District of Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – Ryan Bacon, 37, of Wilmington, pled guilty in federal court today, accepting his role in the kidnapping and killing of a New Castle County woman during the morning of June 6, 2017, and the shooting of a 6-year-old boy that same day.  U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark accepted the plea.

According to court documents, Bacon, who also goes by “Buck 50”, pled guilty to the following offenses: (1) Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping; (2) Discharging of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; (3) Conspiracy to Commit Stalking; and (4) Stalking.  As part of the plea, Bacon agreed to serve 30 years in federal prison.  Bacon’s sentencing date has not yet been set.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement.  The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case, along with significant assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Delaware State Police, Elkton Police Department, and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen McCartney, Jesse S. Wenger, and Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe 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. 18-cr-00075-1(LPS).

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Wilmington returned an indictment on December 7 charging Melvin Janvier, III, 34, of Newark, Delaware, with distributing and possessing child pornography during July 2021.

Janvier has been in state custody since his July 20, 2021 arrest. If convicted, Janvier faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of 40 years’ incarceration. 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.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “The production, distribution, and collection of child pornography is a heinous shadow industry that targets the most vulnerable among us – our children.  Our office is dedicated to combatting this abhorrent industry and bringing those who lurk in its shadows to justice.”

The case was investigated by the Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Squad of the FBI Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox 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. – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The District of Delaware was awarded funding totaling $92,442.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “Collectively deterring and disrupting violent criminal behavior with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners yields safer communities. This PSN award will not only enhance my office’s mission to make our streets safer, but will also create an ecosystem of prevention services to help deter criminal behavior and build trust in the communities we serve.”

“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”

In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, 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.

This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.

A list of all grantees can be found here.

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. – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Delaware, the Town of Smyrna was awarded funding totaling $125,000.

“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “The COPS Hiring Program underscores the Department’s commitment to investing in prevention and intervention programs in our communities. With this award, the Town of Smyrna will be able to devote additional resources to educate the community about the pitfalls of substance use.”

CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.  

Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.

To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.  

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, Delaware State Police Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, and Wilmington Police Chief Robert J. Tracy, today announced an ongoing effort with school districts throughout Delaware to teach driver’s education students how to engage safely with law enforcement.   Thanks to Principal Lisa Brewington, more than 200 William Penn High School driver’s education students participated in the “Road Rules and Rights” program this week.

Road Rules and Rights is an interactive learning experience designed to encourage good decision-making during routine traffic stops for high school sophomores.  During a 90-minute learning experience, driver’s education students engage in discussions with law enforcement and simulate a traffic stop.  Ultimately, the program emphasizes both the Constitutional rights and statutory obligations of new drivers during law enforcement encounters. 

William Penn, the State’s largest high school, is the most recent program participant.  Statewide, the Road Rules and Rights Initiative has educated over 1,200 new student drivers about roles, responsibilities, and rights during traffic stops since the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

USA Weiss commented about this week’s work at William Penn High School:

“I want to thank our partners in the Colonial School District and schools throughout the state for embracing this needed program. Fundamentally, this is about breaking down barriers. Through classroom participation, the William Penn students interacted with Delaware State Police and Wilmington Police Department officers and a prosecutor from my office to simulate a variety of common traffic stop fact patterns.   The Road Rules and Rights Initiative provides a hands-on opportunity for students to better understand common police practices. By learning basic safety tips, traffic stops will be shorter and safer for the public and those law enforcement officers who serve us on Delaware’s roadways.”

“The safety and well-being of our students remains a top priority at William Penn. We wish to thank all involved with educating our students about how to properly engage with police.  Activities such as this, helps to foster relationships and instill confidence and trust between students and law enforcement,” said Principal Brewington.

Colonel Melissa A. Zebley stated, “The Delaware State Police would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for this program and the partnership with the school districts to allow us to provide this important training. A traffic stop can be one of the most dangerous situations our troopers are faced with in the course of their daily duties. Understanding the proper procedures of the law enforcement officer, as well as the common issues or questions the driver may have, will make it safer for the young drivers and the troopers during a traffic stop.”

“I am proud of the efforts of Wilmington Police officers who have long participated in programs like this, as part of the daily outreach we have with the community we serve,” said Chief Tracy. “This is a great example of the types of relationship building that we have seen work well in Wilmington, and among our partner agencies in Delaware.”

For more information regarding Road Rules and Rights or other school-based programs visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office website here or contact us at 302.573.6277.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Bruce Kevin Fleming, 67, of Milton, Delaware, was sentenced in federal court today to one year in federal prison for federal tax evasion. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Fleming, a well-known, freelance photographer, pled guilty on August 26, 2020.  At the time of his plea, Fleming had not filed federal income tax returns or paid any such taxes since 1981.  Fleming’s sentence includes $192,529 restitution to the IRS for income taxes due and owing from 2002 through 2016.  Fleming was also ordered to make restitution to the IRS for $22,584 in payroll taxes which he withheld from his employees’ wages in 2016 and 2017 but never turned over to the IRS. 

The Indictment covered the years 2012–2016.  The prosecutor noted that Fleming had the money to pay his income taxes for those years, as his total net income was $393,000; however, Fleming lived beyond his means, spending a total of $75,000 in restaurants/bars and $2,350 monthly to rent a $800,000 house in Lewes, one block from the beach. 

The prosecutor further said the criminal investigation was initiated only after Fleming ignored all of the IRS’s numerous letters and civil assessments.   

Commenting on the sentence, U.S. Attorney Weiss noted, “The financial loss in tax cases is shared by every member of the tax-paying public.  Our nation’s ability to operate and serve its citizenry depends on voluntary compliance with tax obligations.  The defendant not only willfully evaded his personal income tax obligations, but he failed to pay over taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks, demonstrating a complete disregard for their individual tax liabilities.”

“Today’s sentencing is the culmination of Mr. Fleming disregarding his tax responsibility for nearly two decades,” said Yury Kruty, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation.  “Taxpayers want to know that everyone is doing their part and paying their fair share of taxes.  IRS-CI will continue to vigorously investigate those individuals who knowingly and willfully evade their tax obligation.”

The case was prosecuted by AUSA Edmond Falgowski and investigated by IRS-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. 1:19-cr-122.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Wilmington returned an indictment today charging Rick Schriber, 72, of Clayton, Delaware, with receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography.

The Indictment alleges that Schriber received and distributed child pornography from approximately September 2018 through August 2019.  According to additional documents filed in federal court, Schriber is alleged to have received and distributed this child pornography via e-mail exchanges with another individual. 

Law enforcement officers searched Schriber’s residence on October 20, 2021. Agents discovered child pornography, which Schriber is also charged with possessing, and arrested him. Schriber has been detained since his arrest.

If convicted, Schriber faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, with 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.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “The production, distribution, and collection of child pornography is a heinous shadow industry that targets the most vulnerable among us – our children.  Our office is dedicated to combatting this abhorrent industry and bringing those who lurk in its shadows to justice.”

The case was investigated by the Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Squad of the FBI Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox 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 are  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 a Pennsylvania man was arrested on charges of fraudulently obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from a national chain of home improvement stores.  The charges are based on an indictment returned by a grand jury for the District of Delaware for wire fraud and access device fraud.

According to the indictment, Mamadou Bah, 37, 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 various home improvement stores utilizing a barcode on his phone that was linked to a fraudulently obtained credit card.  Bah would use that barcode to pay for the merchandise.  The victim stores would later receive a “chargeback” from the credit card company indicating that the purchase was fraudulent.  All told, Bah caused losses in excess of $650,000. 

If convicted, Bah faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment on the wire fraud charge and 10 years imprisonment on the access device fraud 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.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “The Indictment alleges a nationwide financial fraud scheme from which the defendant obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Such systematic fraud warrants intervention, investigation and prosecution by federal authorities who are able to address the entirety of the defendant’s conduct.”

FBI-Baltimore, Wilmington Resident Agency is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ibrahim 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. 21-CR-65

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 an Illinois man pleaded guilty Friday, October 1, 2021 to conspiring with others to launder, or attempting to launder, between $550,000 and $1,500,000 from internet-based fraud schemes.  Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly accepted the plea.

According to court documents, Daniel Oluwatoki Kuye, 22, received funds from businesses and individuals victimized through internet-based fraud schemes, including business email compromises and romance fraud.  Kuye’s co-conspirators defrauded businesses and individuals over the internet and then instructed those victims to send the fraudulently obtained money to Kuye or to an alias Kuye used to receive the illicit proceeds.  Kuye personally used a portion of the fraud proceeds and distributed the remainder to other co-conspirators.

Kuye pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Chief Judge Connolly will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Mr. Kuye and his co-conspirators used online scams to steal money from American businesses and to cheat citizens out of their hard-earned savings.  Mr. Kuye actively aided his co-conspirators by using aliases to receive fraudulently obtained proceeds and enriched himself in the process.  My office will continue to prosecute those who participate in internet-based fraud schemes in any capacity.”

“Mr. Kuye admitted to laundering money obtained from various online fraudulent schemes which can be devastating to businesses and individuals who fall prey to them,” said Tomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “He also knowingly engaged in criminal money laundering activities, serving as a Money Mule. Money Mules assist these type of fraud schemes by receiving money from victims and forwarding proceeds to other criminals or even foreign-based perpetrators. This prosecution sends a message to all who are engaged in money mule activity that they will be caught and prosecuted. We also remind the public if you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to the FBI at IC3.gov.”

This case was investigated by FBI-Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger and Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Alejandra Arias of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.

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-57-CFC.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal jury convicted a Bear, Delaware man on Monday on charges of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The defendant was acquitted on two related charges. U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark accepted the verdict. 

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Omar Morales Colon, age 44, imported 77 kilograms of cocaine into Delaware from California.  The cocaine was smuggled inside four-foot-tall oxygen tanks.  Colon was arrested shortly after giving his cocaine supplier $382,045 in cash in a hotel parking lot in Newark, Delaware.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also 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. 

