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7 May 2024
Florida Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay More Than $97 Million in Restitution for Participation in Multiple Health Care Fraud and Kickback SchemesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay more than $97 million in restitution and to forfeit more than $30 million and the proceeds from the sale of a yacht for conspiring to commit health care fraud and conspiring to pay and receive unlawful kickbacks, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Daniel Hurt, 59.
According to information presented to the Court, Hurt engaged in three separate health care fraud and illegal kickback schemes.
First, he and his co-conspirators victimized both TRICARE—a program that provides civilian health care benefits for military personnel, military retirees, and military dependents—and CHAMPVA—a health care benefit program run by the Department of Veterans Affairs—through a scheme that involved the payment of illegal kickbacks. In all, that scheme caused a loss to TRICARE of more than $18 million and to CHAMPVA of more than $450,000. Hurt was initially indicted in the Southern District of Florida for his participation in that scheme, before his case was transferred to the Western District of Pennsylvania for sentencing.
Hurt admitted during his plea hearing that, through this scheme, he and his co-conspirators billed TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and other insurance providers for expensive compounded medications that were not medically necessary. Hurt and his co-conspirators worked with patient recruiters to solicit patients who had health insurance, with the patient recruiters then generating prescriptions containing the patients’ information and a limited selection of expensive compounded medications. These prescriptions, which used formulations created or altered to obtain the maximum possible reimbursement from the insurance companies, were then referred to a telemedicine service and sent to a pharmacy owned by Hurt and his co-conspirators.
During the conspiracy, patient recruiters and the telemedicine service sent thousands of medically unnecessary prescriptions to this pharmacy, which, after filling the prescriptions, would bill patients’ insurance plans thousands of dollars for the compounded medications. Once the pharmacy received payment for the prescriptions, the pharmacy would then pay a kickback to Hurt and his co-conspirators, who would, in turn, pay kickbacks to the patient recruiters. As part of his plea, Hurt admitted to personally receiving more than $4.2 million from this scheme.
Second, Hurt engaged in a scheme that involved the payment of illegal kickbacks related to cancer genomic (CGx) testing, which was billed as if the testing were done in the Western District of Pennsylvania. In all, Medicare suffered a loss of more than $25 million from that scheme. CGx testing uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future.
Hurt admitted that, beginning in late 2018 and continuing through approximately October 2019, he and his co-conspirators, including individuals associated with so-called marketing entities, acquired thousands of CGx testing samples from Medicare beneficiaries located throughout the United States. Marketers used targeted campaigns to induce beneficiaries to submit CGx specimens by means of cheek swabs sent to their homes or provided to them at purported “health fairs” held throughout the United States.
Hurt directed these CGx specimens to be sent to Ellwood City Medical Center (ECMC), a hospital located in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Hurt further used ECMC as the billing entity for Medicare purposes despite the fact that the facility did not possess properly validated equipment to conduct any CGx testing on-site and, as such, ECMC staff were required, at Hurt’s direction, to repackage the samples and send them to third-party reference laboratories that were capable of completing the testing. In order to justify Medicare reimbursement for the CGx testing, Hurt and his co-conspirators obtained CGx prescriptions from telemedicine physicians without regard to the fact that the doctors did not conduct proper telemedicine visits, were not treating the Medicare beneficiaries for cancer or symptoms of cancer, and did not use the test results in the treatment of the beneficiaries.
During this time, Hurt directed ECMC staff to transfer millions of dollars from ECMC-related accounts to bank accounts that Hurt controlled. In turn, Hurt admitted using funds he obtained from ECMC to pay millions of dollars in kickbacks to the marketers, among others, in exchange for their efforts to obtain CGx samples. To disguise such kickbacks, Hurt entered into sham contracts with the marketers to make it appear that they were engaged in, and being paid for, legitimate marketing and referral services. Likewise, Hurt, acting through entities he controlled, entered into similar agreements and business arrangements with ECMC that disguised the payments he obtained from the facility as purportedly legitimate payments, including payments related to management services at ECMC’s laboratory. Payments, in fact, were based on the volume of CGx tests and the amount of resulting Medicare reimbursements. Hurt also admitted that he and others used a portion of Medicare reimbursements obtained through the fraudulent submission of CGx claims to engage in monetary transactions in excess of $10,000, including approximately $3 million in payments toward the purchase of a luxury watercraft in Florida called “In My DNA.”
Hurt’s third scheme involved illegal kickback payments and cancer genomic testing that caused an additional loss to Medicare of at least $53.3 million. Hurt was initially charged for his participation in that scheme in the District of New Jersey, before his case was transferred to the Western District of Pennsylvania for sentencing.In that scheme, Hurt admitted that he owned several clinical laboratories that conducted or arranged for a variety of medical tests, and that he paid kickbacks and bribes to various entities who supplied referrals and orders for CGx for Medicare and other health care benefit program beneficiaries, without regard to medical necessity. These laboratories submitted claims for payment to Medicare for these CGx tests, and Medicare reimbursed the laboratories without knowing that the services were not medically necessary or were procured through the payment of kickbacks. Hurt admitted paying kickbacks to entities who supplied referrals for each CGx test that was billed to Medicare and other health care benefit programs. To conceal the payments of bribes, Hurt and the suppliers entered into sham contracts to make it appear that the suppliers were engaged in, and being paid for, legitimate marketing and referral services. Hurt received at least $26.9 million from the $53.3 million reimbursed by Medicare.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division – Florida Fraud Resident Unit for the collaborative investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hurt.
Five Count Indictment Unsealed Charging Local Pair with Conspiracy to Commit Murder of Federal Witness in Connection with the Staging of Automobile Collisions in the New Orleans AreaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the unsealing of a Five Count Indictment charging RYAN J. HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana and JOVANNA R. GARDNER (“GARDNER”), age 39, of Chalmette, Louisiana. The Indictment was returned on Friday, May 3, 2024, and unsealed on Monday, May 6, 2024, after both HARRIS and GARDNER were arrested by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Both HARRIS and GARDNER are charged in all five counts of the Indictment. Count One charges Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349. Count Two charges Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering Through Murder in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(a)(1)(C), 1512(a)(3)(A), and 1512(k). Count Three charges Witness Tampering Through Murder in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(a)(1)(C), 1512(a)(3)(A), and 2. Count Four charges Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness Through Murder in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1513(a)(1)(B), 1513(a)(2)(A), and 1513(f). Count Five charges Retaliation Against a Witness Through Murder in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1513(a)(1)(B), 1513(a)(2)(A), and 2.
According to the Indictment, HARRIS, GARDNER, Cornelius Garrison (“Garrison”), and others participated in a scheme in which they intentionally caused staged automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The scheme included individuals who rode in automobiles as passengers knowing they would be part of staged collisions. Those individuals later lied as part of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. GARDNER was a passenger in a staged collision. Additionally, the scheme included individuals who drove automobiles and intentionally collided with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles in order to stage collisions (“slammers”). After the staged collisions, the slammers would flee the scene and a passenger would falsely claim to have been driving at the time of the collision. HARRIS was a slammer. HARRIS also recruited and conspired with others to participate in staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals who drove getaway cars that allowed the slammers to flee the scene after causing a collision and evade detection by law enforcement (“spotters”). The spotters would sometimes also pretend to be eyewitnesses who would flag down the commercial vehicles after the staged collisions and allege that the commercial vehicles were at fault. Additionally, the scheme included individuals such as attorneys and others associated with the attorneys who pursued fraudulent claims and fraudulent lawsuits knowing they were based on staged collisions.
Garrison worked with HARRIS as a slammer and spotter. Similar to HARRIS, Garrison recruited others to participate in staged collisions. Both HARRIS and Garrison caused or attempted to cause passengers in the staged collisions to use the services of attorneys who were part of the scheme. Between approximately March 4, 2015, and the date of the Indictment, HARRIS, GARDNER, Garrison, and others caused multiple staged collisions with the purpose of later filing fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. The scheme involved the use of the mail and the use of interstate wires, including through the filing of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits.
In or around October 2019, Garrison began covertly cooperating with the federal government concerning staged automobile collisions. On September 18, 2020, Garrison was charged in an Indictment in the Eastern District of Louisiana with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud and other offenses related to the staged collisions. The Indictment alleges that on September 22, 2020, HARRIS and GARDNER murdered, and aided and abetted the murder of Garrison as part of a scheme to prevent Garrison from cooperating with the federal government and exposing the scheme to stage collisions.
If convicted, HARRIS and GARDNER face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victims as to Count One. As to each Counts Two through Five, the defendants face life imprisonment, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. For each of the five counts, HARRIS and GARDNER also face payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
HARRIS and GARDNER made their initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby on Monday, May 6, 2024, and were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the government moved for their detention.
Thus far, fifty-two (52) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
The U.S. Attorney's Office reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Ryan McLaren; and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Assaulting Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dwight Foster, age 50, a federal inmate formerly housed at United States Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for assaulting a correctional officer.
After a two-day trial in October 2023, a jury found Foster guilty of assault of a correctional officer involving physical contact and possession of a weapon. According to court documents and statements made in court, during a search of Foster’s cell, officers found a prison-made weapon. When a correctional officer attempted to seize the object, Foster struck the officer with his fist.
Foster will serve three years of supervised release once his prison sentence is complete.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
False Claims Act Complaint Filed Against International Student Recruiting Firm for Federal Student Aid Programs SubmissionsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act (FCA) against Study Across the Pond LLC (SATP) and its principal, John Borhaug. SATP, which is organized under the laws of Massachusetts, recruits American students to attend foreign schools in the U.K., as well as other countries. The complaint, filed in the District of Massachusetts, alleges that SATP and Borhaug knowingly caused UK schools to submit false claims to the Department of Education for federal student aid by demanding that the foreign schools enter into arrangements that violated the federal ban on incentive-based compensation.
“Third-party recruiters who demand illegal financial incentives for recruiting students to institutions of higher learning, no matter where those institutions are located, undermine the integrity of our system of higher education,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Prospective students are entitled to make their enrollment decisions without the improper influence of recruiters who pursue their own financial gain at the expense of students’ best interests.”
“Today’s complaint alleges that Study Across the Pond and John Borhaug used illegal incentives to influence American students to attend foreign schools,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “With today’s action, my office demonstrates its commitment to upholding the ban on incentive compensation, rooting out undue financial influence in student recruitment and protecting the integrity of federal student financial aid programs.”
