusers pose a profound danger to those closest to them, police, and the entire community,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Through our LEATH initiative, federal prosecutors will continue to work hand in hand with HSI, IMPD, and law enforcement agencies across the district to save lives by disarming domestic abusers and removing them from our communities.”
Homeland Security Investigations and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Torres be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
###
Hopkinsville Felon Sentenced to over 4 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years and 9 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Eric L. Clark, 42, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a RG Industries .22 caliber revolver on December 31, 2020. Clark was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On April 26, 2017, in Christian Circuit Court, Clark was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (less than 4 grams of cocaine), first offense.
On April 26, 2017, in Christian Circuit Court, Clark was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (less than 4 grams of cocaine), first offense (two counts).
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Hopkinsville Police Department and the ATF Bowling Green Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
###
Georgetown Woman Indicted for Falsifying Statements to Federal Investigators Regarding 2009 Kidnapping and Murder of Brittanee DrexelRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment against Angel Cooper Vause, 56, of Georgetown, for making false statements to federal investigators.
According to the indictment, in May 2022, Vause is alleged to have lied to investigators with the FBI during the investigation into the 2009 disappearance and murder of Brittanee Drexel. Vause was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned today in Charleston at 1 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Molly H. Cherry.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Winston Holliday and Elle E. Klein are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
###
Gang Member Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identify Theft, Witness Tampering, Destruction of Evidence, and Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg the announces the return of an indictment charging Tyler Jacob (24, Winter Haven) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identify theft, witness tampering, destruction of evidence, and possession of ammunition. If convicted, Jacob faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 2, up to 20 years, in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint and indictment, Jacob used check writing software to create fraudulent or fictitious checks and then submitted those checks at various financial institutions with forged signatures. The funds obtained from the deposited checks were then quickly withdrawn, defrauding the financial institution or business prior to the financial institution or business being able to identify the deposited checks as fraudulent.
Jacob utilized dozens of willing participants to accomplish his scheme. Specifically, these co-conspirators provided him with bank account information in their own names, deposited checks themselves, and withdrew those funds on Jacob’s behalf. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 100 victims and over 15 financial institutions throughout the Middle District of Florida were defrauded.
On January 23, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Jacob’s residence. During the search, Jacob barricaded himself inside the residence, and began to use a shredding machine to destroy evidence. Investigators eventually found shredded papers on both floors of the residence and a shredding machine that was jammed. Jacob also threw documents inside his washing machine. Investigators located a checkbook and financial documents in the names of other individuals, printers, a scanner, and approximately 25 rounds of .556 rifle ammunition. As a convicted felon, Jacob was prohibited from possessing ammunition.
After his arrest, Jacob made phone calls to an individual and attempted to have that individual dispose of evidence and lie to law enforcement.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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.
Gamma Healthcare and Three of Its Owners Agree to Pay $13.6 Million for Allegedly Billing Medicare for Lab Tests That Were Not Ordered or Medically NecessaryRead the Press Release
Gamma Healthcare Inc. (Gamma), a laboratory located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and three of its owners, Jerry W. Murphy, Jerrod W. Murphy and Joel W. Murphy (the Murphys), have agreed to pay the United States $13,619,660.18 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting or causing the submission of claims to Medicare for lab tests that were not ordered by health care providers and were not medically necessary. Gamma, Jerry W. Murphy and Jerrod W. Murphy also agreed to a 15-year exclusion from participating in federal health care programs.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from Jan. 1, 2020, to Oct. 31, 2020, Gamma and the Murphys submitted or caused to be submitted claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) urinalysis laboratory tests that were not ordered by treating physicians. When a physician ordered a urinalysis (UA) with culture and sensitivity (C&S) or just a C&S, Gamma automatically performed, and submitted claims for payment to Medicare for, a urinary tract infection (UTI) panel of tests by PCR (the UTI PCR Tests). Medicare reimbursements for the UTI PCR Tests were significantly higher than reimbursements for a UA with C&S — on average, Medicare paid approximately $11 for a UA with C&S but paid an additional $573 for a panel of UTI PCR Tests. Gamma’s requisition forms were structured in a way that did not allow physicians to opt out of the UTI PCR Tests. Physicians expressed concerns to Gamma about the UTI PCR Tests as early as March 2020, including concerns that they did not order the tests, that the tests were expensive and that they were not medically necessary.
“Laboratories are permitted to bill federal healthcare programs only for medically necessary tests that are actually ordered by physicians,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to hold accountable those who seek to misuse federal healthcare programs for their own financial gain.”
“We’d like to thank the whistleblower for bringing his concerns forward,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “As a result, Gamma and its owners who were responsible for this fraud will not be able to participate in federal health care programs for 15 years, and a large sum of money is being returned to Medicare.”
“Health care providers who cause the submission of Medicare claims for medically unnecessary services pose a significant risk to the program and the patients who rely on it,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG works diligently with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who, to satisfy their own greed, exploit federal health care programs.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Bradley Bibb M.D., a physician who owns a number of health care clinics and provided services to patients for whom Gamma performed laboratory tests. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Bibb v. Gamma Healthcare Inc. et al., No. 1:20-cv-00250-SNLJ (E.D. Mo). Bibb will receive $2,315,342.23 of the proceeds from the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, with substantial assistance from HHS-OIG and FBI. Trial Attorney Elizabeth J. Kappakas of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Moore for the Eastern District of Missouri handled the matter, with the assistance of Financial Analyst Sheryl Paynter of the Civil Division.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
SettlementFormer Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to His Role in a Drug Trafficking and Procurement Fraud ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Michael Kenneth Cox, age 49, pled guilty to two federal charges related to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and a procurement mail and wire fraud conspiracy. Cox, who was employed by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) from 1996 until he retired as the head of the drug unit in 2018, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana. Cox also pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit procurement wire and mail fraud with his co-defendant Christopher Worth in connection with contracts his business received from WCSO. When sentenced, Cox faces up to 20 years for each charge.
“As a leader of the Drug Unit, Cox’s job was to put drug traffickers behind bars, not go into business with them,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We trust law enforcement to uphold the law, but a rare few choose to abuse their positions with criminal side-hustles. Corruption like this undermines our institutions, cheats taxpayers, and endangers the public. The people of Eastern North Carolina, and all the honest cops who put their lives on the line, deserve better and we won’t stand for it.”
"Law enforcement officers are entrusted with an incredible responsibility to serve our communities and ensure justice. Anyone who takes advantage of their position for personal gain or in persistence of criminal activity must and will be held accountable. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will continue to root out public corruption on behalf of the vast majority of hard-working officers who carry out their duties honestly and honorably," said FBI Special Agent in Charge, Robert M. DeWitt.
According to court documents and other information presented in Court, while Cox was a sheriff’s deputy, he helped various drug traffickers operating in Wayne County evade charges. In one instance, he intercepted a drug trafficker who had made a purchase from the target of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation. Rather than arrest the trafficker, he seized the drugs and reimbursed him $2000 for the sale, claiming it had been a planned, controlled purchase. Even after his retirement, Cox continued his relationships with the drug traffickers, facilitating the purchase of drugs for other individuals. In addition, Cox was engaged in a scheme in which contracts for upfits of WCSO vehicles were steered to a business owned by Cox, and employing co-defendant Worth, regardless of whether Cox’s company provided such work at the lowest price as required by the Wayne County procurement requirements. Cox was indicted in August of 2023.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. Chief District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Duffy and Nick Hartigan are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-260.
Former Pike County deputy sentenced to more than 8 years in prison for excessive use of forceRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Pike County deputy was sentenced in federal court here today to 100 months in prison for committing civil rights violations while employed as a law enforcement officer.
In August 2023, Jeremy C. Mooney, 49, was convicted by a federal jury of two counts of violating a victim’s constitutional rights by pepper spraying and punching the victim in the head, while the victim was in the custody of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and posed no threat to himself or others. The jury found that Mooney’s offenses involved the use of a dangerous weapon and resulted in bodily injury.
“This defendant is being sentenced for the violent assault of an inmate who was confined to a restraint chair and unable to protect himself or escape from the abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “All people in our country have a right to be free from excessive force by law enforcement officers. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute any law enforcement officer who willfully violates the civil rights of the people they are sworn to protect and serve.”
“Communities trust in law enforcement officers to uphold the rule of law and, as public servants, they must honor that responsibility, not deprive individuals of their civil rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Law enforcement officials who abuse their powers like Mooney did will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, on Nov. 18, 2019, Mooney transported the victim from the jail to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, where he placed the victim in a restraint chair. The restraint chair secured the victim’s hands behind his back and prevented him from being able to move most of his body. For more than an hour, Mooney unlawfully used force against the victim on several occasions.
Mooney dragged the victim — who was in the restraint chair — outside and pepper sprayed him directly in the face. The victim writhed in pain and tipped the chair back off the curb, landing on his back. Mooney then stood over the victim and deployed the pepper spray directly into the victim’s face a second time. Mooney brought the victim back inside the building and walked away. Over the course of several minutes, Mooney returned to that part of the building, where the victim was still handcuffed and secured in the restraint chair and punched the victim in the head 11 times. Mooney punched the victim with enough force to break his own hand.
A former Pike County Sheriff’s Office supervisor, William Stansberry Jr., 47, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was also charged. Stansberry violated the victim’s constitutional rights by willfully failing to intervene to prevent Mooney’s conduct. He pleaded guilty in July 2023 to deprivation of civil rights under color of law and was sentenced on March 5 to six months in prison. Stansberry was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served under home detention.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Former Ohio Sheriff's Office Deputy Sentenced for Violating the Civil Rights of an Inmate by Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
A former Pike County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office deputy was sentenced today to 100 months in prison and three years of supervised release for federal civil rights violations involving excessive force.
In August 2023, Jeremy C. Mooney, 49, was convicted by a federal jury of two counts of violating a victim’s constitutional rights by pepper spraying and punching the victim in the head, while the victim was in the custody of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and posed no threat to himself or others. The jury found that Mooney’s offenses involved the use of a dangerous weapon and resulted in bodily injury.
“This defendant is being sentenced for the violent assault of an inmate who was confined to a restraint chair and unable to protect himself or escape from the abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “All people in our country have a right to be free from excessive force by law enforcement officers. The Justice Department will continue to prosecute law enforcement officers who willfully violate the civil rights of the people they are sworn to protect and serve.”
“Communities trust in law enforcement officers to uphold the rule of law and, as public servants, they must honor that responsibility, not deprive individuals of their civil rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio. “Law enforcement officials who abuse their powers like Mooney did will be held accountable.”
“As a law enforcement officer, Mooney had a duty to protect the civil rights of everyone in his community,” said Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office. “By abusing a person in his custody, he violated his oath and federal law. The FBI will continue to hold accountable rogue officers who commit civil rights violations and use excessive force against those they are sworn to protect.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, on Nov. 18, 2019, Mooney transported the victim from the jail to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, where he placed the victim in a restraint chair. The restraint chair secured the victim’s hands behind his back and prevented him from being able to move most of his body. For more than an hour, Mooney unlawfully used force against the victim on several occasions.