Colon and his wife, Shakira Martinez, have also been charged with various money laundering offenses.  A trial date for the money laundering charges has not yet been set.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the case, “The defendant was a sophisticated drug trafficker who conspired with others, including members of the Sinaloa cartel, to bring vast amounts of cocaine into Delaware. The DEA’s investigation led to the seizure of 17 kilograms of cocaine, pounds of marijuana, nearly $1 million in cash, and the conviction of a major drug trafficker. My office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who profit from illegal drug operations.”

Colon faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison when sentenced. Judge Stark will determine the defendant’s sentence, after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Whitney C. Cloud are prosecuting the case.  This case was investigated by the DEA Philadelphia 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. 1:17-cr-00047-LPS.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a Camden-Wyoming man was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in prison for Malicious Use of a Fire to Damage Interstate Commerce.  Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Benjamin Glanden, was arrested on June 29, 2020, after officers with the Dover Police Department and the Dover City Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the Liberty Court Apartments, 1289 Walker Road, Dover, Delaware, for a report of an individual setting fires.  Surveillance video from the scene showed Glanden walking up to Apartment Building C, lighting a bottle which contained gasoline and a paper towel, and throwing the bottle onto the building’s roof.  At the time Glanden threw the lighted bottle on its roof, Building C was occupied by 8 adults and 10 children. 

Before imposing sentence, Chief Judge Connolly noted the seriousness of the defendant’s incredibly reckless behavior, indicating that tragic consequences could have resulted from Glanden’s actions.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Defendant’s grossly irresponsible behavior jeopardized the safety of innocent apartment dwellers.  But for timely reporting to law enforcement, defendant’s fire setting could quickly have led to substantial property damage with potentially deadly consequences.  My office will continue to vigorously prosecute those, like the defendant, whose actions directly threaten public safety.”

“The defendant’s reckless disregard for human life could have easily resulted in tragedy,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “We are grateful for the public’s quick reporting and fast response by our Dover law enforcement and fire service partners that prevented that tragedy from happening. By combining ATF arson investigation resources with the knowledge and experience of our partners, we were able to ensure this defendant was brought to justice. ATF is unwavering in its commitment to remove violent offenders like this from Delaware communities.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen McCartney prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Dover 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.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Isaiah Council, a 27-year-old Wilmington resident, was sentenced yesterday to 84 months in prison for illegally possessing a stolen 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun.  Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents and statements in open court, Council was on probation for both a 2017 armed robbery conviction in Wilmington and a 2012 shooting conviction in New York City.  Because Council had been convicted of multiple gun-related offenses, he was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

On July 28, 2020, Wilmington Police Department officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Council was seated as a passenger.   As the vehicle started to pull over, Council fled the car, tripping in the process.  When Council tripped, he dropped a black satchel that contained his debit card, 1.4 grams of cocaine, and a tan 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun.  Further investigation revealed that the handgun had been stolen from a burglary of a gun shop in Newark.   

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the sentence, “Amidst a scourge of gun violence in Delaware, this defendant decided to arm himself with a stolen handgun.  Worse, he had only been released from prison three months earlier following a 2017 conviction for armed robbery.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who break the law by trafficking in illegal guns.” 

“Any stolen firearm is a threat to communities, but couple that with being in the possession of convicted felons who intend to commit crime and the danger increases,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “We are proud of the strong partnerships we have with the Wilmington Police Department and our shared commitment to stopping gun violence in Wilmington. ATF is committed to relentlessly investigating these cases alongside our partners in law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the 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. 20-cr-83-CFC.

WILMINGTON, Del. — David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney, announced today that Joseph J. Leonetti, Jr., Former Union President of the Wilmington Fire Department, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Leonetti pled guilty to one count of possessing child pornography on April 21, 2021.  Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to publicly filed documents and statements made in open court, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Leonetti’s Wilmington residence on June 19, 2020 and seized his personal cellphone.  Following a forensic review of that cellphone, investigators found videos and cached images of child pornography.  A cache is a reserved storage location that collects temporary data for easy retrieval.  Investigators also found that Leonetti had deleted evidence from his phone when he saw law enforcement arrive at his house; namely, Leonetti deleted the Kik application--a messenger and group chat application that Leonetti had used to chat in a group dedicated to pedophilia and onto which Leonetti had uploaded a video of child pornography.  Last, in the cellphone’s “Notes” application, investigators found links to folders associated with cloud-based file storage services Dropbox and Mega.  The contents of some of these links contained additional child pornography.  The child pornography found on the defendant’s cellphone and in the linked folders included depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in various sexual acts and the lascivious exhibition of their genitals.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children—from the abhorrent shadow industry that produces, distributes, and collects child pornography and from those who lurk in its base marketplace.  This Office fulfills its commitment without regard to the occupation or privilege of the wrongdoer.  No one is above the law.”

“Mr. Leonetti, while in a position of trust as a Firefighter and Union President for the Wilmington Fire Department, possessed sexually explicit photographs and videos of prepubescent children,” said Brian A. Michael, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, Philadelphia.  “Although we are pleased with the sentence handed down today, the lives of these children have been tragically impacted by the defendants’ actions. No sentence will reverse the physical and mental abuse that they have endured.  Homeland Security Investigations will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute any person whose actions fuel a demand for this sexual abuse and exploitation.”

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham L. Robinson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Robert Rodriguez, age 58, of Wilmington, DE, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a felon.  U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika accepted the plea.

According to court documents, on August 10, 2020, FBI agents conducted a search of the defendant’s residence and a nearby garage where they recovered over 100 bundles of fentanyl, a loaded black Glock handgun, and $18,268 in cash. 

Rodriguez faces a minimum mandatory five years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on December 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Judge Noreika will determine Rodriguez’s sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, including the mandatory minimum.

“The negative long-term impact of heroin and fentanyl on our communities is incalculable.  Working with our law enforcement partners, my office will continue to identify and prosecute those who choose to deal in illegal drugs and use firearms to protect their profits,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart are prosecuting the case.  FBI Baltimore’s Wilmington Resident Office conducted the 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. 20-062-MN. 

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that his office will commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11 with a Blue Light Tribute to honor the fallen and the first responders and military members who continue to answer the call to duty.

U.S. Attorney Weiss is asking businesses and building owners throughout Delaware to join his office in this effort by placing flameless, battery operated, blue tea lights in their office windows beginning Friday, September 10.  Building owners can also light up their buildings in blue by replacing the white lightbulbs outside the building with blue lightbulbs.

“Saturday, September 11, 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon, and the heroic crash of United Flight 93 in the fields near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We seek to pay tribute to the fallen, their families and friends, and the first responders who ran to the danger on 9/11 and who continue to serve our communities today. We ask all Delaware businesses and government organizations to join us in our Blue Light Tribute to those brave men and women--the law enforcement officers, medical workers and military personnel who dedicate their lives to keep us safe,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss.

For additional information, please email Kimberlynn.Reeves@usdoj.gov

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that Connections Community Support Programs, Inc. (“CCSP”) has agreed to the entry of consent judgments totaling over $15,300,000 to resolve two lawsuits brought by the federal government alleging health care fraud arising under the federal False Claims Act and violations of the 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.

CCSP has agreed to the entry of a judgment in the amount of $13,757,520.60, plus interest, to resolve claims that CCSP violated the False Claims Act by billing for mental health services performed by individuals whose professional qualifications did not allow them to bill Medicare or Medicaid for reimbursement and by billing Medicaid for mental health services using incorrect procedure codes for the person performing the service, resulting in higher payments than were permitted.  CCSP has also agreed to the entry of a judgment in the amount of $1,621,571, plus interest, to resolve claims that it violated the federal Controlled Substances Act by negligently failing to keep proper records of its use of controlled substances, including methadone and buprenorphine, in its treatment of patients with substance use disorders and by transferring controlled substances between locations without proper documentation.

On April 19, 2021, shortly after the filing of these two lawsuits by the United States, CCSP filed for bankruptcy.  On June 15, 2021, CCSP completed a sale, overseen by the Bankruptcy Court, of its assets and operations to Conexio Care, Inc. and Coras Wellness and Behavioral Health, which are now providing the mental health and addition treatments services formerly provided by CCSP.  The settlement agreements and consent judgments agreed to by CCSP and the United States must still be approved by the Bankruptcy Court and the final amount of any recovery by the United States will be limited by the availability of funds in the bankruptcy estate to pay the United States and other creditors of CCSP.

“For many years, Connections was improperly billing government programs for mental health services and failing to properly monitor and document its controlled substances inventory,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “These settlements, together with the transfer of all of Connections’ services and operations to providers, finally resolve Connections’ long history of poor legal and regulatory compliance which jeopardized the provision of important mental health and substance abuse treatment to the residents of the State of Delaware.”

“These allegations depict CCSP as a health care provider that truly disserved patients and their Federal health care programs,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Falsely billing Medicare and Medicaid demonstrates a lacking regard for the stability of these programs and the beneficiaries who depend on their services. With our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG continuously strives to swiftly combat such fraud.”

“Narcotics treatments programs such as Connections were entrusted with dispensing drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine to assist people with substance use disorder.  However, with that responsibility comes the obligation to properly document the use and transfer of these same drugs,” said Thomas Hodnett, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “This civil judgment serves as notice to ensure compliance with the Controlled Substances Act and the requirements to safeguard drugs used for medication assisted treatment.” 

The False Claims Act settlement announced today partially resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act.  The government’s claims are based on a whistleblower suit filed by two former CCSP employees.  A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney.  The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblower with a share of the government’s recovery.  Separate from the settlement announced today, the qui tam relators are continuing to pursue additional claims against CCSP and its former CEO Catherine Devaney McKay.     

The United States is also continuing to pursue its claims for violations of the Controlled Substances Act against McKay as well as two other corporate executives, William Northey and Steven Davis, which are not part of the settlement announced today.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesse S. Wenger and Laura D. Hatcher represented the United States in the False Claims Act matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dylan J. Steinberg and Laura D. Hatcher represented the United States in the Controlled Substances Act matter.

Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:19-cv-475-CFC for the False Claims Act matter and 1:21-cv-00514-MN for the Controlled Substances Act matter.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A former Delaware resident pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware to two counts of mailing threatening communications in Delaware.