“The Office of Inspector General has a unique and special law enforcement mission – to protect public education funds for eligible students,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Harris of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s Eastern Regional Office. “Today’s announcement is an example of our commitment to this mission. The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and pursue allegations of violations of the False Claims Act in carrying out our important public service.”
Title IV of the Higher Education Act prohibits any institution of higher education that receives federal student aid from compensating student recruiters with a commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on the recruiters’ success in securing student enrollments. This is referred to as the Incentive Compensation Ban. The Incentive Compensation Ban protects students against aggressive recruitment practices that serve the financial interest of the recruiter rather than the educational needs of the student.
The complaint alleges that SATP knowingly collaborated with at least 28 U.K. schools to violate the Incentive Compensation Ban while the schools were participating in a federal student aid program. Specifically, since at least 2015, SATP, under the direction of Borhaug, has recruited American students to attend U.K. schools and demanded payment of a commission for SATP’s services. This commission was actually a share of the money the schools claimed from a federal financial aid program, specifically the Federal Direct Loan Program, for the benefit of American students. The government further alleges that SATP and Borhaug created sham records to hide these arrangements, and ultimately caused foreign schools to submit false claims to the Department of Education.
The government filed its complaint in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private citizen can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The government is entitled to intervene in the lawsuit, as it has done in this case.
The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Hitrost LLC v. Study Across the Pond, LLC, et al., No. 21-CV-10274-ADB (D. Mass.). The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are handling the case, with substantial assistance from the Department of Education.
The United States is represented in this matter by Trial Attorney Allison C. Carroll of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian LaMacchia and Alexandra Brazier for the District of Massachusetts.
The claims asserted against defendants are only allegations. There has been no determination of liability.
ComplaintDunklin County Man Caught with Nearly 2 Pounds of Methamphetamine Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man caught with nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and other drugs to 10 years in prison.
During a traffic stop on Nov. 18, 2022, near Advance, Missouri, a deputy with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted Lee Roy Foley III trying to conceal a bag containing an assortment of pills. Foley was also driving with a suspended license. The deputy arrested Foley, and discovered 849 grams of meth, about two pounds of marijuana and two chocolate bars containing the psychedelic Psilocybin. Foley admitted engaging in the drug trade in southeast Missouri.
Foley, of Kennett, Missouri, pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office and the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearms While Trafficking Cocaine and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ronald Hinkle, 46, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for possessing multiple illegal firearms as he distributed cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin in the District. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod A. Forget of the Washington Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Hinkle, aka “Ronald Archer,” pleaded guilty on August 2, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In sentencing Hinkle, Judge Kollar-Kotelly also ordered five years of supervised release and community service.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers arrested Hinkle on February 21, 2018, on the 2500 block of R Street SE after Hinkle entered a rental car. The agents recovered 84 grams of crack cocaine in plastic bags from Hinkle’s waistband and an additional eight grams of cocaine and 30 grams of heroin from the car. Agents obtained a warrant and searched Hinkle’s nearby one-bedroom apartment where they recovered several kilograms of cocaine, hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of contraband, and three firearms. The firearms, which included two pistols – a Ruger and a Glock – were later tested at FBI forensic labs and found to be linked to Hinkle through his DNA.
This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the DEA, and MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Tepfer and Thomas Strong.
DOJ resolves allegations Tacoma spine surgeon billed for unnecessary surgeriesRead the Press Release
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman today announced the resolution of a False Claims Act qui tam matter alleging a Tacoma physician billed government insurance programs for medically unnecessary spinal surgeries. CHI Franciscan Health and St. Joseph Medical Center will pay $745,654 to resolve the matter and former Orthopedic Surgeon Kevin Schoenfelder will pay $197,054 to resolve the case.
“Unnecessary surgeries put patients at risk of medical complications,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “In this case we are concerned about protecting taxpayer funded health care, but even more concerned that patients may have needlessly suffered when enduring procedures that were more invasive than was necessary.”
According to the settlement agreement, on May 21, 2018, Dr. Daniel Nehls filed a qui tam lawsuit alleging Dr. Schoenfelder had been performing medically unnecessary spinal surgeries, among other allegations. CHI resolved claims that the hospital billed for Dr. Schoenfelder’s performance of spinal surgery at more spinal levels than necessary and medically unnecessary spinal fusions at Tacoma’s St. Joseph Hospital. Dr. Scheonfelder resolved claims pertaining to his performance of allegedly medically unnecessary spinal surgeries. Between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2018, these surgeries were billed to government health programs when they were not medically necessary. The surgeries were billed to Medicare, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs.
In resolving the case, neither the doctor nor the hospital and CHI Franciscan are admitting wrongdoing. Each is paying the government health programs the amount that was improperly billed and additional penalties. Additionally, Dr. Nehls, as the relator who reported the false claims, will receive 22% of the payments to the government health programs.
Dr. Schoenfelder retired in 2018 and surrendered his physician license in 2019.
“Health care providers who perform medically unnecessary procedures compromise the integrity of Federal health care programs and expose their patients to potential harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This outcome demonstrates that HHS-OIG along with our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue those who abuse taxpayer-supported health care programs.”
“Subjecting veterans to unnecessary medical procedures at the expense of the taxpayer will not be tolerated. Such activities put at risk VA’s ability to provide timely, quality healthcare within the local community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory S. Phelan of the VA Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of VA’s programs and services.”
“This settlement sends a message to doctors that patient safety and the integrity of our healthcare programs, including the Department of Defense's TRICARE program, are paramount,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “DCIS remains committed to working with its law enforcement partners in protecting the integrity of federal healthcare programs, which facilitates an environment for our healthcare providers to be truly focused on quality patient care and safety.”
The settlement resolved a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties known as relators to file suit on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The qui tam suit is captioned United States ex rel. Daniel Nehls v. Catholic Health Initiatives et. al, C18-540-BHS.
The resolution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kayla Stahman and Nickolas Bohl.
Cryptocurrency futures market CEO pleads guilty to violating Bank Secrecy ActRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digitex Futures Exchange (Digitex Futures) pleaded guilty today in federal court to willfully causing Digitex Futures to violate the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to establish and implement an anti-money-laundering program.
From 2018 through April 2022, Adam Colin Todd, 50, illegally operated Digitex Futures, an online futures exchange company, as an unregistered futures commission merchant within the United States. Todd, as CEO of Digitex Futures, illegally sold and offered futures contracts to customers of Digitex Futures in the United States. Todd willfully failed to establish, implement and maintain an adequate anti-money-laundering program, including an adequate know-your-customer program. Todd publicly stated that he refused to implement know-your-customer policies for Digitex Futures.
A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled yet. Todd faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other mitigating, aggravating, and statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor Jones is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20478.
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Craven County Man Who Shot Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. –Robert Joseph Westrup, 43, of Craven County, was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting of a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy on October 1, 2021. The shooting left the deputy paralyzed from the waist down. Westrup pled guilty on November 3, 2023.
“Westrup’s federal prosecution is just one example of our commitment to seeking justice for those who serve and put themselves in the line of fire every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Those who seek to harm the brave men and women in law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“But for the quick and heroic actions of fellow Craven County deputies, this shooting would have resulted in even more tragedy,” said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes. “While nothing can undo the harm caused by this defendant, this active prison sentence obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office serves as notice that crimes against law enforcement will not go unpunished. We will now work with the Craven County District Attorney's Office to move forward with the prosecution of state charges.”
According to court records and other evidence presented in court, sheriff’s deputies were attempting to serve involuntary commitment paperwork on Westrup at the request of his family. Westrup resisted and fired a shot, striking one deputy, instantly paralyzing him, and then engaged in a gun battle with the other deputies. Two deputies were able to drag the injured officer out of the home while the two other deputies exchanged gunfire with Westrup. Eventually, Westrup retreated to the attic over the garage, where he partially fell through the ceiling. Westrup then noticed the injured deputy lying on the sidewalk in front of the garage and began shooting at him again before a heroic neighbor braved gunfire to drag the injured deputy to safety once again. Westrup, who had also been injured, eventually surrendered in the attic, where deputies recovered a Glock 19 9mm pistol.
Westrup was previously convicted of possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 117 months in the Bureau of Prisons in the Middle District of Georgia in 2005.
Westrup is currently charged in Craven County with four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon. These charges are related to this incident and remain pending.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Court Louise W. Flanagan. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-CR-1-FL.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing a Glock Pistol That Police Discovered After He Crashed a Stolen Car on I-295Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jordan Tyler Alexander, 20, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm that was discovered after he fled from police in a stolen car and crashed it following a high-speed chase. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Alexander pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia on February 13 to a count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a felony. Alexander is also facing trial for armed robbery and weapons counts in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
In addition to the 46-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Leon ordered Alexander to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, a Prince George’s County police officer was on patrol at 2 a.m. on August 9, 2023, when he watched a white Honda Accord pull into the parking lot of a convenience store in Suitland, MD, and then immediately leave. The officer suspected that the vehicle drove away after spotting his marked police cruiser. The police officer later saw the Honda pull into the parking lot of a tobacco store. The officer ran the vehicle’s license plate number and learned the car had been stolen in an armed robbery on July 24, 2023, in Southeast Washington, D.C.
The officer followed the Honda and witnessed it run a red light. The officer switched on his flashers and siren. The Honda sped off. The officer received authorization to pursue the Honda and followed it into the District at speeds that reached 100 m.p.h. before it crashed into a guardrail at I-295 Northbound near the exit for Minnesota Ave., NE.
Alexander jumped out of the driver’s side door and ran down I-295 as cars drove past him. An unidentified individual jumped out of the front passenger side of the vehicle. A law enforcement officer caught up to the fleeing Alexander and maneuvered in front of him. Alexander subsequently surrendered.
Inside the crashed white Honda investigators discovered a Glock 27, 40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine on the driver’s side floorboard. Next to the firearm was a cell phone. On the front passenger seat, there was an additional black Glock 22, 47 caliber pistol. The Glock on the floorboard was loaded with 17 bullets and had one in the chamber.
This case was investigated by the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department as part of Project Safe Neighborhood
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar with valuable help provided by paralegal Karla Nunez.
