District of Delaware

BioTek reMEDys Inc. (BioTek), located in New Castle, Delaware, and its chief executive officer, Chaitanya Gadde, have agreed collectively to pay $20 million based on their ability to pay to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to patients and physicians to protect its revenue stream.

When a Medicare beneficiary obtains a prescription drug covered by Medicare, the beneficiary may be required to make a partial payment, which may take the form of a copayment, coinsurance or a deductible (collectively copays). Congress included copay requirements in the Medicare program in part to serve as a check on health care costs. The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits the offering, paying, soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, of any remuneration – which includes money or any other thing of value – to refer or arrange for the referral of items or services payable by any federal health care program. This prohibition extends to companies that routinely waive the copays of Medicare patients without determination of financial need. The Anti-Kickback Statute also extends to the payment of remuneration to physicians in exchange for patient referrals.

The government alleged that, from at least August 2015 through May 2020, BioTek, a specialty pharmacy that offers drugs and infusion services, routinely waived the copayments of Medicare and TRICARE patients to induce those patients to purchase its drugs and services. Many of the specialty drugs offered by BioTek were expensive and required patients to pay large copays. The government alleged that BioTek sought to avoid deterring patients from purchasing its drugs and services by engaging in a scheme, orchestrated and implemented by Gadde and others, to routinely waive these large copays, without regard for whether the patients were experiencing financial hardship.

Today’s settlement also resolves allegations that BioTek provided remuneration in the form of gifts, dinners and free administrative and clinical support services to physicians – in particular Dr. David Tabby, who operated a neurology practice in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania – to induce those physicians to refer patients to BioTek. The government also alleged that Dr. Tabby knowingly solicited and accepted this remuneration in exchange for referring numerous patients to BioTek. Dr. Tabby has separately paid $480,000 to settle these allegations, based on his ability to pay.

“Participants in federal health care programs may not offer improper inducements to physicians or patients to generate business,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reflects the government’s continuing commitment to protect the integrity of these programs and the healthcare decisions made by and on behalf of beneficiaries.”

“BioTek allegedly provided improper physician inducements and covered up kickbacks for patient referrals by waiving co-pays,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (EDPA). “These improper and corrupt business practices will not be tolerated in this District. BioTek’s alleged scheme, orchestrated and implemented by Gadde, Dr. Tabby, and others, to routinely waive these copays – without regard for whether the patients were experiencing financial hardship – ensured a steady revenue stream for BioTek and undermined patient care to citizens of this District. EDPA will continue to invest itself in the pursuit of health care providers who violate the law for personal gain.”

“The Anti-Kickback Statute protects the financial integrity of federal healthcare programs and helps ensure that decisions about patient treatment are made on the basis of sound medical judgment rather than providers’ financial interests,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss for the District of Delaware. “Kickbacks not only increase healthcare costs for all beneficiaries, they also violate the trust of patients. My office and the rest of the department will continue to pursue healthcare providers who put self-interest ahead of patient care and compliance with the law.”

“Kickbacks impose hidden costs on the health care system and compromise medical decision-making,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon for the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Alongside our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG is committed to safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs by, in part, holding individuals who unlawfully bill the programs accountable for their actions."

“The settlement agreement announced today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate healthcare fraud and protect TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their dependents,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. “When health care companies pay physicians and submit false claims for improper referrals, they undermine the integrity of TRICARE and place an unnecessary financial burden on the program.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by former BioTek employees Shantae M. Wyatt and Latoya Sparrow. Under those provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Wyatt and Sparrow will receive $4 million as their share of the settlement with BioTek and Gadde, and $91,200 as their share of the settlement with Dr. Tabby. The qui tam case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Wyatt et al. v. BioTek reMEDys, Inc., No. 19-6069 (EDPA).

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort among the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, the HHS-OIG, the Office of Inspector General for the Office of Personnel Management, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).

The matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Jennifer Cihon and Financial Analyst Craig Yamaoka of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlene Fullmer and Judith Amorosa, and Auditor George Niedzwicki for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan Steinberg for the District of Delaware.

The claims asserted by the United States are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Vincent Mitchell, age 35 and an Ocean View resident, was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.   The Honorable Colm F. Connolly, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, in July 2022 investigators executed a search warrant at Mitchell’s home and seized one pound of methamphetamine and $6,000 in cash.  The investigation revealed that, on a monthly basis, Mitchell drove to Philadelphia to buy a pound of methamphetamine which he then sold in the Ocean View area.           

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Methamphetamine remains among the deadliest drugs plaguing our streets today.  Peddling this poison endangers the safety of our community.  I am grateful for the continuing efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to stem the tide of illegal drug sales.  My office will continue to seek significant prison sentences for those, like Mr. Mitchell, who profit from illegal drug trafficking.”  

The case was investigated by the Ocean View Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-cr-03.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an out-of-state truck driver with violations of various child pornography laws.

According to court documents, David Morrison, Jr., 49, of North Carolina transported a collection of child pornography into Delaware from out of state on or about July 20, 2023. Additionally, the indictment alleges that, while in Delaware, Morrison received and possessed child pornography.

Morrison is charged with Transportation, Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, with a maximum penalty of 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Morrison was originally charged via complaint on August 2, 2023.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Olugbenga Lawal, previously of Indianapolis, Indiana, was convicted on August 10, 2023, of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering following a 4-day federal trial. 

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Lawal was a member of a Nigerian-based criminal organization that victimized individuals and businesses across the United States through internet-based fraud schemes, including romance fraud and business email compromises, and laundered the proceeds of those fraud schemes.  The criminal organization frequently targeted elderly victims who believed they had fallen in love with people they met on the internet.

Lawal opened multiple bank accounts in his own name and the name of a purported business entity for the purpose of receiving the illegal proceeds his co-conspirators generated through internet fraud.  Lawal received fraud proceeds both from individuals directly victimized by the criminal organization and from other money launderers working on behalf of the criminal organization.  Lawal used those fraud proceeds to buy cars that would be shipped to Nigeria to be sold.

Between January 2019 and June 2020, bank accounts used by Lawal and his co-conspirators to launder money on behalf of the criminal organization received over $7 million.  Most of that money was traced directly to individuals and businesses defrauded over the internet by Lawal’s co-conspirators in the criminal organization. 

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The online fraud schemes perpetrated by Mr. Lawal and his co-conspirators drained senior citizens of their retirement savings and resulted in American businesses losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.  My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute those who enrich themselves and their criminal partners through online fraud schemes at the expense of hardworking Americans.”

“Lawal shamefully helped organize and execute this extensive scheme that took advantage of our senior citizens and hurt American businesses,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI urges Americans to learn how to identify romance scams as well as business email compromise schemes which have increased dramatically in recent years.”

As a result of his conviction, Lawal faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; three years of supervised release; a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater; forfeiture; and restitution.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence and restitution amount after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency with assistance from the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse Wenger and Meredith Ruggles of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware; Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Michael Grady of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; and former Trial Attorney Madeleine Case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-11-MN.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Millsboro man was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in federal prison for possessing a destructive device known as a “Molotov Cocktail.” The Honorable Richard G. Andrews pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Job Gillette, 25, amassed seventeen Molotov Cocktails, additional raw materials, an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, and a ballistic vest, which he was keeping in a shed outside the group home where he lived.  Gillette had taken measures to maximize the harmful impact of his weapons, including adding Styrofoam to his Molotov Cocktails in an effort to “help the burning liquid adhere to the target and create clouds of thick, choking smoke,” as well as adding screws and nails to increase their destructive impact.

Gillette had threatened to “blow up or burn down” the group home where he lived.  He also believed in the New World Order, a conspiratorial idea that powerful entities are manipulating governments to create a one-world totalitarian government.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Had Mr. Gillette been able to follow through with his plot, the impact could have been devastating for the group home and its residents. I wish to commend federal, state and local law enforcement for working together to thwart Mr. Gillette’s criminal plans. This sentence should serve as a deterrent for anyone considering this similar violent conduct.”

“The FBI works tirelessly every day to protect the American people and remains vigilant in our efforts to detect and assess threats of violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “We will continue to partner with our local and state law enforcement to be ready to respond to any threats that arise and keep our communities safe.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly A. Hudson and former District of Delaware Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Mandelbaum prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI Wilmington Resident Agency, with substantial assistance from HSI Wilmington and the Delaware State Police and Delaware State Fire Marshals. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Wilbert Wilson, age 34 of Wilmington, was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for one count of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Maryellen Norieka pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, on November 31, 2021, Wilson, a previously convicted felon and Megan’s Law registrant, delivered a handgun and drum kit with 20 rounds of ammunition to a confidential human source in exchange for $600. Following the firearm transaction, Wilson attempted to arrange the delivery of methamphetamine to the confidential human source but was unsuccessful.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Firearms offenses are a serious threat to our community’s safety. This office and our local and federal law enforcement partners work diligently to investigate and prosecute those who illegally sell firearms in our state. This sentence serves as a warning to anyone who unlawfully transfers firearms.”

“The sentence imposed should send a clear message that the FBI and our partners will not tolerate this type of illegal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods and keep firearms out of the hands of those prohibited from being able to possess them.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-81.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today the unsealing of a July 13, 2023, Indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging four Delaware men with a crime spree that culminated in the kidnapping and rape of an individual identified in the Indictment as “Victim-1.”

