Eastern District of Kentucky

LONDON, Ky. - A London woman, Wilma Thompson, 41, was sentenced in on Friday, to 18 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for obtaining a controlled substance through the registration of another and identity theft.          

In her guilty plea agreement, Thompson admitted that she was employed as an office manager for a physician, that prescription pads repeatedly went missing from the office, and that she was observed on multiple occasions taking Xanax at the office. Thompson’s employment with the office ended in October 2017; but in in May 2018, she attempted to obtain 180 Hydrocodone tablets, using a forged prescription bearing her previous employer’s name and DEA registration number.

After obtaining a search warrant, officers seized 582 forged prescriptions, bearing the physician’s name and DEA registration number, and 23 empty prescription bottles.  Thompson further admitted that she had been forging prescriptions, monthly, since January 14, 2016, and she had obtained a total of 8,370 hydrocodone tablets and 2,358 alprazolam (Xanax) tablets.

Thompson pleaded guilty in February 2020.

Under federal law, Thompson must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years, following her release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Darrell Kilburn, London Police Department, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and London Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Rabold.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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COVINGTON, Ky.- An Independence, Kentucky, man, Michael Clark, 50, was sentenced in on Tuesday to 192 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, following conviction of distributing child pornography.

According to the evidence at trial, Clark distributed child pornography, on five different occasions, to a law enforcement officer using BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. A search warrant was executed at Clark’s residence in April 2018. His computer was seized and a forensic examination revealed the child pornography. 

Clark was convicted by a federal jury in September 2019.

Under federal law, Clark must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years, following his release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; L. Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations; Chief Spike Jones, Kenton County Police Department; and Chief Chris Sorrell, Campbell County Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, Kenton County Police Department, and Campbell County Police Department’s Electronic Crimes Unit. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Leonhard. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky.- The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids. 

In Kentucky, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) will receive $2,455,320 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

“Opioids and methamphetamine are the two greatest drug threats facing the Commonwealth, and this funding will be invaluable in assisting the Kentucky State Police to pursue targeted investigations and enforcement actions involving the unlawful distribution of these poisons throughout Kentucky,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

“These are real federal resources to the tune of $2 million to assist Kentucky’s Finest in saving the lives of our families, friends, neighbors from meth and opioids” said Russell Coleman, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky

“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith.  “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”

Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States.  Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid.  More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.

The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids.  This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

• Kentucky State Police received $1,455,320 from ATHF.

Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies.  These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures.  State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.

• Kentucky State Police received $1 million in funding from CAMP.

The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work.  During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms.  Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.

The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award

The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office 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 approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Jerry Tyler Jones, pleaded guilty Monday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.          

According to his plea agreement, on July 23, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jones’s residence and found more than 189 grams of fentanyl, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and $13,030 in currency.  Jones admitted he intended to distribute the drugs.                        

Jones was indicted in February 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.  

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2020. He faces up a minimum of five years in prison, up to life. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

This case was prosecuted as part of Department’s Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a focused enforcement effort that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in highly impacted areas.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Cynthiana, Kentucky man, Randall Perry, 53, pleaded guilty on Monday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to mail fraud.

According to his plea agreement, Perry was an employee at Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. While working there, he stole various parts and equipment from the plant and then sold many online. Perry admitted that between November 9, 2015 and November 6, 2017, he sold stolen parts through eBay and other means, fraudulently representing to online consumers that he was in lawful possession of the equipment he offered for sale. Perry mailed the stolen equipment to purchasers and obtained $254,799.30 from this scheme.

Perry was indicted in June 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Kenneth Cleevely, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG); and Michael Bosse, Chief of the Georgetown Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by USPIS and Georgetown Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tashena Fannin.

Perry is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Beattyville, Kentucky man, Michael B. Hensley, 58, was sentenced on Monday to 248 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for possession with intention to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.           

According to his plea agreement, Hensley admitted that on February 25, 2019, law enforcement officials approached him, based on an outstanding warrant for theft of a firearm, at a convenience store in Richmond, Kentucky.  When searching his vehicle, officers located more than 1.9 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and a loaded firearm.  Hensley admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug crime.