Mooney dragged the victim — who was in the restraint chair — outside and pepper sprayed him directly in the face. The victim writhed in pain and tipped the chair back off the curb, landing on his back. Mooney then stood over the victim and deployed the pepper spray directly into the victim’s face a second time. Mooney brought the victim back inside the building and walked away. Over the course of several minutes, Mooney returned to that part of the building, where the victim was still handcuffed and secured in the restraint chair, and punched the victim in the head 11 times. Mooney punched the victim with enough force to break his own hand.
A former Pike County Sheriff’s Office supervisor, William Stansberry Jr., 47, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was also charged. Stansberry violated the victim’s constitutional rights by willfully failing to intervene to prevent Mooney’s conduct. He pleaded guilty in July 2023 to deprivation of civil rights under color of law and was sentenced on March 5 to six months in prison. Stansberry was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served under home detention.
The FBI Cincinnati Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Former Mt. Oliver Resident Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Johvian Everett, 24, formerly of Mt. Oliver borough, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on October 21, 2021, Everett knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Found Guilty of Racketeering Conspiracy that Corrupted City Real Estate Development ProjectsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former deputy mayor and long-time Los Angeles city official was found guilty by a jury today of accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe money and facilitating illicit payoffs from property developers to then-Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar as part of a long-running conspiracy that corrupted the approval of city real estate projects.
Raymond She Wah Chan, 67, of Monterey Park, was found guilty of all 12 felony counts he faced: one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, seven counts of honest services wire fraud, three counts of bribery, and one count of making false statements to a federal government agency.
“Chan used his leadership position in City Hall to favor corrupt individuals and companies willing to play dirty,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The residents of Los Angeles deserve much better. With today’s verdict, we send a strong message that the public will not stand for corruption and that pay-to-play politics has no place in our community.”
“Mr. Chan made decisions to enrich himself and his corrupt colleagues instead of advancing projects to benefit the residents of Los Angeles, and then lied about it when confronted with the facts,” said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The ‘Casino Loyale’ investigation has shined a light on the city of Los Angeles, and the FBI will continue to weed out corruption to ensure local government operates honestly to improve the lives of Angelenos.”
Chan formerly was the general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and, later, served as the city’s deputy mayor of economic development from 2016 to 2017.
Huizar, 55, of Boyle Heights, represented Council District 14 (CD-14) on the Los Angeles City Council from December 2005 until his resignation in October 2020. CD-14 encompassed downtown Los Angeles and some of its surrounding areas. During his years on the City Council, Huizar chaired the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee, which oversaw all major commercial and residential development projects in the city.
Huizar was sentenced on January 26 to 13 years in federal prison and also was ordered to pay $443,905 in restitution to the City of Los Angeles and $38,792 in restitution to the IRS. He pleaded guilty in January 2023 to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of tax evasion.
According to evidence presented at a 12-day trial, Chan and Huizar operated the “CD-14 Enterprise,” a criminal conspiracy that tainted the city approval of real estate projects in the downtown area. Huizar led the enterprise from at least February 2013 until July 2020 and Chan played a key role in ensuring the enterprise’s success during that period.
As part of the conspiracy, while he was the general manager of LADBS and a deputy mayor, Chan established a secret business partnership with real estate development consultant George Chiang, securing a lucrative real estate consulting agreement with Chinese real estate developer Shenzhen Hazens. As part of that agreement, Chan agreed to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to advise and pressure city officials in favor of Hazens’ Luxe Hotel redevelopment project.
To maintain the conspiracy’s political power, Chan also facilitated a $100,000 campaign contribution commitment from Hazens in support of Huizar’s wife’s candidacy for the CD-14 seat in exchange for Huizar’s votes to approve the project. A central goal of the enterprise was the succession plan of Huizar’s wife taking over Huizar’s council seat so that Huizar would still have control over downtown through his wife.
Hazens’ U.S. subsidiary, Jia Yuan USA Co. Inc., which was seeking to redevelop the Los Angeles Luxe City Center Hotel, has paid $1.05 million to resolve the government’s investigation into its conduct related to this case, which included bribery and illegal campaign contributions.
Chan also facilitated payment of more than $1 million in bribes to Huizar from billionaire developer Wei Huang, 58, a resident of Shenzhen, China, including $600,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit and luxury-laden gambling trips. At the time he provided these bribes, Huang’s company, Shen Zhen New World I LLC, was planning to redevelop the L.A. Grand Hotel into the tallest tower west of the Mississippi, which would require city approvals and Huizar’s help.
At Huizar’s and Chan’s request – and after Huizar had helped save Chan’s city position by helping to prevent a planned merger that would have eliminated Chan’s department – Huang paid $600,000 to fund a settlement of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Huizar by a former CD-14 staffer that threatened his 2015 re-election campaign and thus the enterprise’s political power base. Chan also lied to FBI agents in November 2018 about his involvement in facilitating and structuring the $600,000 settlement, that Huang had no real estate projects needing Huizar’s political support, and that Huang had never asked Huizar for any help with his properties.
Huang, who is charged with several felonies, has yet to make a court appearance in this case and is considered a fugitive believed to be in China.
Following today’s guilty verdicts, United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled a June 10 sentencing hearing, at which time Chan will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of racketeering conspiracy and honest services wire fraud, up to 10 years in federal prison for each bribery count, and up to five years in federal prison for the false statements count.
Previously, in June 2022, real estate developer Dae Yong Lee, a.k.a. “David Lee,” 59, of Bel Air, and one of his companies, 940 Hill LLC, were convicted of providing $500,000 in cash to Huizar and Esparza in exchange for their help in resolving a labor organization’s appeal of their downtown Los Angeles development project. Lee is serving a six-year federal prison sentence. 940 Hill LLC was sentenced to five years’ probation, was fined $1.5 million, and was ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.
In November 2022, Huang’s downtown Los Angeles-based company Shen Zhen New World I LLC was convicted of eight felonies for – through the actions of its owner, Huang – paying more than $1 million in bribes – including luxury trip expenses, casino gambling chips and the $600,000 sham loan – to Huizar to obtain city approval to build a 77-story skyscraper. The company was sentenced to five years of probation, fined $4 million, and ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.
Prosecutors also have secured guilty pleas from Chiang, George Esparza, Huizar’s former special assistant, political fundraiser Justin Jangwoo Kim, and lobbyist Morrie Goldman for their roles in the CD-14 Enterprise. Each of these defendants cooperated with the government, testified during at least one trial, and awaits sentencing.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Mack E. Jenkins, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant United States Attorneys Cassie D. Palmer, Susan S. Har, and Brian R. Faerstein of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in the City of Los Angeles is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s email tip line at https://tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
Former Fort Campbell Soldier Sentenced to Life in Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – An Illinois man was sentenced this week to life in federal prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at Fort Campbell made the announcement.
Larry Bryan Nash, 40, of Nokomis, Illinois, formerly of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was sentenced to life in federal prison, followed by a life-term of supervised release, for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. According to court documents, while enlisted in the United States Army and stationed at Fort Campbell Military Reservation located in Christian County, Kentucky, Nash knowingly caused Jane Doe, a minor, to engage in sexual acts. Nash did so on multiple occasions on or about and between March 5, 2020, and September 16, 2021, and specifically on September 29, 2021, by using force against her. On these occasions, Jane Doe was older than 12 but younger than 16 years old and under Nash’s supervisory control. Nash had sexually abused Jane Doe for several years prior.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the United States Army CID at Fort Campbell.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
###
Florida Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining more than $1.5 Million in Unemployment Benefits and EIDL LoansRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for illegally obtaining more than $1.5 million in government benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Michael Blanc, 34, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court on to an information charging him with wire fraud. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“Michael Blanc today learned the cost of taking advantage of government programs that were specifically designed to provide needed financial assistance to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Combatting pandemic fraud in all of its forms is a top priority for this office and our law enforcement partners. We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to root out those who have exploited the suffering of others to line their own pockets.”
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It expanded states’ ability to help many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. The CARES Act also enabled the Small Business Association (SBA) to offer funding through the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program to business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blanc and others applied for unemployment insurance benefits in others’ names without their knowledge or consent and provided false information to induce state workforce agencies to approve those applications. He and others applied for EIDLs in others’ names without their knowledge or consent and provided false information in the applications to induce the SBA to approve the loan applications. Blanc and others obtained more than $1.5 million through their fraudulent scheme.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Blanc to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $1.7 million in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, in New York, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge is Scott Moffit, Cybercrime Investigations Division, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the FBI, Miami Division, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development for their assistance.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Five ordered to prison for drug trafficking following searchRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Several men have been sentenced for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Martin Vela-Alanis, 60, and Arlando Garcia-Garcia, 41, Martin Adrusbel Vela, 36, and Oscar Obed Manzanares, 23, all of Edinburg; and Mexican citizen Jose Santiago Luna-Duran, 46, each pleaded guilty Oct. 5, 2o23, for their respective roles in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 151-month-term of imprisonment for Vela-Alanis and 46 months for Garcia-Garcia. Vela, Manzanares and Luna-Duran received 87, 60, and 46 months, respectively. Not U.S. citizens, Vela-Alanis, Garcia-Garcia and Luna-Duran are expected to face removal proceedings following their release from prison.
At the hearing, the court heard how this was an extensive and multi-level drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed narcotics on multiple occasions. The evidence indicated that the organization was receiving shipments of narcotics every 15 to 20 days. In handing down the prison terms, Chief Crane noted how this was a pervasive organization that included not just the importation and transportation of large quantities of cocaine, but also the transport and distribution of the drug proceeds.
On March 22, 2022, Manzanares traveled into the United States from Mexico in a GMC truck and parked it at a local business in McAllen. Luna-Duran then took the vehicle to a property in Edinburg.
There, authorities observed individuals exchange items between the GMC and a Ford pickup truck. Garcia-Garcia, a resident of the Edinburg property, then drove the Ford to a separate residence on the property where Vela and Vela-Alanis resided. Upon his arrival, Garcia-Garcia removed a large duffel bag from the truck.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the property and recovered a duffel bag containing 15 bundles of a white powdery substance. They also found over $90,000 and a black and gold Colt Model 1911 pistol.
Luna-Duran returned to the business where he had met Manzanares. There, authorities detained both men. A search of the GMC vehicle resulted in the discovery of over $238,000 in bulk cash.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the bundles tested positive for cocaine and had a weight of approximately 15 kilograms.
They will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Jose Bernando Gonzalez-Gomez, 56, Mexico, was the mechanic who transferred the cocaine from one vehicle to another. He also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing May 2.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Hidalgo, Mission, McAllen, Alton, Pharr and Palmview. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Peter I. Brostowin prosecuted the case.
Fishers Investment Advisor Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling $4.6 MillionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Christopher Turean, 43, of Fishers, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
According to court documents, from September 2012 to February 2022, Turean was employed as an investment advisor. Sometime around 2015, the victim individual became one of Turean’s clients. The victim deposited their personal funds into an investment account managed by an investment company, and Turean was to invest this money on the victim’s behalf.