According to the Indictment, on April 14, 2023, Tonnaire McNair-Matthews, 24, David Hinson, 23, Michael Caldwell, 21, and Mahkiya Powell, 20, conspired to rob unsuspecting drivers by rear-ending them in a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee (“the Jeep”) with the intent to rob the drivers when they exited their vehicles. After multiple attempted robberies, McNair-Matthews, the driver of the Jeep, rear-ended Victim-1, who was on her way to work, in Pennsylvania, causing Victim-1 to pull over after crossing into Delaware. McNair-Matthews then approached Victim-1’s vehicle, brandished and pointed a privately made firearm, commonly referred to as a ghost gun, at Victim-1, and then forced Victim-1 back inside Victim-1’s car at gunpoint. McNair-Matthews then drove Victim-1, against her will, in Victim-1’s vehicle from Delaware into Pennsylvania. During the ride, McNair-Matthews forced Victim-1 to disrobe, demanded Victim-1’s PIN code, and digitally penetrated her against her will. After arriving in Pennsylvania, McNair-Matthews then forcibly raped and robbed Victim-1 of personal property at gunpoint. After raping and robbing Victim-1, McNair-Matthews abandoned Victim-1, took Victim-1’s car, and fled. McNair-Matthews then drove Victim-1’s car to Delaware convenience stores and withdrew money from Victim-1’s bank accounts via ATM transactions.

McNair-Matthews then reunited with Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell in Wilmington, Delaware and delivered them Victim-1’s bank cards, Victim-1’s PIN, and the ghost gun. At McNair-Matthews’ direction, Hinson, Powell, and Caldwell then cleaned Victim-1’s car and removed personal property, including a designer purse, from Victim-1’s vehicle. Hinson and Caldwell then travelled in a stolen Nissan Pathfinder to local gas stations to withdraw money from ATMs. McNair-Matthews, who attempted to evade detection by switching clothes, and Powell drove the stolen Jeep to a Wilmington, Delaware gas station to meet Hinson and Caldwell.

Law enforcement tracked the Defendants to that Wilmington gas station. On sight, McNair-Matthews and Powell led law enforcement on a high-speed chase in the Jeep and evaded capture. Shortly thereafter, Hinson and Caldwell attempted to rendezvous with McNair-Matthews and Powell in Pennsylvania. While on I-95 North, Hinson and Caldwell, in the stolen Nissan Pathfinder, collided with another vehicle. After the collision, Caldwell brandished and pointed the ghost gun given to him by McNair-Matthews at the driver of the other car. Later, while travelling back to Delaware from Pennsylvania on I-95 South, Hinson and Caldwell led law enforcement on a miles-long high-speed chase before colliding with another vehicle and crashing into an exit ramp sign. Hinson and Caldwell fled on foot, tossed the ghost gun, but were quickly apprehended. Powell was arrested on April 17, 2023. Defendant McNair was arrested that same day in Maryland, after fleeing from law enforcement.

All defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Carjacking, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Brandishing and Use of a Firearm in Relation to a Hobbs Act Robbery charge. McNair-Matthews is also charged with Kidnapping causing serious bodily injury and brandishing and use of a firearm during his rape and robbery of Victim-1. Hinson, Caldwell, and Powell are charged with Accessory After the Fact for their role in Victim-1’s kidnapping. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Weiss, Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Delaware State Police Troop 2 Commander Capt. John Laird, Jr. commended the work of those who investigated the case, including the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit, FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, Pennsylvania State Police, Wilmington Police Department, Maryland State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Delaware Department of Justice. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Samuel S. Frey and Special Assistant United States Attorney Diana Dunn are assigned to prosecute the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 23-68.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Victor Rodriguez, age 39 and a Wilmington resident, was sentenced today to 68 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.   U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, throughout 2022, Rodriguez received parcels mailed from California at various Wilmington addresses.  These parcels contained pounds of methamphetamine, some of which were over 95% pure according to subsequent lab testing. Rodriguez then sold that methamphetamine throughout Delaware.           

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Methamphetamine remains among the deadliest drugs plaguing our streets today.  Peddling this poison endangers community safety.  My office will continue to seek significant prison sentences for those, like Mr. Rodriguez, who profit from illegal drug trafficking.” 

“Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can produce effects such as paranoia, hallucinations, and violent and erratic behavior,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “The methamphetamine that Rodriguez distributed was of extremely high purity making it all the more dangerous.” 

The case was investigated by the Delaware State Police and the DEA Philadelphia Field Division. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-cr-08.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday to two years in federal prison for his participation in a nationwide scheme to fraudulently obtain over $700,000 in gift cards and merchandise from a nationwide home improvement store. The Honorable Richard G. Andrews pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Mamadou Bah, 39, conducted over a thousand fraudulent transactions at home improvement stores throughout the country between May 2018 and June 2020, using the fake name “Richard Traynham.”  Bah would pay for gift cards and merchandise at home improvement stores using a barcode on his phone that was linked to fraudulently obtained credit cards.  All told, Bah caused losses in excess of $733,000 across stores in 21 states.  For this conduct, Bah pled guilty to aggravated identity theft, which carries a two-year mandatory sentence.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss made the announcement and commented on the sentence.  “Mr. Bah perpetrated a lucrative fraud for years through identity theft.  By working with our law enforcement partners, my office was able to stop Mr. Bah from further fraud and secure a federal prison sentence.  Those who think they can get away with stealing another person’s identity information to defraud a retailer should learn from Mr. Bah.  If convicted, a mandatory prison sentence awaits you.”  

“The FBI remains committed to investigating these types of sophisticated fraud schemes and to seeking justice for those affected by them,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “If you have fallen victim to a scam, please report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or 1-800-CALL FBI. This information will help investigate these criminals.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Millsboro Police Department. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-065.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment last week charging three Dover residents and one Middletown resident with conspiring to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with various other drug and gun crimes.  The amount of fentanyl seized from this organization represents the largest known fentanyl seizure in Delaware history.

According to the superseding indictment, Dwayne Fountain, 51, William Warren, 47, Martin Fountain, 47, and Durell Patton, 44, conspired to distribute drugs from January through May 2023.  With respect to Dwayne Fountain, the conspiracy involved more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and more than five hundred grams of methamphetamine.  The superseding indictment also alleges that all four defendants possessed various drugs with intent to distribute.  Finally, the superseding indictment charges Dwayne Fountain and Durell Patton with possessing guns on May 17, 2023, despite past criminal convictions which prohibit them from doing so.

According to documents filed in court, this case was the result of a long-term investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department.  Search warrants executed in the case led to the seizure of over 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of powder cocaine, over a kilogram of crack cocaine, about 280 grams of methamphetamine, and 300 grams of xylazine, commonly referred to as “tranq,” an additive commonly mixed with fentanyl. 

“The threat to public health and safety found in these cases is something that requires policing organizations to share information and resources, in order to protect the vulnerable,” noted Dover Police Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr.  “It bears repeating that the amount of illicit drugs seized in this operation was enough to potentially kill close to 400,000 people, or, stated another way, roughly 4 in 10 Delawareans.  It was great to be a part of such an effective collaboration between Local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies.”

If convicted, Dwayne Fountain faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison.  William Warren faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of forty years in prison.  Martin Fountain and Durell Patton face a maximum of twenty years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Philadelphia Division, and Thomas A. Johnson, Jr., Chief, Dover Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel Frey are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 23-46 and 23-49 (CFC).

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Dion Oliver, age 43, was sentenced today to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after he was convicted of Stalking, Kidnapping Resulting in Death, and Conspiracy following a 7-day federal trial that concluded on November 16, 2022.  U.S. District Judge Joshua D. Wolson pronounced the sentence.

According to evidence and witness testimony, the Defendant worked with at least five coconspirators - Ryan Bacon, Donte Sykes, Teres Tinnin, Maurice Cooper, and Michael Pritchett - to search for a man, listed in the Indictment as M.S., in an attempt to kill him.  On June 6, 2017, in furtherance of their continuing pursuit of M.S., Oliver and his confederates kidnapped M.S.’s girlfriend, Keyonna Perkins, and used her to find M.S.  Ms. Perkins was held at gunpoint by Oliver.  She was then forced into the trunk of a car.  After locating M.S., Oliver and his coconspirators fired multiple shots at M.S., but failed to hit him.  Following that shooting, Ms. Perkins was forced into the trunk of a second car and driven by co-conspirators to Elkton, Maryland where she was murdered.

Oliver continued his pursuit of M.S. after the first failed shooting.  He located M.S. at Probation & Parole Offices in New Castle.  Oliver, working with Pritchett, waited for M.S. to leave Probation & Parole.   They followed M.S. into Wilmington until M.S. got out of his car.  Pritchett then drove alongside M.S., while Oliver reached out the front passenger window of Pritchett’s truck and fired multiple shots at M.S. The gunfire missed M.S., but one of the bullets ripped through a passing SUV and struck a six-year-old boy in the head, causing the child severe and permanent injuries.

“I don’t think I can overstate how horrific this offense is” Judge Wolson commented as he handed down Oliver’s sentence.  Oliver’s crime was “selfish, ignorant, and the consequences were devastating,” he continued.  “There is no mercy for this type of conduct.”

In discussing Oliver’s mandatory life sentence, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Oliver and his co-defendants’ heinous conduct caused the death of Keyonna Perkins, and severely and permanently injured an innocent then-six-year-old boy.  The lives of the victims’ families and their respective communities have been forever changed, and as a result, the Defendant will be spending the rest of his life in federal prison. My office will continue its work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prosecute the violent crime that plagues our communities.”  

