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Thursday 7 March 2024
Member of the Minneapolis Lows Gang Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Brooklyn Center man has been sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, in April 2023, law enforcement began investigating members of the Minneapolis Lows, a street gang that engages in drug trafficking, firearm possession, and acts of violence. On June 29, 2023, law enforcement conducted a search of a residence belonging to Marquez Demar Hill-Turnipseed, 21, a member of the Lows. As a result of the search, law enforcement recovered a loaded .45 Glock semi-automatic pistol with an attached auto-sear, also known as a switch; a conversion device that turns a handgun into a fully automatic machinegun. Law enforcement also recovered from the residence a loaded ghost gun.
On October 4, 2023, Hill-Turnipseed pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery.
This case is the result of investigations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, Minnesota Department of Corrections, and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez prosecuted the case.
Maryland Woman Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Passing Fraudulent ChecksRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Lucy Annette Alexander, age 37, of Maryland and Washington, DC, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison to be followed by 60 months of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for bank fraud. Judge Wilson also ordered Alexander to pay restitution in the amount of $305,219.28.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Alexander previously pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on May 2, 2023. Alexander admitted that between August 2012 and 2021, she wrote hundreds of checks at retail store locations, including PetSmart, Sears, Dollar Tree, Weis Markets (or Weis Pharmacy), Food Lion, MOM’s Organic Market, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, The Home Depot, Sally Beauty, Advance Auto Parts, Costco, Barnes & Noble, Hobby Lobby, BJ’s Wholesale Club, CVS Pharmacy, Party City, SHOE SHOW, Bed Bath & Beyond, Roses Discount Store, and others. The bank accounts from which Alexander wrote these checks were already closed and therefore did not have adequate funds to cover purchases at the above retail stores. In total, Alexander wrote over $300,000 in fraudulent checks during this time period.
In May 2020, Alexander also wrote and used seven checks from a Chase Bank account for a total of over $17,000, knowing that her account had insufficient funds to cover these checks. These checks were used to purchase goods at Weis Markets, Giant Food, and Roses Discount Store locations in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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Maryland Woman Indicted on Federal Charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 5, 2024, charging Verena May Mathis, age 24, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, for sexual exploitation of a child and for child sex trafficking.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Baltimore; Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (“MSP”); Chief Gregory Der of the Howard County Police Department; and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to the two-count indictment, on approximately December 5, 2020, Mathis produced sexually explicit images of a minor victim and used the minor victim to engage in a commercial sex act, in reckless disregard of the fact that the victim was less than 14 years of age.
As detailed in court documents, the case arose when a video depicting the minor victim and an adult woman, subsequently identified as Mathis, were found during a search of the online accounts of Edward Golden, a defendant in a separate child exploitation case. On February 13, 2024, MSP released redacted photographs to the public depicting the distinctive tattoos of the woman in the video with the minor victim, with an offer of up to $14,000 in reward money for information leading to her identification. A public tip led to the arrest of Mathis.
If convicted, Mathis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison for child sex trafficking. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The defendant is expected to have an initial appearance on this indictment in U.S. District Court in Baltimore at a later date. She was previously charged by criminal complaint and has been detained since her arrest on February 15, 2024.
Eugene Edward Golden, age 38, of Baltimore, is charged in a 160-count second superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child, sexual exploitation of children, child sex trafficking, and receipt and possession of child pornography. The superseding indictment alleges that Golden communicated with women to arrange for the creation of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. If convicted, Golden faces up to life in federal prison. Golden is detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended HSI, the MSP-led Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn, who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Mark Deakins Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Sexual Abuse of Children and Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Today, Mark Deakins, 64, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Honorable Charles E. Atchley, Jr., United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga, after many years of engaging in the sexual abuse of minors.
On May 11, 2023, Deakins was found guilty of criminal offenses in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2421, 2251(a), 2252A(a)(5)(B) and (b)(2), and 2260A, following a trial in U.S. District Court. According to evidence presented at trial, Deakins repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted numerous pre-teen and teen boys over a period from 1995 to 2018 in his various residences and other locations in the Chattanooga area. He also transported a victim across state lines to engage in illegal sexual exploitation and abuse. Deakins committed these crimes while already on the Sex Offender Registry for past convictions.
The evidence presented at trial demonstrated how egregious the defendant’s conduct was. He hunted for the most weak and vulnerable. He preyed on young boys desperate for male role models in a vacuum created by absentee fathers. He often lured the boys with promises that he would mentor them about construction and tools. For over 20 years, the defendant recorded himself grooming, sexually assaulting, and raping them. The videos and images he made himself numbered in the thousands, and the defendant also possessed thousands of images of other child sexual abuse material from across the world which law enforcement agents discovered when they executed search warrants on his home and computers. The trial featured testimony from victims spanning multiple generations of his crimes.
“For nearly three decades, Deakins, a repeat sex offender, committed unspeakable crimes against pre-teen and teen boys,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “Thanks to the tireless work of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and our prosecutors, this defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting our children through the prosecution of recidivist child predators to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Deakins’s offenses are heinous, leaving impacts on his victims that are immeasurable,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Unfortunately, exploitation of youth is a very real and growing issue in our country. The FBI will continue to do everything in its power to ensure children, who are the most vulnerable members of our community, are protected.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to the conviction of Mark Deakins included the FBI, United States Marshals Service, Red Bank Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Brooks and Steven S. Neff represented the United States.
This case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, click on the link for “Publications & Resources.”
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Man indicted for gun shop burglaryRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a man with stealing firearms from a gun shop.
According to court documents, Patrick Montufar, 19, of Kansas City, Kansas, is charged with one count of burglary of a licensed firearms dealer. On October 24, 2023, Montufar allegedly stole nine pistols from Frontier Justice, a licensed gun dealer in Kansas City, Kansas.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Chloe Wade Gullotto, 23, of Leavenworth was indicted on one count of production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and one count of receipt of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case.
Timothy Vigil, 38, of Lemore, California, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Man charged for $10M COVID-19 relief fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California man made his initial appearance in Alexandria today to face charges for a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $10 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act loans.
According to court documents, Craig David Davis, 50, of Marina Del Rey, allegedly submitted fake tax documents and business records to three banks to obtain two Paycheck Protection Program loans and one Main Street Lending Program loan totaling $10,695,300.
Davis is charged with four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Brian Miller, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
The Special Investigator for Pandemic Recovery and IRS-CI are investigating the case, with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, FBI, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Robeson for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Man Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison for trafficking cocaine in the Chicago area and obstructing justice by perjuring himself at trial.
JORGE DIAZ conspired in 2016 with two individuals in Mexico to traffic multiple kilograms of cocaine. Diaz gave money to couriers to purchase the drugs in California and deliver them to Diaz. In a Dec. 15, 2016, transaction arranged by the Mexican traffickers, Diaz received from a courier what he thought was 15 kilograms of cocaine. Unbeknownst to Diaz and the Mexican traffickers, the courier was cooperating with law enforcement agents, who had replaced the cocaine with sham narcotics. Law enforcement arrested Diaz following the courier’s delivery to him of the sham narcotics. A subsequent law enforcement search of Diaz’s residence turned up nearly $23,000 in cash, a money counter, a bag full of cell phones, suspected drug ledgers, and other items.
Diaz, 35, of Calumet City, Ill., was convicted last year of conspiracy and attempted possession of cocaine.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman imposed a 124-month prison sentence on Feb. 29, 2024. Judge Coleman found that Diaz obstructed justice at his trial last year by falsely testifying about the narcotics trafficking for which he was charged. During his testimony, Diaz denied knowing that the courier was delivering drugs and claimed he only received the package as a favor to his brother.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the DEA. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance.
The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies.
“The streets of Chicago are made immeasurably more dangerous because of the drug trade,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty N. Wright argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “In further aggravation, defendant perjured himself at trial, jeopardizing the integrity of the justice system and demonstrating a willingness to commit further crimes – lying under oath.”