On July 16, 2019, Turean created a company called “SCNT LLC” and opened a bank account that he alone controlled. Turean quickly began to transfer money from the victim’s investment account to his SCNT account. Turean then used the victim’s investment money to gamble and pay down a home equity loan on his house. Turean concealed his illegal activity from his employer and the victim by sending fraudulent updates describing the embezzled funds as investments in real estate.
In total, Turean stole $4,692,500 from the victim. He also failed to report the illicit income on his taxes, filing false returns that concealed approximately $1,745,246 in taxes owed.
“Investors have a right to trust that professionals obligated to act in their best interests aren’t stealing their hard-earned money,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This criminal used his position as a trusted professional to steal nearly five million dollars, and ten concealed nearly two million dollars in taxes owed. The serious prison sentence imposed here demonstrates the commitment of IRS-CI, USPIS, and our federal prosecutors to aggressively prosecute financial crimes and hold fraudsters accountable.”
“Turean abused his position of trust by stealing from his investors for his own selfish purposes. He not only violated the law, but he also betrayed the trust and confidence of his investors who relied on him to act in their best interests,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “This case should serve as a stark reminder of the vital importance of safeguarding one's personal finances and remaining vigilant against those who seek to exploit their positions of trust for personal gain.”
IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Turean be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and pay $6,417,746 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
###
Filing fraudulent tax return results in prison for tax preparerRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A local tax preparer has been sentenced to federal prison for willfully preparing a fraudulent 2018 joint income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Lynettia Profit pleaded guilty Oct. 6, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Lee H Rosenthal has now ordered Profit to serve 12 months and one day in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Profit and her business executed a long-running scheme to claim false credits on her clients’ behalf, and sought to evade IRS scrutiny. The court also ordered Profit to pay $336,847 in restitution.
Profit operated JNL Tax Services in Houston.
Profit admitted that between 2016 and 2019, she filed fraudulent tax returns for taxpayers. In those fraudulent returns, Profit knowingly reported false education credits and expenses on Schedule C forms to generate larger income tax refunds for her clients.
In 2019, she prepared an income tax return that contained two false $2,500 education credits as well as $70,743 in false expenses that were listed on Schedule C. As a result, the government suffered a tax loss of approximately $22,101. Profit also prepared a false return containing education credits and Schedule C expenses for an undercover agent in February 2020.
The fraudulent tax returns resulted in a loss of at least $336,847 to the United States.
Profit was permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Andrew Swartz prosecuted the case.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Indiana Man for Firearms Trafficking and other Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on March 20, 2024, charging a New Albany, Indiana man with firearms trafficking, illegal possession of a machine gun, and illegal possession of an unregistered firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Allen Love, 39, was charged with four counts of firearms trafficking, occurring on February 1, 5, and 17, and March 6, 2024. He was also charged with three counts of illegal possession of a machine gun, specifically six Swift Conversion Devices on February 5 and 17, and March 6, 2024. Lastly, Love illegally possessed an unregistered firearm, specifically a 9-millimeter short barreled rife, on February 1, 2024.
A Swift Conversion Device is a device that allows a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle to function as a fully automatic. A Swift Conversion Device is defined as a machine gun under federal law.
The defendant made his initial court appearance this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Love faces a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison. 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 ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
FCI Otisville Inmate Charged with Murdering Fellow InmateRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that federal inmate DANIEL V. SMITH was charged with the murder of a fellow inmate. SMITH was presented this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern.
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in court:[1]
On or about October 26, 2021, SMITH murdered Patrick Deck, an inmate at FCI Otisville.
* * *
SMITH, 63, was charged with one count of murder in the first degree, which carries a maximum sentence of death.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con una empresa de dotación de personal de TI para resolver las acusaciones de discriminación en la contrataciónRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Frank Recruitment Group, Incorporated (FRG), una empresa de dotación de personal en el ámbito de la tecnología de la información que opera bajo ocho marcas (Revolent Group, Nigel Frank International, Mason Frank International, Washington Frank International, Anderson Frank International, Nelson Frank International, Jefferson Frank International y FRG Technology Consulting) en localidades por todo Estados Unidos. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que FRG vulneró la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) al excluir a ciertos no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. con permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos o bien disuadirlos de solicitar oportunidades laborales con base en su estatus de ciudadanía.
«Los empleadores no pueden discriminar ilegalmente a las personas con asilo o estatus de refugiado en la contratación», declaró Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento seguirá responsabilizando a los empleadores por imponer barreras al empleo en función del estatus de ciudadanía, lo que vulnera las leyes de derechos civiles de nuestra nación».
La investigación del Departamento determinó que FRG publicó varios anuncios de empleo en línea con un lenguaje que restringía la elegibilidad a ciudadanos de los EE. UU. y residentes permanentes legales, aunque FRG no tuviera motivos legales para hacerlo. Los anuncios de trabajo restrictivos de FRG excluyeron a otras personas potencialmente calificadas –y también las disuadió de solicitar un trabajo– incluidas las personas a las que el gobierno federal les ha concedido el estatus de refugiado o el asilo, con base en su estatus migratorio o ciudadanía. En virtud de la INA, los empleadores no pueden discriminar en la contratación con base en el estatus migratorio o la ciudadanía a menos que una ley, un reglamento, una orden ejecutiva o un contrato gubernamental requiera tal discriminación.
Conforme los términos del acuerdo, FRG pagará $100,000 en sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos, capacitará a sus empleados en cuanto a los requisitos antidiscriminatorios de la INA, revisará sus políticas de empleo y se someterá a supervisión por parte del Departamento.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados («IER», por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, por lo general, 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 de la IER. Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto. 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 visualizar una presentación a la carta; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico de la IER.
Eight Arrested in San Antonio, Houston, Corpus Christi Areas on Narcotics Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Eight individuals were arrested in various cities across the Western and Southern Districts of Texas Tuesday on criminal charges related to their alleged narcotics trafficking.
According to court documents, Rene Gonzales aka “Uber,” 31, Michael Fuentes, 50, Rene Velazquez, 52, of Mexico, Mario Zulaica, 50, George Gonzalez, 47, Reynaldo Sanchez, 38, Richard Gonzales, 40, and Rene Rivera, 41, were arrested as the result of an FBI-led investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
During this investigation, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies seized nearly 60 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $1 million, as well as more than $250,000 in cash.
Additionally, FBI agents learned of a clandestine laboratory in Von Ormy, Texas, that had allegedly been used to convert liquid methamphetamine to crystal methamphetamine. Law enforcement agencies dismantled the lab, seizing approximately 15 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 16 gallons of liquid methamphetamine.
Rene Gonzales is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, aiding and abetting. If convicted, he faces ten years to life in prison and a $10 million fine for counts one, two, four, five, six, and seven; and five to 40 years in prison with a $5 million fine for count three.
Fuentes is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, aiding and abetting. If convicted, he faces ten years to life in prison and a $10 million fine for counts one, two, four, six, and seven; and five to 40 years in prison with a $5 million fine for counts three and eight.
Velazquez is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, aiding and abetting. If convicted, he faces ten years to life in prison and a $10 million fine per count.
Zulaica is charged with one count of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, aiding and abetting. If convicted, he faces ten years to life in prison and a $10 million fine per count.
George Gonzalez is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing heroin, aiding and abetting. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine per count.
Sanchez, Richard Gonzales and Rivera are each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. If convicted, the three face 10 years to life in prison with a $10 million fine.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; San Antonio Police Department; New Braunfels Police Department; Bexar County Sheriff's Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Office of Inspector General; Boerne Police Department; Alice Police Department; Houston Police Department; Chambers County Sheriff's Office; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; Corpus Christi Police Department; Laredo Police Department; and Hollywood Park Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Yuen is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
East Bay Man Sentenced to Eleven Months in Prison for Making Threats to Public OfficialsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – David Allen Carrier was sentenced to eleven months in prison for making voicemail threats to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Special Agent in Charge Robert K Tripp, and United States Secret Service (“USSS”) Special Agent in Charge Shawn M. Bradstreet. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. William Alsup, Senior United States District Judge.
Carrier, 44, of Concord, pleaded guilty to two counts of making threats against a federal official, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1)(B), on Dec. 19, 2023. A grand jury indicted him on Sept. 12, 2023, charging him with the crimes.
Court documents describe how on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, Carrier left a message on the office voicemail of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who was at the time the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. On the message, Carrier threatened to assault the Congresswoman. In pleading guilty to the charge, Carrier acknowledged that he acted with the intent to interfere with her performance as she was engaged with her official duties as a Member of Congress. Seventeen months later, on June 30, 2022, Carrier called the United States Department of Homeland Security hotline and left a voicemail message threatening to assault United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Carrier made his threat to assault Secretary Mayorkas with the intent to interfere with the Secretary while the Secretary was engaged in the performance of his official duties as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.“Participating in the public political conversation is an important right for all citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, “Nevertheless, threatening our public servants is not protected by the First Amendment and corrodes our ability to engage in peaceful and important public discourse. This Office will not tolerate behavior that crosses the line to criminal threats.”
"Violent threats targeting elected officials also threaten our democratic system," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. "Today's sentence demonstrates that anyone who sends politically motivated threats of violence to government officials will be investigated by the FBI and held accountable."
“We take threats against a U.S. Secret Service protectee very seriously,” said Shawn M. Bradstreet, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s San Francisco Field Office. “This is a great example of the coordination and partnership between the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California to investigate and prosecute threats against our nation’s leaders.”
In addition to the prison term, Judge Alsup ordered Carrier to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. Judge Alsup also ordered Carrier to stay away and have no contact, direct or indirect, with both Speaker Emerita Pelosi and Secretary Mayorkas, as well as to attend mental health and substance abuse treatment, among other conditions, while on supervised release.
The National Security and Cybercrime Section prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the USSS.
Convicted sex offender heads to prison for uploading child pornography to Google accountsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 38-year-old McAllen resident has been sentenced for transporting child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Oscar Ramirez Jr. pleaded guilty Oct. 23, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Ramirez to serve 180 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including that Ramirez had approximately 2,070 files of child pornography, of which 64 were videos. Some videos were over 20 minutes long. In handing down the prison terms, the court reviewed victim letters and noted child pornography is not a victimless crime as these victims continue to suffer lifelong consequences as a result of the abuse they suffered now memorialized on the internet. Ramirez was further ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to known victims and will serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet.
The court also heard that Ramirez was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 2010. He will again be ordered to register as a sex offender following this sentence.
In July 2022, law enforcement received information involving an individual uploading multiple files of child pornography to a Google account on or about May 4, 2022. Authorities determined the IP address associated with this activity belonged to Ramirez.
A review of the Google accounts associated with Ramirez revealed images and videos of child pornography. Ramirez also had images and videos of a nude minor victim Ramirez had recorded from outside a window as well as from a vent in the ceiling of a bathroom.
