Eastern District of California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today the completion of prosecutions of 20 defendants in a series of DMV corruption cases charged in the Eastern District of California. Charges against the defendants included bribery of public officials, identity fraud, unauthorized access of computers, and conspiracies to commit those offenses. The defendants included corrupt DMV employees who took bribes, trucking school owners and affiliates who bribed them, and others who participated in the conspiracies. The criminal activities charged in these cases took place throughout California, including the Central Valley, Los Angeles Basin, and as far north as Eureka.

Defendants helped put unqualified commercial drivers on the nation’s highways operating large commercial vehicles even though those drivers had not passed the necessary written and driving tests. DMV employees accepted bribes to enter fraudulent test scores for applicants who had not even taken the tests or who could not pass them. Various trucking schools in California looked for corrupt DMV employees they could bribe to help failing or unqualified students get their commercial licenses anyway. In total, hundreds of fraudulent commercial driver license permits and licenses were issued as a part of these schemes, jeopardizing public safety.

Every defendant charged in the cases has now been convicted and sentenced, except for one who passed away prior to trial. The convicted defendants and their sentences are:

Defendant’s Name

Case Number

Sentence

Shawana Harris

2:17-cr-210 TLN

60 months

Robert Turchin

2:15-cr-161 WBS

51 months

Mangal Gill

2:15-cr-161 WBS

51 months

Andrew Kimura

2:15-cr-161 WBS

46 months & $7,500 fine

Lisa Terraciano

2:17-cr-187 KJM

40 months & $500 fine

Jagpal Singh, aka “Paul”

2:17-cr-210 TLN

39 months

Donald Freeman

2:17-cr-207 KJM

37 months

David Sun

2:17-cr-223 KJM

37 months

Kari Scattaglia

2:17-cr-187 KJM

32 months & $1,000 fine

Rahim Mahboob

2:17-cr-213 GEB

27 months & $58,500 fine

Damanpreet Singh

2:18-cr-89 GEB

24 months

Emma Klem

2:15-cr-139 GEB

23 months

Aaron Gilliam

2:17-cr-200 KJM

22 months

Kulwinder Dosangh Singh, aka“Sandhu” and “Sodhi”

2:15-cr-146 GEB

19 months

Juan Arturo Arroyo Gomez

2:17-cr-207 KJM

12 months

Pavitar Dosangh Singh

2:15-cr-161 WBS

10 months

Parminder Singh

2:17-cr-210 TLN

Time served with 11 months home confinement

Poya Khanjan

2:17-cr-212 JAM

Time served with 6 months home confinement & $9,500 fine

Ruvila “Ruby” Lima

2:17-cr-212 JAM

Time served & $500 fine

Tajinder Singh

2:17-cr-210 TLN

Time served with 7 months home confinement & $5,500 fine

 

Defendants Terraciano and Sun later had their sentences reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CARES Act.

These cases were the product of an investigation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Internal Affairs; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; and the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne L. Rust and Christopher S. Hales prosecuted the cases.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A construction company owner became the third person to plead guilty for his role in a bid-rigging and bribery scheme involving California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) improvement and repair contracts.

According to a plea agreement filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, Bill R. Miller engaged in a conspiracy, from April 2015 through at least December 2019, to thwart the competitive bidding process for Caltrans contracts on numerous occasions in order to ensure that companies controlled by co-conspirators or himself submitted the winning bid and would be awarded the contract. As part of the conspiracy, Miller recruited others to submit sham bids on Caltrans contracts, including co-conspirator William D. Opp, a former business partner who pleaded guilty in the case on Oct. 3, 2022.

In addition to pleading guilty to bid rigging, Miller also pleaded guilty for paying bribes to Choon Foo “Keith” Yong, the former Caltrans contract manager who managed the contracts involved on behalf of Caltrans, a California state agency that receives significant federal funding. On April 11, 2022, Yong pleaded guilty to his role in the bid-rigging and bribery scheme. According to Yong’s plea agreement, Yong received the bribes in the form of cash payments, wine, furniture and remodeling services on his home. The total value of the payments and benefits Yong received exceeded $800,000.

“This construction company owner is the third person to plead guilty and the highest-level contractor to face justice in the Antitrust Division’s investigation into bribery and bid rigging at Caltrans,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Transportation infrastructure is critical to our nation, so punishing bid-rigging and bribery schemes that target public works remains a top priority for the division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force partners.”

“California has many government projects that obligate taxpayer money, making it important to root out corruption and protect the integrity of the contracting process,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to bribe public officials or who engage in other acts of public corruption that undermine the public’s confidence in the integrity of the government.”

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. For the bid-rigging conspiracy, Miller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross pecuniary loss resulting from the offense. For bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, Miller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary loss resulting from the offense. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. In addition to his guilty plea, Miller has agreed to pay restitution.

Today’s guilty plea is the result of a joint investigation being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, and the FBI’s Sacramento Division as part of the Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee S. Bickley and Antitrust Division Trial Attorneys Christopher Carlberg and Tai Snow Milder are prosecuting the case.

In November 2019, the Department of Justice created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government – federal, state and local. In fall 2020, the Strike Force expanded its footprint with the launch of PCSF: Global, designed to deter, detect, investigate and prosecute collusive schemes that target government spending outside of the United States. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to defense-related spending go to https://www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 24-count indictment today against seven defendants, charging them with drug trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

Cesar Losoya-Castrejon, 46, of Tulare, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, twelve counts of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of using a cellphone in aid of racketeering;

Arturo Farias-Zepeda, 52, of Atwater, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of using a cellphone in aid of racketeering;

Juan Cesar Valencia-Zepeda, 38, of Merced, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine;

Roberto Soria-Cuevas, 62, of Yettem, Tulare County, is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine;

Ricardo Rivas-Arredondo, 31, of Earlimart, Tulare County, is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine;

Jose Adan Chaidez Ojeda, 38, of Earlimart, is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and

Julio Cesar Vargas-Birrueta, 30, of Yettem, is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, between October 2021 and October 2022, Losoya-Castrejon, with the assistance of Farias-Zepeda, Valencia-Zepeda, Soria-Cuevas, Arredondo, and Chaidez Ojeda, distributed over 130 pounds of methamphetamine to a DEA confidential source.

On Oct. 12, 2022, agents uncovered an active methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Ducor, in Tulare County, that allegedly was used to convert liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine for distribution. Large quantities of crystal and liquid methamphetamine were seized in the laboratory. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 500 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and approximately 500 gallons of liquid methamphetamine from the conversion laboratory.

The case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force, and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit (HIDTA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the defendants face a range of maximum sentences, including up to life in prison. All of the defendants also face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Horacio Ortega-Martinez, 35, a Mexican national residing in Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of animals for an animal fighting venture, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in February 2022, Ortega-Martinez communicated frequently with Jorge Calderon-Campos, 41, (charged separately) about illegal cockfighting events, including an event Calderon-Campos attended on February 12 at which 15 roosters fought to win a $5,000 purse. On April 26, 2022, numerous law enforcement agencies served a search warrant at Ortega-Martinez’s residence and discovered approximately 250 roosters, approximately 250 “gaffs” (razor-sharp steel blades that are tied to the birds’ legs), training mitts commonly used for training and fighting roosters, and miscellaneous antibiotics, vitamins, and supplements that are commonly used for breeding and training roosters for fighting.