Man Charged for $10M COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A California man made his initial appearance in Alexandria, Virginia, today to face charges for a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $10 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loans.
According to court documents, Craig David Davis, 50, of Marina Del Rey, allegedly submitted fake tax documents and business records to three banks to obtain two Paycheck Protection Program loans and one Main Street Lending Program loan totaling $10,695,300.
Davis is charged with four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Brian Miller, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
The Special Investigator for Pandemic Recovery and IRS-CI are investigating the case, with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General, FBI, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Trial Attorney David A. Peters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Robeson for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Admits Armed Robbery of St. Louis 7-ElevenRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – An Illinois man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Thursday and admitted robbing a St. Louis, Missouri 7-Eleven last year.
Payton Robert Yates, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of possession of and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Yates admitted robbing the 7-Eleven at 5350 Chippewa Street in St. Louis on June 30, 2023. Yates approached the cash register, placed a bag of Hot Fries on the counter and then pulled out a handgun before telling the cashier, “Empty the register.” Yates left with $134.77 and the Hot Fries.
Yates then got into a blue Toyota Tundra parked nearby. Yates’ father had reported the Tundra stolen a few days earlier. A handgun was inside. Yates pawned the gun two days later.
Yates, of Carterville, in Williamson County, Illinois, is scheduled to be sentenced June 4. Both sides are recommending nine years in prison.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie Schneider is prosecuting the case.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 84 Months’ Imprisonment for Committing Four Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Damen Drakeford, age 30, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, was sentenced on March 7, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to 84 months’ imprisonment for committing multiple bank robberies.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Drakeford previously entered a guilty plea and admitted to committing four bank robberies in July 2023: two in Pennsylvania and two New in Jersey.
Specifically, Drakeford admitted to robbing the following institutions:
- Fulton Bank, Netcong, New Jersey, on July 7, 2023;
- Provident Bank, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, on July 11, 2023;
- Fidelity Bank, Upper Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, on July 11, 2023; and
- M&T Bank, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 2023.
A total of $32,988 was taken in the robberies. After the M&T Bank robbery in Stroudsburg, Drakeford was apprehended by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, after he led the police on a high-speed vehicle chase, crashed his vehicle, and ran into the nearby woods where he was arrested by the police.
The charges against the defendant resulted from an investigation conducted by the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Members of the Fair Lawn and Netcong Police Departments in New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Police, also assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Los Angeles Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Prison for Running Unlicensed Firearms Business and Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A man from the Mid-City area of Los Angeles was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for illegally selling more than two dozen firearms, including machine gun conversion devices – sometimes known as “switches” – and “ghost guns,” or firearms that lack serial numbers.
Ellourth Eladio Simon, 33, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu.
Simon pleaded guilty in May 2023 to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of possessing a machine gun.
From no later than September 2021 to January 2023, Simon repeatedly arranged illegal and unlicensed firearms deals. He admitted in his plea agreement to engaging in eight illegal gun transactions, several of which involved multiple firearms, including a November 10, 2021, sale for $8,400 in which Simon sold an ATF undercover agent four handguns and a “ghost gun” AR-type rifle. Simon also admitted to unlawfully possessing a machine gun in October 2021.
Simon’s primary firearms source, William Nirion Peña, 41, of the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, was convicted of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Peña is serving a 40-month prison sentence in this case.
From at least September 2021 until late February 2022, Peña provided Simon with information about the prices and nature of numerous firearms – frequently sending photographs of firearms that Simon could sell to Simon’s gun customers. Peña provided approximately 16 firearms and a substantial amount of ammunition that were sold by Simon to an undercover agent. The firearms included two silencers without serial numbers and a Glock switch. The government asserted that Simon also had other sources of the firearms that he sold to the undercover federal agent in the eight purchases.
“Peña and Simon frequently coordinated efforts to sell [guns to the undercover agent] by communication over the phone about the price and availability of firearms and firearms components, and arranging the logistics of specific sales to customers during evening transaction in supermarket parking lots and similar locations,” according to court documents. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Peña was obtaining firearms from sources in other states, primarily Arizona.
“[Simon’s] criminal conduct was dangerous, long-standing and serious,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Simon] not only illegally sold large quantities of powerful handguns and rifles, and ammunition, but he also sold firearms silencers, items whose harmfulness and illegality were obvious on their face.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter. This case is the result of an investigation by the Los Angeles Firearms Trafficking Strike Force, which is spearheaded by the ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Lodge Grass woman who ran multi-state drug trafficking ring that distributed meth across the state and to four Montana Indian reservations sentenced to 24 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass woman convicted in a large-scale, multi-state methamphetamine trafficking operation she ran from her home on the Crow Indian Reservation to supply drugs across the state and to four Montana Indian reservations was sentenced today to 24 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Frederica Lefthand, 52, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to possession with intent to distribute meth and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“As a top-level dealer in this broad conspiracy, Lefthand is responsible for spreading staggering quantities of poison not only in her own community on the Crow Indian Reservation, but across Montana, including on the Northern Cheyenne, Fort Belknap, and Rocky Boy’s reservations. Lefthand played a key role in obtaining meth from suppliers in Washington, recruited lower-level dealers, collected drug debts, and wired proceeds to an individual in Washington. She has earned this prison sentence and I am proud of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who have brought her to justice,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement is devoted to removing dangerous drug dealers in Indian Country, including those that continually exploit and profit off the pain and tragic loss of their fellow community members, such as Lefthand. We value the partnerships with DEA, FBI, and other agencies that were involved in this case to fully realize the capabilities of cooperative law enforcement efforts that led to this sentence,” said Jerin Falcon, Deputy Associate Director of the BIA Division of Drug Enforcement.
“Montana, and specifically the Indian Reservation communities across the state, have not been immune from the impact of Mexican Cartels and their trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The sentencing today affirms that DEA and our partners will relentlessly pursue the cartels and their networks and hold them accountable for the harm they are causing our communities,” said Cesar Avila, Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“Lefthand essentially helped fuel a drug crisis among her own people and throughout the state,” said Shohini Sinha, Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI and our partners aim to target criminal enterprises and cut off the supply of illegal narcotics at the highest levels, so they don’t make it into our neighborhoods.”
In court documents and statements in court, the government alleged that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, investigated a large-scale, multi-state narcotics trafficking operation that ran from January 2022 until March 2023 and was based on two properties on the Crow Indian Reservation, including Lefthand’s residence, which was known as Spear Siding. Lefthand was near the top of the conspiracy, only below a Washington source of supply and identified as co-defendant 1. The investigation into Spear Siding activities began in June 2022 and has led to federal charges against 25 other defendants, 12 of whom have been convicted and sentenced.
Lefthand supplied a significant portion of the meth sold across the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian reservations and had operations in every reservation town as well as in Billings and Havre. Lefthand was the ringleader of the operation, which involved “pounds and pounds and pounds” of meth, the government said. Lefthand worked directly with co-defendant 1 and managed the operation in Montana, dispensing drugs to lower-level dealers, collecting debts, organizing deals and recruiting others to help her make money. Spear Siding was a hub of drug activity, and sources reported that Spear Siding would “never run out” of meth.
While traveling to Washington state with co-defendant 1, Lefthand attempted to recruit more “great distributors.” In an intercepted text message, Lefthand said:
“we will be back in business when we get back so start thinking about of few of your other peeps who might want to purchase or be great distributors. We will only be working with a few but will be considering other locations if you know what I mean jellybean!!! Maybe seven and ten if need be.”