“The FBI is committed to removing dangerous criminals like Dion Oliver from our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI's Baltimore field office. “Because of Oliver’s callous and despicable actions, an innocent woman was murdered, and a child’s life will never be the same. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue working every day to make our neighborhoods safer from those seeking to commit violence and bring harm to our citizens.”

This case was investigated by FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, with assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Delaware State Police, and the Elkton Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse S. Wenger and Eli H. Klein prosecuted the case along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-75.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney Davis C. Weiss announced that Mark Nepi, 46, of Wilmington, was sentenced on June 29, 2023, to 60 months in federal prison for a violation of the National Firearms Act. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2022, Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Delaware State Police executed a federal search warrant at Nepi’s home based on a Delaware State Police arrest where Nepi was in possession of illegal explosives. Found inside Nepi’s home during the search warrant were eleven firearm silencers, a grenade, explosives in various stages of completion, flash powder chemicals, and remote firing devices and switches.

The silencers recovered during the search qualified as a firearm under National Firearms Act and were not registered to Nepi, a requirement pursuant to federal law.

Commenting on the case, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, ‘Identifying and prosecuting individuals who illegally possess the weapons found in Mr. Nepi’s home is a priority for my office.  I wish to recognize the successful investigative efforts of HSI Philadelphia, ATF and the Delaware State Police. Their efforts resulted in a significant federal prison sentence, which helps to keep our communities safe.”

“Weapons such as those seized from Mark Nepi pose real threats and dangers to our communities,” said William S. Walker Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “The exploitation of international shipping avenues to import these dangerous weapons is illegal.  HSI is dedicated to stopping the illicit trade in these items that pose a very serious risk to the safety of the American public.”

“Illegally importing and illegally possessing firearms is a potential precursor to violent acts and can create environments that can put law-abiding citizens at risk,” said ATF Baltimore Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Persails. “ATF is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners every day to identify and investigate those individuals who continue to use and acquire firearms through the illegal market, threatening the safety of Delaware communities.”

This case was investigated by HSI, ATF, and Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and former District of Delaware Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Mandelbaum prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-44.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 15, 2023, charging two Wilmington men with conspiring to kidnap and kidnapping a man. 

According to the indictment, Donnie Taylor, 19, and Kyaire Finch, 20, conspired with an unnamed juvenile to lure the victim to a parking lot in New Castle, Delaware in the early hours of October 17, 2022 for the purpose of robbing him.  Once there, Taylor and Finch punched the victim in the head and robbed him of his wallet and cell phone.  The defendants and the juvenile coconspirator then used a banking application on the victim’s cell phone to transfer $1,400 from the victim to themselves.  Finch then restrained the victim in the back seat of a vehicle while the group drove across state lines to the victim’s home in Pennsylvania. 

Once they arrived at the victim’s apartment complex, Finch continued to restrain the victim in the parking lot while Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator entered the victim’s apartment.  Before Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator returned to the parking lot, the victim broke free from Finch and Finch fled the area.

Inside the apartment, Taylor encountered and assaulted a second victim, causing lacerations to his face and head.  Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator stole $865.00 and various items from the apartment and drove back to Delaware. 

After they returned to New Castle, Delaware, Taylor assaulted a 68-year-old woman and stole her car.  Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator then fled to Georgia in the stolen vehicle, where Taylor was captured on October 20, 2022.

Taylor and Finch are charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping.  If convicted, Taylor and Finch each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, made the announcement.  U.S. Attorney Weiss credits the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force and New Castle County Police Department with the investigation leading to this indictment.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Carly A. Hudson are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-CR-60.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Danny Aument, age 48, was sentenced earlier this week to 30 months in prison for one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun and one count of possession of an unregistered silencer.  U.S. District Judge Gregory B. Williams pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in open court, over the course of several years — while struggling with addition to controlled substances — the defendant amassed an arsenal of dangerous weapons.  Upon executing a search warrant at the defendant’s home on August 24, 2022, law enforcement recovered numerous firearms, including ten machineguns and eight homemade silencers.  Despite knowing that these firearms were either prohibited or highly regulated, the defendant continued to unlawfully obtain and/or manufacture machineguns and failed to register the silencers on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Upon imposing sentence, Judge Williams noted the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and indicated that this sentence should serve to deter others from flouting laws regulating firearms. 

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The laws regulating the possession of firearms are designed to protect the public. My office will continue to pursue charges against those who unlawfully possess highly dangerous weapons or fail to register those firearms.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith C. Ruggles prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-CR-06.

WILMINGTON, Del. – The United States Attorney for the District of Delaware filed charges today against Robert Hunter Biden (“Hunter Biden”) of Los Angeles.  Hunter Biden has been charged with two misdemeanor tax offenses and a felony firearm offense and has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to the tax offenses and enter into a pre-trial diversion agreement with regard to the firearm charge at a proceeding to be scheduled by the assigned United States District Court judge.

According to the tax Information, Hunter Biden received taxable income in excess of $1,500,000 annually in calendar years 2017 and 2018.  Despite owing in excess of $100,000 in federal income taxes each year, he did not pay the income tax due for either year. 

According to the firearm Information, from on or about October 12, 2018 through October 23, 2018, Hunter Biden possessed a firearm despite knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance.

Hunter Biden is charged with two violations of failure to pay income tax and one violation of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person prohibited.  If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison on each of the tax charges and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the firearm charge.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement. The investigation is ongoing.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An information contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Attachments:

rhb_information1.pdf rhb_information_2.pdf

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging Angel Mendez, a resident of New Jersey, with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to the indictment, between July 2020 and January 2021, defendant Angel Mendez, 33, conspired with other persons to launder millions of dollars of illicit proceeds derived from Business Email Compromise (“BEC”) schemes.  A BEC is a type of internet fraud that occurs when an employee of a company is fooled into interacting with an email message that appears to be, but is not, legitimate.  Criminal actors use such schemes to defraud companies into sending large payments to their criminal organization instead of the intended legitimate recipient.

Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Mendez laundered money that derived from two separate BECs:  a fraud perpetrated on “Victim A” and a fraud perpetrated on “Victim B.”  The Indictment alleges that bank accounts controlled by Mendez received, and subsequently laundered or attempted to launder, over $2.1 million fraudulently obtained from “Victim A” and over $1.2 million fraudulently obtained from “Victim B.”

Mendez is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.   If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, made the announcement. The FBI Baltimore Cyber Task Force also assisted with this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse S. Wenger and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-44.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Stefano Saienni, 31, of Wilmington, was sentenced on June 1, 2023, to 90 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl.  U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews pronounced sentence.  The government successfully argued at sentencing that Saienni sold fentanyl-laced pills that ultimately led to the overdose death of William H. Ebert, IV. While the Department of Justice typically does not disclose the names of victims, Mr. Ebert’s family wish that he not be forgotten.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2022, the New Castle County Police Department responded to a fatal overdose in Bear, Delaware. After locating and analyzing the victim’s cellular phones, law enforcement located messages between Saienni and the victim coordinating the sale of counterfeit oxycodone pills, which contained fentanyl. Within those messages, Saienni often described the counterfeit pills as “fire” knowing there was fentanyl inside.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the sentencing, “Illicit drug overdoses continue to destroy families and ravage our communities. Investigating and prosecuting those who sell fentanyl and counterfeit pills is paramount to my office and our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners.  We will seek justice against those who profit from illegally selling fentanyl. As importantly, if customers die from using their product, drug dealers will face the prospect of significant prison sentences.”

“The dangers of fake pills cannot be underestimated, as evidenced by Saienni’s sale of them that resulted in an overdose death,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “Fake pills are more widely available, more accessible, and deadlier than ever before.  Learn more about the dangers of fake pills at www.dea.gov/onepill.” 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce prosecuted the case.  The case was investigated by the DEA and the New Castle County Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-CR-00054.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Mays Landing, New Jersey man who formerly attended the University of Delaware was extradited from Germany to the United States last week on federal charges of cyberstalking and threats made in interstate or foreign commerce. He was separately indicted for wire fraud and money laundering.

According to the July 2022 stalking and threatening communications indictment and other publicly filed documents, Kyle Stevens, 29, moved to Germany in October 2020.  Thereafter, he began sending threatening messages to two female former classmates from the University of Delaware.  Over several months, Stevens used multiple electronic platforms to send the victims numerous messages, including expressing his intent to kill them by “put[ting] a bullet in [their] head[s]” and stating he could do so “whenever [he] want[s].”

According to the July 2022 wire fraud and money laundering indictment and other publicly filed documents, while Stevens lived in Germany, he applied for ten fraudulent loans or grants under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Stephens filed those applications on behalf of five fictitious businesses and obtained approximately $1.4 million in fraudulent loan and grant disbursements. Law enforcement has seized over $1.1 million of these funds through associated forfeiture proceedings.

Stevens was extradited from Germany to the United States in May 2023. If convicted, Stephens faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for threats and stalking and 20 years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office made the announcement.