Ortega-Martinez and Calderon-Campos were arrested on April 26, 2022, along with six other Kern County residents who were also charged with various drug trafficking offenses.

This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Probation Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Ortega-Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Ortega-Martinez faces a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Charges are pending against Calderon-Campos. The charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Ruben Chavez III, 36, of Merced, pleaded guilty today to committing credit card fraud and related identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, from April 2021 through March 2022, Chavez used or attempted to use more than 20 victims’ credit cards to make over $60,000 in fraudulent purchases at retail stores, including home appliances. He also changed the victims’ mailing addresses to his own address and created fake identification cards in their names to help further his fraud.

This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

Chavez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Feb. 10, 2023. Chavez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and fine of up to $250,000 for the credit card fraud, and a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for the identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kyung Min Kong, 55, a citizen and national of South Korea, was sentenced today to seven years and nine months in prison for bank fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between March 2014, and March 2018, Kong participated in a nationwide check kiting “bust out” scheme in order to obtain cash from banks. The scheme’s participants obtained a real Republic of Korea passport that was altered to bear a new photograph and name, which they used to open bank accounts with a small amount of cash. The accounts were dormant until a time the participants believed the bank would allow the account holder to deposit a check and make withdrawals before the check actually cleared. At that time, the participants wrote checks from a different bank account with non-sufficient funds, deposited those checks into the dormant account, and then withdrew cash from the dormant account before the checks cleared. The participants would access funds by purchasing a money order and then deposit the money order into yet another bank account associated with the scheme.

Kong is associated with opening source accounts or draining victim accounts from at least 25 different financial institutions. These bust-outs resulted in an actual loss of $2,574,161 to the banks, and an intended loss of $3,698,465 based on additional, unsuccessful bust-out attempts.

Kong is the first defendant to be sentenced in this case. Co-defendant Jeffrey Kim is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 26, 2023, and co-defendant Jong Eun Lee is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1, 2022. Charges are pending against the remaining co-defendants: Ki Jang, Hee Soung Oh, and Bon Soke Hong, who were all indicted on Oct. 21, 2021. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey B. Hemesath is prosecuting the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Jeffrey Scott Hedges, 51, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison for committing wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme to defraud customers of his classic car business, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between November 2015 and January 2019, Hedges carried out a scheme to defraud through his business, West Coast Chassis LLC. Hedges advertised that his business restored classic cars such as Corvettes. However, instead of providing certain customers the classic cars or car chassis they ordered, and instead of making custom modifications to the vehicle frames other customers shipped to him for repairs, Hedges kept the customers’ payments and failed to provide the promised products. In many instances, Hedges used customers’ funds for his personal expenses and for other unauthorized purposes. The court ordered Hedges to pay $811,694 in restitution to the victims of his fraud scheme.

This case was the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk E. Sherriff prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Esteban Gerardo Ramirez, 32, of San Jose, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between Sept. 13, 2021, and March 8, 2022, Ramirez conspired with his co-defendant, Marsha Garma Phillips, 46, of Fairfield, to distribute methamphetamine in Solano County. Supplied by Ramirez, Phillips sold over 5 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential source. Ramirez and Phillips were arrested in Fremont on March 8, 2022, when they were found in possession of an additional 2 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Fairfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

Ramirez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Johnathan Ward, 44, formerly of Tracy, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Ward conspired to defraud financial institutions using a scheme called “refund fraud.” This scheme exploited the refund process used by merchants to pay back customers for returns, reimbursements, and erroneous charges. The conspirators posed as merchants and executed fraudulent bankcard refunds, such as credit and debit card refunds, causing an unauthorized transfer of money from a merchant bank account to a bankcard account under the conspirators’ control.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Regional Enforcement Allied Computer Tear (REACT) Task Force, which includes investigators from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case.

Ward is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on April 11, 2023. Ward faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

FRESNO, Calif. — Andras Daniel Lee, 33, of Visalia, pleaded guilty today to failure to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in March 2017, Lee was convicted in Tulare County of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Shortly after his release from prison, Lee moved to Liberal, Kansas. In March 2018, Lee moved back to California and intentionally did not register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) as was required as a result of his prior conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

On Feb. 20, 2020, Lee committed a lewd act upon a child in Tulare County while in a failure to register status. On Dec. 20, 2021, Lee was convicted of two counts of committing a lewd act upon a child.

The case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.

Lee is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 6, 2023. Lee faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kulvir Singh Cheema, 61, of Ripon, was sentenced today to 14 months in prison, a $4,000 fine, and was ordered to pay $259,031 in restitution for filing a false bankruptcy declaration, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Cheema lied about various material facts in a declaration and other documents in a bankruptcy proceeding, which he initiated in 2011. Cheema’s numerous lies in the bankruptcy proceeding—all made under penalty of perjury—created the false impression that he was bankrupt with no assets and deceived his creditors, the bankruptcy trustee, and the bankruptcy judge. Cheema’s lies were extensive. He lied about his business, income, employment, and assets. For example, before filing for bankruptcy, Cheema transferred his business to a new company purportedly run by his ex-wife and concealed his association with the new company. Cheema also falsely claimed he lost his residence in foreclosure when, in fact, he sold it to a close friend in a short sale while continuing to reside there. Through his lies, Cheema successfully discharged over $2 million in debt while managing to conceal $259,031 in assets from his creditors and electing to pay a close friend for a personal loan.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong prosecuted the case.

Cheema has been ordered to report on Jan. 10, 2023, to begin serving his sentence.

FRESNO, Calif. — Jerrid Kunkel, 27, of Modesto, pleaded guilty today to receipt and distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between April 2014 and December 2017, Kunkel received and distributed images and videos of child pornography over the internet on his cellphone.

This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian W. Enos is prosecuting the case.

Kunkel is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 21, 2023. Kunkel faces a minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Mike Marty Hernandez, 26, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on May 23, 2022, Hernandez was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm equipped with a large capacity magazine. Because of his criminal record, including a 2019 conviction for threatening a public official, Hernandez may not lawfully possess firearms or ammunition.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department’s Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting the case.

Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 6, 2023. Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Following an 18-month investigation targeting local criminal street gangs in Bakersfield, 12 defendants have been charged federally and another 17 defendants were arrested on state charges. The charges include drug trafficking, conspiracy, and firearms offenses.

Seized in the operation were 13 firearms, over 15,000 suspected fentanyl pills, approximately 990 grams of fentanyl, approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 7 pounds of heroin, approximately 112 pounds of marijuana , and over $60,000 in U.S. currency.

“Today’s announcement is the result of a coordinated federal, state, and local law enforcement action, and I commend all of our partners for their hard work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “It is precisely this kind of coordinated effort that allows us to most effectively protect our communities and hold gang members accountable for their crimes.”

“The continued support of the US Attorney’s Office and our federal partners is a key element in truly impacting violent and deadly criminal activity in our community,” said Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry. “We will continue these collaborative investigations to hold those who victimize our community accountable.”