Law enforcement conducted two controlled purchases of meth from Lefthand in September 2022. On April 1, 2023, law enforcement arrested Lefthand in a stolen vehicle following a pursuit and found her to be in possession of meth and a handgun. In addition, Lefthand made several wire transfers of money from drug transactions to an individual in Washington.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Lebanon County Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen Okamoto, age 35, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on November 13, 2023, in Lebanon County, Okamoto distributed images and video of child pornography. The indictment further alleges that Okamoto possessed images of child pornography on February 8, 2024.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Derry Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is twenty years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Laplace Resident Sentenced Probation for Defrauding Cares Act Financial Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BASHIR SCHOFIELD (SCHOFIELD), age 24, a resident of LaPlace, La., was sentenced on March 5, 2024 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 4 years’ probation, after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. SCHOFIELD participated in the preparation and filing of false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SCHOFIELD was also ordered to pay $282,650 in restitution, jointly and severally, with two relatives, Munira Schofield and Lynn Schofield (RELATIVES), who were charged separately and to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, BASHIR SCHOFIELD, and his RELATIVES, submitted applications to fraudulently obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans. SCHOFIELD and his RELATIVES submitted loan applications falsely representing that the applicant had a sole proprietorship and generated substantial income from that business. The false representations included, overinflating the business’s gross receipts, and claiming the loan proceeds were for business purposes when, in fact, the proceeds were for the defendants’ personal purposes. Indeed, the entities either did not even exist or earned far less money than SCHOFIELD and his RELATIVES represented.
For example, on about April 14, 2021, SCHOFIELD completed and submitted a false PPP loan application in the name of an entity he claimed to control, “Vison Six, LLC.” SCHOFIELD falsely stated in the application that his gross income from Vison Six in 2019 was $100,000 and that the money would be used for business-related purposes. In fact, Vison Six was not incorporated until November 2020, performed no business, and had no gross receipts in 2019. As a result of the fraudulent application, SCHOFIELD received approximately $20,833. Additionally, SCHOFIELD and his RELATIVES collectively submitted false applications for several other entities, including “AfroTouch, Inc.,” “Afromerica Touch 360, LLC,” and “Just Jocin.”
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.
Lancaster man pleads guilty to receipt of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob V. Schmidbauer, 43, of Lancaster, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on January 9, 2023, the Lancaster Police Department received a complaint that Schmidbauer had used a device to record a 13-year-old minor female (victim) while she was showering, and that the recordings were stored on an SD card possessed by Schmidbauer. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized a total of 22 electronic devices that belong to Schmidbauer as well as the SD card. A review of the SD card recovered 32 video clips, which included the sexually explicit video of the minor female victim.
The criminal plea is the result of an investigation by the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of William Karn, Jr., and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Fraudulently Obtain Unemployment and COVID-19 BenefitsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Lambert, 36, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to steal public money, property or records. Lambert admitted that he fraudulently obtained more than $10,616 in unemployment benefits, including COVID-19 supplementary funds, while in state and federal custody.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lambert had been receiving legitimate unemployment benefits from June 2020 until on or about September 28, 2020, when he was incarcerated on state and federal charges. Lambert admitted that he conspired with his mother to receive unemployment benefits fraudulently while he was incarcerated. From her residence in St. Albans, Lambert’s mother accessed the WorkForce West Virginia website for 32 consecutive weeks and falsely certified that Lambert was entitled to unemployment benefits. WorkForce West Virginia administers the unemployment compensation program for the State of West Virginia. Lambert admitted that he was not entitled to the benefits because he was incarcerated and unavailable to work.
Lambert was released from incarceration on or about April 8, 2024. Lambert admitted that he fraudulently applied for and received more than $10,616 in unemployment compensation benefits from at least September 2020 through at least May 2022. Lambert further admitted that the unemployment benefits he fraudulently obtained included supplementary funds provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Lambert is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Lambert also owes $10,616 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is prosecuting the case.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided for a temporary emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits, referred to as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC). Although these benefits were administered by the states, they were funded in part by the federal government.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-39.
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Jury Finds Gaffney Woman Guilty in Mail Theft CaseRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, S.C. —Takera A. Degree, 37, of Gaffney, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury of stealing mail.
Evidence presented to the jury during trial showed that in the spring of 2023, the Inspector General’s Office of the U.S. Postal Service received information about the possible theft of mail from the Gaffney post office. Approximately 100 postal customers reported mailing out greeting cards and other items from the Gaffney post office that were never received at their destinations. The period of these customer complaints, according to postal employees, coincided with Degree’s short tenure with the post office (approximately October 2022 to March 2023).
Multiple postal employees observed Degree engage in questionable behavior such as keeping her personal handbag on carts containing outgoing mail, taking lengthy periods of time to retrieve mail from the blue boxes in front of the post office, and becoming agitated if another employee entered Degree’s work area.On March 9, 2023, OIG special agents installed two covert cameras in the lookout gallery at the Gaffney post office. Agents reviewed video and saw that on March 11, 2023, Degree was taking greeting cards out of the mail stream and putting them inside a folded piece of white paper. About 10 minutes later, Degree was observed leaving Gaffney post office with a yellow plastic bag that appeared to have the envelopes inside. Agents again reviewed video from March 18, 2023, and observed Degree taking greeting cards out of the mail stream and putting them inside of a black backpack. About five minutes later, Degree was observed leaving Gaffney post office with the black backpack.
Based on the video, agents interviewed Degree. Degree admitted to taking U.S. Mail out of the Gaffney post office, opening the mail, and then discarding the envelopes. Degree chose to resign from her position at this time.
“Postal employees have a duty to safeguard mail that comes into their possession,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “My office is dedicated to prosecuting those who steal from the public, especially those in a position of public trust.”
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins presided over the trial and will sentence Degree after reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Degree faces a statutory maximum of five years.
This case was investigated by the Inspector General’s Office of U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Marosek and Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.
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Jury Finds Columbia Man Guilty of Gun and Drug Offenses After Advertising Drugs for Sale on Social MediaRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —Booker Henley, 29, of Columbia, was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday for possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that on March 10, 2023, a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Henley’s vehicle in the northeast area of Columbia near the intersection of Farrow Road and Hardscrabble Road. Henley fled and escaped from the deputy but crashed his vehicle moments later near the 2700 block of Clemson Rd. Members of the public reported the crash and multiple RCSD deputies responded to the crash site believing the vehicle was the same vehicle that had fled earlier. The vehicle smelled of marijuana and when deputies searched the vehicle they found a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, a bag containing 252 grams of marijuana, and a bill of sale for a separate vehicle in Henley’s name.
Prior to the crash, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), observed Henley’s social media accounts where he posted pictures of himself and advertised marijuana for sale. ATF obtained surveillance footage from the area which showed Henley running from the vehicle wearing unique clothing. Henley had previously posted pictures of himself wearing the same unique clothing on social media. Law enforcement also received a search warrant for his social media account which confirmed that he was using social media to advertise and sell drugs in the days before and after the crash. Notably, social media messages revealed that he had completed a drug sale in Columbia approximately 45 minutes before the chase with law enforcement. Additionally, they showed that he messaged someone four days after the crash admitting to wrecking his “skat” which is a term used to reference certain models of Dodge Chargers.
Lastly, Henley’s DNA was found on both the firearm and the extended magazine. Henley has prior convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen pistol, and failure to stop for blue lights.
Henley faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $750,000, restitution, and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie presided over the trial and will sentence Henley after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Elizabeth Major are prosecuting the case.
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Joplin Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for bank robbery.
Vincent Gepson, 64, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole.
On June 29, 2023, Gepson pleaded guilty to bank robbery.
Gepson entered Great Southern Bank, 1232 S. Rangeline Road in Joplin, on May 9, 2022, and approached the teller counter. He told the teller he had a gun and demanded cash. The teller placed $1,000 in a plastic bag and Gepson left the bank. The Joplin Police Department posted surveillance photos on the department’s social media pages and requested the public’s assistance to identify the bank robber. Several members of the public identified Gepson.
Gepson was arrested on May 20, 2022, by the Acadia Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Jefferson County Woman Sentenced for Selling Fentanyl on College CampusRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hannah Marie Behm, age 54, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for the distribution of fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Behm was selling fentanyl pills on and around the campus of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. During a traffic stop, officers found Behm with 133 capsules containing a mixture that included fentanyl.