In September 2022, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at his residence in McAllen. At that time, Ramirez identified himself in videos on the Google accounts.
Ramirez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Columbus man faces 20 to 23 years in prison as part of narcotics guilty plea involving killing of another Columbus residentRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to a drug crime and admitted to his role in the killing of a local man. The defendant is one of nearly two dozen individuals charged in a case involving a large-scale drug and human trafficking ring.
Dustin A. Speakman, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school. As part of his plea, Speakman admitted to his role in the death of one victim which occurred during the time he was operating a drug distribution house. His plea includes a sentencing recommendation of 20 to 23 years in prison.
Speakman, who is also known as “Dawg,” is one of 23 defendants charged in a narcotics and human trafficking case that involves at least two deaths.
According to court documents, from 2008 until June 2022, lead defendants Patrick Saultz and Cordell Washington ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus that included sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and money laundering.
Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit.
Speakman joined the drug trafficking organization after being released from jail in 2022, where he was housed with Saultz. Speakman was a mid-level drug distributor for the group out of residences on South Ogden and South Warren.
As part of his guilty plea, Speakman admitted to severely beating one of his drug runners in May 2022 and then providing him with free drugs to make up for the attack. Witnesses said the male was beaten by Speakman and then given cocaine and fentanyl as compensation. Shortly after, the victim began to seize and foam at the mouth and did not respond to Narcan. The victim was driven to an alley near Grant Hospital where he was found unconscious by Columbus Fire Department personnel with severe trauma to the face and head. His cause of death was ultimately determined to be blunt force trauma caused by Speakman.
“Any loss of life is significant,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Our office will continue to work to hold perpetrators of illegal drug trafficking accountable and secure justice for victims of violent and drug-related deaths.”
As of today, 18 of the 23 defendants have pleaded guilty. One defendant, Carmela Brooks, has been sentenced and received a term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Parker commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Shawn Gibson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
# # #
Colorado Woman Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Sheri Ann Griego, 42, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced March 27, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Griego to 120 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge, and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment for the gun charge. After completing her term of imprisonment, Griego will be required to serve a 8-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 1, 2021, Sheri Ann Griego and Daniel M. Gutirez were stopped while driving in the area of 8th and Brown Street, Omaha after officers observed their vehicle commit several traffic infractions. Griego was identified as the driver and Gutirez as the passenger. After speaking to the two, officers became suspicious that they were involved in criminal activity and Gutirez was asked if he had any weapons on him. Gutirez said he had a gun in his waistband. He was detained and a handgun was found in his waistband. A search of his person revealed a quantity of meth.
A search of the car revealed a rifle wrapped in a coat between the front center console and passenger seat. A loaded high-capacity magazine was found on the passenger floorboard. A search of the trunk revealed a makeup bag containing approximately 100 grams of meth. A drug scale was found in a suitcase containing woman’s clothing.
Gutirez was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment for gun and drug charges on June 26, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Chinese national sent to prison for possessing child pornography videos of minor younger than fiveRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 46-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced for transporting child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Tong Sun pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now sentenced him to 144 months in federal prison. Sun was further ordered to pay $35,000 in special assessments and will serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet and will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Not a U.S. citizen, Sun is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
On or about May 8, 2023, Sun attempted to illegally enter the country in an area near Roma. Law enforcement took him into custody, at which time they discovered several videos that constituted child pornography on his phone.
One of the videos depicted a child who appeared to be younger than five years of age.
Sun admitted to ownership of the phone and to possessing the child pornography.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Canal Winchester man sentenced to prison for making interstate threats to law enforcement, court officials & businesses, calling in bomb threats to local schoolsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Canal Winchester man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 60 months in prison for making interstate threats to local law enforcement, court officials, businesses and schools.
Yousif Mubarak, 27, was convicted following a jury trial in August 2023 of seven counts of making interstate threats.
“Threats are more than mere words, they have significant consequences, as illustrated by the sentence imposed today,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in September 2021, Mubarak made at least 87 threatening phone calls from the state of Washington, where he resided for a short time, to a Franklin County Municipal Court Judge who previously presided over his court case.
Mubarak told the Judge that he would find her, that he had private investigators following her and that she should watch for cars following her. Mubarak said, “I will find you even if that means I die,” and threatened to kill the Judge himself. In many of the messages, Mubarak identified himself by name and left his callback number.
Beginning on Sept. 12, 2021, and continuing until the early morning hours of Sept. 13, 2021, Mubarak also placed numerous threatening calls to businesses and schools in the Canal Winchester and Pickerington areas.
He called to make threats to employees at the Brew Dog, Home Depot and Best Western businesses in Canal Winchester.
On Sept. 12, 2021, at about 10pm, officers and agents with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Division of Police and FBI visited the last known address of Mubarak in Canal Winchester. Mubarak observed the officers in his Ring doorbell camera and taunted the officers throughout the interaction.
Twenty minutes later, Mubarak called a dispatcher in Fairfield County and told her, in part, “you can die” and “she would get two bullets in the head.” The defendant called the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office more than 100 times in a 12-hour span.
Around 7am on the morning of Sept. 13, 2021, Mubarak called in a bomb threat to Canal Winchester Middle School. He told a school employee: “I have placed several bombs in your building” and “I would get your women and children out now.”
Approximately 20 minutes later, Mubarak called Pickerington North High School and said there were two suicide bombers inside the school.
Mubarak was charged federally and arrested on Sept. 22, 2021. A federal grand jury indicted him in November 2021 and that indictment was superseded in June 2022.
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; Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape; and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica W. Knight and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
California Man Sentenced for Cell Phone Trade-in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - David Shemtov has been sentenced after a jury convicted him of wire fraud based on a scheme involving the fraudulent trade-ins of thousands of cell phones.
“The ability to exchange electronic devices for cash value or gift cards provides users the important benefit of recovering some worth for devices they no longer need,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Shemtov chose to exploit this process to fraudulently obtain substantially inflated value for devices he traded and at great expense to the victim company. His sentence of imprisonment should serve as a warning to others that this fraudulent activity will be prosecuted.”
“Shemtov used lies and schemes to pad his own pockets, causing financial harm to the companies and ultimately costing consumers more money,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to others who think they will not be caught – FBI Special Agents will find you.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: David Shemtov facilitated a year-long fraud scheme in which he developed a method to deceive a cell phone trade-in company about the nature of the cell phones in which he was trading. The cell phone trade-in process was handled by a third-party provider (the Victim Company) that oversaw the mailing and receipt of the devices, and the reimbursement payments – typically in the form of Apple gift cards. After experimenting through systematic trial and error, Shemtov uncovered a feature of the Victim Company’s trade-in program that allowed for manipulation of the nature and value of the phone trade-in by the customer.
To perpetrate the scheme, Shemtov lied about the phone model, used false names, adjusted the settings of every phone that he sent for trade-in, and remotely unlocked the phones. To avoid detection, he opened post office boxes in multiple states and used dozens of fake names and different email addresses. Shemtov’s conduct caused the Victim Company to pay substantially more than the true value of these devices. For instance, more than 500 of the trade-in requests claimed to be for an iPhone XS Max, for a trade-in value of $550.00 when, in fact, the devices were iPhone 6’s, with a trade-in value of only $60.00. Shemtov initiated over 8,000 cell phone trades and successfully tricked the company more than 1,000 times, receiving an overpayment of more than $450,000.00.
Shemtov, 31, of Los Angeles, California, has been sentenced to three years, one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $532,542.00, as well as a fine of $100,000.00. Shemtov was found guilty by a jury on November 20, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Adams and Alison B. Prout prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Buffalo man pleads guilty to stealing mailRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Eric Steven Arroyo, 41, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to theft of mail, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that on July 27, 2023, the United States Postal Service received a report that Arroyo was opening a blue USPS collection mailbox using a key and removing mail. A Postal Service employee responded to the area and saw Arroyo near another USPS collection mailbox in the area, opening it with a key and removing mail. Arroyo was then seen going behind a nearby business where he opened the mail. Police responded and Arroyo was arrested. Arroyo admitted that he opened the stolen mail, searching for money and gift cards.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
# # # #
Billings felon sentenced to more than two years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he admitted to illegally possessing a firearm found in a vehicle he was driving when he fled law enforcement and crashed, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Christopher Samuel Fear, 38, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 11, 2023 after 2 a.m., a Montana Highway Patrol officer attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle for traveling 85 mph in a 65-mph speed zone. The trooper activated his emergency lights, but the vehicle fled and eventually crashed into a fence in Billings. Officers approached the vehicle and saw that it was empty. Officers noticed a pistol on the floorboard and found Fear hiding under the front end of the vehicle. Fear was on state probation at the time for a drug conviction and had an outstanding probation violation arrest warrant. Law enforcement later searched the vehicle and found 216 fentanyl pills, 20 grams of methamphetamine, baggies and a loaded .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Montana Highway Patrol and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
XXX
Bergen County Man Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was charged for producing a video depicting child sexual abuse and receiving and possessing images and videos of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Corey Hipscher, 52, of Lodi, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count each of production, receipt and possession of child pornography. He had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on March 26, 2024, and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2020 to August 2023, Hipscher communicated with a minor victim located outside of the United States using a social media platform. Hipscher encouraged the minor victim to send Hipscher images and videos of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Hipscher began communicating with the minor victim’s mother, beginning a purported online romantic relationship with the minor victim’s mother which he used to arrange for the minor victim and the minor victim’s family to travel to the United States, specifically New Jersey. During the visit, he sexually assaulted the minor victim and took sexually explicit photos of the minor victim and the minor victim’s sibling.
The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 50 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of receipt of child exploitation material carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child exploitation material carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Lodi Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
hipscher.complaint.pdfAlbuquerque Man Sentenced for Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises at MotelRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal judge sentenced an Albuquerque man to 57 months in federal prison for maintaining a drug-involved premises in southeast Albuquerque. As the manager of the Best Choice Inn, Kamal Bhula, 44, of Albuquerque, profited from in a kickback scheme that required drug traffickers and users to pay a “visitor fee” if they wanted to use the motel as a sanctuary for illegal activity.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, Bhula acted as the on-site manager for the Best Choice Inn between March 2018 and June 2019 when law enforcement shut it down. As the manager, Bhula employed workers and rented rooms to individuals who he knew were using and selling controlled substances at the hotel. The Best Choice Inn was described as a “one-stop shop” in Southeast Albuquerque for criminal activity of all sorts. Consequently, between January 2018, and December 2018, there were approximately 195 calls for service to the Best Choice Inn.
Bhula pled guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises on July 13, 2023.
Bhula’s co-defendants, Pragneshkumar Patel and Johnathan Craft, pled guilty for their parts in the scheme and were sentenced to 30 and 70 months in prison, respectively. Additionally, Patel was ordered to pay fines in the amount of $40,000 and $9,000 in restitution and ordered to forfeit the Best Choice Inn.
Bhula faces likely deportation to South Africa as a consequence of this conviction.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia Carroll Simms and Jack E. Burkhead prosecuted the case.