This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the University of Delaware Police Department and the Newark Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Hudson is prosecuting the case with assistance from Eastern District of Pennsylvania Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Mandelbaum. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Germany to secure the arrest and extradition of Stevens.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:22-CR-65 and 1:22-CR-66.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Devon Reed of New Castle, DE, Dawann Reed of Clayton, DE, Gregory Carter of Wilmington, DE, Jaywann Saunders of New Castle, DE, Quincy Clark of New Castle, DE, Eduardo Felix of San Diego, CA, Monyae Fields-Brown of New Castle, DE, Arthur Deramus of New Castle, DE, Janet Cooper of New Castle, DE, Alturo Smith of Wilmington, DE, Airial Boyd of Wilmington, DE, and Ainger Gardner of Wilmington, DE, have been charged by a federal grand jury sitting in Wilmington with conspiracy to traffic and manufacture cocaine, methamphetamine, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and marijuana in the Wilmington, Delaware metropolitan area.

Also, as a part of Operation Cripgate, a state grand jury sitting in Wilmington charged Dale Reed of New Castle, DE, Michael Sullivan-Wilson of Wilmington, DE, Braheim Reed of New Castle, DE, Marcus Waller of New Castle, DE, Derwin Evans of New Castle, DE, and Jahnair Murphy of New Castle, DE with drug and gang violations.  Finally, a federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey charged George Joyce, Jr. of Haddonfield, NJ with drug and firearm violations.

Through a multi-state, multi-agency investigation involving the FBI, the New Castle County Police (“NCCPD”), and the Delaware State Police (“DSP”), the investigation identified a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”), headed by Devon Reed and Dawann Reed, that supplied cocaine, methamphetamine, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and marijuana to the District of Delaware. More specifically, the investigation centered on the Rosegate Community, which is located just off Route 9, north of I-295 and south of I-495, and is comprised of 200 rowhomes on a total of four streets in a secluded, compact neighborhood. Throughout the years, the Rosegate Community has been gripped by drugs, gun violence, and homicides, which has drastically impacted its citizens’ quality of life. 

The DTO openly operated their drug business. The DTO stored drugs in elderly community members’ homes and vehicles and paid them to store, package, and sell drugs. The DTO also used an abandoned day care facility to manufacture and package counterfeit methamphetamine and fentanyl pills for resale. In fact, during a search warrant at the day care facility, law enforcement located two large pill presses, which weighed approximately 100 pounds each.

At the conclusion of the investigation and during search warrants, law enforcement seized approximately:

•             3.5 kilograms of counterfeit methamphetamine and fentanyl pills;

•             1.7 kilograms of cocaine;

•             11 handguns;

•             2 assault rifles;

•             2 large pill presses;

•             7.5 pounds of marijuana;

•             a quarter pound of methamphetamine; and

•             $78,000.00 United States Currency.

In announcing the Indictment, U.S. Attorney Weiss said, “The defendants openly and brazenly trafficked large quantities of drugs in our community. These defendants also abused the trust of elderly Rosegate community members and flagrantly manufactured counterfeit pills in an abandoned day care.  We will pursue these charges to the fullest extent of the law, and we will continue the investigation into those who traffic illegal drugs here in Delaware.”

"This case demonstrates why partnerships to combat drug trafficking organizations are so important for our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.   "Exploiting vulnerable community members such as the elderly and the young is unconscionable and unacceptable.   We intend to use every available resource to combat this terrible problem," said Special Agent in Charge Sobocinski.

All of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and some are charged with federal firearm charges. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Weiss, and Special Agent in Charge Sobocinski, commended the work of those who investigated the case, including FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, NCCPD, and Delaware State Police. They also expressed appreciation for assistance provided by the New Castle City Police Department and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Eli H. Klein are assigned to prosecute the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-31-MN.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Ralph Harmon, a resident of Salisbury, Maryland, with committing a violent carjacking and kidnapping in Seaford. 

According to the indictment, on January 13, 2023, defendant Ralph Harmon, 24, carjacked and kidnapped a person referred to in the Indictment as “Victim.” The Indictment alleges that the carjacking resulted in serious bodily injury to the Victim.

Harmon is charged with carjacking and interstate kidnapping.   If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the kidnapping and 25 years in prison for the carjacking.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Special Agent in Charge for FBI-Baltimore Thomas Sobocinski, made the announcement. Maryland State Police, Salisbury Police Department, and Seaford Police Department provided assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Wilmington man with possession of over a kilogram of cocaine with intent to distribute it.

According to the indictment and statements made in open court, Aaron Cephas, a/k/a “Ace,” age 41, was the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.  On April 10, 2023, surveillance officers saw Cephas moving bags into and out of a house in Newark, Delaware, and thereafter getting into a Jeep and driving to the 800 block of West 5th Street in Wilmington. Law enforcement officers stopped the Jeep there, finding Alprazolam pills and $1,000 on Cephas’ person and over 80 grams of cocaine in the Jeep.  Agents subsequently searched the house in Newark where Cephas had been seen and found approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, $27,000, and a loaded handgun magazine. 

Cephas is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge for the Philadelphia Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement. The Wilmington Department of Police assisted with the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-43.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Wilmington man with possession of over a kilogram of cocaine with intent to distribute it.

According to the indictment and statements made in open court, Aaron Cephas, a/k/a “Ace,” age 41, was the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.  On April 10, 2023, surveillance officers saw Cephas moving bags into and out of a house in Newark, Delaware, and thereafter getting into a Jeep and driving to the 800 block of West 5th Street in Wilmington. Law enforcement officers stopped the Jeep there, finding Alprazolam pills and $1,000 on Cephas’ person and over 80 grams of cocaine in the Jeep.  Agents subsequently searched the house in Newark where Cephas had been seen and found approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, $27,000, and a loaded handgun magazine. 

Cephas is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge for the Philadelphia Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement. The Wilmington Department of Police assisted with the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-43.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

A federal grand jury in the District of Delaware returned an indictment charging a Delaware man and woman with sex trafficking, labor trafficking and related charges. The defendants are charged with aiding and abetting one another in committing sex trafficking and forced labor trafficking against 13 victims.

The indictment alleges that from 2014 through 2020, Clifton H. Gibbs, 66, and Brooke D. Waters, 44, of Lewes, recruited, harbored, transported and compelled nine victims to engage in commercial sex acts under the threat that they would suffer serious harm if they did not comply. The indictment further alleges that from 2016 through 2020, Gibbs and Waters obtained the labor and services of six victims under the threat of suffering serious harm if they did not comply. Finally, the indictment alleges that Gibbs and Waters transported three victims across state lines for the purpose of criminal sexual activity.

The sex trafficking charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. The forced labor charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The interstate transportation for the purposes of criminal sexual activity charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss for the District of Delaware, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia and Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of HSI Baltimore made the announcement. The Delaware State Police, led by Colonel Melissa Zebley, provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox for the District of Delaware, Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Trial Attorney Caylee Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Senior Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of the Money Laundering Section’s Special Financial Investigations Unit.

Anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of this case or may have relevant information to share is asked to call the HSI tip line at 866-DHS-2423.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week charging a New Jersey man with one count of bank robbery.

According to the indictment, during the afternoon of June 24, 2022, Justin Cabot, 50, robbed the Bank of Delmarva in Laurel, Delaware by presenting a note to the bank teller demanding cash. The indictment alleges that Cabot made off with $1,806.00 and a GPS device valued at $796.00.

If convicted, Cabot faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement.  The Laurel Police Department is investigating this case with assistance from the FBI Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli H. Klein is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Catherine Devaney McKay, the former CEO of Connections Community Support Programs, Inc. (“CCSP”), has agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve alleged violations of the federal Controlled Substances Act.  Prior to the sale of its assets in bankruptcy, CCSP provided a variety of mental health and addiction treatment services at numerous locations throughout Delaware.

In April 2021, the United States filed a lawsuit alleging that CCSP and three of its former executives, including Ms. McKay, had negligently failed to keep proper records of the company’s use of controlled substances, including methadone and buprenorphine, in its treatment of patients with substance use disorders.  Among numerous other issues, during a March 2019 audit by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), CCSP was unable to properly account for tens of thousands of doses of controlled substances at its Millsboro location, which were later determined to have been transferred to other CCSP facilities without proper documentation.

On June 15, 2021, CCSP completed a sale, overseen by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, of its assets and operations to Conexio Care, Inc. and Coras Wellness and Behavioral Health, which are now providing the mental health and addiction treatment services formerly provided by CCSP.  On November 1, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware entered a consent judgment in the amount of $1,621,571 against CCSP.  The settlement announced today resolves the United States’ separate claims against Ms. McKay for her individual role in CCSP’s violations.

“Over the many years that she served as CEO of Connections, Ms. McKay repeatedly failed to take steps to address the company’s compliance failures,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “Those failures increased the possibility of drug diversion, putting at risk the very population that Connections purported to serve.  Where executives ignore their individual duty to ensure that the companies they manage comply with the laws that protect public safety, my office will continue to seek to hold them personally responsible for those violations.”

“We applaud the support of U.S. Attorney Weiss and his office in securing this significant settlement against McKay,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division.  “Treatment programs such as CCSP have an obligation to properly account for controlled substances such as methadone and buprenorphine that are used for medication assisted treatment.  Settlements such as this are a mechanism to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dylan J. Steinberg and Laura D. Hatcher represented the United States in this action.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.  Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No 1:21-cv-00514-MN.  A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. 

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Dr. Kathy Cornelius, a Delaware physician who now resides in Huntsville, Alabama, has agreed to pay $500,000 to resolve allegations that she violated the False Claims Act by ordering medically unnecessary genetic testing for Medicare beneficiaries residing in Delaware. 