Behm will be required to report for supervised release for six years following her prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Salem prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
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Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Downloading Videos and Photos of Children Being Sexually AbusedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that Octavio Adalberto Robledo (54, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to download and receive videos and photos of young children being sexually abused. At sentencing, Robledo faces a minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime of supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Robledo was arrested on July 5, 2023, at the Miami International Airport and has been detained since that date. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, a detective with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, who was also an FBI task force officer, was investigating individuals located in Florida who were actively receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet using a particular online file-sharing network. The detective downloaded a video and six photos depicting children being sexually abused from a particular internet protocol (IP) address that traced to an apartment in Jacksonville where Robledo was living.
On April 18, 2017, two FBI agents went to Robledo’s apartment to interview him. During the interview, Robledo provided consent for the FBI to take custody of his desktop computer and search it. Robledo admitted that he used online file-sharing programs to seek out child sexual abuse material and had done so just two days before. He further stated that he kept these materials locked in a secure program to avoid detection.
A subsequent examination of Robledo’s desktop computer revealed that its internal hard disk drive contained at least 655 photos and two videos depicting prepubescent children engaging in the lewd display of their genitalia or sexual intercourse. Robledo had downloaded this child sexual abuse material during the period from February 19, 2016, through April 16, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville and Miami), with assistance from the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Independence Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute and illegally possessing a firearm.
Sigal Wesley Hughes, Jr., 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 12 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 13, 2023, Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Independence police officers conducted a traffic stop on April 15, 2023, when they saw Hughes driving a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe with a stolen license plate. Hughes returned to turn the vehicle off as commanded so one of the officers deployed stop sticks in front of the rear passenger tire while another officer opened the driver’s door. Once the door opened, Hughes rapidly accelerated, and a pursuit was initiated. The Tahoe eventually traveled off the road into Blue Valley Park and became disabled. Hughes fled on foot and was taken into custody.
During the pursuit, officers saw Hughes discard a black bag from his vehicle that contained a loaded Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun and an ammunition magazine. The bag also contained 17.4 grams of methamphetamine. Officers found drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Hughes told officers he’d been selling methamphetamine for the past three months and using methamphetamine every day.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hughes has four prior felony convictions for tampering, three prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property, three prior felony convictions for driving while suspended/revoked, theft, stealing a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess Michaelsen. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Illinois Man Sentenced in $150,000 Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge in Memphis sentenced Danville, Illinois native Joseph Willis, 44, to more than two years in prison for bank fraud. United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Willis was living in Memphis when he and several co-conspirators executed a scheme to deposit and cash stolen United States Treasury checks. Between April and August 2018, Willis and others deposited or attempted to deposit no fewer than six stolen checks, totaling $150,657.26. The United States Postal Inspection Service began investigating Willis and found his fingerprints on multiple stolen U.S. Treasury checks. Investigators also obtained camera footage from several local banks that showed him depositing the stolen checks.
Willis pled guilty to bank fraud on October 20, 2023. On March 1, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Willis to 25 months in federal prison for his role in the crime to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
Illegal Drug User Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced March 6, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison.
Andrew Mitchell age 36, from Spirit Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 25, 2023, guilty plea to a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Mitchell admitted that on August 8, 2023, he was stopped by law enforcement for riding his bike on the wrong side of the road in Spencer, Iowa. Once stopped, Mitchell was recognized and identified by the stopping officer. However, Mitchell provided a false name. Other officers arrived and attempted to handcuff Mitchell while his proper identity was determined. Mitchell resisted being handcuffed and was placed under arrest. During a search of Mitchell, law enforcement located a suspected THC vape pen, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a scale with methamphetamine residue, and a loaded 9mm firearm with an obliterated serial number strapped to his chest. Mitchell admitted to being a user of controlled substances which prohibited him from possessing firearms.
Mitchell was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mitchell was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, fined $100, and he must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Mitchell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Greenwood and Jack Lammers and investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 23-4060.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Hilo Man with “Life of Crime” Sentenced to 155 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Robert Kinoshita, 59, of Hilo, Hawaii, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor to 155 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kinoshita pleaded guilty on October 27, 2023, and had been detained since his arrest in August 2023. The court ordered Kinoshita’s prison sentence to run consecutive to a State of Hawaii sentence for prior state convictions in 2021 involving unlawful imprisonment of a minor and promoting a dangerous drug.
According to information produced to the court, the federal offense occurred in August 2023, while Kinoshita was on state probation. He was caught by the Hawaii Police Department dealing methamphetamine to a confidential informant from his car in Hilo. A search warrant of his vehicle recovered over 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine as well as more than $6,600 in cash and other drug distribution paraphernalia.
Information regarding the State proceedings produced to the court during the federal proceedings recounted Kinoshita’s May 2020 arrest in his vehicle in Hilo, after he was found with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and an unconscious minor who had no pants and displayed physical indications of sexual assault. At that time, Kinoshita was out on bail for two state felony cases.
In sentencing Kinoshita, Judge Gillmor noted Kinoshita’s State of Hawaii felony and misdemeanor convictions, which include assault, criminal contempt, abuse of a family member, terroristic threatening, theft, driving under the influence and vehicular offenses, receiving proceeds of a felony, and drug crimes. The Court then stated that Kinoshita “has lived a life of crime for forty-one years” and that “protecting the community is an important value.”
“Today, Robert Kinoshita was finally stopped in his tracks and held accountable for decades of drug dealing offenses and crimes that caused significant harm to others,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Justice is best achieved when we collaborate with our state and local partners, as we did in this case and will continue to do every day to protect our community.”
Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter handled the prosecution.Grove City man sentenced to 9 years in prison for firearms, narcotics & fraud crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A large-scale narcotics trafficker was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 108 months in prison for drug and gun crimes and wire fraud.
Dylan D. Polk, 31, of Grove City, was charged federally in October 2022.
Polk, who is also known as “Dunk,” pleaded guilty the evening before his jury trial was scheduled to begin in October 2023.
According to court documents, in October 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at a property associated with Polk. During the search, they discovered more than a kilogram of fentanyl and a bulk amount of cocaine. Investigators also discovered five firearms, including a converted Glock-pistol fully automatic weapon and an AR style rifle.
As a previously convicted felon, Polk was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Additionally, Polk committed fraud related to employment assistance and pandemic relief assistance. He fraudulently collected public employment assistance funds although he was not working. Specifically, Polk reported income from Our Lady of America Farms in 2020; however, records indicate that company was dissolved in 2018. Polk also claimed to be a barber for three years and, in 2020, received more than $12,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance. Polk was incarcerated from 2016 until 2020 and not employed.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General announced the sentence imposed today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Prichard and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case.
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Fort McCoy Man Indicted for Possession of Unregistered Machinegun and SilencersRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Edward Smith (59, Fort McCoy) with possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons—a machinegun and two silencers. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, special agents searched Smith’s Marion County residence on February 15, 2024, pursuant to a federal search warrant. Inside Smith’s bedroom, agents located a Sten machinegun and two silencers. None of the items were registered to Smith in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Stoughton Water Department Employee Arrested for Tampering with Drinking WaterRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Stoughton Water Department employee was arrested today on charges that he tampered with the drinking water supply and made false statements to federal investigators.
Robert J. Bullock, Sr., 58, of Brockton, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on two counts of making false statements and one count of tampering with a water system. Bullock was released on conditions following his initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Bullock is a former employee of the Water Department in Stoughton. It is alleged that, on the evening of Nov. 29, 2022, Bullock went into one of the Water Department’s pumping stations and turned off the pump that introduces chlorine into drinking water. As a result, insufficiently disinfected water was introduced into the drinking water system. It is further alleged that Bullock made false statements when asked by federal investigators about whether he was involved in tampering with the water system.
The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, two years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of tampering with a water system each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five 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; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Stoughton and Brockton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Tolkoff of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Oklahoma Police Officer Convicted of Sexually Assaulting a Woman During a Traffic Stop and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday finding that former Savanna Oklahoma Police Officer (SPD), Jeffrey Scott Smith, 35, sexually assaulted a woman during a traffic stop and obstructed justice by turning off his body-worn camera and dash camera in an effort to avoid recording the assault. This case represents the first sexual assault conviction under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that added enhanced penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct.