Hensley pleaded guilty in November 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the DEA and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Todd Bradbury.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Javantez L. Masters, 21, pleaded guilty on Thursday, before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.           

According to Masters’ plea agreement, he admitted that, on September 23, 2019, searches of his residence and vehicle uncovered more than 16 kilograms of marijuana, approximately $35,644 in cash, a loaded rifle, two pistols, , magazines, ammunition, and an active marijuana grow operation. He was also in possession of a vacuum sealer, vacuum sealer bags, and a money counter.  Masters further admitted that he had the firearms for protection.  Masters, who had a prior drug felony conviction, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Masters was indicted in February 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker. 

Masters is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2020. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the marijuana offense; a minimum of five years and a maximum of life for the armed drug trafficking offense, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed; and up to 10 years on the possession by a convicted felon offense.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.           

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

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A Kentucky resident was sentenced in federal court today to 21 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release after a guilty plea on Jan. 16, 2020, for being a U.S. citizen who engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jerry Templet of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Nashville, and Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer made the announcement.

Micky Rife, 36, formerly of Salyersville, Kentucky, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove.  In his plea agreement, Rife admitted that between Sept. 3, 2012, and Dec. 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013, and Dec. 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia, and that during those periods of time, he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion.  He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred. 

Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019.  He pleaded guilty to a single-count information filed on Jan. 16, 2020.  

The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police.  Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye prosecuted the case. 

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

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A former resident of Salyersville, Kentucky, Micky Rife, 37, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, to 252 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, after pleading guilty on January 16, 2020, that he, a U.S. citizen, engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.  .

Rife previously admitted that between September 3, 2012, and December 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013 and December 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia. During those time frames, he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion. He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred.  

Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019. He pleaded guilty to a single count Information filed on January 16, 2020.

Under federal law, Rife must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years, following his release. Rife will also be required to pay $2,000 in restitution.                       

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security- Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), Nashville, and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye and Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Child Obscenity and Exploitation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LONDON, Ky. - A Somerset, Kentucky man, Bradley D. Hall, 38, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, before U.S. District Court Judge Claria Horn Boom, to two counts of production of child pornography.         

According to his plea agreement, on September 15, 2019, Hall engaged in a conversation with an undercover FBI employee using the Kik messenger application. Hall admitted to operating a Kik messenger group which focused on child exploitation. Hall admitted to recording, live streaming, and sending videos of child pornography to the undercover FBI employee.

Hall was indicted in September 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Reed.

Hall is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2020. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 60 years, and will be responsible for restitution to the victim in the case. However, the sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

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

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COVINGTON, Ky. - A Brooksville, Ky. man, Gary Lee Long, 59, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 180 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for receipt of child pornography.         

According to his plea agreement, Long admitted that, on January 27, 2016, he reported to the Mason County Office of Probation, for his regular supervision visit. During that visit, his phone was searched and his probation officer found several images of child pornography. Long further admitted that he used Kik messenger to receive sexually explicit images of a minors.

Long entered a guilty plea in January 2020. Long was previously convicted in 2008, in the Bracken Circuit Court, of Rape in the Third Degree and Sodomy in the Third Degree. 

Under federal law, Long must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for ten years, following his release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Jared Muse, Maysville Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI and Maysville Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.     

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

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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ASHLAND, Ky. - A Morehead, Kentucky man, Ranger Lacy, 43, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for distribution of child pornography.           

In his guilty plea agreement, Lacy admitted that, between November 2, 2012 and December 19, 2012, he made sexually explicit images of minors available for sharing and the images were shared with other users.  A subsequent search of Lacy’s laptop and computer equipment uncovered more than 10,000 images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Lacy also admitted that his computer had been set up to share files through a sharing network.           

Lacy pleaded guilty in November 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI and Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.

 

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

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Hindman, Kentucky man, Gary Amburgey, 46, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to his plea agreement, Amburgey admitted that, from December 2018 through February 2019, he conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Specifically, Amburgey admitted that, through an agreement, he obtained approximately five ounces of methamphetamine to distribute and that law enforcement searches uncovered more than 59 grams of methamphetamine, paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, a stolen handgun, and a semi-automatic assault rifle. Amburgey also admitted that he purchased a firearm to avoid being robbed, and he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior felony conviction.                       