According to court documents, Michael Protack, 63, mailed two explicit death threats to a Delawarean in January and February of 2021. The January letter threatened death by a date certain.  The February threat included a graphic image of a dead body.  Both threatening communications were sent anonymously. Protack pleaded guilty to mailing both letters and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. 

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews accepted the plea.  Judge Andrews will sentence the defendant on December 6, 2021, after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

“Using the U.S. mail to threaten injury or death to others is a serious federal crime, stated U.S. Attorney Weiss.  The defendant’s threats were graphic, violent, and specifically designed to inspire fear. My Office will do what is necessary to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service is not used as a communication vehicle for violent threats.”

“Using the United States Mail to make anonymous violent threats against another person is a federal crime,” said Damon Wood, Postal Inspector in Charge of Philadelphia Division of the Postal Inspection Service.  He added that “Violent threats in the mail are exceedingly rare in 2021, but when they occur, the United States Postal Inspection Service will work to hold accountable those who made the threats.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for helping us keep the mail safe and free of violence.”   

“We consider any threat to life a serious threat. These were disturbing, calculated messages sent by Mr. Protack and he now faces up to 10 years in prison for his actions,” said Thomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “These types of cases are aggressively investigated by the FBI, Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners, and those who violate federal law will be held accountable.”

This case has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI Baltimore Division Wilmington Resident Office, with assistance from the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox 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. 1:21-cr-0042-RGA.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging a Millsboro man with possession of four destructive devices and an AK-47 with an altered serial number.

According to the indictment, Job Gillette, 23, had previously been convicted of a crime that prohibited him from possessing any firearms.  The indictment alleges that on March 24, 2021, Gillette was found in possession of one intact improvised incendiary device made of a glass bottle containing a yellow-colored ignitable liquid and a white foam-like material, with matches secured to the cap and neck of the bottle.  The indictment further alleges that, on the same date, Gillette also possessed the parts to readily assemble three additional devices made of Hennessy Cognac bottles filled with yellow-colored ignitable liquid and a foam-like material.  Gillette was also in possession of an AK-47 rifle with an altered serial number.

Gillette is charged with four counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of possession of a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number.  If convicted, he faces maximum penalties of ten years in prison for each of the first five counts and five years in prison for possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. 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.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Law enforcement recovered homemade bombs and an AK-47 from the defendant, who was prohibited from legally possessing any firearms.  The officers’ actions thereby ensured that these homemade bombs could never be put to use. Delaware is safer because of their efforts. I am particularly grateful to the concerned citizens who alerted the authorities so the defendant could be held accountable in a court of law.”

“You so often hear us say, ‘if you see something, say something’ that’s exactly what happened in this case and because of that citizen alert we averted a potentially hazardous situation,” said Thomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “According to this indictment, Mr. Gillette was stock-piling dangerous explosive materials and possessed an illegally acquired AK-47. We are fortunate, through swift law enforcement action, that no one was hurt. The FBI would like to highlight the assistance of our federal, state and local partners who stand ready to identify, disrupt, and dismantle any plans to inflict harm on our communities.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Wilmington Resident Office, with substantial assistance from the Delaware State Police and Delaware State Fire Marshals.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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-33-RGA.

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 Harrington, Delaware woman pleaded guilty today to intentionally failing to pay employment taxes on behalf of a local business.  U.S. District Court Judge Leonard P. Stark accepted the plea.

According to court documents, Sara Collins, 49, served as the Corporate Secretary of a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business for over twenty years.  Collins was responsible for overseeing payroll disbursement and filing tax documents on behalf of the business.  Each pay period, the business withheld taxes from its employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes and Medicare and Social security taxes.  Beginning in the first quarter of 2013 through the last quarter of 2019, Collins failed to file quarterly forms with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and paid fewer than $37,000 in payroll taxes for that entire six-year period.  In total, Collins failed to pay over $930,000 owed to the IRS by the business.

Collins pleaded guilty to five counts of willful failure to pay over tax and faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for each count when sentenced on November 17, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Judge Stark will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Ms. Collins abused her position of trust by diverting employee tax obligations to line her own pockets.  In so doing, she put her employer and fellow employees at risk. My office is committed to working with IRS Criminal Investigation to prosecute those who evade legal responsibilities to their employees and the federal government by misdirecting paycheck withholdings for personal gain.”

“Ms. Collins was entrusted to file the company’s payroll tax returns and remit the relevant taxes and she purposely failed to do so,” said Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation.  “This is a serious offense that results in the loss of significant tax revenue to the United States government each year.”

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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. 1:21-cr-00047-LPS.

WILMINGTON, Del. –David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Superseding Indictment was recently unsealed charging 14 individuals with conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl and other related offenses.  Four of those individuals, Jamar Jackson, Denise Brown, Harley Douglas, and Nicole Jackson, had been previously charged. The Superseding Indictment also charges Jamar Jackson with conspiring to launder money internationally.

The newly indicted defendants are:

• Raymond Taite, 32, of Brooklyn, New York;
• Jerry Chambers, 24, of Chester, Pennsylvania;
• Desarie Gibbs, 52, of Newark, Delaware;
• Kalone Glasper, 22, of Chester, Pennsylvania;
• DeVeughin Holloway, 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
• Cariymah Hopson, 20, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
• Braheem Naylor, 26, of Chester, Pennsylvania;
• Tahria Parks, 38, of Darby, Pennsylvania;
• Dashawna Turner, 25 of Chester, Pennsylvania; and
• Antoine Watson, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 7.5 kilograms of heroin and/or fentanyl, 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 guns, and $180,000.  The street value of these drugs is easily in excess of $1 million.

The primary investigating agencies in this case are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI.  Instrumental assistance was also provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Delaware State Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Newport Police Department, the Elsmere Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Chester Police Department.  The investigation was supported by the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Area program (HIDTA), and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  Other prosecutors’ offices who assisted in the investigation include the Delaware Department of Justice, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, as well as other U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

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-00075 (Castro Valenzuela) and Case No. 20-CR-00084 (Jamar Jackson et. al.).

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 jury convicted a former Delaware doctor Wednesday for unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances and for maintaining a drug-involved premises.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Patrick Titus, former M.D., 58, of Milford, unlawfully distributed or dispensed a variety of powerful opioids, including fentanyl, morphine, methadone, OxyContin and oxycodone, outside the usual scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Titus operated an internal medicine practice whereby he would frequently prescribe hundreds of these dangerous controlled substances in high dosages, sometimes in combination with each other or in other dangerous combinations, mostly in exchange for cash. Although these Schedule II drugs are approved for pain management treatment, Titus provided no meaningful medical care and, instead, prescribed these controlled substances to patients he knew were suffering from substance use disorder and/or who demonstrated clear signs that the prescribed drugs were being abused, diverted or sold on the street.

“Doctors who illegitimately prescribe opioid medications are fueling the country’s opioid crisis,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Not only does unlawfully prescribing opioids facilitate their diversion and misuse by patients, but it also allows doctors who commit these unlawful acts to exploit their roles as stewards of their patient’s care for their own personal profit. This verdict serves as a reminder that such abuse will be not be tolerated and that we will be resolute in our pursuit of justice.”

“Dr. Titus was convicted of illegally distributing powerful prescription painkillers such as fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone and morphine for profit,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn R. Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division and head of the DEA’s operations across the state of Delaware. “His conviction is an appropriate resolution for his utter and total disregard for his ethical and legal obligations as a medical doctor, especially due to the fact that he distributed these drugs knowingly to people suffering from substance use disorder.” 

“This verdict holds Dr. Titus accountable for his actions and should serve as a warning to others that the illegal prescribing of dangerous narcotics will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our partners at the DEA, FDA and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate allegations of drug diversion and keep our communities safe from illegal prescription drugs.”

Titus was convicted of 13 counts of unlawful distribution and dispensing of controlled substances and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9, and faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The DEA and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Assistant Deputy Chief Aleza Remis and Trial Attorneys Justin Woodard and Claire Sobczak of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski of the District of Delaware assisted with the case.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was sentenced yesterday to 11 years in federal prison by the Honorable Colm F. Connolly, for possession with intent to distribute crack and powder cocaine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to court documents, Troy Alexander, 42, admitted that for four to five months he obtained approximately a kilogram of cocaine each week for sale.  On the day of his arrest, DEA Agents seized approximately 160 grams of crack cocaine, 280 grams of powder cocaine, cutting agents, and a kilogram press with molds from a residence affiliated with Mr. Alexander in Wilmington, Delaware.  A loaded handgun was also found at Mr. Alexander’s home.  Mr. Alexander is not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to a prior federal drug conviction.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “All too often, drugs and guns lead to violence in Wilmington and the surrounding communities.  My office will continue to partner with the DEA to target, arrest, and prosecute drug and gun offenders and attempt to stem the violence before it occurs.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Group 41 is a member of the New Castle County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) and is comprised of officers from the Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police Department, Wilmington Police Department, Delaware Probation and Parole, Homeland Security Investigations, and Newark Police Department.  Additional assistance was provided from by the Wilmington Police Department Drug Organized Crime & Vice Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Hudson, Jennifer K. Welsh, and Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe.

WILMINGTON, Del. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and our federal partners opened the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demise of the Wilmington Trust Company in 2011. We have interviewed hundreds of witnesses and reviewed hundreds of thousands of documents. As is typically the case in any long term investigation and prosecution, we experienced successes and disappointments along the way. We secured guilty pleas to fraud and related offenses from seven defendants and negotiated a settlement with the bank which, among other things, called for the forfeiture of 60 million dollars for victims. The Third Circuit’s decision, on the other hand, was extremely disappointing and limited our options moving forward.

Prosecutors must constantly weigh a number of factors in exercising prosecutorial discretion. Those factors include not only the likelihood of obtaining a conviction, but also competing public safety priorities, and the availability of finite resources to address these priorities. In my judgment, the practical implications of the Third Circuit’s opinion and the challenges currently facing our community--such as unprecedented violent crime, the rising number of opioid overdose deaths, and domestic terrorism--counsel in favor of declining to retry David Gibson, Robert V.A. Harra, William North and Kevyn Rakowski.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Newark woman with wire fraud, loan fraud, and money laundering in connection with seventeen fraudulent loan applications under programs authorized  by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).