Between October 2020 and February 2022, Dr. Cornelius referred more than 250 Delaware residents for medically unnecessary genetic tests that were paid for by Medicare.  The United States alleges that Dr. Cornelius had no medical relationship with these patients and that the referrals were based on brief telemedicine consultations – often two minutes or less in duration – during which Dr. Cornelius failed to establish any legitimate medical justification for the tests.  The genetic tests Dr. Cornelius ordered often cost thousands of dollars per patient. 

“Doctors who refer patients for medically unnecessary services such as genetic testing drain vital funds from Medicare and other government healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “This office will continue to use all available means to identify healthcare providers who increase costs through unnecessary procedures and to hold them accountable.”  

“Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is required of all health care providers,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Region III. “HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to evaluate and pursue allegations of medically unnecessary services”.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Auditor David Cheung.

The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. 

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Teres Tinnin, age 39, was sentenced today to a total of 15 years in prison, 5 years for conspiracy to stalk and 10 years for stalking.  U.S. District Judge Joshua D. Wolson pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Tinnin worked with at least five co-conspirators—Ryan Bacon, Donte Sykes, Dion Oliver, Maurice Cooper, and Michael Pritchett—to search for a man, listed in the Indictment as M.S., in an attempt to kill him.  After M.S. and an associate robbed Tinnin and Pritchett on May 10, 2017, Tinnin and others discussed increasing the amount of money they would pay to have M.S. found and killed. 

On June 6, 2017, in furtherance of their continuing pursuit of M.S., Tinnin’s co-conspirators kidnapped M.S.’s girlfriend, Keyonna Perkins, and used her to find M.S.  Perkins was held at gunpoint and forced into the trunk of her car.  A short while later, Tinnin alerted his co-conspirators that he had just seen M.S. walking alongside Route 896 and directed them to his location. 

After locating M.S. along Route 896, Tinnin’s co-conspirators fired multiple shots at M.S., but failed to hit him.  Following the shooting, Perkins was forced into the trunk of a second car and driven by two of Tinnin’s co-conspirators to Elkton, Maryland where she was murdered.

Following the first failed shooting, Tinnin’s co-conspirators continued their pursuit of M.S.  They located M.S. at Probation & Parole Offices in New Castle, and followed him into Wilmington, waiting until M.S. got out of a car around the area of 6th and Spruce Streets, where one of Tinnin’s co-conspirators again opened fire on M.S.  The gunfire missed M.S., but one of the bullets ripped through a passing SUV and struck a six-year-old boy in the head, causing the child severe and permanent injuries.

Tinnin remained in close contact with his co-conspirators via FaceTime while their violent crime spree unfolded.

Commenting on the case, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The defendant and his confederates agreed on a plan to hunt down and kill a perceived enemy with complete disregard for the lives of innocent people who stood in their way.  The defendant may not have pulled a trigger on June 6, 2017, but he bears no less responsibility for the violence he helped set into action.  My office and our law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue all those who bear responsibility for violent crime.”

“The FBI remains focused on protecting our neighborhoods and communities from violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “While no sentence will undo his crimes, we thank our partners for their coordination in ensuring that Mr. Tinnin is behind bars where he belongs.”

This case was investigated by FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, with assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Delaware State Police, and the Elkton Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse S. Wenger and Eli H. Klein prosecuted the case along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-75.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that today Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, sitting by designation in the District of Delaware, sentenced Shakira Martinez to 9 years’ incarceration for money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and structuring bank transactions following a jury verdict in July of 2022.  Martinez was convicted together with her husband, Omar Colon, who was previously sentenced to 45 years’ incarceration for money laundering and drug crimes.  Colon was referred to in Court as one of the biggest cocaine traffickers in Delaware history.

According to court records and statements made in open court, between 2009 and 2017, Martinez and Colon laundered nearly a million dollars in drug proceeds through the purchase of real estate properties in Delaware and Pennsylvania using their company, Zemi Property Management.  They deposited drug money into several different bank accounts – and asked their friends and family members to do the same – and then used those funds to buy cashier’s checks that funded the property purchases.  As the government noted at the sentencing hearing, the success of Colon’s drug empire would not have been possible without Martinez’s money laundering and structuring crimes.

Colon was arrested on May 6, 2017, shortly after giving his cocaine supplier $382,045 in cash in a hotel parking lot in Newark, Delaware.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) subsequently discovered a secret underground bunker beneath Colon and Martinez’s residence, accessed by a tunnel behind a false fireplace, in which Colon hid a marijuana grow operation.  

Before imposing sentence, Circuit Judge Bibas noted the seriousness of Martinez’s crimes, and said that money laundering is a “huge issue that fuels the drug trade with all its harms.”  He further noted that the Court “needs to send a message that money laundering is a serious crime.”

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the case: “Ms. Martinez has received a serious sentence consistent with her central role in Colon’s drug empire.  As Circuit Judge Bibas acknowledged in his remarks, drug trafficking wreaks havoc on the community and on families.  Mr. Colon imported massive amounts of cocaine into Delaware for many years.  The only way for Mr. Colon and Ms. Martinez to reap the fruits of Colon’s drug crimes and amass a real estate empire was through their money laundering scheme.”

“Martinez’s money laundering and structuring activities were the fuel that allowed her husband Colon to continue to purchase cocaine in furtherance of his drug-trafficking activities,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “We applaud the sentence that Judge Bibas’ imposed on Martinez and his declaration of money laundering as the serious crime that it is.” 

Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty said “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are uniquely qualified to follow complex financial transactions and uncover the source of the illegal funds.  Martinez and Colon employed multiple tactics to clean up their ill-gotten gains, but in the end, they could not outsmart the government. The sentence handed down today is a stark reminder of the fate of those who engage in money laundering schemes.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Meredith C. Ruggles prosecuted the case.  This case was investigated by the DEA Philadelphia Division and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-00047-LPS.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on February 16, 2023, Henri Sosa-Gomez, 36, New York, NY, Jamel Romero, 30, New York, NY, Leonel Abreu-Montero, 31, Wilmington, DE, John Doe aka Arison Hernandez-Acevado, 31, Wilmington, DE, and Christian Sanchez, 23, Wilmington, DE, have been charged by a federal grand jury sitting in Wilmington with conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and cocaine in the Wilmington, Delaware metropolitan area.

According to public documents and statements made in open court, this investigation began after a double overdose in Chester County, PA, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old woman in November 2022. Through a multi-state effort involving U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and the Chester County Detectives, law enforcement identified a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) headed by Sosa-Gomez and Romero that supplied fentanyl and cocaine from New York to Delaware.

A subsequent investigation revealed that Romero, who resided in the Bronx, traveled from New York to deliver the controlled substances and to collect proceeds from a network of sub-distributors, including defendants Abreu-Montero, Hernandez-Acevado, and Sanchez, who then carried out and completed the drug transactions in Delaware.

On January 17, 2023, law enforcement arrested Romero and Abreu-Montero after they completed a drug transaction in Wilmington. Law enforcement recovered approximately one (1) kilogram of baked crack cocaine mixed with fentanyl, approximately one (1) kilogram of fentanyl, and about $50,000 in U.S. currency from Romero and Abreu-Montero. Law enforcement recovered additional fentanyl after determining that the DTO buried narcotics in a densely wooded area near Hockessin, DE, off W. Rolling Mill Road.

Law enforcement also contemporaneously executed search warrants for several locations and vehicles in Delaware, New York, and Maryland. A Hazardous Materials (or “Hazmat”) Team was called in to conduct a search of a Bronx residence because the residence was deemed unsafe for entry due to the amount of fentanyl and cocaine that had been cooked, mixed, and processed within the residence. During the search of the Bronx residence, law enforcement recovered approximately twelve (12) kilograms of fentanyl, about one (1) kilogram of Xylazine (a potent horse tranquilizer not approved for human use that is being linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide), cocaine, cooking materials, cutting agents, gas masks, a kilogram press, money counters, and an additional $31,000 in U.S. currency.

In announcing the Indictment, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated: “As overdoses continue to ravage our community, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who knowingly sell drugs that kill. We are grateful for our state and federal law enforcement partners who acted vigilantly to remove harmful drugs from our streets and to help bring some justice to the victim’s family.  My office will seek significant federal prison sentences against all who seek to profit from illegal drug sales.”

“Cases like the one announced today make a true difference in the communities of Delaware,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “Today’s announcement underscores HSI’s mission and highlights the importance of teamwork, tenacity, and partnerships. As a result, investigators and prosecutors, working side-by-side and sharing information seamlessly have disrupted a drug trafficking organization operating throughout the Northeast.”

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Weiss, HSI Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Wagner commended the work of those who investigated the case, including agents from HSI, DEA, and the Chester County Detectives. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Newport, DE Police Department, the Newark, DE Police Department, and the Delaware State Police; the Kennett Township, PA Police Department; the Elkton, MD Police Department, the Cecil County, MD Sheriff’s Office, the Cecil County, MD Drug Task Force, and the Maryland State Police; the New York City Police Department and the New York State Police; HSI’s Baltimore and New York Divisions; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Chester County District Attorney’s Office; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland and the Southern District of New York.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Claudia L. Pare are assigned to prosecute the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Denise Brown was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and 60 months for submitting a false claim to the Small Business Administration (SBA), to run concurrently.  Brown was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the SBA.  U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence. 