“The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the cooperation we have with all the law enforcement agencies in the County of Kern,” said Sheriff Donny Youngblood, “These outstanding relationships allow us to work together on the mission of taking illegal drugs off the streets to make it a safer place for all the residents and visitors of our great county.”

“The success of yesterday’s operation represents another important stride in our ongoing effort to combat gang-related crime in the Central Valley and all of Northern California and also highlights the importance of law enforcement partnerships across the spectrum,” said HSI San Francisco/NorCal Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “I’m proud of our agents’ exhaustive investigative work in bringing these subjects to justice. HSI will continue to work closely with Bakersfield PD and all of our other local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle these dangerous criminal enterprises and hold their members accountable for their flagrant disregard for the law.”

Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said, “Congratulations to all our law enforcement partners on their efforts in this operation which will certainly disrupt criminal street gangs and their distribution of narcotics.”

The federal defendants charged include:

William Arthur Poush, 43, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Rosa Fernandez, 43, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Timothy Robert Hingston, 39, of N. Hollywood, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Spencer Matthew Hopper, 35, of Montrose, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Dale Vincent Perez, 39, of Bakersfield, charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance;

Dale Wesley Hubbard, 49, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Darlene Crystal Viera, 40, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Manuel Yanes, 25, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Jorge Luis Yanes, 28, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance;

Luis Mauricio Castenon, 33, of Bakersfield, charged with distribution of a controlled substance; and

David Garcia, 35, of Bakersfield, charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm.

Bryan Steven Reyes, 28, of Bakersfield , charged with distribution of a controlled substance.

These cases are the product of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Probation Department, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Massey is prosecuting the cases.

If convicted, the defendants face various maximum sentences between 10 years and life in prison and $250,000 to $10 million in fines. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Shawana Denise Harris, 52, of Phelan, was sentenced today to five years in prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit bribery, to commit unauthorized access of a computer, and to commit identity fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Harris was a long-time DMV employee who had the ability to update test scores for commercial driver’s license applicants in California. Using her position as a public employee at the DMV, Harris accepted bribes in exchange for fraudulently updating test scores for people pursuing commercial driver’s licenses. For at least 185 commercial license applicants, Harris used her access to DMV computers to enter fraudulent test scores indicating the applicants had passed written and/or behind the wheel commercial drive tests, when in reality the applicants had not passed those tests. Harris and a co-conspirator were typically paid at least $1,500 per applicant for fraudulently updating test scores, resulting in approximately $277,500 worth of corrupt bribes.

This case was the product of an investigation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Internal Affairs; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; and the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne L. Rust and Christopher S. Hales prosecuted the case.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners from across the United States executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown today of leaders and associates of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of dollars.

Arrests, searches, and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. In total, 21 individuals in five states have been arrested and/or charged for their roles in the conspiracy.

The 21 defendants are charged in two separate indictments that were unsealed today in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Oklahoma following extensive law enforcement arrest and search operations. In addition to the indictments, over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement seized millions of dollars in assets, including homes, bank accounts, cash, and luxury vehicles.

“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nation-wide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”

“This national network of criminals hurt victims across the country,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “They made hundreds of millions of dollars in the process—on the backs of thousands of innocent car owners. Today’s charges showcase how the FBI and its partners act together to stop crimes that hurt all too many Americans.”

“With California’s higher emission standards, our community has become a hot bed for catalytic converter theft,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Last year approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reportedly stolen in California each month, and California accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide. I am proud to announce that we have indicted nine people who are at the core of catalytic theft in our community and nationwide.”

“In Tulsa alone, more than 2,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the past year,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Organized criminal activity, including the large-scale theft of catalytic converters, is costly to victims and too often places citizens and law enforcement in danger. The collective work conducted by federal prosecutors and more than 10 different law enforcement agencies led to the filing of charges in the Northern District of Oklahoma against 13 defendants operating an alleged catalytic converter theft operation.”

“The success of this national takedown highlights the importance and necessity of dynamic law enforcement partnerships that we foster at DHS every single day,” said Deputy Secretary John K. Tien of the Department of Homeland Security. “This calculated, cooperative whole-of-government approach across multiple states illustrates our commitment to protecting the homeland from those who seek to profit from sophisticated schemes. Homeland Security Investigations [HSI] will continue to focus its efforts on keeping these types of criminal elements off our streets while dismantling the groups behind these and other thefts.”

“Just like the precious metal inside every catalytic converter, there’s a money trail at the core of every criminal scheme,” said Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Our IRS-CI special agents and partners are incredibly well-versed at unraveling financial trails, and this case is not unique. There are real victims here – friends, neighbors, and businesses – and our hope is that today’s arrests will deter similar criminal activity.” 

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are a component of an automotive vehicle’s exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle's internal combustion engine into safe emissions. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center, or “core,” and are regularly targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals, especially the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years. The black-market price for catalytic converters can be above $1,000 each, depending on the type of vehicle and what state it is from. They can be stolen in less than a minute. Additionally, catalytic converters often lack unique serial numbers, VIN information, or other distinctive identification features, making them difficult to trace to their lawful owner. Thus, the theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly popular because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings.

Eastern District of California Case

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of California returned a 40‑count indictment charging nine defendants with conspiracy to transport stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.

According to court documents, Tou Sue Vang, 31, and Andrew Vang, 27, and Monica Moua, 51, all of Sacramento, California, allegedly operated an unlicensed business from their personal residence in Sacramento where they bought stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and shipped them to DG Auto Parts LLC (DG Auto) in New Jersey for processing. The defendants allegedly sold over $38 million in stolen catalytic converters to DG Auto.

Defendants Navin Khanna, aka Lovin Khanna, 39; Tinu Khanna, aka Gagan Khanna, 35; Daniel Dolan, 44; Chi Mo, aka David Mo, 37; Wright Louis Mosley, 50; and Ishu Lakra, 24, all of New Jersey, operated DG Auto in multiple locations in New Jersey. They knowingly purchased stolen catalytic converters and, through a “de-canning” process, extracted the precious metal powders from the catalytic core. DG Auto sold the precious metal powders it processed from California and elsewhere to a metal refinery for over $545 million.

“This national takedown exemplifies the complexities of organized criminal operations and stresses the importance of law enforcement collaboration to identify and disrupt all facets of a criminal enterprise,” explained Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “This case demonstrates how investigations often evolve to expose the higher level organizations that fuel street-level crime.  While catalytic converter thefts are a significant and pervasive challenge for local law enforcement agencies, these street-level crimes often benefit larger criminal networks.  Organized crime must be addressed comprehensively and collaboratively to disrupt these networks and reduce crime in our communities.  We are grateful for the commitment and partnership of our local, state, and federal law enforcement colleagues who worked tirelessly to ensure this criminal enterprise was effectively disrupted.”

Northern District of Oklahoma Case

A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma returned a 40‑count indictment charging 13 defendants with conspiracy to receive stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.

According to court documents, together the defendants bought stolen catalytic converters from thieves on the street, then re-sold and shipped them to DG Auto in New Jersey for processing. Over the course of the conspiracy, defendant Tyler James Curtis received over $13 million in wired funds from DG Auto for the shipment of catalytic converters and received over $500,000 from Capital Cores for catalytic converters. Defendant Adam G. Sharkey received over $45 million in wired funds from DG Auto. And defendant Martynas Macerauskas received over $6 million in payments from DG Auto for catalytic converters. In all these incidents, most of the catalytic converters sold to DG Auto were stolen, and DG Auto knew or should have known that when they paid for them. 