Amburgey pleaded guilty in February 2020. 

Under federal law, Amburgey must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years, following his release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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ASHLAND, Ky. - A Greenup, Kentucky man, Justin Huffman, 32, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Huffman admitted that, on September 21, 2019, he went to a victim’s residence in Greenup County, with a juvenile, and struck a victim in the face while in possession of a firearm, in order to retrieve some property. Prior to being stopped by officers, Huffman admitted to giving the firearm to the juvenile, to conceal it from police. The firearm was recovered by law enforcement, who then confirmed the firearm was stolen. Huffman admitted that he knowingly possessed the firearm and that he was prohibited from possessing it, as a convicted felon.                       

Huffman pleaded guilty in February 2020.  Huffman was previously convicted, in 2013, of Second Degree Robbery, in Boyd County Circuit Court.

Under federal law, Huffman must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; Sheriff Matt Smith, Greenup County Sheriff’s Department; and Chief Scott Gillum, Flatwoods Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by ATF ,KSP, Greenup County Sheriff’s Department, and Flatwoods Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos II. 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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WASHINGTON – Fifteen defendants have pleaded guilty to-date for their roles in a transnational and multi-million dollar scheme to defraud American victims through online auction fraud.

Four of the guilty pleas took place in the past 24 days before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew A. Stinnett of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Bogdan-Stefan Popescu, 30, of Romania, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to plea documents, Popescu operated a car wash in Bucharest, Romania, where he managed coconspirators in the RICO enterprise.  From at least December of 2013, Popescu oversaw an operation whereby he knowingly negotiated fraudulently obtained Bitcoin.  He did so in many ways.  For example, he would sometimes receive cryptocurrency from coconspirators who obtained the funds through online fraud scams, transfer the cryptocurrency to other conspirators such as codefendant Vlad-Călin Nistor.  He would then direct that Nistor exchange the cryptocurrency for fiat currency, and deposit the fiat currency into bank accounts held in the names of various employees and family members.  According to court documents, in addition to providing money laundering services, Popescu also coordinated the dissemination of tools used to defraud American-based victims, such as the language and photographs for fake advertisements as well as usernames and passwords for IP address anonymizing services.  Popescu also assisted members of the RICO conspiracy by connecting them with other members who could provide call center services—that is, who would impersonate eBay customer service representatives over the phone.

Liviu-Sorin Nedelcu, 34, of Romania, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to court documents, Nedelcu worked in conjunction with others to post advertisements for goods online.  To maintain the appearance of legitimacy, Nedelcu created fictitious entities through which he purported to sell vehicles.  Once Nedelcu and his coconspirators convinced victims to purchase falsely advertised goods, they sent the victims invoices for payment that appeared to be from legitimate sellers, such as eBay Motors.  Upon receiving payment, Nedelcu and his coconspirators engaged in a sophisticated money laundering scheme to convert the victim payment into Bitcoin.

Vlad-Călin Nistor, 33, of Romania, pleaded guilty on May 19, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to plea documents, Nistor was the founder and owner of the Romania-based Bitcoin exchange Coinflux Services SRL.  He exchanged cryptocurrency into local fiat currency on behalf of the Romania-based members of the conspiracy, knowing that the Bitcoin represented the proceeds of illegal activity.  According to plea documents for example, Nistor exchanged over $1.8 million worth of Bitcoin for co-defendant Bogdan Popescu.

Beniamin-Filip Ologeanu, 30, of Romania, pleaded guilty on May 19, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to court documents, Ologeanu worked in conjunction with others in the conspiracy to post advertisements for goods to auction websites, including eBay, and sales websites, including craigslist.  Once Ologeanu or his coconspirators convinced victims to purchase and provide payment for falsely advertised items, Ologeanu reached out to U.S.-based conspirators to convert the victim payment into other forms of payment and transfer part of it to Ologeanu in Bitcoin.  Ologeanu also purchased fraud proceeds from other coconspirators, typically in the form of prepaid debit cards, to be laundered by U.S.-based coconspirators.