Colchester Man Found Guilty by Jury of Drug, Gun, and Robbery OffensesRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that yesterday, Dominique Troupe, 37, of Colchester, Vermont was convicted following a six-day jury trial in United States District Court in Rutland of drug, gun, and robbery offenses. Troupe, who was arrested in September 2022, remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending post-trial proceedings.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, by at least July of 2021 Troupe was a source of cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine”) to residents of Swanton, Vermont, with whom he conspired to distribute the drug. During the second half of 2021, Troupe maintained a consistent crack cocaine distribution operation in the Swanton area. In January 2022, however, a rival distributor of crack cocaine moved into the residence at 45 First Street in Swanton, resulting in a significant diminution in Troupe’s sales. To address this problem, two of Troupe’s Swanton-based re-distributors came up with the idea to rob the rival drug dealer of his drugs and money. When Troupe learned of this idea, he turned it into reality. Trial evidence showed that during the early morning of February 2, 2022, Troupe employed one of his Swanton-based distributors, as well as another of Troupe’s associates, to attempt the armed robbery at 45 First Street. Troupe supplied a firearm to one of the robbers to use during the crime. Tragically, during the attempted armed robbery, Elijah Oliver, 22, of Massachusetts was shot twice, and killed.
Based on the jury’s verdict, Troupe faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment and a potential maximum sentence of life. The ultimate sentence will be determined by reference to the Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigative efforts of the Major Crime Unit, the Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Crime Scene Search Team, and the Technology Investigation Unit of the Vermont State Police. He stated: “This case is another tragic example of the intersection of guns and drug distribution in Vermont. We are grateful to the men and women of the Vermont State Police for their response to and investigation of the tragic events in Swanton in February 2022. The jury’s verdict will hold Dominique Troupe responsible for the role he played in those events.” U.S. Attorney Kerest also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for the assistance they provided.
“The Vermont State Police thanks our federal partners for their pursuit of justice in this troubling, tragic case,” said Maj. Dan Trudeau, commander of the Vermont State Police Criminal Division. “As we have in the past, our agencies will continue working together to fight the scourge of drug-related violence in Vermont, to keep our communities safe, and to ensure accountability when offenders shatter the peace that everyone in Vermont expects and deserves.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Turner and Michael Drescher prosecuted the case. Troupe was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.
Chief Engineer of Oil Tanker Admits Discharge of Oily Waste off Coast of New Jersey and Concealment of Pollution from VesselRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A chief engineer employed by a Greek shipping company today admitted charges related to the discharge of oily waste into the sea from a commercial vessel near a petroleum terminal in Sewaren, New Jersey; he and a second engineer also admitted concealment of pollution from that vessel through the falsification of records, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim announced.
Konstantinos Atsalis, 57, the chief engineer of an oil tanker, the M/T Kriti Ruby, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging him with two counts of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, including falsifying the vessel’s oil record book. Sonny Bosito, 54, the second engineer of the M/T Kriti Ruby, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Atsalis admitted that the vessel’s crew had knowingly bypassed required pollution prevention equipment by discharging oily waste from the vessel’s engine room through its sewage system into the sea, including near a petroleum offloading facility in Sewaren. Atsalis also admitted that he falsified the vessel’s oil record book, a required log regularly inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard, by failing to record this illegal activity. Atsalis admitted that he directed crew members to hide equipment used to conduct transfers of oily waste from the engine room bilge wells to the sewage tank before the Coast Guard boarded the vessel.
Bosito admitted concealing the discharge of oily waste into the sea through the vessel’s sewage system by causing a false oil record book to be presented to the U.S. Coast Guard during its inspection of the vessel. Bosito admitted directing crew members to hide equipment used to conduct transfers from the bilge wells to the sewage tank before the Coast Guard’s inspection.
The charges to which Atsalis and Bosito pleaded guilty each carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for Oct. 22, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger and Assistant Attorney General Kim credited special agents of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven M. Frith, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen P. O’Leary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Ward of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, and Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele and Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth E. Nelson of the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division.
bosito.information.pdf atsalis.information.pdfChicago Businessman Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge in Connection with Reverse Mortgage Scheme Targeting Elderly HomeownersRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago businessman pleaded guilty today to a federal fraud charge for bilking elderly homeowners in a home repair and reverse mortgage scheme.
MARK STEVEN DIAMOND schemed with others to induce homeowners to unwittingly obtain reverse mortgage loans to pay for purported home repairs that Diamond offered to perform. Diamond and the co-schemers targeted elderly victims based on the amount of equity in their homes and their relative lack of financial sophistication. In some instances, Diamond concealed from the homeowners that they were applying for reverse mortgage loans by falsely representing that they needed to sign certain documents to start the repair work, when, in fact, the documents that Diamond caused them to sign were related to applying for the loan. After the loans were approved and originated by co-schemers, Diamond fraudulently pocketed the loan proceeds and often failed to perform any repairs.
Diamond, 67, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison. Diamond acknowledged in a plea agreement that he victimized at least 18 Chicago-area homeowners by fraudulently obtaining approximately $929,000 from financial institutions in the form of reverse mortgage loan proceeds. It will be the government’s position at sentencing that there were at least 80 victims and that Diamond’s actions caused at least approximately $6 million in losses. U.S. District Judge Franklin U. Valderrama set Diamond’s sentencing for Sept. 4, 2024.
The guilty plea was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Machelle L. Jindra, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Substantial Assistance was provided by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Netols and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Kelly.
All four co-schemers charged in the investigation – loan originators GARY BOHN, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., and MATTHEW FEFFERMAN, of Munster, Ind., Diamond’s employee CYNTHIA WALLACE, of Sauk Village, Ill., and title agency owner FORREST C. FAWCETT, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – previously pleaded guilty and admitted their roles in the fraud. They are awaiting sentencing.
Diamond plea agreementCalifornia Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jason C. Moffat, 41, of San Diego, California, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, the investigation began when the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a CyberTip from Kik Messenger. A CyberTip is a report submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC gathers leads and tips regarding suspected online crimes against children and forwards them to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. ICAC determined that a Kik account, later identified as belonging to Moffat, had uploaded and distributed child pornography to other users.
ICAC obtained a search warrant for the contents of the Kik account and located numerous videos of child pornography, including depictions of infants and toddlers being sexually abused. ICAC later seized Moffat’s cellphone and examined it pursuant to a search warrant. ICAC located additional files of child pornography on the cellphone, along with messages where Moffat discussed his sexual interest in children.
Moffat lived in Idaho when he possessed and distributed child pornography. He later moved to California, where he was arrested on the charge.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also sentenced Moffat to 15 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $3,000 in restitution to a victim in the images he possessed. Moffat will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
“The ability to track cyber tips to individual criminals is critical to protecting Idaho’s children,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will continue to rely on our partnership with the ICAC Task Force and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office to remove child predators from our communities.”
“Taking these predators out of our communities is a top priority for my office,” said Attorney General Raúl Labrador. “I’m proud of our ICAC Unit and the dedicated partnerships they have built with agencies across the state and around the country that track down these individuals and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Idaho ICAC Task Force, the San Diego ICAC Task Force, and the United States Marshals Service, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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California Man Sentenced on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS PEDILLIA-SERNA, age 34, a resident of California, was sentenced on Friday, May 3, 2024 to serve 135 months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons for his role in the distribution of over 40 lbs of pure methamphetamine to individuals in Terrebonne Parish. PEDILLIA-SERNA pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846.
PEDILLIA-SERNA is also subject to deportation to Mexico after he serves his prison sentence, as he is not legally in the United States, though he has been living in California for years.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.
Brooklyn Woman Pleads Guilty to Nationwide Marijuana Trafficking and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Onisha Smith, age 41, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute marijuana and money laundering.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf; and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Smith admitted that she was a member of a marijuana and THC trafficking organization that shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno, California, to locations throughout the United States, including New York City and the Capital Region, between 2017 and June 2022. She also admitted to laundering marijuana proceeds for the organization.
The packages of marijuana were shipped through UPS and FedEx from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, by Dwight A. Singletary II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie.” Smith received the packages of marijuana at, among other locations, her apartment and a neighboring apartment in Brooklyn; her brother, Lateek White, also received packages of marijuana at his residence in Brooklyn. In total, Smith and White received 71 packages containing approximately 294 kilograms, or 648 pounds, of marijuana.
Smith also laundered marijuana proceeds for the organization by purchasing cashier’s checks with cash marijuana proceeds for Singletary; depositing cash marijuana proceeds into her bank accounts and transferring the money to Singletary; and receiving payment for marijuana and transferring it to Singletary.
Smith faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the two counts to which she pled guilty, conspiring to distribute marijuana and conspiring to commit money laundering; fines of up to $1 million and $500,000, respectively, on each count; and a term of supervised release of between 3years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Smith was charged in an indictment with Singletary, Coles, White and 20 other people charging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Singletary and Coles have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.
In addition to Smith, White and seven other defendants, Rosemary Coles, Latrice Mumphrey, Sammy Olague, Victor Turner, Kristle Walker, Ruby Ledesma, and Jazell Shuler, previously pled guilty and are pending sentencing.
The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Bridgeville Resident Charged with Producing and Distributing Material Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of producing and distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The 11-count Indictment named Matthew Trax, 24, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, in and around various dates in November 2023 through December 2023, Trax used, enticed, and persuaded a 14-year old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create videos and images involving the minor. In addition to producing this sexually explicit content, Trax also distributed sexually explicit material involving the same minor female.
The law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Trax has been detained on state charges, and he remains detained pending trial.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mt. Lebanon Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berkeley County Man Admits to Federal Domestic Violence ChargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Nicholas Munroe, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to federal domestic violence charges.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Munroe pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, and interstate violation of a protective order. According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia State Police were investigating a shooting that led to Munroe, who had an active domestic violence protective order against him filed in Los Angeles, California. Munroe, prohibited from having firearms, was found in Martinsburg with the person who filed the protective order and a .45 caliber revolver.
“Those who violate protective orders will be held accountable, regardless of where the order was issued,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Due to the excellent work of the West Virginia State Police, Mr. Munroe faces a long prison sentence for violating an order issued on the other side of the country.”
Munroe faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearms charge and up to five years for the protective order violation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Northern District of West Virginia’s Domestic Violence Reduction Initiative, formed in early 2023 to protect domestic violence victims, take dangerous criminals off the streets, and enhance community safety. The program focuses on keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Bay St. Louis Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute over 68 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Bay St. Louis man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 68.5 grams of methamphetamine.