“Today the Department of Justice sends an unequivocal warning: we will hold accountable those who abuse their authority by engaging in sexual assault,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “That’s exactly why we advocated so strongly for reauthorization of VAWA two years ago. This may be the first time we have used the new enhanced penalties for civil rights violations involving sexual assault but it will not be the last. We will work tirelessly to seek Justice for survivors of sexual assault.”
“This case is historic because this is the first defendant to be found guilty and subject to the enhanced penalties in the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual assaults perpetrated by police officers are heinous crimes and a disgraceful breach of the public trust in law enforcement. We acknowledge the victim’s courage in coming forward and immediately reporting this abuse, and for her strength as she testified in trial. The Justice Department will hold law enforcement officers accountable when they abuse their authority by engaging in sexual misconduct, and we will seek justice for all victims of these crimes.”
“Law enforcement officers are sworn to protect and serve,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “When an officer uses his position of authority to victimize another, justice demands accountability.”
“It’s impossible to comprehend why the defendant felt entitled to treat an innocent woman this way,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “Instead of ensuring a safe environment for the victim, Smith abused his authority for his own sick gratification. When an officer violates the rights of any citizen, they put the public’s trust in law enforcement at risk. The FBI will not stand for this egregious behavior.”
Evidence presented at trial established that on Nov. 2, 2022, Smith, working his first solo shift for SPD, conducted a traffic stop of the victim, K.H., and her then-boyfriend, J.G. After running their licenses, Smith realized that J.G.’s license had recently expired. He had J.G. and K.H. get out of J.G.’s car to switch who was driving. Smith issued J.G. a speeding ticket, and then began asking personal questions, including how long they had been in their relationship. At this point, while still speaking to J.G. and K.H., Smith manually deactivated his SPD body worn camera (BWC).
Smith then asked K.H. what she did for work. K.H. reluctantly admitted that she danced at a gentlemen’s club. Upon hearing K.H.’s answer, Smith asked to search J.G.’s car. During the search, Smith looked in K.H.’s purse and found a pre-rolled promotional marijuana cigarette from K.H.’s work. Rather than arrest her, or issue her a ticket, Smith walked back to his patrol car and manually deactivated his dashboard camera. Once the defendant had K.H. in his vehicle he sexually assaulted her.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the civil rights count. He also faces 20 years in prison on each of the obstruction of justice counts, one count for deactivating his body-worn camera, and one count for deactivating his dashboard camera. Smith was detained pending sentencing and a sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Oklahoma City FBI Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay Compton and Nicole Paladino for the Eastern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.
Former Nicholas County Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jarrod Steven Bennett, 38, of Mt. Nebo, a former Nicholas County deputy sheriff, pleaded guilty today to production of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 2, 2023, while employed as a deputy with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department, Bennett recorded two videos using his cell phone of a minor female sleeping on a couch. Bennett admitted that he knew the girl to be under the age of 12 when he recorded the videos. In both videos, the girl is face down on the couch with a blanket covering her torso and her bare legs exposed. In the first video, Bennett filmed the girl as he walked toward her and zoomed the camera to focus on her buttocks. Bennett admitted that he continued to walk toward her as he recorded the second video and filmed his exposed penis and him masturbating near the sleeping girl.
Bennett further admitted to saving the videos to his Snapchat account, transmitting them over the internet in the process. Bennett has since been terminated as a deputy.
Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Bennett must also register as a sex offender.
“The defendant exploited a minor child under his care and betrayed her and the community he swore to serve and protect with his deplorable actions,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson.
“This was a terrible crime, and that it was committed by someone we considered a brother-in-arms makes it so much worse,” said Nicholas County Sheriff William F. Nunley. “We will never turn a blind eye to anyone sworn to uphold the law in this great State or Country.”
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the West Virginia State Police-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and the Beckley Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-144.
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Former Navy Civilian Employee and Former Executive Indicted in Bribery Scheme Involving over $100 Million in Government ContractsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 7, 2024
SAN DIEGO – A former civilian employee of San Diego-based Naval Information Warfare Center and a former executive with a South Carolina defense contractor were charged in an indictment unsealed today with participating in a bribery scheme to trade expensive meals, jobs and a ticket to a premiere sporting event for help obtaining more than $100 million in government contracts.
According to the indictment, James Soriano, of Las Vegas, Nevada, worked for the Naval Information Warfare Center, which provided contract administration services for the Navy. From 2006 to 2019, Soriano was an engineer, project leader and certified “Contracting Officer Representative” with technological expertise to help manage Department of Defense contracts. Soriano was supposed to act as liaison between the government and the contractor, including keeping contractor bid, proposal and selection information confidential, and protecting the integrity of the acquisition process by maintaining fairness in the government’s treatment of all bidders.
According to the indictment, Soriano instead used his considerable influence to steer lucrative contracts to Russell Thurston of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, who was an executive vice president of a company vying for defense contracts with locations in Arlington, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The company provided technical and consulting services in the information technology field.
The indictment said Thurston, and others working under him, gave Soriano various things of value including jobs for a family member and friends, free meals at various restaurants, as well as a ticket to the 2018 MLB All Star Game held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. One of the friends who was given a job at Soriano’s request gave Soriano half her salary every month—approximately $2,000 per month—in cash. The indictment indicates the friend was not actually performing the duties for which she was being paid.
In return, Soriano took official action to benefit the company, including allowing Thurston and other employees to draft procurement documents for various contracting efforts, even where the company was competing for the contract against other bidders. As a result of Soriano’s efforts, the company won a task order with a more than $300 million ceiling. Soriano then approved numerous projects on this task order, ultimately causing the government to obligate more than $100 million to the company.
To conceal their activities, Thurston, Soriano, and other employees at the company would intentionally delete document properties on procurement documents drafted by employees. Soriano also failed to disclose the gifts on his yearly required OGE Form 450.
“This indictment reveals callous greed at the cost of taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This office will vigorously investigate and prosecute fraud that threatens public trust in our institutions.”
“The indictment of James Soriano and Russell Thurston should be a deterrent for individuals and companies contemplating or attempting to misuse positions of public trust in order to enrich themselves financially or ensure future lucrative contracts,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent-in-Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. “The alleged actions subvert the integrity of the government’s acquisition process, waste taxpayers’ money, and ultimately degrade the readiness of America’s warfighters.”
“The DoD contracting process ensures our taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately to equip our warfighters with the tools necessary to fight and win in an ever-increasingly complex environment. Attempts to undermine that process ultimately put our warfighters at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This most recent indictment against Mr. Soriano and Mr. Thurston is demonstrative of IRS Criminal Investigation’s relentless commitment to supporting national security through partnering on corruption investigations while continuing to pursue those who intentionally evade paying their fair share in taxes, whether their income is legally or illegally obtained.”
“Using a position of public trust as a means to fraudulently grant access to federal programs for personal gain will not be tolerated,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”
Soriano is also charged with three counts of filing false tax returns as result of failing to declare the cash that he was receiving from his friend as income.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr0341-TWR
James Soriano Age: 63 Las Vegas, NV
Russell Thurston Age: 51 Mt. Pleasant, SC
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bribery - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; $250,000 fine
Bribery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 201
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison; $250,000 fine for an individual or $500,000 for an organization, or three times the monetary equivalent of the thing of value, whichever is greater.
Fraud and False Statement in Tax Return – Title 26, U.S.C., Section 7206(1)
Maximum penalty: Three years in prison; $100,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General
IRS Criminal Investigation
Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you have information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse relating to Department of Defense personnel or operations, please contact the DoD Hotline at 800-424-9098.
Former Chief-Of-Staff to Senator Dean Tran Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former chief of staff to former Massachusetts State Senator Dean Tran was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for filing false and fraudulent tax returns between 2016 and 2020.