The 13 defendants are Navin Khanna, 39, of Holmdel, New Jersey; Adam Sharkey, 26, of West Islip, New York; Robert Gary Sharkey, 57, of Babylon, New York; Tyler James Curtis, 26, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Benjamin Robert Mansour, 24, of Bixby, Oklahoma; Reiss Nicole Biby, 24, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Martynas Macerauskas, 28, of Leila Lake, Texas; Kristina McKay Macerauskas, 21, of Leila Lake, Texas; Parker Star Weavel, 25, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Shane Allen Minnick, 26, of Haskell, Oklahoma; Ryan David LaRue 29, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Brian Pate Thomas, 25, of Choteau, Oklahoma; and Michael Anthony Rhoden, 26, of Keifer, Oklahoma.

Trial Attorney Danbee C. Kim of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the cases.

The FBI Sacramento, IRS-CI Sacramento, HSI Tulsa, and IRS-CI Tulsa are investigating the cases.

FBI Las Vegas (NV), FBI Richmond (VA), FBI Charlotte (NC), FBI Newark (NJ), FBI Dallas (TX), HSI Dallas (TX), HSI Houston (TX), HSI Amarillo (TX), HSI St. Paul (MN), HSI Long Island (NY), HSI Newark (NJ), IRS-CI Chicago Field Office (IL), IRS-CI Oakland Field Office (CA), IRS-CI Dallas Field Office (TX), IRS-CI Newark Field Office (NJ), Tulsa Police Department (OK), Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OK), Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office (OK), Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Houston Police Department (TX), Amarillo Police Department (TX), Broken Arrow Police Department (OK), Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department (CA), Sacramento Police Department (CA), Davis Police Department (CA), Auburn Police Department (CA), Livermore Police Department (CA), San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (CA), Customs and Border Protection (NJ), Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey (NY; NJ), Hudson County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Morris Township Police Department (NJ), Springfield Police Department (NJ), New Jersey State Police (NJ), Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Port Authority of NY & NJ (NY; NJ), Howell Police Department (NJ), Warren Township Police Department (NJ), Freehold Borough Police Department (NJ), Middletown Police Department (NJ), Marlboro Police Department (NJ), Manalapan Police Department (NJ), Ocean County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Burlington Police Department (NJ), Willingboro Police Department (NJ), Waterfront Commission of NY Harbor (NY), Nassau County Police Department (NY), Suffolk County Police Department (NY), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (NV), Greensville County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Emporia Police Department (VA), Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (NC), Saint Paul Police Department (MN), Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau (MN), Blaine Police Department (MN), McLeod County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Carver County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Roseville Police Department (MN), Plymouth Police Department (MN), Bloomington Police Department (MN), Eagan Police Department (MN), Woodbury Police Department (MN), Brown County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Brooklyn Park Police Department (MN), Fridley Police Department (MN), Mendota Heights Police Department (MN), Chaska Police Department (MN), and Coon Rapids Police Department (MN) provided assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners from across the United States executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown today of leaders and associates of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of dollars.

Arrests, searches, and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. In total, 21 individuals in five states have been arrested and/or charged for their roles in the conspiracy.

The 21 defendants are charged in two separate indictments that were unsealed today in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Oklahoma following extensive law enforcement arrest and search operations. In addition to the indictments, over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement seized millions of dollars in assets, including homes, bank accounts, cash, and luxury vehicles.

“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nation-wide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”

“This national network of criminals hurt victims across the country,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “They made hundreds of millions of dollars in the process—on the backs of thousands of innocent car owners. Today’s charges showcase how the FBI and its partners act together to stop crimes that hurt all too many Americans.”

“With California’s higher emission standards, our community has become a hot bed for catalytic converter theft,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Last year approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reportedly stolen in California each month, and California accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide. I am proud to announce that we have indicted nine people who are at the core of catalytic theft in our community and nationwide.”

“In Tulsa alone, more than 2,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the past year,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Organized criminal activity, including the large-scale theft of catalytic converters, is costly to victims and too often places citizens and law enforcement in danger. The collective work conducted by federal prosecutors and more than 10 different law enforcement agencies led to the filing of charges in the Northern District of Oklahoma against 13 defendants operating an alleged catalytic converter theft operation.”

“The success of this national takedown highlights the importance and necessity of dynamic law enforcement partnerships that we foster at DHS every single day," said Deputy Secretary John K. Tien of the Department of Homeland Security. “This calculated, cooperative whole-of-government approach across multiple states illustrates our commitment to protecting the homeland from those who seek to profit from sophisticated schemes. Homeland Security Investigations [HSI] will continue to focus its efforts on keeping these types of criminal elements off our streets while dismantling the groups behind these and other thefts.”

“Just like the precious metal inside every catalytic converter, there’s a money trail at the core of every criminal scheme,” said Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Our IRS-CI special agents and partners are incredibly well-versed at unraveling financial trails, and this case is not unique. There are real victims here – friends, neighbors, and businesses – and our hope is that today’s arrests will deter similar criminal activity.” 

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are a component of an automotive vehicle's exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle's internal combustion engine into safe emissions. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center, or “core”, and are regularly targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals, especially the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years. The black-market price for catalytic converters can be above $1,000 each, depending on the type of vehicle and what state it is from. They can be stolen in less than a minute. Additionally, catalytic converters often lack unique serial numbers, VIN information, or other distinctive identification features, making them difficult to trace to their lawful owner. Thus, the theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly popular because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings.

Eastern District of California Case

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of California returned a 40‑count indictment charging nine defendants with conspiracy to transport stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.

According to court documents, brothers Tou Sue Vang, 31, and Andrew Vang, 27, and Monica Moua, 51, all of Sacramento, California, allegedly operated an unlicensed business from their personal residence in Sacramento where they bought stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and shipped them to DG Auto Parts LLC (DG Auto) in New Jersey for processing. The Vang family allegedly sold over $38 million in stolen catalytic converters to DG Auto.

Defendants Navin Khanna, aka Lovin Khanna, 39; Tinu Khanna, aka Gagan Khanna, 35; Daniel Dolan, 44; Chi Mo, aka David Mo, 37; Wright Louis Mosley, 50; and Ishu Lakra, 24, all of New Jersey, operated DG Auto in multiple locations in New Jersey. They knowingly purchased stolen catalytic converters and, through a “de-canning” process, extracted the precious metal powders from the catalytic core. DG Auto sold the precious metal powders it processed from California and elsewhere to a metal refinery for over $545 million.

Northern District of Oklahoma Case

A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma returned a 40‑count indictment charging 13 defendants with conspiracy to receive stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.

According to court documents, together the defendants bought stolen catalytic converters from thieves on the street, then re-sold and shipped them to DG Auto in New Jersey for processing. Over the course of the conspiracy, defendant Tyler James Curtis received over $13 million in wired funds from DG Auto for the shipment of catalytic converters and received over $500,000 from Capital Cores for catalytic converters. Defendant Adam G. Sharkey received over $45 million in wired funds from DG Auto. And defendant Martynas Macerauskas received over $6 million in payments from DG Auto for catalytic converters. In all these incidents, most of the catalytic converters sold to DG Auto were stolen, and DG Auto knew or should have known that when they paid for them. 