Charles Jamaal Nichols, 37, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to court documents, On July 13, 2023, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop in Bay St. Louis on a vehicle driven by Nichols. Nichols led agents on a foot chase and agents observed him throwing things as he ran. Agents recovered large shards of methamphetamine on the trail where Nichols ran. The methamphetamine was scattered throughout the grass, within gutters that were laying behind a business, and along the fence line. Agents were able to recover 68.5 grams of what was sent to the lab and confirmed to be 97% pure methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuted the case.
Bakersfield Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Antonio Munoz, 26, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a federal drug search warrant at a stash house in Bakersfield following an undercover purchase of 4 pounds of methamphetamine from co-defendant Ramon Maldonado, 32, of Bakersfield. During the execution of the search warrant, Munoz was found in the living room in possession of firearm. Maldonado was found in one of the bedrooms of the residence where officers also located a large quantity of controlled substances and another firearm. Munoz is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a loaded firearm without registration.
Maldonado is scheduled for a status conference on May 29, 2024. The charges against Maldonado are only allegations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Munoz is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on July 29, 2024. Munoz faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 10.5 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl in PocatelloRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Larry James Little, 58, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 126 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in August 2022, BADGES Task Force officers received reliable information that Little and his co-defendant, Adrianne Anderson, 44, also of Phoenix, were distributing fentanyl in Pocatello. After a four-month-long investigation, Anderson and Little were stopped by BADGES Task Force officers after they returned to Idaho from Arizona. BADGES Task Force officers searched the vehicle and located approximately 287 fentanyl pills and a firearm. Another firearm was recovered during a search warrant at a storage unit rented by Little and Anderson. BADGES Task Force officers also intercepted a package that Little and Anderson sent through the U.S. Postal Service that contained two ounces of methamphetamine.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Little to three years of supervised release after the completion of his prison term. On January 31, 2024, Judge Winmill sentenced Anderson to five years in federal prison for her role in the offense. Anderson’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Pocatello Police Department, and the Chubbuck Police Department, which participated as part of the HIDTA BADGES Task Force. The United States Postal Inspection Service also assisted with this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe H. McLane prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated through the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the BADGES Task Force.
The BADGES Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that focuses primarily on drug trafficking crimes in Bannock County and throughout the region.
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6 May 2024
五大联邦部门携手司法部重申，维护民权法律并推进环境正义Read the Press Release
司法部民权司、卫生与公众服务部 (HHS) 民权办公室、交通部 (DOT) 部级民权办公室、环境保护局 (EPA) 外部民权合规办公室、国土安全部 (DHS) 民权和公民自由办公室以及住房与城市发展部 (HUD) 公平住房和平等机会办公室的官员今日共同重申，将共同维护民权法律，推进美国各社区的环境正义。
司法部民权司首席检察官助理 Kristen Clarke 表示，“司法部致力于全面落实联邦民权法，解决美国环境种族歧视和对有色人种社区投资不足的遗留问题。自 2021 年以来，我们已加大力度协调联邦政府各部门的关键执法工作，并将在受援方使用数十亿美元的新基础设施拨款时继续协调。我们将努力让政府各部门参与其中，继续推进美国的环境正义。”
环境保护局环境正义和外部民权办公室负责项目实施的副助理署长 Marianne Engelman-Lado 表示，“环境保护局继续以公正、公平和民权融合为使命，为未能从其数十年来的各种环境保护措施、政策中受益的社区提供支持，并将落实民权法，解决环境不公的问题。环境保护局将继续支持民权执行计划，将民权融入战略计划和日常运营，增加这一关键工作的资金和人员配备。”
卫生与公众服务部民权办公室主任 Melanie Fontes Rainer 表示，“环境正义是公共卫生问题，我们的民权法律应确保所有社区（无论种族和所在地区）都受到公平对待，不受环境危害的影响。遗憾的是，有色人种社区在历史上一直遭受环境不公的对待，联邦政府应通过执行相应法律来给予充分关注，使其免受歧视。”
交通部部级民权办公室主任 Irene Marion 表示，“除了运送人员和货物外，交通还对个人和环境健康起着关键作用。尽管美国的交通基础设施是共享资产，但从历史上看，并非所有社区都能完全从中受益。交通部致力于利用其权力和物力来改善这一情况，确保所有人都能够使用安全、高效、便捷的交通系统。”
国土安全部民权和公民自由办公室官员 Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia 表示，“通过教育、技术援助以及严格执行长久存在的民权法律，可以推进环境正义。我们致力于与受援方和社区合作，实现环境正义。”
住房与城市发展部 (HUD) 公平住房和平等机会办公室首席副助理部长 Demetria McCain 表示，“住房与城市发展部致力于执行公平住房和民权法律，推进环境正义，使所有社区成为健康、安全、有活力的地方，让居民能够成长。受保护阶层已经承受了太长时间环境危害带来的过重负担，必须改变这种现状。”
这些机构在声明中重申，将积极落实所有适用的民权法律（包括《1964 年民权法》第六章），推进环境正义，并积极与州、地区和地方政府以及所有享受联邦基金的其他实体合作，确保遵守这些重要法律。联合声明还提醒受援方，民权义务与受援方的其他义务（包括遵守联邦、州、地区和地方环境法律的义务）是分开的。有关民权司民权维护工作的更多信息，请访问 justice.gov/crt。如发现歧视行为，可登录民权司互联网报告门户网站 civilrights.justice.gov 进行投诉 。
五個聯邦部門加入司法部，重申支持民權法律和促進環境正義的共同承諾Read the Press Release
司法部民權司和衛生與公眾服務部 (HHS) 民權辦公室、交通部 (DOT) 民權部門辦公室、環境保護局 (EPA) 外部民權合規辦公室、國土安全部 (DHS) 民權和公民自由辦公室，以及住房和城市發展部 (HUD) 公平住房和平等機會辦公室的官員今天共同重申，他們將一起致力於支持民權法律和促進美國各社區的環境正義。
「司法部致力於全面執行聯邦民權法律，以解決我國長期存在的環境種族主義和對有色人種社區投資不足的問題。」司法部民權司助理檢察長 Kristen Clarke 說道。「自 2021 年以來，我們已加緊努力，在整個聯邦政府中協調這些重要的措施，我們已撥款數十億美元進行新的基礎建設，讓許多人受惠，並且會持續這樣做。我們將努力讓各政府部同心協力，持續為國內的環境正義永不止息地奮鬥。」
「環境保護局將繼續推行我們的核心任務，為全國各地的社區爭取正義、公平和民權，讓環境保護局數十年來的進步可以整合到各社區中，使大家都能充分受益。我們致力於實施民權，以解決環境不公的問題。」環保局環境正義和外部民權辦公室負責計畫實施的副助理首長 Marianne Engelman-Lado 說道。「環保局將繼續加強我們的民權實施計畫，例如：將民權納入我們的策略計畫和日常運作，以及為這項重要工作增加資金和人員。」
「環境正義是一個公共衛生問題，無論種族或住處，我們的民權法律應確保所有社區都安全無虞，不受環境危害。」 HHS 民權辦公室主任 Melanie Fontes Rainer 說道。「遺憾的是，有色人種社區在過去以來一直受到環境不公的對待，聯邦政府應該透過實施法律給予充分關注，避免他們遭受歧視。」
「除了人員和貨物的運輸，在個人部分和環境衛生方面，交通也扮演了重要的角色。」 交通部民權辦公室主任 Irene Marion 說道。「儘管我們國家的交通基礎建設是一項共享資產，但從歷史上來看，並非所有社區都能充分享受它的優點和好處。交通部承諾透過利用其職權和資源來糾正這個偏差，以確保交通系統的安全、效率和便利。」
「透過教育、技術的協助和加強實施存在已久的民權法律，可以促進環境正義。」國土安全部民權與公民自由辦公室官員 Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia 表示。「我們致力於與受援者和社區合作，以實現環境正義。」
「住房和城市發展部致力於執行促進環境正義的公平住房和民權法律，好讓所有街區和社區成為健康、安全和適應力強的地方，讓居民能夠茁壯成長。」住房和城市發展部公平住房和平等機會辦公室副助理秘書長 Demetria McCain 說道。「因為環境危害帶來的過重負擔，那些受保護的階層已經承受了太久的時間，這種情況必須改變。」
在聲明中，這些機構重申了他們的承諾，亦即積極利用所有適用的民權法律（包括 1964 年的《民權法案》第六章）來促進環境正義，並主動與各州、地區和地方政府以及所有其他接受聯邦資助的實體合作，以確保遵守這些重要法律。聯合聲明中也提醒受援者，民權義務與受援者的其他義務（包括遵守聯邦、州、地區和地方環境法律的義務）是分開、不相同的。有關民權司支持和保護公民權利的業務的更多資訊，請前往 justice.gov/crt 網站。若要投訴歧視行為，可透過民權司的網路檢舉入口網站 civilrights.justice.gov 進行檢舉。
Woman who allegedly assaulted toddler on flight from Mexico to Seattle charged and detained after passengers reported the assaults and tried to interveneRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 33-year-old resident of Sacramento, California was ordered detained today in U.S. District Court in Seattle on a misdemeanor charge of Assault in a special aircraft jurisdiction, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Breanna R. Mistler was arrested at Sea-Tac Airport when the Delta flight from Puerta Vallarta, Mexico arrived on May 1, 2024. Today, Magistrate Judge Brian Tsuchida ordered Mistler detained pending trial noting that the 2-year-old child victim was particularly vulnerable.
According to the criminal complaint, multiple passengers on the flight observed Mistler abuse the child. One reported that the child was in the window seat and Mistler in the aisle seat. The child woke-up Mistler, who then turned and allegedly kicked the child. At another point in the flight a witness reported Mistler allegedly shook the child “like a rag doll.” Despite interventions from passengers, Mistler allegedly persisted in the abuse.
Customs and Border Protection officers detained Mistler at the airport and noted bruises in multiple places on the toddler. The Port of Seattle Police and the FBI took over the investigation.
The child was cared for by a victim witness specialist. Child Protective Services (CPS) is involved with placing the child with a relative.