According to the indictment, Ana Soto, 40, fraudulently applied for loans designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Between March 2020 and January 2021, using the names of five separate companies, Soto submitted applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and its authorized lenders, inflating, among other metrics, the revenues and number of employees of the companies in attempt to obtain greater payments under either the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”).  In some instances, Soto falsely claimed businesses that had either already closed or not yet open at the onset of the pandemic were entitled to funds.  While many of these applications were denied, as a result of her illegal conduct, Soto obtained approximately $246,000.  Soto then used the money for personal expenses, not authorized by the PPP or EIDL program, including the purchase of a personal use vehicle.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the charges, “In the midst of a global crisis, this defendant took advantage of government programs designed to support small businesses and the employees of those businesses.  The defendant’s opportunism, at the expense of the U.S. government and its citizens, deserves sanction and today’s indictment represents the first step in seeking  to hold her accountable for her actions.”

Soto is charged with wire fraud, SBA fraud, and money laundering.  If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency conducted the investigation in this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley F. Wolf 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.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Jose E. Mateo-Nina, 33, of Wilmington, Delaware, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison today.  Mateo-Nina previously pled guilty to possessing over 500 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute.  Or, as the Honorable Maryellen Noreika summarized, “You helped to import a lot of heroin—which is a deadly drug.”

According to court documents, on May 1, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers identified a parcel being sent from Mexico to Wilmington, Delaware.  The parcel contained a wheelchair.  A search warrant was obtained for the parcel, and over 600 grams of heroin were discovered in the tires of that wheelchair.  Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Agents arrest the Defendant with the parcel after it was delivered.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “During the pandemic, law enforcement officers have seized increasing quantities of illegal drugs transported via the U.S. Postal Service.  My office will continue to work with HSI, CBP and other state and federal investigative agencies to disrupt drug trafficking and hold those involved responsible for their actions.”

“Homeland Security Investigations is fully committed to disrupting and dismantling networks engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs.” said Brian L. Jones, Resident Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations Delaware. “Cases like this are only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our agents, officers and law enforcement partners assigned to the First State Border Enforcement Security Taskforce. 

This case was investigated by the HSI Border Enforcement Security Taskforce, which is comprised of agents and task force officers from the Elsmere Police Department, Newport Police Department, Delaware State Police, Army National Guard and United States Postal Inspection Service.  HSI was also assisted by the New Castle County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe 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. 01:20-cr-60.

WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Jose Santana-Gonzalez, 36, of Chester, Pennsylvania was sentenced on June 17 to 87 months in federal prison.  Santana-Gonzalez previously pled guilty to distributing heroin containing fentanyl and agreed that his drugs caused the death of a 50-year-old man from New Castle County, Delaware.  

According to court documents, Santana-Gonzalez distributed heroin containing fentanyl on August 28, 2018.  The victim overdosed and died after ingesting that heroin.  When Santana-Gonzalez was arrested in his Chester apartment in December 2018, law enforcement found 150 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, enough for thousands of retail doses to street-level addicts. At sentencing, United States District Judge Richard G. Andrews granted a motion by the United States to enhance Santana-Gonzalez’s sentence, ultimately imposing over seven years of federal prison time.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “The significant sentence Mr. Santana-Gonzalez received reflects the dangers associated with distributing heroin laced with fentanyl -- which is tantamount to putting poison on the streets of our community.  My office will continue to investigate and prosecute those whose deadly drug sales are responsible for overdose deaths.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the New Castle County Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Ibrahim and Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe 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. 01:19-cr-142.
 

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was sentenced today to over 9 years in federal prison by the Honorable Richard G. Andrews, for four counts of bank robbery and two counts of attempted bank robbery. 

According to court documents, Michael Wheeler, 41, committed a series of seven bank robberies and attempted bank robberies across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland over a 24-day period in July and August 2019.  Victim banks were located in Wilmington, Delaware; Elkton, Maryland; Havertown, Pennsylvania; Broomall, Pennsylvania; and Haddon Heights, New Jersey.  Banks impacted included PNC Bank, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, among others.

Mr. Wheeler was not armed during the robberies, but led bank employees to believe he was armed and would shoot them if they did not comply with his demands.  In one instance, Mr. Wheeler handed a bank employee a note stating he had a gun; in another, he warned a bank employee not to set off the bank’s alarm system and motioned as if he were reaching for a firearm.  At least one victim has confirmed that she feared for her life.  Over the course of his robbery spree, Mr. Wheeler absconded with a total of $14,165.  

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “The defendant’s multi-state bank robbery spree endangered not only the lives of bank personnel, but innocent civilians as well. I want to thank our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts in the investigation and prosecution of this case.”

“Michael Wheeler was a walking crime spree, endangering the lives of employees and customers at the banks that he robbed,” said Rachel Byrd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “We hope today’s sentence sends a clear message that the FBI, and our law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to bring these offenders to justice.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen McCartney and Carly Hudson. The case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency with assistance from the FBI Philadelphia Division’s Philadelphia and South Jersey Residence Agencies; Delaware State Police; Elkton, Maryland Police Department; Haverford Township, Pennsylvania Police Department; and Camden County, New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Claymont, Delaware man was sentenced today to over 10 years in federal prison for possessing fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl with intent to distribute. 

According to court documents, Charles Crest, 29, was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in May 2020 after he sold over a thousand fake oxycodone pills to an undercover DEA task force officer.  The pills actually contained fentanyl.  Inside Crest’s apartment, law enforcement found over 4,000 additional fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in the dishwasher.  DEA agents also found over $5,400 in cash elsewhere in the apartment.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews.  U.S. Attorney Weiss commented, “Selling illegal drugs, especially fentanyl made to appear as legitimate pharmaceutical oxycodone, is a potentially deadly practice that contributes to the pernicious effects of the opioid epidemic.  To ensure the safety of our community, we will seek significant federal prison sentences against all who seek to profit from such drug peddling.”

“Crest stands convicted of distributing thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained illicit fentanyl,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Philadelphia Field Division.  “Illicit fentanyl is a potentially deadly drug that has destroyed thousands of lives across our region; Crest’s distribution of it is all the more malicious in that he distributed it in counterfeit pill form.”   

At the same time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse disorder. 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, findtreatment.gov, or by calling 1-800-662-HELP.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA Wilmington Resident Agency’s Tactical Diversion Squad, Group 42. 

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-55-RGA.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Two members of the racially motivated violent extremist group “The Base” pleaded guilty today to firearms and alien-related charges arising from federal charges in Maryland and Delaware. 

Brian Mark Lemley, Jr., age 35, of Elkton, Maryland, and Newark, Delaware, pleaded guilty to the Maryland charges of conspiracy to transport certain aliens, to transporting certain aliens, to disposing of a firearm and ammunition to an illegal alien, and to transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony; and to the Delaware charges of harboring certain aliens, aiding and abetting an alien in possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. 

Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews, age 29, recently of Newark, Delaware, pleaded guilty to the Maryland and Delaware charges of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition; to the Maryland charge of transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony; and to the Delaware charge of obstruction of justice. 

A third co-defendant and member of “The Base,” William Garfield Bilbrough IV, age 21, of Denton, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport an alien and to transporting the alien, specifically, The Base member Patrik Mathews, and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

Today’s guilty pleas were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan F. Lenzner; United States Attorney for the District of Delaware David C. Weiss; Acting Special Agent in Charge Rachel Byrd of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.

“Preserving our nation’s security against domestic terrorist threats continues to be a top priority of the Justice Department,” said Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner.  “In late 2019 and early 2020, Lemley, Mathews and others in The Base were assembling firearms and collecting thousands of rounds of ammunition with the intent to engage in serious criminal conduct.  There is simply no place in our country for racially motivated extremist groups that engage in violence. Our office and law enforcement partners in Maryland and Delaware will use all of the tools at our disposal to investigate and prosecute violent extremists.”

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Detecting, disrupting and deterring the threat of domestic terrorism and violent extremism in all of its forms is a top priority for this office.  However, mere membership in a violent extremist group like the Base, an organization that trades in hatred and bigotry, no matter how despicable, is not a federal crime. But when extremists like defendants Mathews and Lemley take action in furtherance of their twisted agenda and commit firearms offenses, obstruct justice and illegally transport aliens -- law enforcement will respond swiftly and decisively. I commend the diligence of Maryland and Delaware law enforcement in bringing these defendants to justice.”

“Today's admission of guilt shows how far Mr. Lemley and Mr. Mathews were willing to go to support extremist activity,” said Rachel Byrd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “This investigation and the guilty plea underscore the continuing threat we face from domestic extremist groups. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain fully prepared to take actions necessary to safeguard our communities.”

“When extremist beliefs begin escalating into criminal activity, it creates a volatile and potentially lethal mentality that threatens everyone’s safety,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “The strong partnerships ATF and our fellow local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have ensures that this team effort is always prepared to identify and stop extremists and violent offenders anytime, anywhere, no matter if they cross state lines and jurisdictions.” 

According to court filings, Lemley, Mathews, and Bilbrough were members of The Base, a racially motivated violent extremist group.  Since 2018, The Base has built a coalition of white supremacist members within the United States and abroad through, among other things, online chat rooms, in-person meetings, propaganda, and military-style training.  As detailed in their plea agreements, Lemley and Bilbrough traveled in Lemley’s vehicle to participate in a regional training camp conducted by members of The Base in Georgia from August 2 through August 4, 2019, including participating in tactical training and firearms drills.  Later in August, Lemley and Bilbrough attended another The Base training camp in a different state.

As detailed in the plea agreements for Lemley and Mathews, on August 19, 2019, the Winnipeg (Canada) Free Press published an article regarding one of its reporter’s infiltration of The Base that led to the identification of Mathews as a member of The Base. Mathews then fled Canada and illegally entered the United States. At some point thereafter, Lemley and Bilbrough learned that Mathews had unlawfully crossed the border.