The 13 defendants are Navin Khanna, 39, of Holmdel, New Jersey; Adam Sharkey, 26, of West Islip, New York; Robert Gary Sharkey, 57, of Babylon, New York; Tyler James Curtis, 26, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Benjamin Robert Mansour, 24, of Bixby, Oklahoma; Reiss Nicole Biby, 24, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Martynas Macerauskas, 28, of Leila Lake, Texas; Kristina McKay Macerauskas, 21, of Leila Lake, Texas; Parker Star Weavel, 25, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Shane Allen Minnick, 26, of Haskell, Oklahoma; Ryan David LaRue 29, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Brian Pate Thomas, 25, of Choteau, Oklahoma; and Michael Anthony Rhoden, 26, of Keifer, Oklahoma.

Trial Attorney Danbee C. Kim of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the cases.

The FBI Sacramento, IRS-CI Sacramento, HSI Tulsa, and IRS-CI Tulsa are investigating the cases.

FBI Las Vegas (NV), FBI Richmond (VA), FBI Charlotte (NC), FBI Newark (NJ), FBI Dallas (TX), HSI Dallas (TX), HSI Houston (TX), HSI Amarillo (TX), HSI St. Paul (MN), HSI Long Island (NY), HSI Newark (NJ), IRS-CI Chicago Field Office (IL), IRS-CI Oakland Field Office (CA), IRS-CI Dallas Field Office (TX), IRS-CI Newark Field Office (NJ), Tulsa Police Department (OK), Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OK), Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office (OK), Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Houston Police Department (TX), Amarillo Police Department (TX), Broken Arrow Police Department (OK), Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department (CA), Sacramento Police Department (CA), Davis Police Department (CA), Auburn Police Department (CA), Livermore Police Department (CA), San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department (CA), Customs and Border Protection (NJ), Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey (NY; NJ), Hudson County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Morris Township Police Department (NJ), Springfield Police Department (NJ), New Jersey State Police (NJ), Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Port Authority of NY & NJ (NY; NJ), Howell Police Department (NJ), Warren Township Police Department (NJ), Freehold Borough Police Department (NJ), Middletown Police Department (NJ), Marlboro Police Department (NJ), Manalapan Police Department (NJ), Ocean County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Burlington Police Department (NJ), Willingboro Police Department (NJ), Waterfront Commission of NY Harbor (NY), Nassau County Police Department (NY), Suffolk County Police Department (NY), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (NV), Greensville County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Emporia Police Department (VA), Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (NC), Saint Paul Police Department (MN), Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau (MN), Blaine Police Department (MN), McLeod County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Carver County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Roseville Police Department (MN), Plymouth Police Department (MN), Bloomington Police Department (MN), Eagan Police Department (MN), Woodbury Police Department (MN), Brown County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Brooklyn Park Police Department (MN), Fridley Police Department (MN), Mendota Heights Police Department (MN), Chaska Police Department (MN), and Coon Rapids Police Department (MN) provided assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Kevin Lester Wise, 68, of Rancho Cordova, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, a federal search warrant of Wise’s residence resulted in the discovery of a Ruger .22 caliber rifle and a silencer. Wise had previously attempted to unlawfully import another silencer from China. In 1990, Wise was convicted in Sacramento County for unlawful assault by an officer while he was serving as a deputy sheriff. In 2013, Wise was previously convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of California for a being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Wise is prohibited from owning firearms, including silencers.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

Wise is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2023, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Wise faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Malek Williams, 29, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to unlawful dealing in firearms without a license, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

On March 24, 2022, Williams was indicted with four other co-conspirators in a firearms trafficking scheme where firearms were acquired in Georgia and shipped to California to sell on the black market. Also charged in the conspiracy are Jerrell Lawson, 32, of Sacramento; Aisha Hoggatt, 30, of Sacramento; Terrence Phillips, 40, of Union City; and James Gordley, 33, of Modesto.

According to court documents, between November 2019 and October 2021, Williams participated in a conspiracy that brought more than 500 firearms from Georgia into California. Lawson would broker firearms transactions in Georgia over the internet, and Williams, a Georgia resident with a license to carry a concealed firearm, would pick up firearms in person and mail the firearms to various locations in California at Lawson’s direction. Some of the firearms went to individuals that are prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. Hoggatt worked with Lawson to coordinate the purchase, mailing, and distribution of the firearms. Phillips and Gordley also distributed the firearms in California.

The investigation began when a firearm used in a shooting in Sacramento was traced to the last known sale by a federally licensed dealer in Georgia. A subsequent sale of the firearm led to Lawson’s organization. Lawson and his co-conspirators used coded language to traffic firearms and moved money using a variety of financial institutions. During the investigation, interdicted packages destined for Lawson and other co-conspirators were found to contain firearms, ammunition, knives, and brass knuckles, among other things.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force Initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Klein and Justin Lee are prosecuting the case.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 31, 2023. Williams faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison for unlawful dealing in firearms.

Charges are pending against the remaining defendants. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force is one of five cross-jurisdictional strike forces launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in July 2021 to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country.  Each strike force is led by designated United States Attorneys, who collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate.  The strike forces use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes, and are an important part of the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeffrey James Bray, 37, of Stockton, was sentenced today to nine years and two months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Bray sold eight firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition to an undercover agent or confidential source in 2019. During the investigation, Bray was arrested on unrelated state charges. While in custody on those state charges, Bray used jail phone calls and directed others to continue his illicit firearms business. Bray cannot lawfully buy or possess firearms or ammunition himself because he has sustained numerous felony convictions, including evading a police officer, vehicle theft, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and twice for second degree burglary.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Yuba City Police Department, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Isaiah Garcia, 20, of Fresno, was sentenced today to five years in prison for conspiring to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between October and December of 2020, Isaiah Garcia conspired with his brother, who was incarcerated at the Fresno County Jail, to distribute fentanyl pills. The two used the jail’s telephones to discuss the plan. Investigators uncovered the plan and in December 2020, obtained a federal warrant to search Isaiah Garcia’s residence. In his bedroom, officers found over 1,000 fentanyl pills. Isaiah Garcia pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2022. On Oct. 11, 2022, Isaiah Garcia’s brother, Mario Garcia, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison.

The case was the result of an investigation by FORT (a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department) and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.

FRESNO, Calif. — William James Farber, 43, of Los Angeles, was sentenced Thursday to four years and nine months in prison for a conspiracy to distribute narcotics, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Farber and his co-conspirators, operating under the name PureFireMeds, sold narcotics including marijuana, cocaine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, psilocybin, MDMA (Ecstasy), LSD, and ketamine on dark web marketplaces, including Silk Road. After Silk Road was shut down by law enforcement in October 2013, Farber and his co‑conspirators began selling on the AlphaBay dark web marketplace under the name HumboldtFarms. It became one of the largest vendors on AlphaBay, completing tens of thousands of orders for marijuana on the site to customers throughout the United States.