In ordering Mistler detained today at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Judge Tsuchida said he was concerned about the safety of the child “because (Mistler) had committed the assaults in front of so many people on a lengthy plane trip.” The Judge said he had an independent duty to protect the victim.
The next hearing scheduled in the case is a preliminary examination scheduled for May 16, 2024.
The charges contained in the misdemeanor complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Dion assisted with the detention hearing.
Waukee Man Sentenced to 25 years in Prison for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Waukee man was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Michael Alan Jagim, 52, created and produced child pornography, using secreted video recording devices. On December 14, 2021, after receiving a cyber-tip, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Jagim’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic analysis of these devices found multiple videos of child sex abuse material, including videos created by Jagim, for a total of 3,620 images. Jagim was also ordered to pay $28,123 in victim restitution.
After completion of his prison term, Jagim will be required to serve ten years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Jagim was also ordered to pay $10,200 in special assessments.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Waukee Police Department, the Urbandale Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Washington Sentenced to Life for MurderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tanner Dean Washington, age 29, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of his girlfriend, Faith Lindsey.
The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the District 22 District Attorney Drug and Violent Crime Taskforce, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Pauls Valley Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management.
On August 31, 2022, Washington pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree. As part of the plea, Washington admitted to murdering 17-year-old Faith Lindsey on October 27, 2019. According to investigators, on October 29, 2019, Lindsey’s family called the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to report Lindsey as a missing person. During the investigation, law enforcement officers uncovered evidence of blood in two of Washington’s automobiles as well as on a pair of sunglasses found in one of the vehicles. Law enforcement interviewed witnesses who reported that on the night Lindsey went missing, Washington admitted Lindsey “was dead” and “it was his fault.” The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Despite an extensive investigation and exhaustive search efforts, Lindsey’s body has yet to be found.
“The defendant’s life sentence is part of our effort to seek justice and accountability for the tragic murder of an innocent young woman, who had a long and vibrant life ahead of her,” said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Sonia Garcia. “I am grateful for the unwavering work of our investigators and our law enforcement partners in this case – may it bring some measure of peace to the victim’s family.”
“The OSBI, along with other law enforcement agencies, continues to search for Faith Lindsey,” said OSBI Public Information Manager Hunter McKee. “We appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication in arresting and prosecuting the suspect responsible for this heinous crime. We will continue our search for Faith and will not give up our efforts until she is brought home.”
“I applaud the great work of the Eastern District U.S. Attorney’s Office for the successful prosecution of Tanner Washington,” said District Attorney Erik Johnson for District 22 comprising Pontotoc, Seminole, and Hughes Counties. “This case has left holes in a lot of hearts in Pontotoc County, and I’m glad to see that Tanner Washington will spend the rest of his days in federal prison.”
“The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department recognizes the valuable partnership between the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the District 22 District Attorney Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Seminole and Pontotoc County Sheriff's Offices, and the Pauls Valley Police Department for their work to bring resolution to this case,” said Charles C. Palmer, Chief of the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department. “The combined efforts to seek justice for a Chickasaw citizen within the Chickasaw Nation highlights the continued working relationship of law enforcement within Indian Country.”
“The sentence imposed was a direct result of the defendant’s heinous crime and—despite pleading guilty—his callous refusal to provide the location of the victim’s body,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “I commend the work of state, county, tribal, and federal law enforcement in identifying Washington as the suspect and of our federal prosecutors in advocating for a life sentence.”
The Honorable Ada E. Brown, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Washington will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and Georgia Department of Public Health to Host Opioid Prevention and Recovery FairRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, and the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, will host a community gathering designed to increase awareness of and connect residents to local resources available to help prevent opioid use, overdoses, and deaths. This free, family-friendly event, “Spring Into Wellness: An Opioid Prevention and Recovery Community Resource Fair,” takes place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Champions Center at LakePoint Sports, 261 Stars Way, Emmerson, Georgia. Anyone wishing to attend may register at https://shorturl.at/gmJS4, but registration is not required.
“The opioid epidemic continues to bring immeasurable destruction to communities and devastation to families who have endured the tragic loss of a loved one,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office is resolute in our commitment to engage with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who threaten our communities with poisons, as well as with our community partners to promote public health and safety and spread awareness of resources for those struggling with substance abuse.”
“Opioid overdose deaths are preventable,” says Dr. Gary Voccio, Health Director for the ten-county Northwest Health District. “The best way to prevent them is to continue to improve opioid prescribing to reduce exposure to opioids, prevent abuse, and stop addiction. Resources at this community event can help accomplish this.”
Concerns about Bartow County’s 32 opioid deaths in 2022 (the most recent annual data available) and the county’s 29.9 age-adjusted opioid death rate – compared to just 18.6 for the state of Georgia – led the organizers of this community event to prioritize this public gathering of stakeholders and concerned citizens. Local public health officials have also noted recent, alarming nationwide increases in illicit fentanyl exposures in children younger than six years old as cause for critical concern.
The event organizers have outlined several goals: (1) to increase community awareness of and access to prevention and recovery resources; (2) to share inspirational stories from local community members who have overcome opioid-misuse disorder; and (3) to learn about fentanyl overdose-prevention strategies for youth and families. Organizers expect several dozen opioid-overdose prevention resources to participate and provide information to the public.
U.S. Attorney Buchanan, Dr. Voccio, and several Bartow County officials will also welcome attendees and speak briefly at the event.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Releases Fentanyl Awareness Day PSARead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah joins state, local, federal, Tribal, and community partners to raise awareness and educate the public about the lethal dangers of fentanyl. Watch PSA here.
According to the DEA, fentanyl has saturated the drug market in Utah. It is cheaper, more potent, and more widely available than ever before. According to the CDC, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States. Over 150 people die every day from synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Last month the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the DEA, announced the first Utah Drug Overdose Task Force to combat fentanyl and other illicit drugs in the beehive state. The task force is made up of 10 state, local and federal law enforcement offices throughout the Wasatch Front. For more information on the task force, click here.
For more information about the dangers of fentanyl and facts, visit CDC.gov or DEA.Gov/FentanlyAwareness
U.S. Attorney Hurwit Releases Public Service Announcement Warning Against Possession of Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Today, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, released a public service announcement, available here, designed to raise awareness on the dangers of illegal machinegun conversion devices, sometimes known as “switches” or “auto-sears.”
A machinegun conversion device is a device that, when integrated with a semiautomatic firearm, will convert it to fire in fully automatic capacity. This conversion of a Glock pistol with a “switch” machinegun conversion device, for example, will result in a rate-of-fire of approximately 1,100 – 1,200 rounds per minute, making these devices exceptionally lethal.
“Glock switches and similar conversion devices are simple to manufacture and are easy to install. They turn regular firearms into machineguns capable of inflicting a tremendous toll in a few split seconds,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will not tolerate the proliferation of the devices on our streets and will use all of our resources to hold accountable anyone who would distribute these deadly and illegal devices.”
“These switches are illegal and serve no safe or useful purpose to a firearms owner,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “We will investigate those who possess these devices. In the past five years alone, ATF has recovered more than 31,000 of these switches.”
The PSA features a trained law enforcement agent demonstrating how these illegal devices turn a firearm into a machine gun that is essentially impossible to control. In the PSA, U.S. Attorney Hurwit also explains that simply possessing a switch can result in significant penalties—up to 10 years in federal prison.
Anyone with information about switches or other federal gun crimes can call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).
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Two Men Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a multifaceted criminal conspiracy involving the trafficking of counterfeit pills containing narcotics and other counterfeit items.
Christopher Chase, 43, of Lynn, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, with more than 500 grams of methamphetamine attributable to him as part of the conspiracy; one count of trafficking in counterfeit drugs; and one count of possession with intent to distribute counterfeit postage stamps. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on May 2, 2024, Chase was detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024.
Francis Wyatt, 42, of Lawrence, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a die set. A die set is a metal tool that, in conjunction with a pill press, is used to manufacture counterfeit pills. Wyatt was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on May 3, 2024 pending a hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024.
According to court documents, Chase was previously convicted in federal court in New Hampshire in connection with conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering. It is alleged that Chase and his co-conspirators used a pill press to manufacture counterfeit pills, including counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, and counterfeit Xanax pills containing clonazolam. Additionally, Chase or others acting at his direction allegedly purchased over 100 kilograms of pill binding agent (used as the inactive ingredient in counterfeit pressed pills) between 2020 and 2022. It is alleged that, in communications with a co-conspirator, Chase likened himself to drug kingpin “El Chapo.”
According to court documents, at Chase’s behest, Wyatt was sent to retrieve a package from China containing a die set to be used in manufacturing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
It is further alleged that Chase also was a significant distributor of counterfeit stamps over public websites such as eBay. In February 2024, counterfeit U.S. postage stamps were recovered during a search of Chase’s residence. Chase acquired the counterfeit stamps from China. Preliminary estimates indicate that the stamps are valued at approximately $250,000.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the quantity of methamphetamine alleged in the indictment provides for a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of trafficking counterfeit drugs provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. The charge of possession of a die set provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute counterfeit stamps provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case,
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New England Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tahlequah Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathan Quinn Harrington, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to a one count violation of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on January 23, 2024, Harrington, having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, and knowing of that conviction, possessed a .22 caliber, semi-automatic pistol and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, 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. Harrington will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Sumali ang Limang Kagawaran ng Pederal sa Kagawaran ng Katarungan sa Muling Pagtitibay ng Ibinahaging Pangako para Itaguyod ang Mga Batas sa Mga Karapatang Sibil at Isulong ang Hustisyang PangkapaligiranRead the Press Release
Ang Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan at mga opisyal mula sa Opisina ng Karapatang Sibil ng Kagawaran ng Health and Human Services (HHS); Opisina ng Kagawaran sa Mga Karapatang Sibil ng Department of Transportation (DOT); Opisina ng Pagsunod sa Mga Eksternal na Karapatang Sibil ng Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Opisina ng Department of Homeland Security (DHS) para sa Mga Karapatang Sibil at Kalayaang Sibil; at Opisina ng Patas na Pabahay at Pantay na Oportunidad ng Kagawaran ng Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ay magkasamang muling pinagtibay ngayong araw ang kanilang ibinahaging pangako na itaguyod ang mga batas sa karapatang sibil at isulong ang hustisyang pangkapaligiran sa mga komunidad sa buong Estados Unidos.