On August 30, 2019, Lemley and Bilbrough traveled in Lemley’s truck from Maryland to southern Michigan to pick up Mathews in order to transport him to the East Coast where he could safely reside and continue his participation in The Base.  Lemley and Bilbrough remained in Michigan for approximately two hours, after which Lemley, Bilbrough, and Mathews headed back east.  Lemley and Bilbough each drove at least part of the time and Bilbrough was dropped off at his house in Maryland on the evening of August 31, 2019.  Lemley then drove Mathews to the area of Chincoteague, Virginia, in order to conceal Mathews’ presence in the United States.

On Saturday, September 14, 2019, Lemley traveled in his vehicle from his residence in Elkton, Maryland, to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, where he picked up Mathews.  Lemley and Mathews then traveled south, through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Rome, Georgia, in the vicinity of the residence of a known member of The Base.  Approximately five hours later, Lemley departed for Maryland and Mathews stayed at the Georgia property.

Lemley acknowledged that on about October 30, 2019, he picked Bilbrough up at his residence and the two drove to Georgia to attend a training camp at the property of another member of The Base.  Mathews, who was already residing at the Georgia property, admitted that he also attended the training camp.  While in Georgia, on November 2, 2019, Lemley and Bilbrough purchased approximately 1,550 rounds of 5.56 ammunition.  Later that day, Lemley, Mathews and Bilbrough traveled from Georgia to Maryland.  The next day, Lemley and Mathews admitted that they dropped Bilbrough off at his house and traveled to Elkton, Maryland, where Mathews spent the night at a motel a few minutes from Lemley’s residence.

As detailed in Lemley’s and Mathews’ plea agreements, on November 4, 2019, Mathews left the motel on foot.  After buying food from a nearby restaurant, Mathews walked into the woods behind the restaurant, where he remained until Lemley picked him up.  Lemley and Mathews drove to a bank and then to an apartment complex in Newark, Delaware, where Lemley rented an apartment while Mathews remained in the vehicle.  Thereafter, Lemley and Mathews primarily resided in the apartment in Delaware. 

According to their plea agreements, on December 20, 2019, Mathews took steps to construct a rifle out of various weapons parts and watched a video on his phone that provided directions on constructing the rifle.  Lemley and Mathews also discussed the rifle and parts that needed to be obtained to finish constructing the rifle.  Lemley and Mathews admitted that they held and manipulated the rifle. 

Lemley and Mathews acknowledged that on December 29, 2019, they discussed visiting a gun range to test fire the newly constructed rifle.  On January 2, 2020, Lemley took the rifle from the apartment in Delaware to a public gun range in Maryland, where he was observed by an FBI agent.  On January 5, 2020, Mathews and Lemley left the Delaware residence with at least one firearm and went to the same public gun range previously visited by Lemley.  Prior to their arrival, the FBI had set up a stationary camera in a vehicle near the range and an ATF agent was in the vicinity of the range.  Agents observed, and the camera recorded, Mathews in possession of, and firing a firearm.  Lemley observed Mathews’ shots through an unattached rifle scope.

Lemley admitted that on January 7, 2020, he ordered approximately 1,500 rounds of 5.56 mm and 6.5 mm ammunition, which fit two rifles possessed by Lemley and Mathews.  On January 11, 2020, Lemley drove Mathews from their Delaware residence to the Maryland gun range they had visited previously.  Mathews admitted that while at the range, he handled and fired the rifle.  On the way back to Delaware, the men stopped at Lemley’s prior residence in Elkton, where they retrieved some of the 1,500 rounds of ammunition Lemley had ordered on January 7.  Mathews admitted that he knew he was an alien illegally present in the United States at the times he possessed the firearm and ammunition in Maryland and Delaware.

On January 15, 2020, Lemley and Mathews discussed the possibility of going to jail for their conduct. During the conversation, Lemley told Mathews, "I may be going to jail upon discovery of the propaganda in my cell phone."

Early in the morning on January 16, 2020, federal agents executed federal arrest warrants on Lemley and Mathews at the Delaware residence. Before Lemley and Mathews submitted to the agents, however, Lemley repeatedly directed Mathews to smash his cell phone.  Lemley and Mathews smashed their cell phones and dumped them into the toilet.  Lemley and Mathews admitted that by doing so, they intended to obstruct or impede the administration of justice with respect to the investigation, prosecution, and sentencing of their offenses.  Their activity was fully captured on video and audio surveillance equipment installed in the Delaware residence, pursuant to a federal court order.

Lemley and Mathews each face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony offense and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for obstruction of justice.  Lemley also faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison each for transporting and for harboring certain aliens; a maximum of 10 years in federal prison each for conspiracy to transport certain aliens, for disposing of a firearm and ammunition to an illegal alien, and for aiding and abetting an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Mathews also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each of two counts of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for Mathews on October 28, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., and for Lemley on October 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. 

Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner and United States Attorney David C. Weiss commended the FBI Baltimore Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the ATF for their work in the investigation, and thanked U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland State Police, and the Delaware State Police for their assistance.  Mr. Lenzner and Mr. Weiss thanked their offices’ national security prosecutors, who are handling the case.

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WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Ocean View, Delaware woman with embezzling more than $1 million dollars from her former employer.

According to the indictment, Joan Donald, 54, worked as a bookkeeper for Dovetail, Inc., a high-end interior design company based in Bethany Beach, Delaware.  Over the course of at least 7 years, Donald took advantage of her access to the company’s financial account information, as well as the ailing health of Dovetail’s elderly owner, to drain funds from Dovetail.  Bank records show that Donald used Dovetail’s funds to pay for her personal expenses, including purchasing vehicles and taking trips to Disneyworld.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the charges, “This defendant abused her position of trust and took advantage of a vulnerable, elderly victim.  After financing her lifestyle with stolen funds for years, the time has come for her to answer for her actions.” 

Donald is charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. 

The FBI Baltimore Division’s Dover Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Bethany Beach Police Department, conducted the investigation in this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland 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, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Levii Delgado, 36, of Middletown, was sentenced today to six months of home confinement and over $13,000 in restitution by the Honorable Leonard P. Stark, Chief United States District Judge for the District of Delaware.  Delgado pled guilty in February 2021 to one count of causing damage to a protected computer.

According to court documents, Delgado worked as an Information Technology (IT) administrator at a medical center that provides care to under-served communities.  The medical center terminated Delgado’s employment in August 2017.  Following that termination, Delgado was no longer authorized to access the medical center’s computer network and his credentials that had allowed him to access the medical center’s network were disabled.  Four days after his termination, Delgado connected a personal laptop to the medical center’s computer network through an administrator account that Delgado continued to use without authorization.  Once Delgado gained unauthorized access to the computer network, he caused the deletion of the medical center’s employee user accounts, the disabling of its computer accounts, and the deletion of its file server.  Delgado’s actions prevented the medical center’s employees from logging into their computers and accessing patient files necessary to conduct operations.  As a result, the medical center’s ability to see and treat its patients was impaired.

No patient information was compromised or accessed as a result of Delgado’s actions.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The defendant abused his knowledge of his former employer’s computer network to deliberately disrupt the medical center’s capability to conduct business.  As a result, the defendant directly impeded that entity’s ability to provide medical care to the communities it serves, putting patients at risk. My office is committed to prosecuting any individual who thinks attacking a former employer’s computer network is an acceptable reaction to getting fired.”

“What Mr. Delgado did was not only intentional, reckless and petty, but also caused a severe disruption in medical care in an underserved community,” said Rachel Byrd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Computer intrusion is a crime and the FBI, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who compromise, mishandle or disrupt computer networks.”

This case was investigated by the FBI-Baltimore Division’s Cyber Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger.

Cyberattacks are on the rise.  A private sector entity that is a victim of a cyber incident can receive assistance from government agencies, which are prepared to investigate the incident, mitigate its consequences, and help prevent future incidents. Federal Government agencies work together to leverage their collective response expertise, apply their knowledge of cyber threats, preserve key evidence, and use their combined authorities and capabilities to minimize asset vulnerability and bring malicious actors to justice. Private sector entities are encouraged to report a cyber incident to the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

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. – Two men have been sentenced to substantial federal prison terms for their roles in a wide-ranging drug conspiracy involving heroin, fake Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, and cocaine. United States District Judge Richard G. Andrews sentenced Julian Rivera-Villa, 57, yesterday and his co-defendant, Ricardo Perez-Guillen, 41, on April 13, 2021.  Rivera-Villa received a sentence of over 10 years imprisonment; Perez-Guillen received over seven years of federal prison time.

According to public statements and court documents, Rivera-Villa and Perez-Guillen, both of Gloucester City, New Jersey, conspired to distribute 10 kilograms of heroin and approximately 14,000 fentanyl-laced fake Oxycodone pills.   Perez-Guillen was arrested on August 21, 2019 in New Castle, Delaware after selling a kilogram of heroin and 600 fake Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.  Rivera-Villa was arrested the same day outside the residence he shared with Perez-Guillen in Gloucester City.  Inside that residence, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agents and task force officers found 7 additional kilograms of heroin, 13,000 more fake Oxycodone pills, and 3 kilograms of cocaine.  They found another two kilograms of heroin located inside hidden traps behind the seats of a nearby car registered to Perez-Guillen. 

The street value of the seized drugs was in excess of $1 million. The amount of heroin seized is conservatively estimated at 1.4 million doses.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware noted that these convictions resulted from the largest federal seizure of heroin and fake Oxycodone pills by Delaware law enforcement in recent memory, stating: “My office is committed to combatting the opioid epidemic by bringing to justice those most responsible for flooding our communities with deadly heroin and fentanyl. We will continue to seek significant federal prison terms against those profiting off the addictions of others.” 

“These defendants were responsible for trafficking multi-kilogram amounts of heroin, fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, and cocaine,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.   “Poly-drug violators such as Rivera-Villa and Perez-Guillen are drug-traffickers that pose the greatest threat to our community.  I would like to thank all of our partner law enforcement agencies in Wilmington and Camden County, New Jersey that helped make these arrests possible.” 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ibrahim prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the DEA’s Wilmington Resident Office Tactical Diversion Squad and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Group 41, comprised of law enforcement officers from the DEA, Middletown Police Department, Newark Police Department, Delaware Probation and Parole, Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, Delaware Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement, Delaware State Police, and Maryland State Police. 