Christianne Mylott-Coleman, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 30 days in prison and one year of supervised release, with the first 90 days to be served in home detention. Mylott-Coleman was also ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $269,209. In November 2022, Mylott-Coleman pleaded guilty to five counts of filing a false and fraudulent tax return.
Between 2016 and 2020, Mylott-Coleman earned income from a variety of employers, including companies involved in providing healthcare services, in addition to earning wages working for Senator Tran between 2018 and 2020. When filing her federal income tax returns for tax years 2016 through 2020, Mylott-Coleman failed to report approximately $740,000 in income generated from a home healthcare business she operated. The home health care business provided services like meal preparation and medication management for elderly people in their homes. Employees of the business were typically paid by Mylott-Coleman in cash. As a result of the tax fraud, Mylott-Coleman failed to report and pay to the IRS $269,209 in income taxes.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and John T. Mulcahy of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Chelsea Man Indicted for Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Chelsea man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for misuse of a Social Security number and making false statements in a passport application.
Jose Ezequiel Reyes-Acosta, 48, was indicted for misuse of a Social Security number and making a false statement in an application for a United States passport. Reyes-Acosta will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Reyes-Acosta, a citizen of El Salvador, applied for a United States passport and a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Real ID using the name and other biographical information of another individual.
The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years of in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 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 and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Auditor at Newport Beach Commercial Real Estate Agency Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Prison for $2.7 Million EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A former executive at an Orange County commercial real estate agency was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $2.7 million from his employer by submitting fictitious invoices for services that were never performed or for greatly inflated amounts.
Varun Aggarwal, 42, of Irvine, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney, who also ordered him to pay $2,729,718 in restitution.
Aggarwal pleaded guilty in August 2023 to one count of wire fraud.
From 2008 to January 2022, Aggarwal worked in the internal auditing department of the Newport Beach-based KBS Realty Advisors and rose to the level of the department’s director. Beginning at least as early as January 2012 and continuing until January 2022, Aggarwal used his position at KBS to embezzle his employer’s money.
As a member of the company’s internal auditing group, Aggarwal was familiar with KBS’s policies and procedures for payments to vendors. Aggarwal used his knowledge of KBS’s policies and procedures to have his friends and family serve as approved vendors to do contracting work for KBS.
After several of these companies became approved vendors for KBS, Aggarwal used these approved vendors to submit fraudulent invoices for consulting services that were not performed for the company or were submitted for work at inflated prices. He then funneled the payments on the invoices from KBS to his own bank accounts – through the approved vendors – at times without informing the vendors that the invoices and the payments on the invoices were for his own benefit.
In carrying out this scheme, Aggarwal fraudulently obtained approximately $2,729,718 from KBS that he caused it to pay to the approved vendors that ultimately went to himself.
Aggarwal resigned from KBS in January 2022 after the company began investigating the invoices, according to court documents.
“[Aggarwal] was not driven to commit his crimes by need, desperation, or the inability to legitimately earn a living,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “Despite the advantages defendant enjoyed – including a first-rate education and a well-compensated professional career – [Aggarwal] chose to commit the underlying criminal conduct causing great losses and abusing his position of trust over a lengthy period of time.”
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Brett A. Sagel of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force is prosecuting this case.
Former Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Former Elmore County, Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, pleaded guilty yesterday to depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
According to documents and statements made in court, Hicks willfully used unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked an arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and incapacitated on the ground. The arrestee suffered a broken cheekbone, concussion, and lacerations from Hicks’ assault.
“Communities entrust law enforcement officers with upholding the rule of law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By physically assaulting a defenseless member of the community, Hicks violated both the victim’s fundamental constitutional rights and the community’s trust. The Justice Department will continue to ensure that law enforcement officials who abuse their powers are held accountable.”
“Maintaining law and order in a civil society requires trust in law enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Breaching that trust has consequences. Civil rights violations, such as this one, makes the job of every law enforcement officer in America more challenging, and more dangerous.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24. Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.
Foreign national sentenced for elaborate cocaine trafficking schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for his role in an elaborate cocaine trafficking scheme.
According to court documents, Gerardo Ignacio Castillo-Lopez, 32, was residing in Tucson, Arizona, in April 2022 when he coordinated the delivery of 22 kilograms of cocaine to his co-conspirator, Dwight Garvey, in Maryland. Castillo-Lopez picked up the cocaine from his sources, packed the drugs into hidden compartments within a 2018 Honda Pilot, and then delivered the Pilot to a vehicle transporter to take the car to Maryland. Once in route, New Mexico State Police stopped the transporter for a traffic infraction and noticed that the Pilot had no license plate. A narcotics canine alerted to the presence of drugs in the Pilot and an inspection revealed the cocaine.
On April 25, 2022, the Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) group replaced the cocaine with “sham” packages and negotiated a delivery with Garvey. Garvey picked up the Pilot in Manassas, Virginia, and drove it to College Park, Maryland. Agents then watched as Garvey removed several packages of sham cocaine, and subsequently arrested him. Less than 24 hours after Garvey’s arrest, Castillo-Lopez fled to Mexico, where he remained as a fugitive for over a year until his arrest in August 2023 when he attempted to cross back into the United States.
On June 2, 2022, Garvey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and on Sept. 22, 2022, Garvey was sentenced to five years in prison. On Nov. 30, 2023, Castillo-Lopez pleaded guilty to the same offense.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Call and Kristin Starr prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-CR-187.
Foley Methamphetamine Dealers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Two Foley men were sentenced to 188 months and 121 months in prison for conspiring to possess and possessing with intent to distribute more than six pounds of methamphetamine ice.
According to court documents, Thomas Lynn Lambeth, 40, and Chad Vernon Wallace, 39, worked together to obtain a shipment of bulk methamphetamine through the U.S. mail. On July 6, 2023, a codefendant, Victor Mauricio Gonzalez-Leon, mailed two packages containing methamphetamine from a post office in Cashion, Arizona. The packages, which purported to be from a car dealership in Phoenix, Arizona, were addressed to Lambeth at an address in Foley. U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted the packages in Mobile and found a total of 3.1 kilograms of 97% pure methamphetamine ice inside them. Forensic latent print examiners identified Gonzalez-Leon’s fingerprints on the outside and inside of the packages. Federal agents arranged a controlled delivery of the packages at the post office in Foley.
On July 10, 2023, Lambeth visited the Foley post office to inquire about the status of the packages. Lambeth also called the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) to say he wanted the packages held for pickup at the Foley post office. On July 12, 2023, Lambeth directed Wallace to go to the post office to pick up the packages for him. Lambeth sent Wallace messages offering Wallace $2,000 and “a pound” to pick up the packages. Lambeth texted USPS tracking numbers and instructions to Wallace, writing, “Anything seem out of place just walk out.” When Wallace went to the Foley post office, he told USPS employees that Lambeth had asked him to pick up the packages for him. As Wallace walked out of the post office with the drug packages, federal agents arrested him. Agents searched Wallace’s cell phone, which contained dozens of messages that Lambeth, Wallace, and others exchanged regarding drug dealing.
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Lambeth, who has a prior felony conviction for drug distribution, to serve 188 months in federal prison. In addition to the 188-month prison term, Judge Moorer ordered Lambeth to serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment. Judge Moorer sentenced Wallace to serve 121 months in prison and a five-year supervised release term upon his release. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Moorer ordered Lambeth and Wallace each to pay $200 in special assessments. Gonzalez-Leon is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Moorer in June 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Avondale, Arizona Police Department provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Five-Time Convicted Felon Indicted on Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Reginald Dugger (42, Orlando) with attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Dugger faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Dugger that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition involved in the offenses.
According to the indictment, on February 29, 2024, Dugger attempted to possess with intent to distribute N,N-Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that Dugger, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony, possessed firearms, namely a Rock Island Armory revolver and a Palmetto State Armory rifle. As a convicted felon Dugger is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
First Guilty Verdict Obtained Under 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act Enhanced PenaltiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday finding that former Savanna Oklahoma Police Officer (SPD), Jeffrey Scott Smith, 35, sexually assaulted a woman during a traffic stop and obstructed justice by turning off his body-worn camera and dash camera in an effort to avoid recording the assault. This case represents the first sexual assault conviction under the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that added enhanced penalties for civil rights offenses involving sexual misconduct.