According to court documents and statements made in open court, Denise Brown, age 40, was a leader of the Jamar Jackson drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of drugs, sourced from Mexican cartels, throughout Delaware and the surrounding region.  Brown managed the day-to-day drug business, setting up the DTO’s drug milling and packaging operations in Bear, Delaware and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, recruiting other members of the conspiracy, and directing drug sales.  Brown was ultimately arrested at her King of Prussia home on September 23, 2020.  Upon searching Brown’s home, law enforcement found thousands of packets of fentanyl-laced heroin, bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and over $120,000 in cash. 

In June 2020, Brown also submitted a fraudulent application to the SBA seeking COVID-19 relief funds through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.  Based on this this application, the SBA deposited $10,000 into the defendant’s bank account.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Yesterday, the Court justly held Denise Brown accountable for her crimes. By trafficking large quantities of drugs from Mexico and distributing deadly fentanyl into our communities, the defendant put lives at risk.  She also took advantage of government program designed to provide economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This sentence sends a message that those who aspire to profit from illegal activity – whether through drug distribution or fraud – will face significant punishment.”

“Yesterday’s sentence demonstrates the unwavering resolve of law enforcement to protect our community and economy against criminals engaged in drug trafficking and fraud,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia office.  “Through exceptional collaborative efforts, HSI and our partners aggressively identified and investigated the criminal activity in this case.  This sentencing is proof positive that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable for their actions.”

U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Acting Inspector in Charge, Raimundo Marrero, added that, “Denise Brown help lead an organized, multi state, illegal narcotics distribution organization.  That organization distributed large quantities of dangerous drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, that destroy our communities.  She will face many years in jail which will hopefully serve as a warning to others; these drugs destroy and if you get involved in their distribution, you run the risk of spending many years in prison.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office for the hard work pulling this case together.”

“IRS-Criminal Investigation is proud to have provided its financial expertise in this investigation,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty.  “IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners by following the money and leveraging our resources.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith C. Ruggles prosecuted the case along with former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe and Whitney Cloud.  This case was investigated by HSI and USPIS, with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and local law enforcement partners.                                                                       

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 20-CR-00084 (Jamar Jackson et al.) and Case No. 20-CR-00075 (Castro Valenzuela).

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Raymere Broomer, age 30, a convicted felon from Wilmington was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison for two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Richard G. Andrews pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, on January 12, 2022, during the execution of a search warrant, Wilmington Police Department recovered a loaded semiautomatic handgun on Broomer’s person and a loaded assault rifle and fentanyl within Broomer’s Wilmington apartment.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Drugs and guns are a dangerous cocktail, which represent a danger to our community. My office and our law enforcement partners strive to identify and prosecute those contributing to illegal gun possession and violence in our community. This sentence serves as a warning to those who unlawfully possess firearms.”

“This is another great example of the dedication of our police officers, who work each day to help make our City safer and hold gun offenders accountable,” said Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos. “I appreciate the support of the ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office in our efforts to send a clear message that illegal firearm possession will not be tolerated in our community.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-CR-56.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Michael Joseph Wynder, 37, of New York City, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months incarceration for straw purchasing a firearm.  The sentence was imposed in District Court by the Honorable Richard G. Andrews. 

Court filings show that on six occasions, from April through July of 2021, Wynder traveled from New York City, where he was residing, to Delaware and successfully bought a total of 14 handguns and attempted to buy four more.  The law provides that when buying a firearm in Delaware, the purchaser must certify in writing that the purchaser is a Delaware resident.  Wynder unlawfully did that, providing a former New Castle address and producing a Delaware Identification Card with that address.  In fact, Wynder had not lived in Delaware for two years.  Wynder admitted at sentencing that he sold the guns at a profit in New York City. 

U.S. Attorney Weiss said, “Straw purchasing firearms and illegally selling those firearms to individuals who cannot legally purchase a firearm is a threat to public safety. I commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their hard work in investigating this case. For anyone considering purchasing a firearm for someone that cannot legally purchase their own firearm, consider the end result in Mr. Wynder’s case – federal prison.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-08.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Middletown man entered a guilty plea yesterday to tampering with devices required by the federal Clean Air Act. The Honorable Richard G. Andrews, U.S. District Judge for the District of Delaware, accepted the plea.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gordon W. Lindamood, 47, tampered with the onboard diagnostic systems (OBDs) of diesel trucks.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established maximum air pollutant emission standards for motor vehicles.  In order to meet those standards and in compliance with the Clean Air Act, manufacturers equip motor vehicles with emission control devices that are monitored by computer software in the vehicles’ OBDs.  This software, often referred to as a “tune,” detects and identifies malfunctions, illuminating a light on the vehicle’s dashboard.     

Emission control devices operate to protect the environment at the expense of horsepower and fuel efficiency. Ordinarily, when a diesel truck owner removes a factory-installed emission control device, the truck’s OBD automatically renders the truck inoperable.   Defendant Lindamood illegally solved this problem.

Operating from his home, Lindamood custom-altered software tunes for trucks where the owner previously removed a factory-installed emission control device, and he sold these tunes to customers throughout the United States.  Lindamood’s tunes enabled diesel trucks to operate without emission control devices. 

The EPA Air Enforcement Division (AED) estimates that the installation of such software results in ten to one hundred times more air pollution emissions from each altered diesel truck. These pollutants are harmful to human health and the environment.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The criminal conduct here is not insignificant.  EPA estimates that over 550,000 diesel truck owners have disabled vehicle emissions controls in the past decade – leading to over 575,000 tons of excess air pollutants over the lifetime of those trucks.  Everyone suffers when our air quality is degraded.  I wish to recognize EPA’s efforts in investigating this case.” 

“The defendant knowingly tampered with and rendered inaccurate emissions control devices required under the Clean Air Act, which affected the air quality of nearby communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge, Richard Conrad, EPA, Criminal Investigation Division, Mid Central Area Branch. EPA continues to hold accountable those parties who willingly violate environmental regulations for profit.”    

The case was investigated by the EPA-CID and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-124 RGA.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Porfirio Jimenez-Arizmendi, age 31, a Mexican national unlawfully in the United States and residing in Lincoln, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and for distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence. Mr. Jimenez-Arizmendi, who pled guilty on July 25, 2022, will face removal proceedings upon the completion of his federal prison sentence.

According to court documents, on February 18, 2021, Jimenez-Arizmendi sold approximately 9 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, with an approximate 97% purity, for $9,000.  During his arrest for that crime, officers recovered a semiautomatic pistol and seven rounds of ammunition in the pocket of a jacket found on the front passenger seat of the car Jimenez-Arizmendi was driving. 

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “On a daily basis law enforcement and our communities face the consequences of a gun and drug epidemic. Today’s sentence holds Mr. Jimenez-Arizmendi accountable for his dangerous and illegal behavior.

“Jimenez-Arizmendi sold multi-ounce quantities of extremely pure methamphetamine, which is an illicit stimulant drug that has had a devastating effect on our community,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “Jimenez-Arimendi will justifiably face deportation once his federal prison sentence is done.”  

The case was investigated by the Delaware State Police and the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-60.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that former Delaware State Trooper Jamal Merrell, 32, of Newark, was sentenced today to six months in prison for federal civil rights violations.  Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Pat Thynge pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Merrell stole various electronic items while on duty from TotalTransLogistics, an international reshipping company in New Castle, under the ruse that he was conducting an active fraud investigation. Merrell then sold the stolen items while in uniform and from his DSP patrol vehicle.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Mr. Merrell’s crimes are unacceptable. This country was founded on the protection of an individual’s civil rights and liberties. We task our police officers to uphold those rights and liberties. Instead, Merrell chose to routinely disregard his duties as an officer. This sentence serves a warning to police officers who choose to abuse their power.”

“Delaware State Troopers are entrusted to uphold the law and protect the public’s safety while safeguarding morals that are held near and dear to our hearts. In fact, we take an oath to do so. Although we will never be able to fully comprehend Mr. Merrell’s betrayal of trust to both the public and his former colleagues, one thing is certain, the women and men of this agency will continue to serve the citizens of this great state with honor and integrity,” said Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel Melissa Zebley.

“Law enforcement officers vow to uphold the rights of our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI's Baltimore field office. “Mr. Merrell’s actions are an egregious violation of public trust. His sentencing shows the FBI is committed to investigating allegations of criminal misconduct, no matter who the subject is or what position they hold in their community.”

The FBI and the Delaware State Police Internal Investigations Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Jaquez Williams, age 28, from Wilmington was sentenced today to 45 months in prison for two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, on September 23, 2020, Mr. Williams, a convicted felon, possessed a loaded semiautomatic pistol when the car he was driving was stopped for a traffic violation.  While on bail for the September 23 offense, the defendant was found in possession of another loaded semiautomatic pistol during another traffic stop. The defendant clearly has a penchant for illegal use and possession of firearms, as he had two prior convictions relating to his illegal possession of a firearm.      

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Mr. Williams’ current offense and his history of illegally possessing firearms represent a clear and present danger to our community. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to devote unlimited resources to help stem the tide of gun violence. This sentence should serve as a warning to other repeat offenders who unlawfully possess firearms.” 

“This sentencing is yet another example of the stiff consequences faced by those who carry firearms illegally in Wilmington,” said Wilmington Police Chief Robert J. Tracy. “We appreciate the continued partnership of the United States Attorney’s Office, working with our police officers and investigators to ensure strong prosecution of gun charges.”