The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office also wish to thank Homeland Security Investigations, Wilmington Resident Office, DEA-HIDTA in Camden, New Jersey, and the Camden County Sheriff’s SERT team for their assistance in this 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 Nos. 19-cr-141 and 20-cr-007.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A New Castle couple pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine that was shipped to them from California.  The announcement was made today by David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, after Chief Judge Leonard P. Stark of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware accepted the plea.

According to statements made in open court, a Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) investigation revealed that Imanuel Villalba, 22, of New Castle, Delaware, was a major methamphetamine trafficker.  Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Villalba was routinely getting shipments of 40 pounds of methamphetamine per week from California.  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his supply for several months, until he was able to get back into the methamphetamine business in June 2020.  On June 15, 2020, Villalba and his girlfriend, Hayley Carello, also 22, of New Castle, Delaware, flew together to California to order several pounds of methamphetamine with the intention of selling that methamphetamine to customers in Delaware.  Several days later, after Villalba and Carello returned to Delaware, a package containing four pounds of methamphetamine was shipped from California to Delaware.  That package was delivered to Villalba and Carello, resulting in their arrest.

Villalba and Carello each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Villalba faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison, and Carello faces a mandatory minimum of five years.  Both are scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2021. Chief Judge Stark will determine their respective sentences after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Illicit drug traffickers are ravaging our communities.  Together with our law enforcement partners, my Office will continue to investigate and vigorously prosecute those who choose to engage in the illegal drug trade.” 

"Villalba and Carello were responsible for importing and distributing substantial amounts of methamphetamine," said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  "They received shipments, some as large as 40 pounds of methamphetamine, from California for distribution to customers in Delaware."  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Ruth Mandelbaum are prosecuting the case. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Group 41, which is part of the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”).  The DEA received significant assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, Delaware State Police, and the Newport 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. 20-cr-54 (LPS).

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was sentenced on April 27 to 10 years in federal prison by the Honorable Colm F. Connolly, U.S. District Judge for the District of Delaware, for receipt of a firearm and ammunition with the intent that a felony would be committed with that firearm and ammunition. David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, made the announcement.

According to court documents, Angel Ortiz, 36, was arrested by the New Castle County Police   Department on November 29, 2018, after he got out of a car during a traffic stop, ran away, and threw a loaded firearm.  The firearm was recovered and found to be a Remington 1911 .45 caliber handgun with an extended magazine. Mr. Ortiz had previously been convicted of a felony offense and was not legally permitted to possess the Remington handgun.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Violent crime destroys neighborhoods.  Together with our law enforcement partners, my Office is committed to doing all we can to get guns off our community’s streets and out of the hands of individuals who illegally possess them.”   

“In our fight against violent crime, every gun taken off the street is a small victory, and every gun trafficker locked up is a big one," said Rachel Byrd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. "The FBI and our partners are committed to working together across jurisdictions to take down the criminals wreaking such havoc in our communities.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   The U.S. Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The case was investigated by the FBI-Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen McCartney and Laura Hatcher.

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. 19-3-CFC.

WILIMINGTON, Del. – Joseph J. Leonetti, Jr., Former Union President of the Wilmington Fire Department, pled guilty today before the Honorable Colm F. Connolly to possessing prepubescent child pornography, announced David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.  Mr. Leonetti faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 24, 2021.  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.

According to publicly filed documents and statements made in open court, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Leonetti’s Wilmington residence on June 19, 2020, and seized his personal cellphone.  After a later forensic review of that cellphone, investigators found nine videos and more than 500 cached images of child pornography.  A cache is a reserved storage location that collects temporary data for easy retrieval.  Also, in the cellphone’s “Notes” app, investigators found links to folders associated with cloud-based file storage services Dropbox and Mega.  Investigators were able to recover the contents of four linked folders, containing over 2,000 images and 800 videos of child pornography.  The child pornography found on the defendant’s cellphone and in the linked folders included depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in various sexual acts and the lascivious exhibition of their genitals.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated as follows:  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children—from the abhorrent shadow industry that produces, distributes, and collects child pornography and from those who lurk in its base marketplace.  This Office fulfills its commitment without regard to the occupation or privilege of the wrongdoer. No one is above the law.”

“The defendant, while in a position of trust as the former Wilmington Fire Department Union President, possessed depictions of the sexual exploitation of prepubescent children,” said Brian A. Michael, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia. The innocent children in these images will have to deal with the impact of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. We hope today’s plea brings them some measure of justice.”

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham L. Robinson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that the United States has filed a complaint in partial intervention against Connections Community Support Programs, Inc. (“Connections”) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  The United States alleges that Connections violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid that falsely represented the identity and professional qualification of individuals providing mental health services.

Connections provides mental health treatment services at facilities located throughout Delaware.  Medicare regulations and policies only allow providers to bill for mental health services rendered by individuals holding specific professional qualifications.  Delaware Medicaid regulations and policies similarly condition whether mental health services can be reimbursed, and at which fee rate, on the professional qualification of the rendering provider.

The United States alleges that from at least January 2015 through October 2019, Connections submitted over 4,000 claims to Medicare in which it falsely certified that an individual holding an eligible qualification provided mental health services to Medicare beneficiaries when, in reality, a different Connections staff member who did not hold an eligible qualification provided the mental health service.  With respect to Medicaid, the United States alleges that Connections submitted over 250,000 false claims that resulted in either full or partial overpayments due to Connections falsely certifying to the licensure or education level of the rendering provider.  As a result of the false claims Connections submitted to Medicare and Medicaid, the United States alleges that Connections was paid more than $4,500,000 for mental health services for which it was not entitled to reimbursement.

“Federal healthcare regulations and policies that govern mental health services exist to ensure that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are treated by qualified professionals,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “We expect all providers to submit claims that are true, accurate, and complete, and entrust that they will do so.  Connections violated that trust, and in the process, defrauded Medicare and Medicaid out of more than $4.5 million dollars.  My office is committed to pursuing all providers who submit false claims to federal healthcare programs to obtain money to which they are not entitled.”

The original complaint was filed in 2019 under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and receive a share of any recovery.  The act permits the United States to intervene in whole or in part in such actions, as the government has done here.  Those who violate the Act are subject to treble damages and applicable penalties.

The matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Delaware Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  The investigation and litigation are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hatcher and Jesse S. Wenger.

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

A copy of this press release may be found 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.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Spruill et al. v. Connections Community Support Programs, Inc., Case No. 19-475-CFC (D. Del.).

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that the United States filed a civil complaint against Connections Community Support Programs, Inc. as well as three of its current and former corporate officers, Catherine Devaney McKay, William Northey, and Steven Davis, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  The United States alleges that Connections and its corporate officers violated the Controlled Substances Act by negligently failing to keep required documentation of its distribution and dispensing of controlled substances, particularly methadone and buprenorphine used in Connections’ treatment of opioid use disorder.  Each violation of the recordkeeping requirements under the Controlled Substances Act carries a civil penalty of up to $15,040.

During an inspection and audit in March 2019, diversion investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration determined that Connections was unable to provide records identifying the location of more than 244 bottles of methadone liquid and more than 1,100 doses of buprenorphine.  Subsequent investigation revealed numerous additional citations from DEA at multiple Connections locations as well as dozens of additional violations not specifically identified in DEA inspections. 

To ensure that prescription medications are not diverted for sale or abuse, the Controlled Substances Act and DEA regulations impose strict reporting and recordkeeping requirements on the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.  As detailed in the Complaint filed today, the United States alleges that Connections has a long history of negligent failure to maintain proper records, in addition to numerous instances in which required records were created after the fact and backdated to make it appear that they had been created at an earlier time.  The United States also alleges that, on numerous occasions, Connections represented to DEA that it was undertaking additional measures to improve its compliance and then failed to do so.

The Complaint also alleges that McKay, Northey, and Davis, all of whom were corporate officers of Connections, negligently delegated responsibility for compliance with the Controlled Substances Act to individuals they knew were unqualified and ill-suited to those responsibilities, and that they failed to provide adequate training and supervision for those individuals.

“As one of the largest providers of substance abuse treatment in Delaware, Connections is well aware of the extent of the opioid crisis in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “By failing for years to properly document their distribution and dispensing of controlled substances, Connections and its executives have shirked their responsibility to ensure that they were not contributing to the crisis by creating an environment in which their own inventory of controlled substances could be diverted for abuse or sale.”

“Narcotics treatment programs such as Connections Community Support Programs are entrusted with providing critical care and support to people struggling with opioid use disorder.  Their mission is more vital than ever, especially during the current opioid crisis,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “With that responsibility comes the obligation to properly safeguard and document the dispensing of treatment drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine, which Connections and its corporate officers failed to do.” 

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The investigation and litigation are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura D. Hatcher and Dylan J. Steinberg.

The complaint contains allegations only, and not findings 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.  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 a Wilmington woman was sentenced today to 5 months in federal prison for defrauding the U.S. Social Security Administration (“SSA”) of more than $200,000 over the past fifteen years.  Chief Judge Leonard P. Stark of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, Susan DiFelice, 63, spent over a decade collecting fraudulent Social Security benefits that were intended for a deceased beneficiary. In 2005, a family friend of DiFelice’s died. Because DiFelice was a joint user on her deceased friend’s bank account, she knew that the SSA continued to deposit more than $1,000 into his account each month. As the informant on the death certificate, DiFelice also knew that she was required to notify relevant authorities, including the SSA, of the death. Instead, however, DiFelice withdrew the SSA funds and used them for her own personal expenses.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Ms. DiFelice’s criminal conduct lasted for fifteen years, undermining SSA’s mission to provide for the vulnerable among us.  I commend the SSA Office of the Inspector General for their steadfast commitment to ensuring justice in this case.” 

“This sentence stands as a warning to those who violate the public trust by misusing Social Security benefits after someone dies,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “Our auditors and criminal investigators work side by side, and with SSA and other agencies, to identify those who fail to report deaths for personal gain. I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for its efforts to bring this individual to justice.”