This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department with assistance from the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Ross Pearson prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

FRESNO, Calif. — Darien Williams, 24, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 26, 2021, in Fresno, law enforcement officers tried to stop a car in which Williams was a passenger. The driver failed to yield, sped away, and crashed into another car. After the crash, Williams fled on foot. While fleeing, he discarded a loaded handgun that officers found after they caught and arrested Williams. Williams is prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior felony record.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Charles Porter, 32, formerly of Pomona, was sentenced today to 12 years and four months in prison for attempted aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, assault with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse, assault with intent to commit abusive sexual contact, and assault by striking or wounding, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to evidence presented at trial, on April 14, 2020, in Yosemite National Park, Porter, an Aramark employee working and residing in Yosemite Valley, entered the victim’s cabin in employee housing at night while the victim was asleep and began to sexually assault the victim, biting and punching him during the attack. The victim fought back, and during the struggle, Porter attempted to penetrate the victim. The victim was able to reach the door of his one-room cabin to call for help. Nearby neighbors heard his call for help, and they responded and physically removed Porter. On April 6, 2022, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Porter guilty of all charges.

This case was the product of an investigation by National Park Service Special Agents and Law Enforcement Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Khasigian will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of California in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the November 8 general election. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, DC.

In addition, Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott will serve as the National Security Cyber Specialist (NSCS) and is tasked with preparing for and responding to digital election threats.

Counties in the Eastern District are: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.

U.S. Attorney Talbert said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 8, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, DEO Khasigian will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at: (916) 554-2700 and (916) 554-2723.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI can be reached by the public in the Eastern District of California at (916) 746-7000 or at tips.fbi.gov.

Individuals with complaints related to possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can call the Justice Department’s toll-free telephone line at: 800-253-3931, and also can submit complaints through a link on the department’s website at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

FRESNO, Calif. — An eight-count indictment, returned on Oct. 20, 2022, has been unsealed, charging Fresno residents Jeffrey Michalk, 43; Steve Gomez, 40; and Michael Dugan, 48, with conspiracy, theft of public money and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, from June 2020 through at least January 2022, the defendants worked together to cash counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks throughout the Central Valley. These checks were cashed at various locations and were often written to appear to be in the names of other individuals. The defendants combined to cash or cause to be cashed at least 295 counterfeit Treasury Checks worth over $500,000 during this window.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandre Dempsey is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge, a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the theft of money charge, and a mandatory minimum consecutive two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Jason Michael Carlsen, 49, of Sacramento, charging him with possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in July 2022, Carlsen was found to be in possession of child pornography. At the time he possessed these images, Carlsen was on federal supervised release for a prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography.

If convicted, Carlsen faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

FRESNO, Calif. — On Oct. 20, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Sohail Mamdani, 46, of Los Banos, with mail fraud and money laundering in connection to a disability insurance fraud scheme, and unlawful use of a DEA registration number and fraudulently obtaining possession of a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) runs a Disability Insurance program that offers worker-funded benefits to people who meet certain requirements and have had those requirements verified by their physician or medical practitioner. Mamdani was a medical doctor operating a clinic called Walk-In Medical Clinic in Los Banos.

According to court documents, between February 2020 and March 2022, Mamdani submitted over 6,000 initial claims to EDD for disability insurance payments despite having never seen or treated the majority of the claimants. As part of the fraud, Mamdani would charge the purported patient a fee for both the initial disability claim and any supplemental claims. In addition, in order to avoid federal reporting requirements, Mamdani structured financial transactions. The investigation reveals potential intended losses to EDD of up to $99 million dollars with potential actual losses of over $53 million.

Mamdani is separately charged with unlawfully using another doctor’s DEA registration number for the purpose of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances. Additionally, Mamdani wrote a number of fraudulent prescriptions in the names of other individuals in order to obtain controlled substances himself.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the California Employment Development Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Michael Tierney are prosecuting the case.

If convicted of mail fraud, Mamdani faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or up to twice the gross gain or gross loss caused by the fraud. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to twice the value of property involved in the transactions or up to $500,000 if convicted of the money laundering charges. He also faces a maximum statutory penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the drug related charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Michael David Punzal Jr., 40, of Fairfield, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 30, 2022, Punzal was found to be in possession of a firearm. Punzal is prohibited from possessing firearms due to seven prior felony convictions, including a 2014 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the San Francisco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Punzal faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kimberly Acevedo, 52, of West Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between March 2019 and March 2021, Acevedo and co-defendant Philip Rich, 50, of West Sacramento,  perpetrated a mail fraud scheme that involved theft of U.S. mail, identity theft, and unlawful possession of dozens of stolen bank cards. Generally, Acevedo and Rich obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of victims and used that information to apply for new credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks, and other financial instruments to be sent to the victims’ real home addresses. The defendants then submitted change-of-address requests to the U.S. Postal Service at www.usps.com using the victims’ PII. These change-of-address requests rerouted the victims’ mail to defendants’ shared home address, where they would open the mail and use its contents to make fraudulent purchases and cash fraudulent checks.

When federal agents executed a search warrant at defendants’ residence on Oct. 14, 2020, they seized dozens of notebooks filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of identity-theft victim PII. The notebooks were scattered throughout the house, though mainly located in defendants’ shared bedroom. In addition, agents recovered an envelope, labeled “ID Templates,” in the bedroom containing approximately 10-15 fake California driver’s licenses in the names of various victims, but featuring Acevedo and Rich’s photographs and fake authentication features. Agents also recovered the tools required to construct the fake IDs as well as a magstripe device. Further, agents recovered over 50 credit and debit cards in the home as well as approximately 40 checkbooks in victims’ names as well as in the names of Rich and Acevedo. In total, defendants’ scheme caused over $110,000 in actual and intended loss.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Robert J. Artuz are prosecuting the case.

On Oct. 4, 2022, Rich, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. Acevedo is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on March 28, 2023. Acevedo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rudy Tafoya, 54, of West Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on May 3, 2021, law enforcement officers pulled Tafoya over for traffic violations. Officers found Tafoya had a loaded handgun in his left front pants pocket. Tafoya is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has six prior felony convictions, including a 2019 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tafoya was serving a term of supervised release on his prior federal case when he violated supervision by again possessing a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Sacramento Police Department; and the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.

Tafoya is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Jan. 31, 2023. Tafoya faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

FRESNO, Calif. — Desmond Divine, 21, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Nov. 8, 2021, after Divine was approached by law enforcement officers, he fled on a scooter, dropping a loaded handgun. At the time, Divine was on parole and had prior felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Reginald Lamont Thomas, 47, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison and ordered to pay $132,685 in restitution for nine counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between April 2018 and September 2019, Thomas used a victim’s personally identifiable information (PII) to take over the victim’s checking and savings account at Wells Fargo. Thomas convinced Wells Fargo bank representatives to change the address information on the victim’s accounts to an address associated with Thomas and to ship a new debit card to Thomas at the new address. Thomas then used the debit card to make various unauthorized transactions, including buying a used car at a dealership in Solano County and paying for a subscription to the dating service Plenty of Fish. Thomas incurred approximately $112,874 in debit card charges and an additional $20,000 loss by making other payments from the victim’s Wells Fargo bank accounts and applying for and using a Costco Citibank credit card in the victim’s name. These amounts are reflected in the restitution order.