# # #
Additional Federal Charges Filed Against Solomon PeñaRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday bringing new charges against Solomon Peña for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. The original charges arise from shootings at the homes of four elected officials between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023.
The superseding indictment alleges that Peña solicited others to kill or attempt to kill a witness with the intent to prevent that witness’s attendance and testimony in an official proceeding. Additionally, Peña is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Peña allegedly organized the shootings at the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners and two New Mexico state legislators after his November 2022 electoral defeat. The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out with assistance from co-defendants Demetrio Trujillo and his son, Jose Trujillo.
On Jan. 8, 2024, Jose Louise Trujillo pled guilty to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jose was detained pending sentencing, which is currently scheduled for May 22, 2024.
On Feb. 2, 2024, Demetrio Trujillo pled guilty to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and discharging said firearm. Demetrio was detained pending sentencing, which is currently scheduled for Aug. 6, 2024.
If convicted of the new charges, Peña faces up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Ryan Crosswell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
View the Superseding IndictmentAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
18th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Two MurdersRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Yanki Misael Cruz-Mateo, a member of the 18th Street gang, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges in connection with his participation in two murders: the October 25, 2017 murder of 20-year-old Jonathan Figueroa in Saugerties, New York and the February 2, 2018 murder of 20-year-old Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez in Queens. The guilty plea proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara. When sentenced, Cruz-Mateo faces up to life in prison.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.
“Cruz-Mateo had boasted of his participation in the murders in a horrific video and in text messages, but today’s admission in a federal courtroom in Brooklyn holds him accountable for two savage killings committed for the purpose of instilling fear and promoting gang violence,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “While the defendant’s guilty plea cannot bring back the two lives senselessly taken or undo the cruelty of his actions, it is my hope that it will bring a measure of closure to his victims’ families.”
United States Attorney Peace also expressed his appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the Kingston Police Department, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
According to court filings, proceedings, and statements made during today’s guilty plea proceeding, Cruz-Mateo was a member of the Queens-based Shatto Park Locos Sureños sect of 18th Street. He committed the following crimes in order to maintain and increase his membership and status in the gang:
October 25, 2017 Murder of Jonathan Figueroa
In the late evening of October 24, 2017, Cruz-Mateo lured and travelled with Figueroa from Queens to Kingston, New York, planning to murder him because 18th Street members suspected he was an informant for law enforcement. Upon their arrival in Kingston, they were met by other 18th Street members and associates who, into the early morning hours of October 25, 2017, brought Figueroa to Turkey Point State Forest, stabbed him to death, and buried him in a makeshift grave. Cruz-Mateo ordered the murder to be video-recorded—capturing multiple 18th Street members and associates repeatedly stabbing Figueroa, slashing his throat, amputating his ear, and dragging his body. In the video, Cruz-Mateo stated that Figueroa was being murdered for “being a rat.” Cruz-Mateo then sent the video to other 18th Street members as a warning not to disrespect the gang or cooperate with law enforcement. Figueroa’s body was discovered in February 2018 by the FBI, along with state and local law enforcement authorities, in a five-foot deep grave. The victim sustained more than 100 stab wounds including at least one stab wound to the head that appears to have fractured his skull and a slash to his throat that ruptured his trachea.
February 2, 2018 Murder of Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez
On February 2, 2018, Cruz-Mateo shot and killed Blanco Hernandez in Queens because 18th Street gang members suspected him of being a member of 18th Street’s principal rival, La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13 gang. Blanco Hernandez’s body was discovered on a residential street in the Jamaica Hills section of Queens. He had been shot three times in the torso and head. Cruz-Mateo fled the area and returned upstate to Kingston. He was arrested by the FBI following a statewide manhunt.
Co-defendant Israel Mediola Flores previously pleaded guilty to Figueroa’s murder and was sentenced in June 2023 to 425 months in prison. Co-defendants Yoni Alexander Sierra, Jose Jimenez Chacon, and Carolina Cruz previously pleaded guilty to Blanco Hernandez’s murder and are currently awaiting sentencing.
Today’s conviction is the latest in a series of recent convictions in this case of members and associates of 18th Street, a well-known and well-established international criminal organization and violent street gang with members and associates residing throughout New York State including Queens and Long Island, and elsewhere throughout the United States including Houston, Texas.
This case is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan P. Lax, Erin Reid and Margaret Schierberl are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Tareva Torres.
The Defendant:
YANKI MISAEL CRUZ-MATEO (also known as “Yenki Misael Cruz Mateo,” “Yankee Mateo,” “Doggy” and “Wino”)
Age: 25
Jamaica, New YorkCo-Defendants Previously Convicted:
ISRAEL MEDIOLA FLORES (also known as “Chapito” and “Sinaloa”)
Age: 29
Kingston, New YorkYONI ALEXANDER SIERRA (also known as “Arca,” “Arc Angel” and “Wasson”)
Age: 25
Jamaica, New YorkJOSE JIMENEZ CHACON (also known as “Little One”)
Age: 25
New Brunswick, New JerseyCAROLINA CRUZ (also known as “La Fiera”)
Age: 30
Elizabeth, New JerseyCo-Defendants Awaiting Trial:
WALTER FERNANDO ALFARO PINED (also known as “Clever”)
Age: 44
Houston, TexasJOSE DOUGLAS CASTELLANO (also known as “Chino”)
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkJUNIOR ZELAYA-CANALES (also known as “Terco”)
Age: 27
Jamaica, New YorkERIC CHAVEZ (also known as “Lunatico”)
Age: 25
Jamaica, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-139 (S-7) (LDH)
Tuesday 26 March 2024
Young trafficker imprisoned for transporting thousands of fentanyl pillsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Alex Dominque Carrillo pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Carrillo to serve 96 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that in addition to the fentanyl, law enforcement determined Carrillo was also linked to the seizure of multiple kilograms of meth.
“Just one pill can kill,” said Hamdani. “Mexican drug traffickers have no regard for the countless lives lost at the hands of fentanyl. Today’s sentence puts another fentanyl trafficker behind bars and thousands of lethal fentanyl pills off the streets.”
In May 2023, authorities began an investigation which determined Carrillo was a drug courier working on behalf of a Mexican drug trafficker. Carrillo was tasked to pick up the drugs once they were successfully imported by the Mexican smugglers and deliver the drugs to various buyers in the United States.
The following month, law enforcement seized 500 fentanyl pills in Pharr that Carrillo had transported.
In August 2023, law enforcement observed as Carrillo was attempting to transport drugs to a McAllen buyer. Noticing the law enforcement presence, Carrillo attempted to conceal the 3,500 fentanyl pills in a public parking lot trash can. Authorities successfully retrieved the pills and placed Carrillo under arrest.
Carrillo will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.
Yo Akize ak Arete yon Resòtisan Bahamas pou Wòl li nan Konplo Fatal Kontrebann MounRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Yon akizasyon te pibliye nan Distri Sid Eta Florid jodi a ki akize yon sitwayen Bahamas pou swadizan wòl li nan yon konplo kontrebann moun ki te lakòz plizyè lanmò imigran yo.
Kòm rezilta anpil kowòdinasyon ak koperasyon ant otorite Etazini ak Bahamas yo, Vandrick Nelson Smith, ke yo rele tou Muggy ak Vans, 33, te arete 6 mas nan Bahamas dapre yon demann Etazini ki enplike akizasyon ki te depoze anba sele nan Distri Sid Eta Florid la nan mwa novanm 2023.
Dapre dokiman tribinal yo, Smith te swadizan patisipe nan yon òganizasyon kontrebann moun ki te eseye mennen imigran ilegalman soti nan Bahamas nan peyi Etazini pa bato. Imigran yo te sitwayen Kolonbi, Jamayik, Repiblik Dominikèn, ak Ayiti, pami lòt peyi. Imigran yo (oswa fanmi yo ak zanmi yo) swadizan te peye òganizasyon an lajan pou yo te ka rantre yo klandestinman Ozetazini. Jan sa dekri pi ba a, akizasyon an akize ke Smith te patisipe pèsonèlman nan twa ensidan kontrebann maritim moun - ki gen ladan youn ki te lakòz lanmò senk moun.
Avoka Ameriken Markenzy Lapointe pou Distrik Sid Florid di: “Antrepriz kontrebann moun mete lavi moun a risk pou yo fè yon pwofi.” “Kontrabandye moun yo ap pwofite sou espwa imigran yo pou yon lavi miyò. Malerezman. eksplwatasyon kontrebandye yo poze yon gwo danje pou imigran yo. Biwo Avoka Ameriken an pral kontinye travay ak patnè nou yo pou pouswiv moun ki fè operasyon kontrebann ilegal moun pou pwoteje imigran vilnerab yo epi sove lavi yo.”
“Yo akize Vandrick Smith ak òganizasyon operasyon danjere kontrebann moun, voye imigran soti Bahamas nan Florid pa bato. Jan yo pretann nan akizasyon an, efò òganizasyon kontrebann moun nan vin mòtèl, lè yon bato ki t ap pote imigran te chavire an janvye 2022,” Asistan Pwokirè Jeneral Adjwen Prensipal Nicole M. Argentieri, ki se chèf Divizyon Kriminèl Depatman Jistis la te di. "Kontrabandye imen eksplwate moun dezespere pou lajan, e konsekans yo ka trajik. Divizyon Kriminèl la angaje l pou l konbat òganizasyon kontrebann moun ki eksplwate imigran vilnerab yo epi mete yo an danje, kèlkeswa kote yo opere.”
Smith swadizan te enplike nan twa evènman maritim kontrebann moun ki te fèt nan oswa anviwon 6 mas 2021; 22 janvye 2022; ak 8 out 2022. Nan aswè nan jou ki te 22 janvye 2022 a, akizasyon an pretann ke anpil imigran te monte nan yon bato nan Bahamas ki te destine pou Florid. Yon ti tan apre depa bato a, motè yo swadizan sispann fonksyone epi bato a chavire. Nan dat 25 janvye 2022, Gad Kòt Ameriken an te sove sèl imigran ki te siviv la, yo te jwenn li kwoke sou tèt bato ki te chgavire a.
“Envestigasyon Homeland Security yo rete devwe a travay ak patnè domestik ak entènasyonal nou yo pou mennen devan lajistis kriminèl ensousyan ki bay benefis finansye priyorite sou lavi ak sekirite moun,” te di Ajan Espesyal an chaj Anthony Salisbury nan Envestigasyon Homeland Security yo (HSI) Miami. “Risk ki asosye ak antrepriz kontrebann maritim moun yo ekstrèm. Nou ankouraje piblik la pou evite anbake nan vwayaj ak òganizasyon kriminèl danjere sa yo, ki souvan abouti nan trajedi.”