The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigated this case under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland prosecuted.

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-48-LPS.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss for the District of Delaware, announced today that Luis Raul Castro Valenzuela, aka “Chacho,” was charged with holding a U.S. Citizen, listed in the indictment by his/her initials (hereinafter “the victim”), with kidnapping and with hostage taking.  The three-count indictment also alleged that Castro Valenzuela conspired to distribute heroin and fentanyl between March 2017 and November 11, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Weiss said, "The pursuit of justice takes many forms.  Few cases illustrate this principle more clearly than this one-where investigators followed a drug operation in Bear, Delaware to King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and then to Sinaloa, Mexico, ultimately leading to the rescue of a U.S. Citizen held hostage by an alleged member of the Sinaloa Cartel.  The collaboration between local, state, federal, and Mexican officials in this case is unprecedented and demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies selflessly work towards a single objective.  Finally, I want to express our deep appreciation to the Mexican prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and military personnel for their critical assistance."

“The rescue of this victim is the culmination of an international and multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking and smuggling investigation impacting the people of Delaware and surrounding areas,” stated Brian L. Jones, Resident Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  “We are all relieved that this victim has been rescued safely but it also drives home the dangers of narcotics trafficking and the violent behavior of the Mexican drug cartels.  Homeland Security Investigations wants to thank our law enforcement partners, domestically and in Mexico, for their dedication to combatting drug trafficking and we will use every resource available to stop the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.”

Damon Wood, the Postal Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division stated, “This case started with investigators from several different agencies independently pursuing different leads.  When they came together, they found themselves investigating a conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics that stretched from the Philadelphia suburbs, down through Delaware, and into Mexico.  I want to commend the hard work of our law enforcement partners from over a dozen agencies who helped develop the charges announced today, not the least of which includes the Mexican authorities, who, as a result of information developed here, rescued a U.S. citizen held against their will in Mexico.  Keeping the employees and customers of the Postal Service safe and the mail free from criminal misuse are the primary missions of the Postal Inspection Service.  As an agency, we have taken, and will continue to take, aggressive steps to interrupt and investigate those who use the mail to distribute illegal narcotics and launder their proceeds.”

“Today a dangerous criminal is off the streets thanks to a large-scale coordinated effort between our partners in the U.S. and in Mexico,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “In this law enforcement collaboration, not only was a victim being held hostage rescued but more than a million dollars’ worth of illegal drugs was seized. The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will continue to aggressively investigate criminal organizations that target our communities with their drug-related violent activity and ensure that they are held accountable.”

“While IRS-Criminal Investigation is known for tax investigations, the assistance we provided in this investigation is a reminder that whenever there is a need to follow the money, we are often called upon,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “We are highly skilled at financially disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations. We are proud to have assisted in this investigation; joining forces with our law enforcement partners to hold these individuals accountable.”

“Today’s indictment is a prime example of cooperation among international, federal, state, and local authorities in securing justice for victims,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I am thankful for their tireless work, which not only removed a victim from harm’s way, but disrupted a drug trade that has bred so much violence in our communities.”

“Drug dealing is a dangerous and often violent enterprise, and thanks to the hard work and successful collaboration of these agencies, a victim's life was spared,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “My office will continue to work with local, state, federal, and international authorities to keep Pennsylvanians safe from those who profit from drug trafficking.”

Although the Indictment was obtained in November 2020, it was sealed until the victim was rescued and the defendant was arrested.  As reported by Mexican authorities, in February 2021, Mexican law enforcement officers executed multiple warrants in Culiacan, Mexico.  The victim was safely recovered and is in good health.  Castro Valenzuela was arrested as part of the rescue operation; Mexican authorities have lodged their own charges and allege that he is a member of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The United States is pursuing the extradition of Castro Valenzuela to the District of Delaware so that he may be tried in federal court. 

Four individuals were also charged in the District of Delaware with a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl:  Jamar Jackson, aka “Jay”, 37, of Chester, Pennsylvania and Bear, Delaware; Denise Brown, aka “China”, 34, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Harley Douglas, 37, of Bear, Delaware; and Nicole Jackson, 35, of Dover, Delaware.  Douglas was also charged with two firearms offenses.

In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 7.5 kilograms of heroin and/or fentanyl, 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 guns, and $180,000.  The street value of these drugs easily exceeds $1 million.

The primary investigating agencies in this case are HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI.  Instrumental assistance was also provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Delaware State Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Newport Police Department, the Elsmere Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations and the Chester Police Department.  The investigation was supported by the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Area program (HIDTA), and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  Other prosecutors’ offices who assisted in the investigation include the Delaware Department of Justice, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, as well as other U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance including support and coordination between Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) of Mexico and U.S. law enforcement. Subprocuraduria Especializada en Investigaciones de Delincuencia Organizada (SEIDO) also provided substantial assistance on this case and was instrumental in locating the victim and arresting Castro Valenzuela.    

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-00075 (Castro Valenzuela) and Case No. 20-CR-00084 (Jamar Jackson et. al.).

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Mark Clark, 45, of Liberia, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison by the Honorable Maryellen Noreika, U.S. District Judge for the District of Delaware.  Clark had pled guilty in October 2020 to one count of bank fraud.

According to court documents, Clark opened personal and business bank accounts at numerous financial institutions in his own name and in the name of other individuals, including his own deceased relatives, for the purpose of receiving fraudulently obtained wire transfers from unwitting victims.  Once the victims’ money hit Clark’s accounts, he would convert a portion of it for his own use and distribute the rest to others involved in the fraudulent schemes, including to individuals in Ghana.

Clark received over $250,000 in fraudulently obtained funds between July 2017 and August 2018.  The victims tricked into sending money to Clark’s accounts included five individuals who were victimized through Internet-based romance fraud.  Each victim was contacted online by a fraudster who gained the victims’ confidence by purporting to be in an “online relationship” with the victim and convincing the victims to send money through trickery.  A common ruse involved the fraudster purporting to be an American servicemember stationed overseas in need of financial assistance to return home.

Clark also received fraudulently obtained funds from corporate and government victims.  Clark received two fraudulent deposits from the United States Social Security Administration (“SSA”) after fraudsters compromised the social security numbers of two victims and directed the SSA to send money to Clark instead of the intended beneficiaries.   And he received one fraudulent deposit from a life insurance company after computer hackers compromised the company’s computer systems and directed the company to send Clark an insurance disbursement intended for somebody else.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Internet-based fraud scams are a nationwide problem that frequently target the most vulnerable members of our society.  These scams, which often involve sophisticated groups of individuals all over the world, cannot succeed without the involvement of individuals like Clark who agree to receive the illicit proceeds and further distribute the proceeds to others participating in the fraud.  My office will continue to prosecute those who engage in these fraud schemes in any capacity.”

“Mr. Clark not only deceived vulnerable individuals, but also engaged in multiple schemes to defraud the Government,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “We’re sending a clear message to the criminals who orchestrate these schemes: We’ll come after you, no matter where you are. And to the public, we’ll keep doing whatever we can to protect you.”

In addition to the prison term, Judge Noreika ordered that Clark pay restitution in the amount of $85,779, as well as a 3-year period of supervised release.

This case was investigated by FBI-Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency with assistance from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Delaware State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger.

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. 1:19-cr-75.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Wilmington man was sentenced on March 10, 2021 by The Honorable Leonard P. Stark, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware, to 10 years in prison for possessing more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy), all with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, Ricardo Rogers, 47, was a high-level cocaine dealer who received shipments of cocaine into Delaware from Puerto Rico.  From approximately December 2016 until December 2017, the defendant received and distributed generally weekly shipments of between one-half kilogram to two kilograms of cocaine.  Rogers also sold marijuana and ecstasy.  He was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration in January 2018 in possession of six pounds of marijuana.  After his arrest, Rogers revealed that he had over 800 ecstasy pills in his car.  Because of his extensive criminal record, which includes a federal drug conviction and state convictions for violent crimes, the defendant qualified as a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “As evidenced by the Court’s sentence, repeat drug traffickers who insist upon making the drug trade their profession will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who continue to engage in a life of crime.” 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh and investigated by 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. 18-cr-0021-LPS.

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Trashaun Black, 28, of Wilmington, was sentenced by the Honorable Leonard P. Stark to 50 months in prison after a Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) investigation in Wilmington, Delaware.  According to court documents, the Defendant was arrested in April 2019 for selling heroin to a DEA informant.  As referenced in open court at today’s sentencing hearing, the DEA’s investigation of Mr. Black originated with an overdose death in Middletown, Delaware.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “In tandem with our law enforcement partners on the First State Overdose Taskforce, my office will continue to pursue drug dealers linked to a fatal drug overdose.  If you are peddling heroin for profit, we will bring the full force of the federal justice system to ensure your removal from our streets.”

At the same time, the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. While COVID-19 has made access to drug addiction treatment more difficult for many, it need not remain a barrier. 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.

This case was investigated by DEA Group 41, as part of the First State Overdose Taskforce, with assistance from the Middletown and New Castle County Police Departments.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe 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. 19-CR-00095 (LPS).

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Newark man was sentenced by the Honorable Colm F. Connolly, U.S. District Judge, today to 31 months in federal prison for possessing machinegun conversion devices.

According to court documents, law enforcement searched the residence of Nathan Matthews, 42, in August 2019.  In an unlocked safe, they found a homemade 9 mm handgun, ammunition, and two machinegun conversion devices.  A machinegun conversion device, or fully-automatic conversion device, sometimes referred to as a “Glock switch,” alters a firearm so that pulling the trigger once causes multiple bullets to fire.  It is classified as a machinegun under the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act.

By pleading guilty in federal court, Mr. Matthews also resolved charges against him in Harford County, Maryland.  In May 2018, Mr. Matthews was arrested in Maryland for possession of a different homemade pistol, a different machinegun conversion device, and ammunition.