“Nakatuon ang Kagawaran ng Katarungan na ganap na ipatupad ang mga pederal na batas sa karapatang sibil para tugunan ang legasiya ng ating bansa sa rasismo sa kapaligiran at kakulangan sa pamumuhunan sa mga komunidad ng kulay,” sabi ni Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke ng Dibisyon ng Karapatang Sibil ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan. “Mula 2021, pinaigting pa namin ang aming mga pagsisikap na i-coordinate ang mga kritikal na pagsisikap sa pagpapatupad na ito sa buong pederal na pamahalaan at patuloy itong gagawin habang gumagamit ng bilyun-bilyong dolyar ang mga recipient sa mga bagong gawad sa imprastraktura. Patuloy naming itutulak ang isang buong-pwersa ng-gobyerno na diskarte sa patuloy na pakikibaka para sa hustisyang pangkapaligiran sa ating bansa.”
“Patuloy na isinisentro ng Environmental Protection Agency ang aming misyon sa pag-integrate ng hustisya, pagkakapantay-pantay at mga karapatang sibil para sa mga komunidad sa buong bansa na hindi pa nakatanggap ng buong benepisyo mula sa mga dekada ng pag-usad ng EPA. Nakatuon kami sa pagpapatupad ng mga karapatang sibil para tugunan ang kawalan ng hustisya sa kapaligiran,” sabi ng Deputy Assistant Administrator para sa Pagpapatupad ng Programa na si Marianne Engelman-Lado ng Opisina ng Hustisyang Pangkapaligiran at Mga Eksternal na Karapatang Sibil ng EPA. “Mula sa pag-integrate ng mga karapatang sibil sa aming Estratehikong Plano at pang-araw-araw na operasyon, hanggang sa pagtaas ng pondo at kawani para sa kritikal na trabahong ito, patuloy na papalakasin ng EPA ang aming programa sa pagpapatupad ng mga karapatang sibil.”
“Ang hustisyang pangkapaligiran ay isang isyu sa kalusugan ng publiko, at dapat tiyakin ng ating mga batas sa karapatang sibil na ang lahat ng komunidad—anuman ang iyong lahi o zip code—ay ligtas at malaya mula sa mga panganib sa kapaligiran,” sabi ni Direktor Melanie Fontes Rainer ng Opisina para sa Mga Karapatang Sibil ng HHS. “Sa kasamaang-palad, ang mga komunidad ng kulay ay dating napapailalim sa kawalan ng hustisya sa kapaligiran at karapat-dapat sa buong atensyon ng pederal na pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng ating mga batas para maging malaya sa diskriminasyon.”
“Higit pa sa paggalaw ng mga tao at kalakal, may mahalagang papel ang transportasyon sa ating personal at pangkapaligiran na kalusugan,” sabi ni Direktor Irene Marion ng Opisina ng Kagawaran ng Mga Karapatang Sibil ng DOT. “Bagaman isang shared asset ang imprastraktura ng transportasyon ng ating bansa, hindi na-enjoy ng lahat ng komunidad ang buong pakinabang at benepisyo nito ayon sa kasaysayan. Nakatuon ang DOT sa pagwawasto sa kursong ito sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng awtoridad at resources nito para matiyak na ang mga sistema ng transportasyon ay ligtas, episyente at naa-access ng lahat."
“Pwedeng mangyari ang pagsusulong ng hustisyang pangkapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, teknikal na tulong at mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng mga matagal nang batas sa karapatang sibil,” sabi ni Officer Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia ng Opisina para sa Mga Karapatang Sibil at Kalayaang Sibil ng DHS. “Nakatuon kami sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga recipient at komunidad tungo sa pagkamit ng hustisyang pangkapaligiran.”
“Nakatuon ang Kagawaran ng Housing and Urban Development sa pagpapatupad ng patas na pabahay at mga batas sa karapatang sibil na nagsusulong ng hustisyang pangkapaligiran para ang lahat ng kapitbahayan at komunidad ay malusog, ligtas at matatag na mga lugar kung saan pwedeng lumagaw ang mga residente," sabi ng Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary na si Demetria McCain ng Opisina ng Patas na Pabahay at Pantay na Oportunidad ng HUD.. “Hindi dapat pasanin ng mga pinoprotektahang klase ang hindi magkatimbang na pasanin sa mga panganib sa kapaligiran, kahit na napakatagal na nilang mayroon nito.”
Sa pahayag, muling pinagtibay ng mga ahensya ang kanilang pangako na mahigpit na gagamitin ang lahat ng naaangkop na batas sa karapatang sibil, kabilang ang Title VI ng Civil Rights Act of 1964, para isulong ang hustisyang pangkapaligiran at aktibong makipagtulungan sa estado, teritoryo at lokal na pamahalaan at lahat ng iba pang entidad na tumatanggap ng pederal na pagpopondo para matiyak ang pagsunod sa mahahalagang batas na ito. Nagpapaalala rin sa mga recipient ang pinagsamang pahayag na ang mga obligasyon sa karapatang sibil ay hiwalay at naiiba sa iba pang obligasyon ng mga recipient, kabilang ang mga obligasyon na sumunod sa mga batas pangkapaligiran ng pederal, estado, teritoryo at lokal. Ang karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa trabaho ng Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil para itaguyod at protektahan ang mga karapatang sibil ay available online sa justice.gov/crt. Maaaring iulat ang mga reklamo tungkol sa mga gawaing may diskriminasyon sa Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil sa pamamagitan ng internet reporting portal nito sa civilrights.justice.gov.
Serial Fraudster Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Multiple Fraud Schemes Totaling over $2 MillionRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Hampton man was sentenced today in federal court for multiple fraud schemes, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Anthony Silva, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 84 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 15, 2024, Silva pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Silva was ordered to pay restitution, and forfeit funds held at Citizens Bank, Stride Bank, Fidelity, Green Dot, PNC Bank, Bancorp, and TD Bank totaling approximately $830,000.
“The defendant is a serial fraudster who used dozens of stolen identities to enrich himself,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “He did not merely steal funds from state and federal governments. Rather, he fleeced pools of funds which were designed specifically to serve as a lifeline to millions of Americans during the worst public health crisis in a century. I thank our law enforcement partners for their diligent work in unraveling the defendant’s sophisticated fraud schemes.”
“Anthony Silva collected over a million dollars to which he knew he wasn’t entitled. This repeat fraudster stole the identities of dozens of victims and blatantly defrauded government programs meant to keep small businesses and workers afloat,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Today’s sentence makes it clear that defrauding the government is a bad idea, and the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue anyone bold enough, and foolish enough, to do so.”
“Today’s sentencing should give fair warning that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will aggressively investigate and seek prosecution of individuals like Anthony Silva, who swindled over a million dollars from funds that were designated to support fellow Americans and small businesses during the pandemic,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “Postal Inspectors, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, uncovered the elaborate fraud schemes employed by Silva to conceal his activities and line his pockets. We will continue to support and collaborate with our federal law enforcement partners to stop those who are engaged in these types of schemes.”
“Anthony Silva defrauded the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and the Vermont Department of Labor by using stolen identities to obtain unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Today’s sentencing affirms the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to safeguard Department of Labor programs designed to help those who struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Silva orchestrated four separate fraud schemes using stolen identities. Specifically, Silva used stolen names, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers, and other identifiers to fraudulently obtain (1) unemployment insurance benefits from Vermont, (2) unemployment insurance benefits from Massachusetts, (3) American Express credit cards, and (4) CARES Act funds. The fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits and CARES Act funds were deposited either by check or direct deposit into dozens of accounts Silva controlled at multiple banks. Many of these accounts were in the names of individual victims or fictional organizations, such as the “Peaceful Protesters Bail Fund,” “BLM New England Trust,” and “Anti-Drumpf League.”
Silva obtained more than $450,000 from Vermont, over $175,000 from Massachusetts, and $600,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. In addition, the fraudulently-obtained credit cards were used to make over $50,000 in purchases from retailers such as Victoria’s Secret, Home Depot, and Walmart. Silva also unsuccessfully attempted to obtain additional CARES Act funds. The total intended loss was approximately $2.1 million, and the actual loss was approximately $1.2 million.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Secret Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.
During the early part of the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act included multiple relief provisions to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Private lenders could participate in the PPP. The loans, which were supposed to be used for payroll, were fully guaranteed by the government. If borrowers used the PPP loans for payroll and other approved expenses as intended, they could apply for loan forgiveness. The CARES Act also opened up the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. As with PPP loans, EIDL loans were supposed to be used for payroll and other business expenses such as rent and mortgage.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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San Felipe Man Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A San Felipe man was indicted for engaging in sexual acts and sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 years.
The indictment alleges that Vernon Chavez, 61, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of San Felipe, engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe, a child who had not then attained the age of 12 years between May 2016 and September 2017, and engaged in sexual contact with Jane Doe between August 1 and August 15, 2022.
Chavez is charged with one count each of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact A federal judge detained Chavez pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
If convicted of the current charges, Chavez faces a minimum of 30 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.
Read the IndictmentAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that on April 23, 2024, Edward Saldana, 37, of St. Croix, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile Henderson III to a drug conspiracy charge.
According to court documents, on January 23, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a phone call from an officer of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Henry E Rohlsen Airport (HERA) on St, Croix. The officer relayed that two travelers were detained during the inspection process on suspicion of drug smuggling. Travelers Edward Saldana and Bianca Torres had presented themselves for inspection at the HERA attempting to board a Spirit Airlines flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During inspection of Torres’ carry-on bag, X-rays revealed an anomaly. Further inspection revealed four kilograms of cocaine. Saldana’s bags were also inspected, and an additional four kilograms of cocaine were recovered. The investigation also revealed that Saldana had provided Torres with the cocaine earlier that day. Torres was to be paid $3,000 by Saldana for smuggling the cocaine to Florida.
Torres pleaded guilty on February 12, 2024. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2024. Saldana’s sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by HSI and CBP. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Riverside Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Pounds of Methamphetamine from Mexico into Inland EmpireRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A Riverside County man who is the lead defendant in a criminal case involving an outfit that trafficked pound quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Inland Empire was sentenced today to 252 months in federal prison.
Timoteo Gomez, 51, of Riverside, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal. Gomez has been in federal custody since his June 2021 arrest in this case.