Yo akize Smith ak senk akizasyon pou eseye mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken Ozetazini ki lakòz lanmò ki soti nan antrepriz janvye 2022 la. Yo akize l tou li konplote pou mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken yo pou pwofi, mete lavi moun ki pa sitwayen yo an danje epi sa ki lakòz lanmò; eseye mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken pou pwofi; epi eseye ede ak ede sèten moun ki pa sitwayen yo antre Ozetazini. Si yo kondane li poutèt li te eseye mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken Ozetazini sa ki lakòz lanmò, Smith ap fè fas ak yon penalite maksimòm lavi nan prizon.
HSI Fort Pierce ak HSI Asistan Atache nan Nassau, Bahamas, te mennen ankèt sou ka a, avèk asistans HSI Miami, Gad Kòt Etazini, Biwo Sheriff Konte Brevard, ak Biwo Egzaminatè Medikal Brevard County. Biwo Afè Entènasyonal Depatman Jistis la te bay yon sipò enpòtan nan demann asistans legal etranje yo epi pou yo te asire arestasyon an. Depatman Jistis la remèsye Fòs Polis Royal Bahamas, Biwo Pwokirè Jeneral Bahamas, Ministè Afè Etranjè Bahamas, Depatman Imigrasyon Bahamas, ak Depatman Lajistis Piblik Bahamas pou asistans yo nan ka a.
Envestigasyon an ap fèt nan kad pwogram Ekstraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT), yon patenarya ansanm ant Divizyon Kriminèl Depatman Jistis la ak HSI. Pwogram ECT a konsantre sou rezo kontrebann moun ki ka prezante risk sekirite nasyonal an patikilye oswa sekirite piblik, oswa prezante gwo enkyetid imanitè. ECT a konsakre resous pou envestigasyon, entèlijans ak pouswit jidisyè. ECT kowòdone ak resevwa asistans nan men lòt ajans gouvènman Ameriken yo ak otorite ki fè respekte lalwa etranje yo.
Avoka Tribinal la Nonmen a Marie Zisa nan Seksyon Divizyon Kriminèl Dwa Moun ak Seksyon Pwosekisyon Espesyal yo ak Asistan Avoka Ameriken an Justin Hoover pou Distri Sid Florid la ap pouswiv ka a.
Yon akizasyon se jis yon akizasyon. Tout akize yo sipoze inosan jiskaske yo pwouve yo koupab san okenn dout rezonab nan yon tribunal.
###
Yo Akize ak Arete yon Resòtisan Bahamas pou Wòl li nan Konplo Fatal Kontrebann MounRead the Press Release
Yon akizasyon te pibliye nan Distri Sid Eta Florid jodi a ki akize yon sitwayen Bahamas pou swadizan wòl li nan yon konplo kontrebann moun ki te lakòz plizyè lanmò imigran yo.
Kòm rezilta anpil kowòdinasyon ak koperasyon ant otorite Etazini ak Bahamas yo, Vandrick Nelson Smith, ke yo rele tou Muggy ak Vans, 33, te arete 6 mas nan Bahamas dapre yon demann Etazini ki enplike akizasyon ki te depoze anba sele nan Distri Sid Eta Florid la nan mwa novanm 2023.
Dapre dokiman tribinal yo, Smith te swadizan patisipe nan yon òganizasyon kontrebann moun ki te eseye mennen imigran ilegalman soti nan Bahamas nan peyi Etazini pa bato. Imigran yo te sitwayen Kolonbi, Jamayik, Repiblik Dominikèn, ak Ayiti, pami lòt peyi. Imigran yo (oswa fanmi yo ak zanmi yo) swadizan te peye òganizasyon an lajan pou yo te ka rantre yo klandestinman Ozetazini. Jan sa dekri pi ba a, akizasyon an akize ke Smith te patisipe pèsonèlman nan twa ensidan kontrebann maritim moun - ki gen ladan youn ki te lakòz lanmò senk moun.
“Yo akize Vandrick Smith ak òganizasyon operasyon danjere kontrebann moun, voye imigran soti Bahamas nan Florid pa bato. Jan yo pretann nan akizasyon an, efò òganizasyon kontrebann moun nan vin mòtèl, lè yon bato ki t ap pote imigran te chavire an janvye 2022,” Asistan Pwokirè Jeneral Adjwen Prensipal Nicole M. Argentieri, ki se chèf Divizyon Kriminèl Depatman Jistis la te di. "Kontrabandye imen eksplwate moun dezespere pou lajan, e konsekans yo ka trajik. Divizyon Kriminèl la angaje l pou l konbat òganizasyon kontrebann moun ki eksplwate imigran vilnerab yo epi mete yo an danje, kèlkeswa kote yo opere.”
Smith swadizan te enplike nan twa evènman maritim kontrebann moun ki te fèt nan oswa anviwon 6 mas 2021; 22 janvye 2022; ak 8 out 2022. Nan aswè nan jou ki te 22 janvye 2022 a, akizasyon an pretann ke anpil imigran te monte nan yon bato nan Bahamas ki te destine pou Florid. Yon ti tan apre depa bato a, motè yo swadizan sispann fonksyone epi bato a chavire. Nan dat 25 janvye 2022, Gad Kòt Ameriken an te sove sèl imigran ki te siviv la, yo te jwenn li kwoke sou tèt bato ki te chgavire a.
Avoka Ameriken Markenzy Lapointe pou Distrik Sid Florid di: “Antrepriz kontrebann moun mete lavi moun a risk pou yo fè yon pwofi.” “Kontrabandye moun yo ap pwofite sou espwa imigran yo pou yon lavi miyò. Malerezman. eksplwatasyon kontrebandye yo poze yon gwo danje pou imigran yo. Biwo Avoka Ameriken an pral kontinye travay ak patnè nou yo pou pouswiv moun ki fè operasyon kontrebann ilegal moun pou pwoteje imigran vilnerab yo epi sove lavi yo.”
“Envestigasyon Homeland Security yo rete devwe a travay ak patnè domestik ak entènasyonal nou yo pou mennen devan lajistis kriminèl ensousyan ki bay benefis finansye priyorite sou lavi ak sekirite moun,” te di Ajan Espesyal an chaj Anthony Salisbury nan Envestigasyon Homeland Security yo (HSI) Miami. “Risk ki asosye ak antrepriz kontrebann maritim moun yo ekstrèm. Nou ankouraje piblik la pou evite anbake nan vwayaj ak òganizasyon kriminèl danjere sa yo, ki souvan abouti nan trajedi.”
Yo akize Smith ak senk akizasyon pou eseye mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken Ozetazini ki lakòz lanmò ki soti nan antrepriz janvye 2022 la. Yo akize l tou li konplote pou mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken yo pou pwofi, mete lavi moun ki pa sitwayen yo an danje epi sa ki lakòz lanmò; eseye mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken pou pwofi; epi eseye ede ak ede sèten moun ki pa sitwayen yo antre Ozetazini. Si yo kondane li poutèt li te eseye mennen moun ki pa sitwayen ameriken Ozetazini sa ki lakòz lanmò, Smith ap fè fas ak yon penalite maksimòm lavi nan prizon.
HSI Fort Pierce ak HSI Asistan Atache nan Nassau, Bahamas, te mennen ankèt sou ka a, avèk asistans HSI Miami, Gad Kòt Etazini, Biwo Sheriff Konte Brevard, ak Biwo Egzaminatè Medikal Brevard County. Biwo Afè Entènasyonal Depatman Jistis la te bay yon sipò enpòtan nan demann asistans legal etranje yo epi pou yo te asire arestasyon an. Depatman Jistis la remèsye Fòs Polis Royal Bahamas, Biwo Pwokirè Jeneral Bahamas, Ministè Afè Etranjè Bahamas, Depatman Imigrasyon Bahamas, ak Depatman Lajistis Piblik Bahamas pou asistans yo nan ka a.
Envestigasyon an ap fèt nan kad pwogram Ekstraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT), yon patenarya ansanm ant Divizyon Kriminèl Depatman Jistis la ak HSI. Pwogram ECT a konsantre sou rezo kontrebann moun ki ka prezante risk sekirite nasyonal an patikilye oswa sekirite piblik, oswa prezante gwo enkyetid imanitè. ECT a konsakre resous pou envestigasyon, entèlijans ak pouswit jidisyè. ECT kowòdone ak resevwa asistans nan men lòt ajans gouvènman Ameriken yo ak otorite ki fè respekte lalwa etranje yo.
Avoka Tribinal la Nonmen a Marie Zisa nan Seksyon Divizyon Kriminèl Dwa Moun ak Seksyon Pwosekisyon Espesyal yo ak Asistan Avoka Ameriken an Justin Hoover pou Distri Sid Florid la ap pouswiv ka a.
Yon akizasyon se jis yon akizasyon. Tout akize yo sipoze inosan jiskaske yo pwouve yo koupab san okenn dout rezonab nan yon tribinal
Woodland Hills Man Found Guilty of Extorting Koreatown Businesses and Carjacking One Victim in Karaoke ShakedownRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was found guilty by a jury today of dozens of felonies for extorting Koreatown karaoke companies and sometimes violently attacking victims who refused to pay, including carjacking one of them after beating him with a baseball bat.
Daekun Cho, 39, of Woodland Hills, was found guilty of 55 counts of interference with commerce by extortion, one count of attempted interference with commerce by extortion, and one count of carjacking.
According to evidence presented at a five-day trial, from at least November 2020 to March 2023, Cho demanded “protection” money from karaoke businesses in Koreatown, as well as from drivers of “doumis” – or hostesses – employed by patrons of the karaoke establishments.
Cho extorted money in person and on Venmo monthly from victims who operated companies or drove people to and from karaoke bars in Koreatown in Los Angeles. He physically attacked, threatened, and instilled fear in his victims to induce them to pay him. Payments, which Cho called “protection fees,” typically ranged from $100 to $1,000 per month.
“This defendant carried out his shakedown operation for years by preying on an immigrant community and intimidating his victims into silence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Today’s verdict sends a message that we are focused on rooting out violent actors and holding them accountable for their actions.”
For example, in May 2021, when one of Cho’s victims – a doumi driver – refused to pay him more money, Cho and his accomplice beat the victim with baseball bats until knocking him unconscious and then stole his minivan. The victim suffered a broken arm and multiple cuts and bruises. In response, the victim and his business partner closed their karaoke driving company, and the business partner left California.
During a separate incident in July 2022, a different victim was dropping two doumis off at a karaoke bar in Koreatown when Cho – who appeared to have something in his hoodie pocket – approached the victim’s car, opened the door with his sleeve so as to not leave fingerprints, got halfway inside the vehicle, and told the victim that the victim’s company was not permitted to drop off doumis. As the victim drove away, he heard gunshots, breaking the car’s glass, which hit a doumi in the neck.
In January 2023, Cho assaulted another karaoke driver who for years had paid him in cash and then via Venmo a monthly extortion fee. Cho began accepting electronic extortion payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the victim stopped paying, Cho assaulted the victim, stole $1,000 from him, and threatened to kill him.