David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware stated, “Illegal firearms put our communities at risk. For those individuals who choose to circumvent firearm manufacturing regulations to create homemade handguns, be forewarned that my office will work tirelessly with our federal and local law enforcement partners to hold you accountable for your illegal conduct.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Mandelbaum led the prosecution of this case.  The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Castle County 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. 1:19-cr-00135.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A Middletown man pleaded guilty in federal court on February 11, 2021, to Intentional Damage to a Facility that Provides Reproductive Health Services and Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device (Molotov Cocktail) under the National Firearms Act.  The Honorable Leonard P. Stark, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware, accepted the plea.

According to court documents, at approximately 2:16 a.m., on January 3, 2020, Samuel Gulick, 19, drove to the Planned Parenthood facility in Newark, Delaware.  Video surveillance captured Gulick standing on the front porch of the building and spray-painting the phrase “Deus Vult” in red letters. Gulick then stepped off the front porch, lit an object, and threw it at the front window of the Planned Parenthood facility. The object, a Molotov Cocktail, exploded and Gulick ran away. The fire burned for approximately one minute before self-extinguishing. The explosion damaged the front window and porch of the building. Law enforcement identified Gulick through video surveillance that captured the license plate of the car in which he fled and through an Instagram page registered to Gulick, containing the phrase “Deus Vult” and several anti-abortion posts.

Gulick pleaded guilty to Intentional Damage to a Facility that Provides Reproductive Health Services and Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device under the National Firearms Act.  He faces a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Chief Judge Stark will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss stated, “Mr. Gulick’s actions had potentially deadly consequences. I applaud the investigative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement who worked quickly to identify and bring Mr. Gulick to justice.”  

"While people have a First Amendment right to peacefully express their views, they do not have a right to vandalize clinics in the hopes of deterring women from receiving lawful services that those facilities provide," said Jennifer C.  Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will hold those accountable for any threats of violence to healthcare facilities or their employees."

“ATF and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate violent attacks from those seeking to achieve personal political goals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones. “We are proud of investigators’ efforts and dedication to identify the person responsible in this case and are grateful that no one was injured as a result of this defendant’s criminal actions.”

The FBI Baltimore Division's Wilmington Resident Agency investigated the matter with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF:), Delaware State Police, Newark Police Department, Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office, New Castle County Police Department and University of Delaware Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Dedjinou 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. 21-cr-01.

WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on January 26, 2021, charging the owner and operator of a Wilmington daycare center with one count of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and three counts of tax evasion.

According to the indictment, Brenda Mathis, 56, inflated attendance records for her daycare center, L.J.’s Playpen Academy, Inc., to increase subsidies and payments she received from two federally-funded programs: Purchase of Care and Delaware Stars for Early Success.  The Purchase of Care Program helps eligible, low-income families pay for childcare by providing subsidies to a daycare provider of the families’ choice.  The Delaware Stars for Early Success Program disperses payments to daycare providers based on the quality of service. 

According to the indictment, Ms. Mathis also under-reported the income from the daycare center, including the income received from these programs, on corporate tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2017.

Ms. Mathis is charged with one count of Wire Fraud, one count of Theft of Government Money, and three Counts of Tax Evasion.  If convicted on the Wire Fraud count, Ms. Mathis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  If convicted on the Theft of Government Money count, Ms. Mathis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The Tax Evasion counts each carry a maximum penalty of 5 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 and gave the following comment, “The defendant is charged with defrauding and stealing from federally-funded programs designed to ensure that families in Delaware receive affordable and high quality care for their children.  She further increased her ill-gotten gains by failing to pay taxes on the stolen money.  My office is committed to prosecuting those who illegally collect government funds for their own benefit, especially when those funds are stolen from programs meant to help Delaware’s children.”

"Tax violations have been erroneously referred to as victimless crimes, but it's the honest law-abiding citizen who is harmed when people try to shirk their tax liability," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. “Today, Brenda Mathis stands accused of doing just that; attempting to evade her tax liabilities. Those Americans who file accurate tax returns and pay their fair share can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don't."

"The Department of Health and Human Services provides federal funding for daycare services to help children and their families," said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of these important federal grant programs.”

USDA Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins stated, “Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA feeding programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent.  Our joint investigation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and FBI identified those who sought to profit through illegal schemes.  The USDA Office of Inspector General will continue to dedicate investigative resources, working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, to protect the integrity of these programs and bring to justice those who commit fraud.”

“When people steal from programs like these, social service programs suffer across the state of Delaware and tax payers’ funds are illegally diverted to those seeking to enrich themselves personally,” said Jennifer C. Boone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI is grateful for the cooperation and hard work of the many agencies in this case and we will continue to work together to aggressively target fraud in public programs.”

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lesley F. Wolf and Ruth E. 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 U.S. 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 Akumin Corporation and Delaware Open MRI Radiology Associates, LLC have agreed to a $749,600.00 settlement with the federal government to resolve allegations of health care fraud arising under the federal False Claims Act.  Akumin provides diagnostic medical imaging services at more than 125 locations across seven states including eight locations in Delaware. 

Although diagnostic imaging studies are typically performed by technicians, Medicare regulations require that certain procedures be supervised by a physician who is present in the office suite during the procedure.  During an investigation of Akumin’s practices at its sites in Delaware and Texas, the government identified over 1,500 instances, most of them between 2015 and 2017, in which either no physician was present for studies that required supervision or Akumin was unable to determine whether a physician was present.

The settlement announced today resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act.  The government’s claims are based on a whistleblower suit filed by a former Akumin employee.  A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney.  The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblower with a share of the government’s recovery.

“The regulations that apply to Medicare procedures are designed to ensure patient safety and to protect the integrity of the Medicare program,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “When providers fail to comply with Medicare regulations and properly document their compliance, they undermine both the quality of patient care and the effectiveness of the program.  This office is committed to investigating and recovering payments from providers who falsely certify that they have complied with these regulations.” 

“It is imperative that Medicare requirements be followed in order to ensure patient safety and uphold the high standards of care patients deserve and expect,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Working with law enforcement partners we will continue protecting federal health care programs and their enrollees.”   

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg represented the United States in this matter.

Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cv-1593-MN.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed defendants’ convictions for lying to the Federal Reserve, the SEC, and the public about millions of dollars in past-due loans.  In a matter of first impression, the Court held that the government was required to establish that the defendants’ statements were false under any “objectively reasonable” interpretation of the applicable reporting instructions – even in a circumstance where a defendant never believed in that interpretation and intended to lie to the regulators all along.  Needless to say, I am disappointed with this result.  We are currently analyzing the Court’s opinion and evaluating our options, including, as the Court of Appeals authorized, retrying the defendants for conspiracy and securities fraud.

After the guilty verdict in this case, I described the prosecutors and agents who worked on this case as being among the finest professionals in law enforcement.  I stand by that statement today.

WILMINGTON, Del. – As this week’s events in D.C. once again demonstrate, we are a nation of laws. And it falls to our law enforcement officers to fairly discharge their responsibilities and enforce our laws. In Delaware, we are fortunate to have an extraordinary group of federal, state and local officers who are dedicated to protecting and serving our community. As recently shown by Senior Corporal Timothy "TJ" Webb of Milford PD, they run toward the danger to keep us safe. In recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, it has been and continues to be a privilege to work with our law enforcement partners throughout Delaware.  Thank you for your service.

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced today that the United States filed a civil complaint against Goodfish Enterprises, LLC and its principal, Christopher Lukacs, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.  The United States alleges that Goodfish and Lukacs violated the False Claims Act in connection with their participation in Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), commonly known as “Section 8.”  The HCVP is the federal government’s primary program for helping low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

Goodfish and Lukacs own more than 90 properties in the Sparrow Run housing development in Newark, Delaware, many of which are leased to low-income residents who receive rental assistance from the federal government through the HCVP.  Since July 2015, they have received more than $950,000 in federally funded housing assistance payments. 

HCVP regulations require program participants to certify that they are not charging a higher rent to tenants who receive assistance through the HCVP than they charge unassisted tenants in comparable housing units.  The United States alleges that Goodfish and Lukacs frequently charged HCVP participants higher rents than unassisted tenants.  As a result, the United States alleges these required certifications were false and fraudulent.  In addition, the United States alleges that Goodfish and Lukacs repeatedly provided false information on HCVP forms regarding the rents they received from unassisted tenants to justify the inflated rents they sought to charge for HCVP rentals.

“When federal taxpayer money is used to provide housing assistance for low-income Delaware residents, the government must ensure that the money is well spent and that the rent being charged is appropriate,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “Every month for at least six years, Goodfish and Lukacs falsely certified that the rents they charged Section 8 tenants were no higher than the rents for unassisted tenants.  Time and again, they inflated the rents charged to needy Delawareans and justified these rents with additional false statements, leaving the government to foot the bill.  Today’s civil complaint demonstrates that this office will aggressively work to recover public money from those who fraudulently seek to overcharge the federal government.”

This matter was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.  The investigation and litigation are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg.

The complaint contains allegations only, and not findings 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.  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 today that Eranga Cardiology, P.A. and Dr. Eranga Haththotuwa have agreed to a $500,000.00 settlement with the government to resolve allegations of health care fraud arising under the False Claims Act.  Eranga Cardiology is a cardiology practice with locations in Milford and Dover. 

From April 2014 to March 2020, the practice submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare and Medicaid that required both performance of cardiology procedures and the generation of corresponding interpretive reports.  The United States alleged that the practice submitted and received payment for these claims without generating the required interpretive reports. The civil claims settled by this False Claims Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no admission of fault.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is committed to combating health care fraud and protecting Medicare beneficiaries using all available remedies,” said U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “When providers cut corners by failing to ensure that procedures are adequately documented, it cheats both the patients and the government.” 

The settlement announced today resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act.  The government’s claims are based on a whistleblower suit filed by a former employee of Eranga Cardiology.  A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney.  The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery.        

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Delaware Department of Justice.

“Providers should bill taxpayer-funded government health programs for services actually provided—no less and certainly never more,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “We will continue aggressively investigating schemes that undermine the integrity of these vital programs.  Anyone suspecting Medicare or Medicaid fraud is urged to please contact our investigative hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).”

This matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shamoor Anis and Laura Hatcher.

Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cv-1742-MN.