Gomez pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
From at least April 2020 until August 2020, Gomez and others purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico as well as Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Other members of the conspiracy further distributed methamphetamine in the Inland Empire.
In April 2020, Gomez and others smuggled 46.6 pounds (21.2 kilograms) of methamphetamine from Mexico across the U.S. port of entry at Calexico and into Riverside County. In May 2020, another co-conspirator attempted to drive a load of 90.4 pounds (41 kilograms) of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico through the San Ysidro port of entry.
In total, law enforcement seized more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of methamphetamine and $31,035 in cash during this investigation.
Federal prosecutors have secured 16 convictions so far in this case.
The FBI’s Inland Empire Safe Streets Task Force investigated this matter. The Task Force is a joint federal and state gang task force that includes the FBI; the Drug Enforcement Administration; IRS Criminal Investigation; the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; and the Riverside Police Department. The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force received assistance during the investigation from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the United States Marshals Service.
The investigation leading to these federal charges focused on the criminal activities of the Riverside-based Casa Blanca Rifa criminal street gang to combat drug trafficking and associated violence in Riverside and the surrounding community.
Assistant United States Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.
Red Lake Woman Charged with Murder, Arson, and Child NeglectRead the Press Release
DULUTH, Minn. – A Red Lake woman has been charged with murder, arson, and child neglect following the death of two young children on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, attacked and killed Minor A and Minor B. Stately slashed at Minor A and Minor B with a knife or other sharp object and then set fire to the residence. Stately fatally stabbed Minor A in the chest. Minor B suffered non-fatal stab wounds but ultimately died from smoke inhalation due to the fire Stately started. Stately fled the scene in her vehicle with Minor C. Later that night around 9:00 p.m., an AMBER Alert was issued. A motorist spotted Stately’s vehicle and contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement located and stopped Stately’s vehicle and recovered Minor C, who was suffering from visible signs of child neglect.
The indictment charges Stately with one count of premeditated murder, one count of murder in the course of committing child abuse, one count of murder in the course of committing arson, one count of arson, and one count of felony child neglect. Stately appeared today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois. Judge Brisbois ordered Stately to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
“This tragic case demonstrates the importance of close working relationships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our state, federal and tribal law enforcement partners. Together, we are able to bring charges swiftly in cases such as this on behalf of the most vulnerable among us,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger.
“This case is another example of how AMBER Alerts save lives. They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We are grateful to the Minnesotan who acted quickly and bravely in this case, and to all Minnesotans who join in the search when a child needs them most.”
“The loss of innocent lives demands swift and decisive action,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Through seamless collaboration with our state and local counterparts along with the invaluable support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are steadfast in our resolve to pursue justice for the victims. We stand united in seeking closure and healing for the affected family and their community.”
AMBER Alert is a system designed to send alert messages to the public about abducted children that are in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death. Information about DOJ efforts to support the improvement of AMBER Alert in Indian Country is available on-line.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, the Long Prairie Police Department, and the Red Lake Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel L. Kraker and Garrett S. Fields are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Possessing Contraband as InmateRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to an additional five months of incarceration on his conviction of possession of contraband by an inmate, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States Chief District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Lajwan McMillan, 31.
According to information presented to the Court, three days after being sentenced to 18 months’ incarceration for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release and being sent back to prison, McMillan was found in possession of a cellular phone by officials at the Butler County Jail. Inmates in federal custody are prohibited by federal law from possessing cellular phones, and this criminal conduct is punishable by additional, consecutive time in prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Marshals Service, Butler County Detective Bureau, and officials at the Butler County Jail for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McMillan.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute over 50 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Philadelphia, Mississippi man was sentenced to 130 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine near the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Darrell McBeath, 39, was sentenced in U.S. District Court on May 3, 2024.
In September of 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Darrell McBeath for his role in the distribution of methamphetamine. On December 14, 2023, McBeath entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Regional Agent in Charge Whitney Woodruff of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Sentencing of Charleston Man Marks Major Milestone in Takedown of Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The recent sentencing of Jasper Wemh, 39, of Charleston, to 16 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, marks a significant milestone in a four-indictment drug trafficking organization (DTO) case that yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history.
Wemh is among 27 of 32 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case and among 20 sentenced to prison. The case is the result of a major drug trafficking investigation dubbed Operation Smoke and Mirrors in which law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.
The Court cited the “dedicated and relentless” work of law enforcement in the case when sentencing Wemh. The Court also said the case represents an aggressive and ongoing effort by law enforcement to target traffickers of such “incredibly damaging” drugs as methamphetamine.
“This case is a great example of what happens when you put an outstanding team of law enforcement together,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Cases such as this are made possible by everyone working together on the same team.”
“This is a clear testament to the power of collaboration between the FBI and our federal, state, and local partners. These individuals threaten the safety of our community whether it be from bringing in these poisonous drugs or from the violence often associated with the drug trade,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “We’re proud of the work our investigators conducted to seize a record amount of illegal drugs. The FBI and our partners stand committed to keeping these drugs, and those peddling them, off our streets and out of our communities.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wemh is responsible for over 85 pounds of methamphetamine distributed by the DTO in 2022. Wemh routinely completed transactions involving multiple pounds at a time, and sold over 20 pounds of methamphetamine during a single night on December 4, 2022.
Wemh obtained methamphetamine from his out-of-state supplier on consignment, distributing the methamphetamine to multiple customers and paying his supplier from the proceeds from distributing the supplier’s methamphetamine. Wemh made payments totaling $250,000 to a runner working on behalf of his supplier to repay his methamphetamine debts. Wemh often provided methamphetamine to his customers on consignment, knowing they were redistributing the methamphetamine he sold them.
Wemh also admitted to conspiring with other people to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” that he received from his supplier on occasions prior to December 3, 2022. Wemh stored quantities of methamphetamine, crack and cocaine at a Greenbrier Street residence in Charleston. Wemh admitted that he frequently obtained these drugs from a safe in the residence, and that a pistol was kept in that safe as well.
Wemh is the lead defendant in one of the four indictments in the case, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was sentenced on May 2, 2024. Wemh has a long criminal history that includes a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 7, 2011. The Court cited Wemh’s criminal history at sentencing.
Among the other defendants sentenced to prison in the case:
- Michael Allen Roberts Jr., 41, of St. Albans, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on March 6, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine.
- Justin Allen Bowen, 41, of Charleston, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison on August 31, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Perry Johnson Jr., 30, of Dunwoody, Georgia, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison on April 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Todd Tyler Snead, 58, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 6, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Ryan Keith Kincaid, 47, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on December 8, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
- Telisa Rene McCauley, 32, of Charleston, was sentenced to nine years in prison on November 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Les Van Bumpus, 35, of Charleston, was sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison on January 22, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Indictments against five defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:23-cr-4 (Wemh et al.), 2:23-cr-31 (Jeffries et al.), 2:23-cr-33 (Estep et al.) and 2:23-cr-32 (Gonzalez et al.).
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A video of the press conference announcing this update is located on the YouTube Channel for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVBu0jOOkCk.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ollie Holman, 58 years of age, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 3, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for sexual exploitation of a child. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Homan to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Holman’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Holman was also ordered to pay $3,100.00 in special assessments.
Between July 11, 2021, and August 27, 2021, while in Nebraska, Holman sent electronic messages to a minor female using Facebook. In the messages, Holman repeatedly offered the minor female cash to produce and send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself. On multiple occasions Holman met the minor female in Omaha and paid her cash for images and videos received. When Holman began requesting sexually explicit images and videos from the minor female, the minor female was 15 years old.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Năm Bộ Liên Bang Cùng Bộ Tư Pháp Tái Khẳng Định Cam Kết Chung để Duy Trì Luật Dân Quyền và Thúc Đẩy Công Lý Môi TrườngRead the Press Release
Phòng Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư Pháp và các viên chức từ Văn Phòng Dân Quyền của Bộ Y Tế và Dịch Vụ Nhân Sinh (Department of Health and Human Services, HHS); Văn Phòng Dân Quyền của Bộ Giao Thông Vận Tải (Department of Transportation, DOT); Văn Phòng Tuân Thủ Dân Quyền Bên Ngoài của Cơ Quan Bảo Vệ Môi Trường (Environmental Protection Agency, EPA); Văn Phòng Dân Quyền và Tự Do Dân Sự của Bộ An Ninh Nội Địa (Department of Homeland Security, DHS); và Văn Phòng Nhà Ở Công Bằng và Cơ Hội Bình Đẳng của Bộ Gia Cư và Phát Triển Đô Thị (Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD) ngày hôm nay đã cùng nhau tái khẳng định cam kết chung để duy trì luật dân quyền và thúc đẩy công lý môi trường tại các cộng đồng trên khắp Hoa Kỳ.
“Bộ Tư Pháp cam kết thực thi đầy đủ luật dân quyền liên bang để giải quyết vấn nạn quốc gia về phân biệt chủng tộc trong môi trường và thiếu đầu tư vào cộng đồng da màu,” Trợ Lý Bộ Trưởng Tư Pháp thuộc Phòng Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư Pháp, bà Kristen Clarke cho biết. ”Kể từ năm 2021, chúng tôi đã tăng cường nỗ lực điều phối các nỗ lực thực thi chủ chốt này trong toàn chính quyền liên bang và sẽ tiếp tục nỗ lực khi bên nhận sử dụng hàng tỷ đô la vào khoản tài trợ cơ sở hạ tầng mới. Chúng tôi sẽ tiếp tục thúc đẩy giải pháp trên toàn chính phủ trong cuộc đấu tranh đang diễn ra vì công lý môi trường trong cả nước.”
“Cơ Quan Bảo Vệ Môi Trường tiếp tục đặt trọng tâm sứ mệnh của chúng tôi vào việc mở rộng thực thi công lý, bình đẳng và dân quyền cho các cộng đồng trên khắp đất nước, những cộng đồng chưa được hưởng đầy đủ lợi ích từ những tiến bộ trong nhiều thập kỷ của EPA. Chúng tôi cam kết thực thi dân quyền để giải quyết tình trạng bất công về môi trường," bà Marianne Engelman-Lado, Phó Trợ lý Giám Đốc Triển Khai Chương Trình thuộc Văn Phòng Công Lý Môi Trường và Dân Quyền Bên Ngoài của EPA cho biết. “Từ việc mở rộng thực thi dân quyền trong cơ cấu Kế Hoạch Chiến Lược và các hoạt động hàng ngày của chúng tôi, đến việc gia tăng ngân quỹ và nhân sự cho công việc chính yếu này, EPA sẽ tiếp tục thúc đẩy chương trình thực thi dân quyền.”