“Today’s modern cybercriminals rely on increasingly sophisticated techniques to defraud victims, often masquerading as legitimate businesses,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “These guilty pleas demonstrate that the United States will hold accountable foreign and domestic criminal enterprises and their enablers, including crooked bitcoin exchanges that swindle the American public.”

“The guilty pleas announced today are a direct result of the extraordinary cooperation and partnership among law enforcement agencies at the local, state, federal, and international levels,” said U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “These partnerships helped dismantle a sophisticated organized crime group who preyed upon victims across the United States.  I commend the exceptional work conducted by our law enforcement partners and trial team members who worked diligently to hold these defendants accountable.”                                                                

“Through the use of digital currencies and trans-border organizational strategies, this criminal syndicate believed they were beyond the reach of law enforcement,” said Assistant Director Michael D’Ambrosio, U.S. Secret Service, Office of Investigations. “However, as this successful investigation clearly illustrates, with sustained, international cooperation, we can effectively hold cyber criminals accountable for their actions, no matter where they reside. I commend the hard work and perseverance of all those who joined together in this investigation and prosecution. This includes our partners in Europe, as well as those closer to home.”

“Today’s guilty pleas serve as a reminder that IRS-CI special agents will uncover illegal activity here and abroad, pierce the perceived veil of anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies, and bring those responsible for unlawful acts to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Larsen of the IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) New York Field Office.  “We will continue to push the agency to the forefront of complex cyber investigations and work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to ensure the United States financial system is protected.”

 “These are scam artists who hide behind a wall of technology which allows them to prey upon innocent victims throughout the United States,” said Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer.  “The dismantling of this criminal enterprise was made possible because of the incredible level of cooperation between the law enforcement community here in Kentucky.”

According to court documents, the defendants participated in a criminal conspiracy that engaged in a large-scale scheme of online auction fraud.  Specifically, Romania-based members of the conspiracy posted false advertisements to popular online auction and sales websites—such as Craigslist and eBay—for high-cost goods (typically vehicles) that did not actually exist.  Members of the conspiracy would convince American victims to send money for the advertised goods by crafting persuasive narratives, for example, by impersonating a military member who needed to sell the advertised item before deployment.

According to court documents, members of the conspiracy created fictitious online accounts to post these advertisements and communicate with victims, often using the stolen identities of Americans to do so.  They also delivered invoices to the victims bearing trademarks of reputable companies in order to make the transaction appear legitimate.  Members of the conspiracy also set up call centers, impersonating customer support, to address questions and alleviate concerns over the advertisements.

Once victims were convinced to send payment, the conspiracy participants engaged in a complicated money laundering scheme wherein domestic associates would accept victim funds, convert these funds to cryptocurrency, and transfer proceeds in the form of cryptocurrency to foreign-based money launderers.

 

The 15 defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case have yet to be sentenced.  Two other defendants in the case are scheduled for trial starting on Sept. 14, 2020, before the Honorable Robert E. Wier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  Three others are fugitives.

In addition to pleading guilty in this case, on Jan. 13, 2020, Adrian Mitan pleaded guilty in a related money laundering conspiracy, arising from online schemes, including a credit card phishing and brute-force attack scheme, designed to steal money from Americans.  According to court documents, Mitan phished for payment card information of U.S. customers, hacked into the electronic systems of American businesses, and then conducted a brute-force attack on their point-of-sale systems for the purpose of stealing the remaining payment card information.  Mitan then directed American money launderers to create clone payment cards with the stolen information, which were used to extract money from the customers’ accounts.  These fraudulent proceeds were then returned to Mitan in the form of Bitcoin.         

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, Lexington Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and supported by the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2).  Assistance was provided by the Romanian National Police (Service for Combating Cybercrime) and the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (Agency for Prosecuting Organized Crime).  The Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section provided significant support and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support in securing and coordinating the arrests and extraditions from Romania of more than a dozen defendants. 