The case was investigated by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-67.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Carnell Roberts, age 37, of Wilmington, DE, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.  U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika accepted the plea.

According to court documents, on August 3, 2020, Safe Streets Task Force officers conducted a search of the defendant’s residence where they recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun, and $3,577 in cash. Following his release for the August 3 offense, Mr. Roberts was found in possession of another handgun, a loaded, 9MM semi-automatic. 

Roberts faces a minimum mandatory five years in prison, and a maximum of 60 years in prison when sentenced on April 13, 2023. Judge Noreika will determine Roberts’ sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, including the mandatory minimum.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “All too often, when convicted felons choose to illegally possess firearms, this leads to violence in Wilmington and our surrounding communities. In this case, Mr. Roberts now faces federal prison. I wish to commend federal, state, and local law enforcement for their diligence in investigating this case.

“This arrest and plea, and the sentence that will follow, underscores our efforts to ensure harsh penalties for those who carry firearms illegally in our City,” said Wilmington Police Chief Robert J. Tracy. “We will remain steadfast in our efforts to address gun violence and firearm offenses as we continue to work to make Wilmington safer.”

“Felons who continue to participate in crime, showing no intent to change the path of their lives and no concern for the safety of their community, must be held accountable for their actions,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “We will continue to work along our partners in law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure re-offenders like this are taken off the streets so they cannot pose a threat to law-abiding citizens anymore.”

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart is prosecuting the case. This case was investigated by Probation and Parole Operation Safe Streets, Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER. 

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Michael Younger, 45, a New Castle County man, was sentenced yesterday to 94 months in prison for distributing fentanyl.  U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews pronounced sentence.  The government argued at sentencing that Younger continued selling deadly fentanyl despite knowing that the drugs he sold were causing overdose deaths.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Younger is a career offender, with two prior convictions for serious drug offenses.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) began investigating Younger in early January 2021, after receiving information suggesting that Younger supplied fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a person.  While under investigation, Younger sold additional fentanyl to a government cooperator on February 4, 2021.  During that transaction, Younger told the cooperator that a second customer had died of an overdose after ingesting Younger’s drugs. As a result, Younger changed the stamp he used to brand his fentanyl because Younger thought that law enforcement could trace that stamp to him.  The government’s investigation revealed that Younger’s other customer had indeed died of drug overdose in late January 2021. 

The drugs Younger sold contained not only fentanyl but also xylazine, a horse tranquilizer. Recently, xylazine has been commonly used as an additive included within fentanyl baggies.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the sentencing, “Investigating and prosecuting those who knowingly sell drugs that kill continues to be a top priority for my office and our law enforcement partners.  As overdoses continue to ravage our community, those who profit from illegal fentanyl sales can and will face justice. And if customers die from your drugs, you are facing the prospect of decades in prison.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh prosecuted the case.  The case was investigated by the DEA and the New Castle County Police Department.

The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-00004.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on Monday, November 21, 2022, Third Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, sitting by designation in the District of Delaware, sentenced Omar Morales Colon to 45 years’ incarceration for conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and various other drug and money laundering offenses.  The Court acknowledged that Colon was one of the biggest drug traffickers in the history of the State of Delaware, and that Colon stood ready to use violence if necessary to protect his drug business.

Mr. Colon, age 45, was convicted of the drug and money laundering offenses following a pair of jury trials in September 2021 and July 2022.  His wife, Shakira Martinez, age 44, was also convicted of the money laundering offenses in the July trial; her sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 2023. 

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, between 2009 and 2017, Colon and Martinez laundered over a million dollars in drug proceeds through the purchase of real estate properties in Delaware and Pennsylvania using their company, Zemi Property Management.  They deposited drug money into several different bank accounts – and asked their friends and family members to do the same – and then used those funds to buy cashier’s checks that funded the property purchases. 

Colon was arrested on May 6, 2017, shortly after giving his cocaine supplier $382,045 in cash in a hotel parking lot in Newark, Delaware.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) subsequently discovered a secret underground bunker beneath Colon’s residence, accessed by a tunnel behind a false fireplace, in which Colon hid a marijuana grow operation.  

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the case, “Mr. Colon has received a serious sentence that properly reflects his decades of criminality.   As Judge Bibas acknowledged in his remarks, drug trafficking wreaks havoc on the community and on families.  Mr. Colon imported massive amounts of cocaine into Delaware for many years.  Those who aspire to a criminal lifestyle should take note that the resulting punishment may be decades behind bars.”

"IRS-Criminal Investigation is proud to have provided its financial expertise in this investigation," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty.  "We, along with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, are committed to aggressively investigating individuals who engage in money laundering, tax fraud, or other types of white-collar crimes."

“Colon ran a sophisticated drug trafficking and money laundering operation that included a hidden underground bunker at his house to conceal a marijuana grow operation,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “Colon received a significant federal prison sentence that is commensurate with the magnitude of his drug-trafficking activities.” 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Meredith C. Ruggles prosecuted the case.  This case was investigated by the DEA Philadelphia Division and the IRS-Criminal Investigation.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-00047-LPS.

WILMINGTON, Del. - David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Willilam Bailey, 39, of Smyrna was sentenced on November 16, 2022 to 10 years in federal prision for his role in an attempted Dover home invasion. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents and statements made at the sentencing, around midnight on May 10, 2018, Bailey attempted a home invasion with separately charged defendant, Tyler Deberry, and another man.  Armed with a sawed-off rifle, the three men tried to force their way into a Dover mobile home, expecting to rob its occupants of drugs and cash.  The intruders attempted to enter through the trailer’s back door, but found it blocked on the inside by a washer/dryer.  One of the intruders forced his head, shoulder, arm, and the rifle through the blocked doorway, while victims within the home fought back, pushing against the door to force it closed.   Several shots were fired in the struggle before a victim took the rifle away from the intruders, who then fled.  At sentencing, the prosecutor noted that this was Bailey’s second conviction for home evasion.   Defendant Tyler Deberry’s sentencing is set for February 6, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “In the middle of the night, the defendant joined with others in an armed attempt to break into a home. Bailey and his confederates dangerous plan failed only because the door was blocked, and the occupants fought back. My office is committed to prosecuting violent crimes, even more so when those crimes are committed by recidivists.” 

The case was investigated by the Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Robinson.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-79.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Defendant Dion Oliver was convicted of Stalking, Kidnapping Resulting in Death, and Conspiracy after a 7-day federal trial.  As a result of the conviction, Defendant Oliver is facing a sentence of mandatory life in prison.

According to evidence and witness testimony, the Defendant worked with at least five coconspirators, Ryan Bacon, Donte Sykes, Teres Tinnin, Maurice Cooper, and Michael Pritchett, to search for a man, listed in the Indictment as M.S., in an attempt to kill him.  On June 6, 2017, in furtherance of their continuing pursuit of M.S., Oliver and his confederates s kidnapped M.S.’s girlfriend, Keyonna Perkins, and used her to find M.S.  Perkins was held at gunpoint by Oliver.  She was then forced into the trunk of her car.  After locating M.S., Oliver and his coconspirators fired multiple shots at M.S., but failed to hit him.  Following that shooting, Perkins was forced into the trunk of a second car and driven by co-conspirators to Elkton, Maryland where she was murdered.

Oliver continued his pursuit of M.S. after the first failed shooting.  He located M.S. at Probation & Parole Offices in New Castle.  Oliver, working with Pritchett, waited for M.S. to leave Probation & Parole.   They followed M.S. into Wilmington until M.S. got out of his car.  Pritchett then drove alongside M.S., while Oliver reached out the front passenger window of Pritchett’s truck and fired multiple shots at M.S. The gunfire missed M.S., but one of the bullets ripped through a passing SUV and struck a six-year-old boy in the head, causing the child severe and permanent injuries.

“The defendants’ June 6 crime spree unfolded across multiple police jurisdictions and two separate states. Driven by the singular purpose of killing M.S., defendants displayed utter disregard for the lives of innocents who crossed their paths. As a result, Keyonna Perkins lost her life, a six-year-old boy was permanently injured, and their families will never be the same.  The investigation required careful and ongoing collaboration between numerous law enforcement agencies, and we thank all federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who came together to help hold the defendants accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  

“These men displayed a total disregard for human life,” said Thomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “In an act of retribution, they not only kidnapped and killed a woman, they opened fire in the middle of a busy street, when kids were getting out of school; forever changing the life of one six-year-old boy as he was shot while riding in the backseat of his mom’s car. Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who seek to terrorize our communities and hurt innocent people.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe, Eli H. Klein, and Jesse S. Wenger prosecuted the case.  This case was investigated by FBI's Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce, with assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Delaware State Police, and the Elkton Police Department. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-75.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Wilmington, Delaware man was sentenced to 37 months in prison last week for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews pronounced the sentence.

According to statements made in open court, Khalil Rodriguez-Fitzgerald, 27, possessed a Glock model 19x handgun from February 8, 2021, until February 11, 2021.  The gun, which was straw purchased in North Carolina on February 7, 2021, was transported north, and delivered to the defendant in New Jersey on February 8, 2021.  Rodriguez-Fitzgerald is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his criminal history. 