All of the conduct in this case occurred while Thomas was on a term of federal supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise N. Yasinow and Roger Yang prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Omar Alberto Navarro, 40, of Arvin, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, between Sept. 1, 2020, and March 26, 2021, Navarro conspired with others to acquire methamphetamine and fentanyl in Mexico, transport it to the Eastern District of California, unload the narcotics, store, sell and distribute the narcotics to others. In November 2020, Navarro, while in Mexico, coordinated the loading of a vehicle with approximately 132 pounds of pure methamphetamine that he had obtained from a Mexican-based supplier. On another occasion in December 2020, Navarro arranged for a vehicle to be loaded with 41 pounds of methamphetamine in the gas tank and then driven across the border. On both occasions law enforcement stopped the vehicles and seized the methamphetamine.

This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bakersfield Police Department, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Shafter Police Department, the Kern County Probation Department, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.

Navarro is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba on Feb. 6, 2023. Navarro faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mateo Gomez Gonzalez, 29, of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to unlawful transportation of noncitizens without status in the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2022, a concerned resident of Sacramento called law enforcement to report that his relative and a friend were being held over a payment dispute in a human smuggling operation with the human smuggler (also known as a “coyote”).  The reporting party conveyed that the driver of a vehicle involved in the transport of Mexican citizens to the United States was threatening to drop the relative and family friend at an unknown stash house rather than to the awaiting family members if additional payment was not made. Acting on the tip, law enforcement met the vehicle at a gas station, discovered four passengers in the vehicle who did not have lawful status in the United States, and arrested the driver, Gomez.

This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey B. Hemesath and Denise Yasinow are prosecuting the case.

Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Gomez faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison per individual smuggled. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lewis Clarence McCutcheon, 51, of Vallejo, was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 20, to nine years in prison for possessing crack cocaine for distribution, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on June 15, 2017, officers executed a search warrant at McCutcheon’s home in Vallejo and seized over 1.83 kilograms of powder cocaine and 1.56 kilograms of crack cocaine packaged for sale, as well as two digital scales and packaging materials.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Berkeley Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau with assistance from the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

FRESNO, Calif. – Daniel Peralta 31, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Peralta used the messaging application Skout to engage in sexually explicit chats with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old female. On July 26, 2020, he traveled from Stockton to Fresno to meet the purported minor for sexual activity.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Derick Louangamath, 33, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Nov. 23, 2019, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle that Louangamath was driving and found a Glock 26, along with loaded 10-, 15-, and 33-round magazines. Louangamath has several prior felony convictions — including convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Pennekamp is prosecuting the case.

Louangamath is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Louangamath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Darron Dimitri Ross, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced today to six years in prison and $696,912 in restitution for conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

“Ross and his co-defendants committed a brazen fraud scheme that targeted over 200 people receiving Social Security benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that we will not tolerate exploitation of government benefit programs.”

“Mr. Ross conspired with a former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee and others to use personally identifiable information stolen from SSA records to commit identity theft against beneficiaries to obtain their funds. This was an egregious crime, and his role was unconscionable,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “This sentence holds him accountable for his actions and for restitution to those harmed. We will continue to protect the integrity of SSA programs from those who seek to defraud taxpayers. I thank the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General and the FBI for their valuable assistance in this investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

According to court documents, between November 2015 and October 2018, Ross and co‑defendants Eric Lemoyne Willis, 46, of West Sacramento, and Joshua Bilal George, 39, of San Diego, conspired to commit fraud and steal public money from the Social Security Administration (SSA). During the conspiracy and fraud scheme, Willis worked as an SSA Operations Supervisor in Sacramento and Lodi. George was a federal law enforcement officer with the Federal Protective Service and was responsible for coordinating security at various federal buildings in California including some used by the SSA. Ross resided in Charlotte, North Carolina, and knew George because they were childhood friends.

According to court documents, Willis used his authority as an SSA employee to access the confidential Social Security records of numerous Social Security beneficiaries. These records contained personally identifiable information (PII) including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, account numbers, family information, and benefit payment amounts. Willis would seek out PII for beneficiaries who used direct deposit for payment of large benefits. Under the terms of the defendants’ conspiracy, Willis then transferred this PII to Ross who in turn transferred some of it to George for use in the fraud scheme.

Ross and George’s roles in these crimes included calling numerous SSA field offices across the country and using the stolen PII to impersonate the beneficiaries. Ross also opened at least 44 online bank accounts under fraudulent identities to receive diverted SSA benefit payments. If Ross succeeded in convincing an SSA representative that he was the beneficiary, he would request that the beneficiary’s direct deposit account be changed to one of the conspirators’ fraudulent accounts. The SSA then deposited benefit payments into the fraudulent account. The defendants then withdrew the funds at ATMs and spent additional funds using debit cards associated with the accounts. Ross also transferred much of the stolen proceeds to co‑conspirators for their participation in these crimes. Once the SSA became aware that a particular victim was the target of this fraud, it stopped depositing benefit payments to the fraudulent account.

The SSA has identified more than 200 beneficiaries nationwide who were targeted by these crimes, and it suffered at least $696,912 in losses caused by the defendants’ offenses. The defendants spent the proceeds of their crimes on, among other things, vacation trips and luxury items.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz prosecuted the case.

On July 6, 2022, Willis was sentenced to four years in prison, and on Aug. 22, 2022, George was sentenced to six months in prison to be followed by 12 months of home confinement.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Balbino Sablad, 81, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $3,500 for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in 2019, Sablad flew to the Philippines with the intention of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16. Using Facebook, Sablad had engaged in sexual chats with a person he believed was the intended minor victim and he sent the intended minor victim over $2,000 prior to his travel to the Philippines. Before he arrived, he also discussed with a co-conspirator his plan to sexually abuse the intended minor victim in the Philippines.

“Today’s sentence reflects the disturbing lengths the defendant was willing to go to engage in sexual acts with a child,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Our office is committed to doing everything we can to help ensure that children are protected from future crimes by predators like the defendant.”

“The FBI works very closely with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to investigate perpetrators like Sablad and bring them to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to individuals who exploit our society’s most vulnerable that no matter how far they travel to commit these reprehensible crimes, they are not beyond the reach of law enforcement.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosanne Rust prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Myrna Kawakami, 70, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to making and subscribing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Kawakami ran a tax preparation business in Fairfield called K.I.M. Tax Book Services where she assisted taxpayers in preparing fraudulent federal income tax returns. The returns claimed thousands of dollars in itemized deductions based on ineligible expenses, resulting in fraudulent tax refunds. The total amount lost by the Internal Revenue Service as a result of Kawakami’s fraudulent preparation of 1,035 tax returns between tax years 2012 and 2015 is approximately $1,561,815.

Further, Kawakami also submitted fraudulent tax returns on her own behalf, significantly underreporting the income from her tax business and claiming education credits based on ineligible expenses. By underreporting her income and claiming false education credits on her tax returns for tax years 2013 and 2014, she reduced the amount of tax she owed for 2013 and 2014 by approximately $40,390.

This case is the product of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.