This case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers and Senior Counsel Frank H. Lin of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn M. Anderson and Kenneth R. Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Individuals believing they may be victims of the advanced fee and online auction fraud or brute-force attack schemes described herein are encouraged to visit the following website to obtain more information: https://justice.gov/usao-edky/information-victims-large-cases.  Tips to avoid becoming a victim of online auction fraud can be found here on the U.S. Secret Service’s website.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

# # #

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - Steven Ray Williams, 58, of Hope, Kentucky, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on Thursday, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen K. Caldwell, after previously pleading guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, involving fraudulent representations to a financial institution.

Beginning in 1999 Williams borrowed a series of loans from the Farm Services Agency (FSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  As pledged collateral for the loans, Williams listed farm equipment, cattle and other livestock.  In April 2012, Williams failed to make his loan payment to the FSA and declared bankruptcy the following month.

According to the plea agreement, from March 2012 through June 2015, Williams regularly sold off cattle at various stockyards in central Kentucky.  Because the cattle had been pledged as collateral, though, Williams sold the cattle in the name of other people.  Upon receiving payment for the cattle, in the form of a check, Williams forged the signature of the person it was made out to, and then added his own signature, enabling him to deposit the funds into his own bank account.  Because he was in default on his FSA loans, Williams’ actions brought him financial gain and deprived the FSA of any chance at recovering proceeds from the livestock that was collateral.                       

Williams pleaded guilty in January 2020.

Under federal law, Williams must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jason M. Williams, Special Agent in Charge for USDA OIG, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Moynahan. 

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington woman, Crystal Brotherton, 32, was sentenced on Thursday, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, after previously admitting to intimidating individuals by making threats involving explosives and the destruction of buildings.

Brotherton admitted to calling Lexington’s 911 system and telling the operator there were bombs at multiple business at an intersection off of New Circle Road. She admitted to demanding the businesses be evacuated in 15 minutes or “everyone will die.” According to her plea agreement, Brotherton made three calls to 911, on June 20 and 21, 2019, all involving similar threats of death and destruction.

Under federal law, Brotherton must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Moynahan. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

COVINGTON, Ky. - Joseph Shockey, 53, of Fort Mitchell, Ky., was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison on Thursday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after previously pleading guilty, in January 2020, to bank fraud.           

In his guilty plea agreement, Shockey admitted that, in 2014, he applied for and obtained a line of credit for $500,000 from Stock Yards Bank and Trust Company. Later that same year, Shockey was sued in Utah and ultimately a default judgment in the amount of $579,063 was entered against him in 2015. Shockey extended the line of credit from Stock Yards but failed to advise the bank, as he had agreed to do, of the judgment. Shockey defaulted on the loan and the bank suffered a loss of $463,000. As part of his plea agreement, Shockey agreed to pay $449,496.07, in restitution.

Under federal law, Shockey must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the sentencing

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Leonhard. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. –Diana Baker, 53, of Louisville and a former employee of the Kentucky Commission (now Office) for Children with Special Care Needs, was sentenced to 30 months on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Greg Van Tatenhove, for mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and four counts of theft from the state agency. 

Baker was a 28-year employee of the Commission, which is an agency within the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services that assists families with children with special health care needs in obtaining funding and care. According to the plea agreement, between 2007 and 2018, Baker, who was an Administrative Branch Manager in the Louisville office, manipulated software programs, to generate fraudulent payment vouchers, which purported to reimburse the families of special needs children for out of pocket expenses or pay third party vendors for services to children.  These vouchers were sent in the regular course of business to the Kentucky State Treasurer’s Office, which issued checks that were actually used to make payments on Baker’s credit card accounts, to pay doctors and dentists for services to Baker’s family, and, in one instance, to pay a carpenter for work on a dock for lakefront property owned by Baker.  The amount of the alleged theft is approximately $45,000.  

Under federal law, Baker must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Louisville Field Office, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Inspector General. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

Fifteen defendants have pleaded guilty to-date for their roles in a transnational and multi-million dollar scheme to defraud American victims through online auction fraud.