“Today the Department of Justice sends an unequivocal warning: we will hold accountable those who abuse their authority by engaging in sexual assault,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “That’s exactly why we advocated so strongly for reauthorization of VAWA two years ago. This may be the first time we have used the new enhanced penalties for civil rights violations involving sexual assault but it will not be the last. We will work tirelessly to seek Justice for survivors of sexual assault.”
“This case is historic because this is the first defendant to be found guilty and subject to the enhanced penalties in the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual assaults perpetrated by police officers are heinous crimes and a disgraceful breach of the public trust in law enforcement. We acknowledge the victim’s courage in coming forward and immediately reporting this abuse, and for her strength as she testified in trial. The Justice Department will hold law enforcement officers accountable when they abuse their authority by engaging in sexual misconduct, and we will seek justice for all victims of these crimes.”
“Law enforcement officers are sworn to protect and serve,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “When an officer uses his position of authority to victimize another, justice demands accountability.”
“It’s impossible to comprehend why the defendant felt entitled to treat an innocent woman this way,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “Instead of ensuring a safe environment for the victim, Smith abused his authority for his own sick gratification. When an officer violates the rights of any citizen, they put the public’s trust in law enforcement at risk. The FBI will not stand for this egregious behavior.”
Evidence presented at trial established that on Nov. 2, 2022, Smith, working his first solo shift for SPD, conducted a traffic stop of the victim, K.H., and her then-boyfriend, J.G. After running their licenses, Smith realized that J.G.’s license had recently expired. He had J.G. and K.H. get out of J.G.’s car to switch who was driving. Smith issued J.G. a speeding ticket, and then began asking personal questions, including how long they had been in their relationship. At this point, while still speaking to J.G. and K.H., Smith manually deactivated his SPD body worn camera (BWC).
Smith then asked K.H. what she did for work. K.H. reluctantly admitted that she danced at a gentlemen’s club. Upon hearing K.H.’s answer, Smith asked to search J.G.’s car. During the search, Smith looked in K.H.’s purse and found a pre-rolled promotional marijuana cigarette from K.H.’s work. Rather than arrest her, or issue her a ticket, Smith walked back to his patrol car and manually deactivated his dashboard camera. Once the defendant had K.H. in his vehicle he sexually assaulted her.
Smith faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the civil rights count. He also faces 20 years in prison on each of the obstruction of justice counts, one count for deactivating his body-worn camera, and one count for deactivating his dashboard camera. Smith was detained pending sentencing and a sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Oklahoma City FBI Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay Compton and Nicole Paladino for the Eastern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.
Final defendant sentenced in narcotics case involving 76 kilograms of fentanyl, California-to-Ohio drug operationRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The final of 11 defendants convicted of crimes as part of a national narcotics distribution operation bringing drugs into Central Ohio from California was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today.
The organization was led by Isabel Odir Castellanos, of Los Angeles, and involved the seizure of 76 kilograms of fentanyl, as well as the seizure and forfeiture of seven firearms, vehicles and nearly $650,000 in cash. Castellanos was sentenced in June 2023 to 21 years in prison.
Today, co-defendant Justin M. Berrien, 44, of Springfield, Ohio, was sentenced to 70 months in prison.
The defendants were arrested in June 2022.
According to court documents, Castellanos transported narcotics from Los Angeles to Columbus via semi-truck. Castellanos is a business owner of a transportation company and a semi-truck driver who frequently travels across the United States.
Castellanos delivered the narcotics to a co-defendant’s residence in Columbus, which served as a stash house. Co-conspirators then delivered the drugs to mid-level retail distributors like Berrien. Those mid-level retailers then sold the drugs in Central Ohio, Youngstown, Springfield, and in West Virginia.
Castellanos would then collect the drug proceeds before returning to California.
Many of the individual drug transactions charged involve tens of thousands of dollars. For example, one drug transaction detailed in an affidavit describes a co-defendant transporting 5,000 fentanyl pills to another co-defendant’s home in Columbus in exchange for $36,000.
The other defendants in this case include:
Name
Age
City of residence
Sentence imposed
Susana M. Orellana
41
Columbus
87 months in prison
Martel D. Owens
40
Springfield
72 months in prison
Jermaine A. Peterson
39
Springfield
60 months in prison
Kelvin Battle
49
Springfield
60 months in prison
Carl Jenkins
55
Wadestown, W.Va.
60 months in prison
Dwayne S. Childs
35
Columbus
48 months in prison
James I. Sheets
51
Fairview, W.Va.
30 months in prison
Darrell Peterman Sr.
62
Youngstown
24 months in prison
Linda M. Houle
49
Springfield
Three years supervised release
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the sentence imposed today by Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Springfield Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Hunter is representing the United States in this case.
This investigation was conducted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Federal Jury Convicts Mom, Dad, and Adult Son of Drug Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Philip Beck, 47, Florence Beck, 46, and Joshua Martinez, 27, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, were found guilty by a federal jury for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The guilty verdict, returned after a four-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Trial testimony revealed on January 16, 2023, the DeFuniak Springs Police Department stopped a Ram truck operated by Philip Beck and discovered approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. On March 10, 2023, the U.S. Postal Inspection service intercepted two packages mailed from California to addresses in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs, each containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine. Subsequent investigation revealed that Philip Beck and Joshua Martinez were the intended recipients of the drug parcels and Florence Beck was assisting them.
Sentencing is set for May 30, 2024, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Philip Beck and Florence Beck face minimum mandatory sentences of 10 years in federal prison. Joshua Martinez, due to a prior conviction, faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years. The maximum sentence for each is life in prison.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the DeFuniak Springs Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Jury Convicts Lexington Man of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Money Laundering, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, Rollie Deshawn Lamar, 30, has been convicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Frankfort, of one count of conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, money laundering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution of marijuana.
According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in late 2021, law enforcement began an investigation of Lamar and others. The investigation revealed that an individual working for Lamar traveled to Detroit, once or twice a week, and brought back approximately 50 pounds of high-quality marijuana on each trip. Lamar sold this marijuana, by the pound, in the Lexington area. In March 2022, the Kentucky State Police joined the investigation and made at least one vehicle stop yielding a large quantity of high-quality marijuana.
On April 6, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Lamar’s residence, where law enforcement seized over $1.86 million in drug proceeds, four expensive vehicles that were drug proceeds, several firearms, and approximately $220,00 in jewelry that was drug proceeds. That same day, law enforcement stopped another vehicle, which led to the seizure of approximately $27,000 in additional drug proceeds. Yet another vehicle stop occurred after Lamar had been indicted, which produced an additional seizure of approximately $11,000 in drug proceeds and $10,000 in jewelry purchased with drug proceeds.
The total value of items seized by law enforcement is more than $2 million.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Detroit Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; and Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department, jointly announced the verdict.
The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, KSP, Lexington Police Department, and Frankfort Police Department.
Lamar is scheduled to appear for sentencing on June 24. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced to Additional 18+ Years for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Demetri Goldsmith, 25, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 220 months (18 years, 4 months) in prison for assaulting federal officers at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana (“Pollock”). The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) manages U.S. Penitentiaries around the country, including Pollock. The sentence imposed by Judge Drell was an upward departure from the United States Sentencing Guidelines based on the severity of Goldsmith’s lengthy criminal history.