Kawakami is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Feb. 23, 2023. Kawakami faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Alan Alfredo Garcia, 26, of Stockton, was sentenced Monday to three years and five months in prison for possession of unregistered silencers, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on May 31, 2019, law enforcement officers searched Garcia’s residence in Stockton and found two unregistered firearms silencers, parts for making additional silencers, an AR jig for converting AR rifle and pistol lower receivers into completed firearms, six firearms, and various firearms parts. A search of Garcia’s cellphone revealed additional evidence that he was manufacturing and modifying firearms, including to make them fully automatic.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lawrence Guerain Fleming, 38, of Sacramento, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2020, Fleming lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento County. A witness stopped to help Fleming, who asked the witness to conceal a gun without a serial number (sometimes called a “ghost gun”) loaded with eight rounds of ammunition behind a guardrail on the freeway. When officers arrived, the witness told them about the firearm. A warrant was issued for Fleming’s arrest, and on March 17, 2021, Fleming was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Fleming possessed a ghost gun that was loaded with a high-capacity magazine containing 14 rounds.

Fleming cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition because he has a prior federal felony conviction for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier with a firearm.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Highway Patrol, the Fairfield Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alstyn Bennett and Adrian T. Kinsella 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nathaniel Opondo Hubbert, 41, of Grass Valley, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in June 2020, Hubbert conspired with Steven Lawrence Robinson, 36, of Granite Bay, and others, to possess and distribute fentanyl in Placer County. A search of Robinson’s residence on June 2, 2020, resulted in the discovery of over 40 grams of fentanyl involved in this conspiracy. On June 24, 2020, a probation search of two hotel rooms Hubbert had rented, and a subsequent booking search of his person resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, heroin, and additional fentanyl. Robinson and Hubbert were connected to at least one overdose of a victim who had to be given medical treatment after using drugs purchased from Hubbert.

On March 26, 2021, Robinson was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lincoln Police Department, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Roseville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

Hubbert is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District John A. Mendez on Jan. 24, 2023. Hubbert faces a minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for his role in the fentanyl conspiracy and his possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tariq Arrhamann Majid, 44, of Vallejo, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for two counts of sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Majid was arrested in late 2018, following an investigation involving online sharing of child pornography. Investigators discovered images and videos of Majid sexually abusing two minors, one of whom was 9 years old at the time of the offense. Investigators eventually identified the two child victims depicted in the videos, and Majid admitted that he was the abuser depicted in the videos. During the investigation, it was discovered that Majid had contact with many other minors, many of whom came from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds. Majid sought out opportunities to work with children, both in formal and informal settings, and he would purport to be their mentor while grooming them for sexual abuse. Several additional victims of Majid’s abuse have come forward since the investigation began, and Majid has been charged in Solano County Superior Court with his crimes against these victims. That case is pending.

“The lengthy sentence imposed today reflects the abhorrent crimes that this defendant committed against multiple children,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “My office will continue to work in partnership with state, federal, and local law enforcement to pursue predators such as this defendant and ensure the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol Computer Crimes Investigation Unit, the Golden Gate Special Investigations Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

FRESNO, Calif. — Edward Page, 33, and Trayvon Smith, 32, both of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, law enforcement officers received a report of two individuals possessing a firearm in a hotel parking lot. When the officers responded to the parking lot, they located the suspected car and activated their emergency lights. Page and Smith exited a car, Smith initially fled, but both were eventually detained. The officers then searched the car and found two loaded firearms. Page and Smith are both prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of their criminal history.

Page and Smith are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba. Page and Smith face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Samuel Thomas Lanier, 40, of Dunsmuir, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for seven counts of major fraud against the United States, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. A restitution hearing is set for Dec. 12, 2022.

According to court documents, from approximately June 2013 to March 2018, Lanier engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States by submitting, or causing to be submitted, false reimbursement requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in connection with federal grants awarded to Siskiyou and Shasta County Fire Chiefs Associations to assist them in recruiting and training new firefighters.

In June 2013 and June 2014, respectively, the Siskiyou and Shasta County Fire Chiefs Associations were awarded grants as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Each grant was over $1 million. The purpose of these grants was to assure that communities have adequate protection from fire-related hazards, and to help the recipients attain and maintain 24-hour staffing.

Lanier, as an owner or executive of two companies located in Dunsmuir, was hired by the Fire Chiefs Associations to administer these grants. In this capacity, Lanier knowingly submitted to FEMA false and fraudulent reimbursement requests, seeking and obtaining reimbursement for goods and services that were not, in fact, actually obtained on behalf of the fire associations. According to court documents, Lanier misappropriated over $1.2 million by both submitting false reimbursement requests to FEMA and diverting additional funds that should have been used to support the firefighters.

“This fraud scheme siphoned vital federal funds from fire departments supporting communities devastated by wildfires. This sentencing sends a clear message that the theft of federal funds meant to support our front line firefighters and first responders will not be tolerated,” stated Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Major Frauds & Corruption Unit of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Adam Fuller, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to assault on a federal employee or officer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on Aug. 27, 2019, Fuller approached a Federal Court Security Officer outside the federal courthouse in Sacramento and punched him in the face. The punch knocked the officer to the ground and split open his forehead, requiring five stitches.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond is prosecuting the case.

Fuller is set to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Fuller faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joshua Klomp, 47, of Sacramento, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging him with possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, during a probation visit in 2018, Klomp was found to be in possession of two cellphones that contained thousands of images and video files of child pornography. In 2006, Klomp was convicted for possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release. A condition of his release is that he could not possess or use computers or devices with access to the internet. Prior to the 2006 federal conviction, Klomp was convicted in Butte County of committing lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of fourteen.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Klomp faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Arturo Pacheco, 40, of Elk Grove, was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in prison for criminal civil rights violations for the on‑duty assault of two inmates entrusted to his care and for submitting false reports about those incidents in an attempt to cover them up, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

“When correctional officers deprive inmates of their civil rights and abuse their position of authority, they must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Today’s sentence sends the message that those who violate the public’s trust by harming inmates ‘under the color of law’ or by covering up wrongdoing are not above the law.”

According to court documents, Pacheco was a correctional officer at California State Prison, Sacramento (CSP-Sacramento). On Sept. 15, 2016, while escorting an inmate, Pacheco grabbed the inmate’s legs and pulled them out from under him. The inmate, whose hands were handcuffed behind his back, fell forward onto the concrete floor, breaking his jaw and several teeth, and suffering other injuries. That inmate was transported to UC Davis Medical Center where he received treatment for his injuries. Approximately two days later, the inmate suffered a pulmonary embolism and died. While the inmate was receiving treatment, Pacheco, a sergeant, and other correctional officers began falsifying reports to cover up the incident.

Following the death of the inmate, investigators uncovered a second incident involving Pacheco. In that incident, on May 19, 2016, Pacheco had, unprovoked, discharged a canister of pepper spray at short range into the eyes of an inmate who was inside a cell. Pacheco falsified his report in that case to make it appear as though his actions were justified in order to save the life of the inmate. In reality, the inmate was fully complying with commands, and any use of force at that time was unlawful.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the cooperation of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Internal Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Anderson and Rosanne L. Rust prosecuted the case.

Fellow former California State Prison, Sacramento correctional officer, Ashley M. Aurich, charged separately, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022.