Four of the guilty pleas took place in the past 24 days before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew A. Stinnett of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Bogdan-Stefan Popescu, 30, of Romania, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to plea documents, Popescu operated a car wash in Bucharest, Romania, where he managed coconspirators in the RICO enterprise.  From at least December of 2013, Popescu oversaw an operation whereby he knowingly negotiated fraudulently obtained Bitcoin.  He did so in many ways.  For example, he would sometimes receive cryptocurrency from coconspirators who obtained the funds through online fraud scams, transfer the cryptocurrency to other conspirators such as codefendant Vlad-Călin Nistor.  He would then direct that Nistor exchange the cryptocurrency for fiat currency, and deposit the fiat currency into bank accounts held in the names of various employees and family members.  According to court documents, in addition to providing money laundering services, Popescu also coordinated the dissemination of tools used to defraud American-based victims, such as the language and photographs for fake advertisements as well as usernames and passwords for IP address anonymizing services.  Popescu also assisted members of the RICO conspiracy by connecting them with other members who could provide call center services—that is, who would impersonate eBay customer service representatives over the phone.

Liviu-Sorin Nedelcu, 34, of Romania, pleaded guilty on June 11, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to court documents, Nedelcu worked in conjunction with others to post advertisements for goods online.  To maintain the appearance of legitimacy, Nedelcu created fictitious entities through which he purported to sell vehicles.  Once Nedelcu and his coconspirators convinced victims to purchase falsely advertised goods, they sent the victims invoices for payment that appeared to be from legitimate sellers, such as eBay Motors.  Upon receiving payment, Nedelcu and his coconspirators engaged in a sophisticated money laundering scheme to convert the victim payment into Bitcoin.

Vlad-Călin Nistor, 33, of Romania, pleaded guilty on May 19, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to plea documents, Nistor was the founder and owner of the Romania-based Bitcoin exchange Coinflux Services SRL.  He exchanged cryptocurrency into local fiat currency on behalf of the Romania-based members of the conspiracy, knowing that the Bitcoin represented the proceeds of illegal activity.  According to plea documents for example, Nistor exchanged over $1.8 million worth of Bitcoin for co-defendant Bogdan Popescu.

Beniamin-Filip Ologeanu, 30, of Romania, pleaded guilty on May 19, 2020, to one count of RICO conspiracy.  According to court documents, Ologeanu worked in conjunction with others in the conspiracy to post advertisements for goods to auction websites, including eBay, and sales websites, including Craigslist.  Once Ologeanu or his coconspirators convinced victims to purchase and provide payment for falsely advertised items, Ologeanu reached out to U.S.-based conspirators to convert the victim payment into other forms of payment and transfer part of it to Ologeanu in Bitcoin.  Ologeanu also purchased fraud proceeds from other coconspirators, typically in the form of prepaid debit cards, to be laundered by U.S.-based coconspirators.

“Today’s modern cybercriminals rely on increasingly sophisticated techniques to defraud victims, often masquerading as legitimate businesses,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “These guilty pleas demonstrate that the United States will hold accountable foreign and domestic criminal enterprises and their enablers, including crooked bitcoin exchanges that swindle the American public.”

“The guilty pleas announced today are a direct result of the extraordinary cooperation and partnership among law enforcement agencies at the local, state, federal, and international levels,” said U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “These partnerships helped dismantle a sophisticated organized crime group who preyed upon victims across the United States.  I commend the exceptional work conducted by our law enforcement partners and trial team members who worked diligently to hold these defendants accountable.”                                         

“Through the use of digital currencies and trans-border organizational strategies, this criminal syndicate believed they were beyond the reach of law enforcement,” said Assistant Director Michael D’Ambrosio, U.S. Secret Service, Office of Investigations. “However, as this successful investigation clearly illustrates, with sustained, international cooperation, we can effectively hold cyber criminals accountable for their actions, no matter where they reside. I commend the hard work and perseverance of all those who joined together in this investigation and prosecution. This includes our partners in Europe, as well as those closer to home.”

“Today’s guilty pleas serve as a reminder that IRS-CI special agents will uncover illegal activity here and abroad, pierce the perceived veil of anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies, and bring those responsible for unlawful acts to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Larsen of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York Field Office.  “We will continue to push the agency to the forefront of complex cyber investigations and work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to ensure the United States financial system is protected.”