Goldsmith was convicted by a federal jury in Alexandria, Louisiana, on November 8, 2023, following a trial. Goldsmith was incarcerated at Pollock for brandishing a firearm and shooting a woman in the leg in 2016. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that on April 19, 2019, one of the female corrections officers at Pollock observed Goldsmith standing at his cell door staring at her while performing lewd acts. This was a violation of BOP inmate behavior policy and the female guard called for assistance with Goldsmith. Three other corrections officers responded to Goldsmith’s cell and ordered him to put his hands through the slot in the door in order to place handcuffs on him. Goldsmith refused and the officers opened the cell door to place him in their custody. When they opened the door, however, Goldsmith lunged at them with a prison shank. He stabbed two of the federal officers causing injury. Officers were able to get Goldsmith in handcuffs and he celebrated the attack of the officers by yelling numerous times that he had stabbed them. Goldsmith has a long history of violence and bad behavior while in BOP custody.
“Being a correctional officer is a thankless job and is onerous on every level,” stated U.S. Attorney Brown. “Some of the most dangerous individuals in this nation, prosecuted federally, are housed at USP Pollock. Since Pollock is in our district, this office bears the responsibility of partnering with the Bureau of Prisons to ensure the safety of every employee. This individual violently attacked two officers and failed to take responsibility for his actions. As a result, our trial team convicted him, and we are extremely pleased with the Court’s decision to upward depart since this defendant fails to abide by societal and institutional rules.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Leon H. Whitten and Tennille Gilreath.
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Edina Financial Adviser Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for Stealing $1.6 Million from ClientsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – An Edina financial adviser has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after misappropriating $1.6 million in client investment funds, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Kristi Margaret Berge, 47, was the founder and CEO of Keep Safe Investments, LLC, or “KSI Financial,” a financial planning and investment services firm. Berge also co-owned and operated J&K Connect LLC, a company that invested in real estate through buying, renovating, and re-selling properties. Berge maintained offices for her companies in Edina, Minnesota. Berge is registered as an investment adviser with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and licensed as an investment adviser with the State of Minnesota.
According to court documents, from June 2020 through February 2023, Berge fraudulently misappropriated approximately $1.6 million from some of her clients’ accounts by falsely representing to clients that she would maintain their money in safe and secure investment accounts, such as individual retirement accounts and 401(k) retirement savings plans. Instead, Berge fraudulently misappropriated the money by repeatedly withdrawing client funds in varying amounts between $5,000 and $220,000 and depositing the funds into bank accounts she controlled. Berge then used the clients’ funds to purchase multiple properties in Edina for her real estate business. Berge tried to conceal her fraud by falsely labeling her illicit withdrawals as “management” or “administrative” fees and by creating fabricated records to give the false impression that she had authorization to withdraw clients’ investment funds.
Berge pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Craig Baune are prosecuting the case.
Diego Ibarra Ordered to Remain in Federal Custody at Detention HearingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Venezuelan citizen charged by federal criminal complaint with possessing a fraudulent green card will remain in federal custody as requested by the Government at a detention hearing this morning.
Diego Ibarra, 28, of Venezuela, is charged by criminal complaint with possession of a fraudulent document. If convicted, Ibarra faces a maximum of ten years in prison. U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle ordered Ibarra to be detained pending trial based on evidence of the defendant being a flight risk.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with critical assistance from FBI, GBI, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, University of Georgia Police Department and Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland Drug Trafficker with Lengthy Criminal History Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Further Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on his conviction of conspiring to traffic fentanyl and heroin, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Albert Cummings, 44. Judge Bissoon also ordered Cummings to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to information presented to the Court, in 2020 and 2021, Cummings engaged in interstate fentanyl and heroin trafficking from Ohio to Pennsylvania, despite over 25 prior convictions from separate Ohio prosecutions throughout the last 25 years, including several separate convictions for cocaine trafficking, domestic violence, and gun crimes. He was also on bond in 2020 and 2021 with pending Ohio charges for gun and fraud crimes.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin C. Dobkin and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, Hermitage Police Department, and Farrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cummings.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States After an Aggravated FelonyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Altagracios De La Cruz-Calderon, age 60, who was living in Oneida County, pled guilty yesterday to illegally reentering the United States after previously being convicted of an aggravated felony. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas P. Brophy, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Buffalo, NY announced.
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, De La Cruz-Calderon admitted that he had been convicted of federal drug and gun charges in the 1990s and spent several years in federal prison. After his prison sentence he was deported to the Dominican Republic. De La Cruz-Calderon admitted that, after he was deported, he returned to the United States illegally and was later found in New Hartford, New York.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2024, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. De La Cruz-Calderon faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years, to begin after the imposition of any term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO investigated the case with the help of the United States Marshall Service and the New Hartford Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck.
Bryan County men indicted for bombing Richmond Hill residenceRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Two Bryan County men have been indicted on multiple federal charges for the January 2023 bombing of a Richmond Hill residence.
Stephen Glosser, 37, and Caleb Kinsey, 34, both of Richmond Hill, Ga., are charged with Stalking; Use of an Explosive to Commit Another Felony Offense; Conspiracy to Use an Explosive to Commit a Felony; and Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device. Kinsey also is charged with False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, and Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon.
The conspiracy charge carries a statutory penalty upon conviction of up to 20 years in prison, with an additional 10 years upon conviction for the charge of using an explosive to commit a felony. There is no parole in the federal system.
The indictment in USA v. Glosser et al., returned by the March session of the U.S. District Court Grand Jury, was announced by Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg. It alleges from December 2022 to January 2023, the two men used electronic communications to place Victim 1 under surveillance “with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate,” and used a destructive device during that conduct.
The conspiracy charge describes using cell phones to “create a plan to kill, intimidate, harass, or injure the victim” through methods including shooting arrows into the victim’s front door, acquiring and releasing “a large python into the victim’s home to eat the victim’s daughter,” mailing dog feces or dead rats to the victim’s home, scalping the victim, and blowing up the victim’s home.
The indictment further alleges that Glosser located the victim’s home using internet searches, mapped out a path to the victim’s residence, and then with Kinsey acquired and built an explosive device at Glosser’s home using Tannerite that Kinsey purchased online. The two then “used a destructive device to blow up the victim’s home” on or about Jan. 13, 2023.
Both Glosser and Kinsey are in custody awaiting further court proceedings and are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and its K-9 unit, the Savannah Fire Department, and the Grant Parish (Louisiana) Sheriff’s Office, and Prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner.
Brevard County Man Indicted for Smuggling 25 Migrants from the Bahamas to FloridaRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Andrew Milano (42, Merritt Island) with 25 counts of human smuggling. If convicted, Milano faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each count. The indictment also notifies Milano that the United States intends to forfeit any property traceable to proceeds of the offense and any property or conveyances used to facilitate or commit the offenses.
According to court documents, on February 29, 2024, Milano and a companion traveled from Brevard County to The Bahamas in a 42-foot fishing vessel. During a brief stop in The Bahamas, Milano loaded 25 non-U.S. citizen migrants onto the vessel, returning to Brevard County shortly thereafter. Milano allegedly forced all 25 migrants to lie flat on the deck of the vessel throughout the voyage back to the United States.
That evening, as officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were conducting routine safety inspections in the Intracoastal Waterway/Indian River region, they encountered Milano and boarded his vessel. On board, they discovered the migrants, still lying flat on the deck. Federal and local law enforcement agencies responded, and the U.S. Coast Guard took custody of the migrants to process and repatriate them.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with valuable assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to illegally transport firearms from Alabama into Massachusetts.
Kobe Smith, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to illegally transport firearms. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2024. Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2022 along with co-defendants Jahquel Pringle, Jarmori Brown and Brandon Moore.
Smith, Pringle, Brown and Moore conspired to obtain at least 24 firearms from Alabama, where Moore lived, and then transport them to Boston. Smith would place orders with Moore for firearms. In two separate trips in July and August 2020, Pringle traveled from Boston to Alabama on a commercial bus to pick up the firearms from Moore and then transported the firearms, concealed within luggage, back to Boston. Pringle was joined by Brown for the August trip. At least seven of the firearms have been recovered from the streets of Boston and surrounding communities.
Smith is the fourth and final defendant in this case to plead guilty. In July 2023, Brown was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Pringle and Moore are awaiting sentencing.
The charge of conspiracy to illegally transport firearms 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 and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This case is being prosecuted by the Major Crimes Unit.This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.