At the sentencing hearing, the government argued that Rodriguez-Fitzgerald should be subject to additional jail time because, in addition to possessing the Glock, his social media and phone contents demonstrated that Rodriguez-Fitzgerald was buying guns, giving guns to gang members, and selling drugs for months before he was arrested.  The Court agreed that the defendant’s conduct warranted a sentence greater than called for by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Rodriguez-Fitzgerald has also been indicted in the Superior Court of Delaware for gang participation and weapons charges for his involvement with a local gang referred to as Northpak.  The Superior Court indictment charged a number of other members of Northpak with committing shootings and murders in New Castle County between 2018 and 2021.  The government noted at the sentencing hearing that Rodriguez-Fitzgerald frequently communicated with and supplied firearms to members of Northpak, and he bragged about committing acts of violence himself within his social media. 

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented about the sentence, “Mr. Rodriguez-Fitzgerald poses a clear and present danger to our community.  First, he contributed to the violence in our streets by possessing guns himself and by supplying guns to gang members.  These illegal firearms were then used to intimidate and harm members of rival gangs.  Second, when law enforcement attempted to apprehend defendant, he eluded capture by driving on Concord Pike at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour, thereby endangering innocent bystanders.  For these reasons, the government requested a sentence of 57 months, more than two years above the prescribed guideline range.  My office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to combat the gang violence plaguing our community.” 

“From start to finish in this case, there is a flagrant disregard for law, order, and human life,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “The firearm this criminal possessed was straw purchased, bought with the intention of giving it to someone who cannot legally have it. He pushed drugs and guns into the community and aided other gang members in obtaining guns that are destined to threaten the safety of Delaware’s citizens. This kind of remorseless criminal behavior will not be tolerated by ATF and our law enforcement partners.”

The charges in this case were the result of a joint investigation involving the ATF, the Wilmington Police Department, and the Delaware Department of Justice to address the violence caused by Northpak and its associates.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-cr-11.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Wilmington, Delaware man was sentenced last week to over 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl while also illegally possessing two firearms.  U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Mandingo Joseph, age 38, was arrested on December 23, 2021, by agents and officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).  DEA agents conducted a search of the defendant’s residence and found over 2,400 fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl powder, pill cutting agents, and five digital scales, as well as two guns, one of which had a fully loaded extended magazine. Additionally, DEA agents intercepted a package the defendant mailed via the U.S. Postal Service containing over 1900 fake oxycodone tablets. 

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Hundreds of Delawareans succumb to fentanyl overdoses every year. For this reason, stopping the flow of fentanyl onto our streets remains a top priority of my office.  Similarly, the illegal possession of firearms threatens the safety and security of our community.  Such conduct will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek significant prison sentences for those who engage in this activity.” 

“Fake pills containing illicit fentanyl are by far the biggest drug threat facing our communities today,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Philadelphia Field Division.  “That Joseph possessed 4,300 of these pills as well as two guns, one of which had an extended capacity magazine, shows the threat that Joseph posed to the public.  For that he has received a lengthy term in federal prison.  Learn more about the dangers of fake pills from DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, which can be accessed at www.DEA.gov.” 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA Wilmington Resident Office.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office also wishes to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its contributions to the case.

The U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600.   Don’t let the pandemic stop you from beginning treatment.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-47-MN.

WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Claudia Pare will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.  AUSA Pare has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Delaware, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, 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 interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act 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 inability to read or write in English).  

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated that, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can freely exercise that right if they choose to do so, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Pare will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (302) 573-6277.”

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 local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (302) 658-4391.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

U.S. Attorney Weiss said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

Wilmington, Del. – U.S. Attorney Weiss announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $92,013 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the District of Delaware. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and other violent criminal activity in the district. The grant, issued to the Criminal Justice Council, is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “Project Safe Neighborhoods is the cornerstone for my district’s Community-Based Violence Intervention initiative. This funding will support continued efforts to enhance community safety by disrupting and de-escalating violent crime. I wish to thank our PSN community stakeholders and federal, state, and local law enforcement for their continued support.”

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

 The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week charging a Baltimore, Maryland man with three counts of Hobbs Act Robbery.

According to the indictment, Donald Gladden, 56, robbed three tobacco stores in New Castle, Delaware during a 10-day crime spree this summer. The Indictment alleges Gladden committed robberies on May 27, May 31, and June 5, 2022, taking cash and Newport cigarettes during each incident.

Gladden is charged with three counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, one for each store.  If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement.  The Delaware State Police Robbery Unit out of Troop 2 in Bear, Delaware is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli H. Klein is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Bridgeville man was sentenced on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, to 235 months in prison for attempting to get pornographic photographs from a minor.  Following his time in prison, he will spend ten years on federal supervised release. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Frank R. Bucklew, 57, spoke through a dating application with an undercover police officer who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.  He had detailed sexual discussions with her and repeatedly asked that she send him pornographic images of herself.  Mr. Bucklew is a registered sex offender following a conviction for a sex offense in a Baltimore, Maryland state court in 2000.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Soliciting pornographic photos from a minor is child abuse. My office, in partnership with our law enforcement partners, will continue to use all available resources to identify and prosecute individuals who chose to victimize our children.”

“One of our top priorities at Homeland Security Investigations is the apprehension of those who prey upon vulnerable children,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations’ Philadelphia Field Office. “Partnerships are key to these efforts. This case highlights the impact investigators and prosecutors can make when working closely together to rid our communities of child predators.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Graham L. Robinson and Ruth Mandelbaum.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 21-CR-20-MN.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Jamal Merrell, 32, of Newark, pled guilty in federal court today after an FBI investigation revealed that Merrell, under the ruse of conducting an active fraud investigation, stole various electronic items from an international reshipping company in New Castle. Chief Magistrate Judge Mary Pat Thynge accepted the plea.

According to court documents, Merrell, a former Delaware State Police trooper, pleaded guilty to Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and faces a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison when sentenced on January 5, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the plea, “The defendant betrayed the public trust for personal gain. His conduct undermines the honorable law enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities every day.  I commend the Delaware State Police Internal Investigations Unit for their cooperation with the FBI during this investigation.”

“Every Trooper within the Delaware State Police takes an oath to faithfully serve and protect the citizens of this great state. We are an organization that recognizes while fulfilling our sacred mission to protect and serve the public, we must also hold our own members accountable for any actions that jeopardize public trust,” said Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley. The Delaware State Police consistently responds to and investigates all complaints of misconduct. Since the onset of this federal investigation, the Delaware State Police has worked in partnership with federal investigators. We would like to thank the community for their continued trust and patience as this investigation unfolded. We will continue to provide the professional, competent, and compassionate law enforcement services that our communities deserve.”

"Today’s guilty plea represents FBI's commitment to investigating these cases" stated Baltimore FBI Special Agent in Charge, Thomas J. Sobocinski. "Our partnership, shared expertise, intelligence, and investigative practices will help dissuade police misconduct more effectively and reinforce public confidence in the great work done by our law enforcement officers."

The FBI and the Delaware State Police Internal Investigations Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Pierce is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Joan Donald, 55, of Ocean View, was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison on federal wire fraud and tax evasion charges. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in open court, Donald worked as an administrative assistant and quasi-bookkeeper for Dovetail, Inc., a high-end interior design and construction business located in Bethany Beach.  Beginning in at least 2014, the defendant began defrauding Dovetail and its owner by paying herself a shadow salary, paying her personal credit card bills using the business’s bank account, and funneling money to her husband in various ways, including by fraudulent checks and Square payments.  In total, the defendant embezzled more than $1.1 million from Dovetail and its owner.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the sentence, “The owner of Dovetail, Connie Britell, was a force of nature who built her business from the ground up.  Over the years, Ms. Britell placed more and more trust in the defendant, eventually giving the defendant control over company finances.  The defendant abused that trust.  Month after month for at least seven years, defendant Donald drained Dovetail’s accounts until there was nothing left.  In doing so, the defendant exploited an elderly woman in declining health who had placed full faith in her.  The defendant’s conduct was not only criminal, it was also cruel.  Today’s sentence stands as a stark warning to those who prey on the elderly.” 

"Justice has been served today and this defendant is on her way to federal prison for stealing from her employer, the American public, and the government,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “Would-be criminals should take notice. A similar fate awaits anyone thinking about engaging in this type of criminal conduct.”

“Today’s sentence has put an end to Joan Donald’s flagrant actions and complete disrespect of the law.  For years Donald was a trusted insider who preyed on her employer by stealing funds to financially enrich herself” stated Baltimore FBI Special Agent in Charge, Thomas J. Sobocinski.  “Those who abuse their position of trust for their own financial greed will not be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will continue to uncover those committing fraud and causing harm to businesses and individuals for personal gain.” 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-18-RGA.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Dover man was sentenced to six months in federal prison for impersonating a federal officer.  The sentence was pronounced by Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly.

According to court documents, David Perrera, 50, called a Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee from Delaware pretending to be a member of the U.S. Marshals Service.  Perrera used this false identity to obtain personal information about another person, including that person’s address and the make and model of that person’s vehicle.  This is the latest in Perrera’s decades-long criminal history, including multiple prior crimes involving deceit, as well as theft and firearms offenses.

“Serving as a law enforcement officer is an honorable profession. Perrera’s deceitful conduct put both the public and law enforcement at risk.  Fraudsters cannot be allowed to erode confidence in our public servants,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss.

U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware Michael McGowan stated, “These are challenging times for law enforcement.  Mr. Perrera’s illegal representation of himself as a Deputy U.S. Marshal damages the trust and faith that the public should have in law enforcement.  We appreciate our agency’s partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office who brought this case to a successful conclusion.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Robinson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-28.