“Today’s verdict should send a strong message to those willing to use violence and threats of violence to intimidate Los Angeles communities,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “HSI Los Angeles and our partners will not tolerate this egregious activity and will work diligently to ensure that dangers to society will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha scheduled an August 16 sentencing hearing, at which time Cho will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each extortion-related count and up to 25 years in prison for the carjacking count.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Los Angeles Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.
Waterbury Woman Receives Prison Time for Role in Drug RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHELLE CRUZ, 38, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a narcotics trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department-led investigation into drug trafficking in and around the city of Waterbury. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs and cash proceeds, revealed that Jose Duprey, also known as “Red” and “Colorado,” trafficked kilogram-quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Duprey used his place of employment to supply narcotics to other drug distributors, and he used his girlfriend’s business, located on Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, to store narcotics and other items.
In April and May 2022, Cruz was intercepted on a wiretap ordering heroin and fentanyl from Duprey, which she then distributed to her drug customers.
Cruz, Duprey, and 12 other individuals identified during this investigation were arrested on May 25, 2022. On that date, a search of Duprey’s Waterbury residence and his Middlebury stash location revealed approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of heroin, two kilograms of fentanyl, and more than $107,000 in cash.
On August 9, 2023, Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Cruz, who is released on a $50,000 bond and living in New York, is required to report to prison on May 21.
Duprey has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of DEA offices in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Correction; Connecticut State Parole; and the Naugatuck, Ansonia, West Haven, Meriden and East Haven Police Departments.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and Nathaniel J. Gentile through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Washington man indicted on cyberstalking, child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a Washington man with cyberstalking victims and distributing child sexual abuse materials.
The defendant, Kaden Ollila, 20, of Tacoma, Washington, was arrested on March 21, 2024.
According to court documents, on Jan. 19, 2024, the defendant allegedly distributed child pornography. On Jan. 24 and 25, 2024, Ollila allegedly used a social media platform to send messages to a victim describing his desire to sexually assault her. On Feb. 4 and 5, 2024, Ollila also allegedly used a different social media platform to send a victim unsolicited sexual images of himself and unsolicited images depicting child sexual abuse.
Ollila is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child – distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§2252A(a)(2)(A) and (b)(1), and two counts of cyberstalking in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§2261A(2)B and 2261(b)5. The defendant made his initial court appearance on March 22 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. His appearance before the U.S. District Court in Alaska will be scheduled at a later date. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 5 to 20 years for distribution of child pornography, and up to 5 years on each count of cyberstalking. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest Region, made the announcement.
HSI, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, Nisqually Police Department, Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency and Washington State Gaming Agency, is investigating the case. If anyone has information concerning Ollila’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online using the name Kaden Ollila, please contact the HSI tip line at 866-347-2423.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Taylor and Bill Reed are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Washburn Man Sentenced for Crop Insurance Fraud, Ordered to Pay $379,317.00 in Restitution, and Agrees to 5-Year Benefits DebarmentRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on March 26, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced Kent Pfaff, age 60, from Washburn, North Dakota, to pay $379,317.00 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and to serve a three-year period of supervised release on a charge of False Statement to Influence the United States Department of Agriculture – RMA, colloquially known as “crop insurance fraud.” On December 20, 2023, pursuant to a plea agreement, Pfaff pleaded guilty to this offense. As part of the plea agreement in this case, Pfaff voluntarily agreed, for a period of five years, to be excluded from receiving benefits from any federal procurement transaction authorized or funded by the USDA.
As further stated in the indictment and plea agreement, during farm year 2019, Pfaff severely understated his soybean production yield numbers to his crop insurance providers to falsely increase his crop insurance indemnity payments. In early 2020, based upon an independent appraisal of unharvested portions of Pfaff’s soybean units, insurance adjusters discovered that the appraised soybean yield amounts were actually between four to five times higher than what Pfaff reported to his insurance company, the Risk Management Agency (RMA), and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). Based upon this appraisal, and other information learned during a subsequent criminal investigation, agents from the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the Special Investigations Staff of the Risk Management Agency uncovered evidence that Pfaff was “shifting production,” which is a fraud scheme where a person will overreport production from one or more fields and underreport production from one or more different fields to manufacture or inflate claims to which they are not entitled.
“This result protects the integrity of the federal crop insurance program,” Schneider said. “The United States Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement will aggressively pursue fraud to protect honest producers and American taxpayers. I credit our career prosecutors and their partners for seeing that justice was done in this case.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the Special Investigations Staff of the Risk Management Agency – United States Department of Agriculture.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rappenecker prosecuted this case.
######
United States Seeks Forfeiture of Former Mongolian Prime Minister's Luxury New York City Apartments Purchased with Proceeds of Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, the United States unsealed a civil complaint seeking to forfeit two luxury apartments located in New York City at 21 East 61st Street and 230 West 56th Street, purchased for $14 million. According to court documents, the apartments were purchased, in whole or in part, with the proceeds of unlawfully awarded Mongolian mining contracts, at the direction and for the benefit of then-Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold and his family.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the forfeiture action.
“As alleged, former Mongolian Prime Minister Batbold used the profits from his illicit corruption scheme to purchase high-end real estate in violation of United States federal law. Today’s forfeiture action sends a message that corrupt officials will not use our real estate market to conceal proceeds of crimes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office will not tolerate public corruption that undermines faith in government, wherever committed.”
“As alleged in the complaint, Sukhbataar Batbold — the former prime minister of Mongolia — abused his position as prime minster to profit from the sale of his country’s natural resources. He and his family used the proceeds of their corrupt scheme to buy $14 million in high-end real estate in the United States,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “With this action, those properties are subject to forfeiture. Kleptocrats should take note: the Criminal Division is unwavering in its resolve to recover proceeds of official corruption and take the profit out of crime.”
“Former Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold allegedly crafted a corruption scheme, funneling millions of dollars from mining contracts through illegitimate shell companies to finance his family’s lavish lifestyle including the purchase of two luxury apartments in Manhattan. Batbold’s alleged behavior – personally profiting off of public corruption comes at the expense of the law-abiding citizens he governed. Today’s action emphasizes the FBI’s commitment to dismantling public corruption and punishing those who utilize the U.S. banking system to illegally divert resources, wherever it may occur,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
The civil forfeiture complaint alleges that while Batbold was Prime Minister of Mongolia, Catrison, an entity he owned through trusted intermediaries, was awarded a $68 million mining contract. Prior to being awarded that contract, Catrison had no operational history, no mining expertise, and no financial or logistical infrastructure to execute commodity sales, and its sole director was a former linguistics teacher. Millions of dollars from the mining contracts were then siphoned into foreign bank accounts, transferred through a series of shell companies, and, among other things, directed towards the purchase of the New York City apartments for the benefit of Batbold’s family, including his eldest son who used the apartments.
The civil forfeiture complaint further explains how Batbold and his family used state-owned mining contracts to funnel funds through shell companies for their personal use, consistent with the scheme used to purchase the apartments sought by the government for forfeiture. Although it had no operational history or experience in commodities, one of the shell companies was awarded a mining contract worth $30 million, and proceeds were wired to an account in the United States held by Batbold’s eldest son that was earmarked for personal use, such as car payments, travel and an interior designer.
The government’s case is being handled by the Business and Securities Fraud Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, in coordination with the Office’s Bank Integrity Task Force, which is charged with investigating and prosecuting corporate and individual actors who launder criminal proceeds using the U.S. banking system and enforcing anti-money laundering controls under the Bank Secrecy Act, and the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS). Assistant United States Attorneys Tara McGrath and Brian Morris and Trial Attorney Adam J. Schwartz are handling the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jacob Menz. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of crime. These allegations are not proven until a court enters judgment in favor of the United States.
The Defendants In Rem:
ANY AND ALL SHARES OF 21 EAST 61 STREET APARTMENT CORP. HELD IN THE NAME OF LOVITAS, INC., TOGETHER WITH THE APPURTENANT PROPRIETARY LEASE FOR COOPERATIVE UNIT 12E WITHIN THE REAL PROPERTY AND PREMISES LOCATED AT 21 EAST 61ST STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10065
CONDOMINIUM UNIT 58D, LOCATED AT 230 WEST 56TH STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CV-2147
U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts Launches Official Instagram AccountRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has launched an Instagram account, @usao_ma, as another tool to inform and communicate with members of the public.
“Social media is essential for connecting with communities and sharing information. Embracing these platforms allows our Office to amplify our commitment to public safety, justice and transparency. U.S. Attorneys serve as the nation’s principal litigators and our mission is to enforce federal law, ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice, and to conduct our work with as much transparency as possible. We believe it is critical that the people of the District of Massachusetts understand that we fulfill our mission and that we will hold individuals who commit crimes accountable. We want victims to know we have their back, and people who are thinking of violating the law to understand the severe consequences that will result,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office uses social media to disseminate breaking news, official statements, safety messages, community outreach efforts, DOJ sponsored events, and more.
With the launch of this account, the Office now utilizes five social media platforms to provide information to the public:
- Instagram: @usao_ma (https://www.instagram.com/usao_ma/)
- X (formerly known as Twitter): @DMAnews1 (https://twitter.com/DMAnews1)
- YouTube: @USAO_MA (https://www.youtube.com/@USAO_MA)
- LinkedIn: USAO-MA (https://www.linkedin.com/company/usao-ma)
- Facebook: USAOMA (https://www.facebook.com/usaoma/)
The U.S. Attorney’s website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma, will remain its primary channel of communication. Selected announcements are shared on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn after they are first posted on the website. YouTube and Facebook are primarily used to disseminate taped and live video streaming, respectively.
Two Men Sentenced to a Combined 44 Years in Federal Prison After Armed Robberies of Ten Indianapolis Businesses in One MonthRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Adam Reed and William Dodd have both been sentenced for their roles in a string of armed robberies across Indianapolis in the summer of 2020.
Adam Reed, 25, of North Carolina has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison after robbing ten Indianapolis businesses at gunpoint and pleading guilty to ten counts of interference with commerce by robbery and four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Reed must also pay $7,850.29 in restitution.
William Dodd, 23, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after robbing three Indianapolis businesses at gunpoint with Reed and pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Dodd must also pay $2,429.29 in restitution.
According to court documents, on August 17, 2020, Reed and Dodd robbed the El Rey Del Taco on North High School Road. Reed and Dodd took turns pointing a handgun at employees and demanding cash from the register. The duo also robbed three employees of the cash in their wallets.
Just two days later, Reed and Dodd robbed the Dollar General on North Arlington Avenue. Dodd pointed the gun at an employee and demanded he open the register and safe. Reed emptied the register, while Dodd emptied the safe, before both men ran from the store.
Seven additional robberies were conducted solely by Adam Reed. In each instance, Reed threatened and held employees at gun point before stealing cash from the registers or safes.
On September 15, 2020, Reed robbed a T-Mobile store and fired four shots at the front door, after an employee told Reed she had called the police. Just a few hours later, Reed robbed a Dollar General. When an IMPD officer arrived at the store, Reed grabbed the store manager and pointed a gun at her neck, using her as a human shield to get to the back of the store. Reed fled from the store and tossed the firearm over a fence before surrendering to police.