“Công lý môi trường là một vấn đề sức khỏe công cộng và luật dân quyền của chúng ta phải đảm bảo rằng tất cả các cộng đồng – không phân biệt chủng tộc hay mã bưu chính của quý vị – đều được an toàn và không gặp phải các mối nguy hiểm về môi trường," bà Melanie Fontes Rainer, Giám đốc Văn phòng Dân Quyền của HHS chia sẻ. “Điều đáng tiếc là các cộng đồng da màu trong quá khứ đã phải chịu sự bất công về môi trường và đáng được chính phủ liên bang quan tâm đầy đủ thông qua việc thực thi pháp luật để không bị phân biệt đối xử.”
“Ngoài việc vận chuyển người và hàng hóa, vận tải còn đóng một vai trò quan trọng đối với sức khỏe của con người và môi trường”, bà Irene Marion, Giám đốc Văn phòng Dân Quyền của DOT cho biết. “Mặc dù cơ sở hạ tầng giao thông vận tải của quốc gia là tài sản chung, nhưng trong lịch sử, không phải mọi cộng đồng đều được hưởng đầy đủ lợi thế và lợi ích từ đó. DOT cam kết điều chỉnh hướng đi này bằng cách tận dụng thẩm quyền và nguồn lực của bộ để đảm bảo cung cấp hệ thống giao thông an toàn, hiệu quả và dễ tiếp cận cho tất cả người dân.”
Bà Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Cán Bộ Văn Phòng Dân Quyền và Tự Do Dân Sự của DHS cho biết: “Việc thúc đẩy công lý môi trường có thể diễn ra thông qua giáo dục, hỗ trợ kỹ thuật và thực thi mạnh mẽ các luật dân quyền đã có từ lâu. “Chúng tôi cam kết làm việc với bên nhận và các cộng đồng để đạt được công lý môi trường.”
Bà Demetria McCain, Phó Trợ Lý Bộ Trưởng thuộc Văn phòng Nhà Ở Công Bằng và Cơ Hội Bình Đẳng của HUD chia sẻ: “Bộ Gia Cư và Phát Triển Đô Thị cam kết thực thi luật dân quyền và nhà ở công bằng nhằm thúc đẩy công lý môi trường để tất cả các khu dân cư và cộng đồng đều là nơi lành mạnh, an toàn và có khả năng phục hồi, nơi người dân có thể phát triển. "Các tầng lớp được bảo vệ không phải chịu gánh nặng quá mức trước các mối nguy hiểm về môi trường, mặc dù họ đã phải chịu trong thời gian dài.”
Trong tuyên bố, các cơ quan tái khẳng định cam kết của họ trong việc áp dụng mạnh mẽ tất cả các luật dân quyền hiện hành, bao gồm Tiêu Đề VI của Đạo Luật Dân Quyền (Civil Rights Act) năm 1964, để thúc đẩy công lý môi trường và tích cực làm việc với chính quyền tiểu bang, khu vực và địa phương cũng như tất cả các tổ chức khác được nhận tài trợ của liên bang để đảm bảo tuân thủ các luật quan trọng này. Tuyên bố chung cũng nhắc nhở bên nhận rằng nghĩa vụ về dân quyền là riêng biệt và khác biệt với các nghĩa vụ khác của bên nhận, bao gồm nghĩa vụ tuân thủ luật môi trường của liên bang, tiểu bang, khu vực và địa phương. Thông tin bổ sung về công tác duy trì và bảo vệ dân quyền của Phòng Dân Quyền được đăng tải trực tuyến trên justice.gov/crt. Quý vị có thể báo cáo các khiếu nại về hành vi phân biệt đối xử với Phòng Dân Quyền thông qua cổng thông tin báo cáo trên Internet tại địa chỉ civilrights.justice.gov.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEON THOMPSON, age 39, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 2, 2024 to one (1) count of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and (b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on March 16, 2023, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s deputies learned that THOMPSON was delivering methamphetamine and other drugs to a residence in Buras, Louisiana, the following morning. In anticipation of THOMPSON’s arrival at the residence, officers conducted surveillance and located THOMPSON. Officers observed THOMPSON drive to and enter a fisheries plant in Plaquemines Parish where he remained for about ten minutes. After leaving the plant, he headed to the Buras residence. When THOMPSON arrived and saw the officers, he threw a cellophane bag containing 21.61 grams of methamphetamine to the ground. Deputies seized the methamphetamine and arrested THOMPSON. The officers also seized 1.13 grams of fentanyl from his vehicle. In a post-arrest statement, THOMPSON told the officers that he stored drugs at his place of employment, and he identified the locations at the plant where he stored the drugs. Officers entered THOMPSON employment location and seized 17.99 grams of fentanyl and a digital scale from the areas that THOMPSON identified as his drug storage locations.
For the methamphetamine charged, THOMPSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of four years. For the fentanyl charged, THOMPSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years. THOMPSON also faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. THOMPSON’s sentencing is set for August 15, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.
Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Nashua man pleaded guilty today in federal court to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Brian Eric Hynes, 34, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for August 15, 2024.
In August 2021, law enforcement reviewed chat rooms being used to exchange CSAM on an app called Viber. Law enforcement learned that an individual with the username “John ketg” was present in chat rooms where CSAM was posted and traced the username back to the defendant.
In February 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s electronic devices. When executing the warrant, law enforcement saw the defendant sitting in his vehicle. The defendant initially did not comply with law enforcement’s commands to exit the vehicle and was seen swiping up on his phone. Although the defendant eventually exited the vehicle, he continued to swipe the phone. Law enforcement was able to secure the phone, and the recently used video player application displayed CSAM. A forensic examination of the phone recovered approximately 1,150 CSAM images. The web history further showed that the defendant had visited websites associated with CSAM, and he had saved bookmarks to websites with phrases and words indicative of CSAM.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison for possession of CSAM. The maximum sentence is 20 years in prison if the CSAM depicts a prepubescent minor or minor younger than 12. In addition, if a defendant has a qualifying prior offense, the charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Kasey Weiland are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Mobile Men Sentenced for Making Threats to Police OfficerRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Two Mobile, Alabama, men were sentenced last week after pleading guilty to making online threats to injure an officer of the Mobile Police Department. Jamarcus Manuel, 21, was sentenced to serve twelve months of imprisonment and Justin Gorman, 22, was sentenced to time-served after pleading guilty to Interstate Communication of Threats to Injure. Both men will be subject to three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in April of 2023 Mobile Police Officers executed a traffic stop on a vehicle in Mobile, Alabama. One of the passengers of the vehicle live-streamed the interaction on Instagram. Manuel and Gorman posted comments on the video threatening to injure the officer conducting the traffic stop.
“Using social media, the internet, or any other communication channel to make threats is unacceptable,” said Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. “This is especially true when threats are made to those merely doing their jobs, like the men and women in law enforcement. We take any threat seriously, and will investigate and prosecute the criminals who violate federal laws by doing so.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasee S. Heisterhagen prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Michigan Man Sentenced for a Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Cortez Duncan, age 43, of Highland Park, Michigan, was sentenced today to 117 months for the acquisition of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were conducting a search at a home when Duncan fled from a first-story window. When Duncan was apprehended, he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol. A search of the home also resulted in the seizure of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, additional firearms, ammunition, and cash.
Duncan will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shair Rodriguez-Mora, age 20, and a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty on Friday, May 3 to possession of child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector, made the announcement.
Rodriguez-Mora admitted to possessing 27 videos and 46 images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his cell phone when he illegally entered the United States from Canada on July 28, 2023. Border Patrol arrested Rodriguez-Mora illegally entering the United States and during that investigation, discovered the child pornography on his phone. Rodriguez-Mora previously pled guilty to improper entry by an alien and was sentenced to 25 days in jail for that offense.
Rodriguez-Mora will be sentenced on September 6, 2024, by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Under the terms of Rodriguez-Mora’s plea agreement, the parties have jointly recommended that Rodriguez-Mora receive a prison term of between 24 and 36 months. Rodriguez-Mora also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison, and also faces removal from the United States.
HSI and Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Marion County Woman Sentenced for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rachel Sara Hardesty, age 39, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia Parole officers were conducting a home visit for Hardesty, who was on parole supervision. A .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol was found during a search. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also found. Hardesty is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Maine Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution Conspiracy in Connection with Approximately 30 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Maine man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for a conspiracy to distribute approximately 14 kilograms (30 pounds) of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Brian Strout, 46, of Turner, Maine, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Strout previously pleaded guilty on January 29, 2024. Strout’s co-defendant, Tara Christian, was sentenced on March 14, 2024.
“The sheer quantity of methamphetamine in this case is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Those who use New Hampshire as a pass-through while enroute to traffic dangerous drugs to other states will be apprehended at our border and prosecuted in federal court. I commend our law enforcement partners for stopping the defendants before they distributed this large amount of methamphetamine in the Granite State and throughout New England.”
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen P. Belleau. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Strout accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
On July 7, 2022, investigators received information that Strout and his spouse were obtaining a supply of methamphetamine while at a casino in Everett, Massachusetts for distribution in New Hampshire. Investigators conducted surveillance at the casino and located Strout and his co-defendant spouse loading bags into their vehicle and driving north toward New Hampshire on Interstate 93. When investigators stopped the vehicle, the defendant had 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that a FedEx package containing even more methamphetamine was enroute to the defendant in Maine. Agents located and searched the package and seized an additional 11.2 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, New Hampshire State Police, Maine State Police, and Everett (Massachusetts) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Louisville Woman Sentenced for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Louisville, Ky., woman, Katharine Richardson, 36, was sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 126 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court proceedings, on August 26, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Richardson was the front seat passenger. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a backpack containing methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue, plastic baggies, two stolen firearms and ammunition. An additional firearm was found in the vehicle’s trunk, and $2,526.17 was found on Richardson. She admitted to possessing the firearms and that she possessed one or more of the firearms in furtherance of distributing the methamphetamine.
Under federal law, Richardson must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Sheriff Robert “Bud” Webster, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Gallatin Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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