In total, Reed robbed ten businesses at gunpoint, and Dodd participated in three of the robberies:
#
DATE
LOCATION
DEFENDANT
1
August 17, 2020
El Rey del Taco
N, High School Rd.Reed & Dodd
2
August 19, 2020
Dollar General
N. Arlington Ave.Reed & Dodd
3
August 25, 2020
Dollar General
38th St. & and N. College Ave.Reed
4
August 28, 2020
Dollar General
S. Emerson Ave.Reed
5
September 6, 2020
Family Dollar
E. Morris St.Reed
6
September 8, 2020
Boost Mobile
E. Washington St.Reed
7
September 10, 2020
O’Reilly Auto Parts
E. Raymond St.Reed & Dodd
8
September 14, 2020
Family Dollar
E. Washington St.
Reed
9
September 15, 2020
Metro by T-Mobile
E. Washington St.Reed
10
September 15, 2020
Dollar General
English Ave.Reed
“For a month, these criminals terrorized innocent employees and customers across Indianapolis, holding their victims at gunpoint as they wondered if they’d ever see their loved ones again,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No one should fear for their lives simply because they went shopping or to work. The serious federal prison sentences imposed here demonstrate that IMPD, the FBI, and our federal prosecutors are committed to protecting our communities from gun violence and holding armed criminals accountable.”
“The defendants chose to engage in these violent attacks that put the community at risk and these lengthy sentences should send a clear message that those who jeopardize the safety of others will be held accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “This is just another example of the value of collaborating with our law enforcement partners to fight violent crime.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Reed and Dodd must be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years each following their release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle M. Sawa and Meredith Wood, as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
###
Twenty-Year Fugitive Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Export Defense Articles to IranRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced En-Wei Eric Chang, age 48, a citizen of the United States and the Republic of Taiwan, residing in Taiwan, today to two years in federal prison, followed by supervised release of six months of home detention, for a conspiracy related to the export of defense materials to Iran. Such materials were embargoed under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (“ITSR”). Judge Bennett also ordered Chang to pay a $10,000 fine.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Baltimore; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office.
“As this case demonstrates, federal prosecutors have long memories. If you choose to flee rather than face your federal charges, you will be found and prosecuted,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron.
As detailed in Chang’s plea agreement, the export from the United States of arms, munitions, military aircraft parts, and related components and technology, is strictly controlled. The Munitions List is a catalog of designated “defense articles” which are subject to export and certain import restrictions. Any person who intends to export defense articles on the Munitions List from the United States is required to first obtain a license and must identify in the required license application the ultimate and final destination of the goods. At the time of the conspiracy, it was the policy of the United States to deny licenses, other approvals, and exports of defense articles destined for Iran.
According to his guilty plea, from January 2002 to March 2003, Chang conspired with David Chu to ship items on the Munitions List to Iran without obtaining the proper licensing. Chu had a business relationship with an Iranian businessman and was the sole individual in contact with the Iranian businessman during the time of the conspiracy. In 2001 Chu became acquainted with Chang through Chang’s work as an electrical component supplier.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, in January 2002, Chu asked Chang to facilitate an Iranian businessman’s request to research satellite imagery dealers, and Chang agreed to do so. Shortly thereafter, Chang emailed a Maryland corporation to acquire high-definition satellite space images of Tehran, Iran for export from the United States to Iran. An undercover government agent based in Maryland ultimately responded to Chang, pretending to be a businessman who could help him acquire the satellite images from a defense contractor.
Chang and the undercover agent communicated over serval months regarding the status of the satellite images order. Chu’s Iranian contact subsequently asked Chu to research and source antennas, and on March 12, 2002, Chang contacted the undercover agent asking for quotes on cavity-backed spiral antennas with military applications, including the detection and surveillance of ground-based radar. These antennas were designated as defense articles on the United States Munitions List. The undercover agent agreed to attempt to source the antennas. Chang admitted that he knew that the acquisition of the antennas from the United States for export either directly or indirectly to Iran without proper licensing, was a violation of United States law. Chang also knew that he did not have the proper license or authorization.
As detailed in the plea agreement, the undercover agent ultimately quoted prices for various models of antennas and noted that the U.S.- based manufacturer “won’t even accept order without approved export license up front.” Chang repeatedly urged the undercover agent to act faster and on July 19, 2002, Chang wrote: “The Iran guy promises [my co-conspirator, Chu] a 10 million USD business [per] year if we can really do this.” On July 31, 2002, Chang provided banking information from the undercover agent to Chu to facilitate a $6,400 transfer to the undercover agent in Maryland as a 50% down payment on the cavity-backed antennas, which would take approximately five months to produce.
From March 2002 through January 2003, Chang kept in regular contact with the undercover agent regarding the antennas and asked the undercover agent for pricing information that he indicated was requested by his “buyer” in Iran for items that Chang indicated his “buyer” was interested in purchasing. The items included: an anti-submarine and surveillance radar system for installation on helicopters and airplanes; military-grade night-vision goggles for use by pilots; helicopters and helicopter engines; ten handheld laser range-finders; and other military items.
By January 2003, the cavity-backed spiral antennas had been produced in the United States. Chang, his co-conspirator, David Chu, and the undercover agent agreed to transfer the cavity-backed spiral antennas in Guam, where Chu could take possession of them and transfer them to Iran. In February 2003, Chu travelled to Guam and took possession of the cavity-backed spiral antennas from the undercover agent. Chu was arrested and his luggage seized by U.S. authorities before he could board the flight to Taiwan.
On March 4, 2003, the undercover agent, via email, informed Chang of his true identity and told Chang that he had been indicted in the District of Maryland with conspiracy to export U.S. Munitions List items to Iran, and that his co-conspirator Chu was in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. The undercover agent encouraged Chang to turn himself in. On March 12, 2003, Chang met with U.S. officials in Taiwan who told Chang that he should consider surrendering to the United States on the current charges, but Chang declined. Chang remained a fugitive until his arrest on April 10, 2023 at Rome-Fiumcino International Airport in Italy and subsequent extradition to the United States.
Co-defendant David Chu, age 48, of Monterey Park, California, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced on February 23, 2004, to two years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended HSI and DCIS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky and Robert I. Goldaris, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
Three Los Angeles County Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Laundering Gift Cards Purchased by Victims of Telephone ScamsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An El Monte man and two Chinese nationals living elsewhere in Los Angeles County were sentenced today to terms in federal prison for laundering gift cards purchased by telephone-scam fraud victims at Target stores across the United States.
Blade Bai, 35, of El Monte; Bowen Hu, 28, of Hacienda Heights; and Tairan Shi, 29, of Diamond Bar; were sentenced to terms of 15 years, 10 years, and eight years in federal prison, respectively.
United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. also ordered the defendants to pay restitution in the amounts of $97,815 for Bai, $57,156 for Hu, and $39,416 for Shi.
Bai has been in federal custody since February 2022. Hu and Shi were remanded into custody after the guilty verdicts against them were read in September 2023.
“These defendants were part of a sophisticated, transnational fraud operation that targeted mostly older adults to cheat them out of their savings,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada of the Central District of California. “Protecting our most vulnerable community members is critically important, and we will hold accountable those who reach into our country to engage in these sorts of egregious fraud schemes.”
The defendants were part of a network of individuals who laundered proceeds of fraud stored on Target gift cards. Telephone scammers fraudulently induced victims across the country to buy gift cards, often $500 each, and to provide the card numbers and access codes to the scammers. The scammers included government imposters falsely claiming to be police and other government personnel and retail and tech support impersonators falsely offering to fix nonexistent issues with the victims’ online account or computer.
The defendants acquired more than 5,000 gift card numbers and access codes from a group in the People’s Republic of China calling itself the “Magic Lamp,” and funneled the gift cards to “runners” to liquidate at Target stores in Southern California. Those runners, at the defendants’ direction, would quickly use the cards to purchase high-value consumer electronics and conduct other transactions. The rapid transactions prevented victims from recouping the value on the cards when they contacted Target to report the scam.
At the conclusion of a 10-day trial in September 2023, a jury found the defendants guilty of a money laundering conspiracy that spanned from approximately June 2019 to November 2020. The jury also found Bai guilty of a second money laundering conspiracy, in which he enlisted an associate to help sell a batch of gift cards with fraudulent proceeds after his initial arrest in the case. One of the defendants’ main “runners,” Yan Fu, 61, of Chino Hills, pled guilty and was previously sentenced to 20 months in federal prison.
“Transnational fraud schemes typically rely on complicated networks designed to launder victim proceeds,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This case is a testament to the commitment of the department and our partners to ensuring that all those who knowingly facilitate fraud face justice.”
“The FBI and its partners are committed to going after networks that perpetuate fraud even when they are targeting the American people from thousands of miles away and over the phone,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. “Today’s sentencing should make it known to individuals that participate in this sort of illegal activity that they can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”
“HSI Los Angeles’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will continue to aggressively target greedy criminals and organizations that seek to line their pockets by defrauding unsuspecting victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang for HSI Los Angeles. “The defendants’ desire for easy money will lead to them doing hard time.”
The Los Angeles Field Offices of Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and numerous local police departments across the United States, including the Brea Police Department, the La Palma Police Department, and the Menifee Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica E. Tait of the Major Frauds Section and Trial Attorneys Wei Xiang and Meredith B. Healy of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted the case.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at https://www.ovc.gov.
Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nakiah Twobear Eagle, age 27, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
The Indictment alleged that on August 30, 2022, Eagle knowingly possessed a .22 LR caliber pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, namely, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sherriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Eagle was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Geizura represented the United States.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron Regarding the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in BaltimoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron stated, “There is no evidence at this time to suggest that today’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has any ties to terrorism. My office will continue to coordinate with our federal, state, and local partners to provide any support necessary.” U.S. Attorney Barron added, “I am praying for the families and friends of the victims and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
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/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
# # #
St. Louis Carjacker Sentenced to 27 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a man who was caught on camera carjacking a truck in 2020 to 27 years in prison.
James Blakemore, now 37, was convicted by a jury at a November trial of three felonies: carjacking, possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Trial evidence and testimony showed that on Sept. 16, 2020, the victim was napping in his company’s 2016 Dodge Ram at the Convention Center MetroLink Station in downtown St. Louis when Blakemore opened his door and demanded the victim’s cash, phone and the truck at gunpoint.
Blakemore’s picture was captured by an in-car camera video recording and the truck’s location was trackable with a GPS device. When police arrived, a man jumped out of the stolen truck and ran away, but left a backpack behind with a pistol and both a debit card and EBT card in Blakemore’s name. Blakemore’s DNA was found in the truck and on the gun and the victim identified him in a photo lineup.
Trial exhibit.A sentencing memo filed by the government says Blakemore has a violent criminal history and continued to be violent while in jail awaiting trial. He has destroyed jail property and attacked a corrections officer and another inmate.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torrie Schneider and Donald Boyce are prosecuting the case.