“These are scam artists who hide behind a wall of technology which allows them to prey upon innocent victims throughout the United States,” said Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer.  “The dismantling of this criminal enterprise was made possible because of the incredible level of cooperation between the law enforcement community here in Kentucky.”

According to court documents, the defendants participated in a criminal conspiracy that engaged in a large-scale scheme of online auction fraud.  Specifically, Romania-based members of the conspiracy posted false advertisements to popular online auction and sales websites—such as Craigslist and eBay—for high-cost goods (typically vehicles) that did not actually exist.  Members of the conspiracy would convince American victims to send money for the advertised goods by crafting persuasive narratives, for example, by impersonating a military member who needed to sell the advertised item before deployment.

According to court documents, members of the conspiracy created fictitious online accounts to post these advertisements and communicate with victims, often using the stolen identities of Americans to do so.  They also delivered invoices to the victims bearing trademarks of reputable companies in order to make the transaction appear legitimate.  Members of the conspiracy also set up call centers, impersonating customer support, to address questions and alleviate concerns over the advertisements.

Once victims were convinced to send payment, the conspiracy participants engaged in a complicated money laundering scheme wherein domestic associates would accept victim funds, convert these funds to cryptocurrency, and transfer proceeds in the form of cryptocurrency to foreign-based money launderers.

The 15 defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case have yet to be sentenced.  Two other defendants in the case are scheduled for trial starting on Sept. 14, 2020, before the Honorable Robert E. Wier of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  Three others are fugitives.

In addition to pleading guilty in this case, on Jan. 13, 2020, Adrian Mitan pleaded guilty in a related money laundering conspiracy, arising from online schemes, including a credit card phishing and brute-force attack scheme, designed to steal money from Americans.  According to court documents, Mitan phished for payment card information of U.S. customers, hacked into the electronic systems of American businesses, and then conducted a brute-force attack on their point-of-sale systems for the purpose of stealing the remaining payment card information.  Mitan then directed American money launderers to create clone payment cards with the stolen information, which were used to extract money from the customers’ accounts.  These fraudulent proceeds were then returned to Mitan in the form of Bitcoin.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, Lexington Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and supported by the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2).  Assistance was provided by the Romanian National Police (Service for Combating Cybercrime) and the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (Agency for Prosecuting Organized Crime).  The Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section provided significant support and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support in securing and coordinating the arrests and extraditions from Romania of more than a dozen defendants. 

This case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers and Senior Counsel Frank H. Lin of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn M. Anderson and Kenneth R. Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Individuals believing they may be victims of the advanced fee and online auction fraud or brute-force attack schemes described herein are encouraged to visit the following website to obtain more information: https://justice.gov/usao-edky/information-victims-large-cases.  Tips to avoid becoming a victim of online auction fraud can be found here on the U.S. Secret Service’s website.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

ASHLAND, Ky. - A Dayton, Ohio man, Robert Amos, 33, pled guilty in federal court on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to possession with intention to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

In his guilty plea, Amos admitted that, when was stopped by law enforcement, he was in possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl for distribution.                             

Amos was indicted in March 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and J.T. Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by DEA and the FADE Drug Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker. 

Amos is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2020. He faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Ann Sonderman Giles, 56, and Lu Anne Wallace, 66, both of Lexington, pled guilty on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to conspiring to defraud the United States.           

According to their plea agreements, from January 2014 through July 2017, Wallace and Giles served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, for multiple healthcare-related companies registered in Kentucky.  Giles and Wallace admitted to conspiring to defraud the United States by failing to pay over IRS mandated trust fund taxes for the companies.  Additionally, the companies run by Giles and Wallace failed to pay over their required matching portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes.  In total, Giles and Wallace conspired to defraud the United States out of tax revenue in the amount of approximately $1,595,726.  

Giles and Wallace were indicted in June 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Milton Goff III, Senior Advisor Criminal Investigations, U.S. Department of Labor; Rod Owens, Special Agent-in-Charge, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Atlanta Field Division—Nashville; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, and IRS. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Moynahan.

Giles and Wallace are scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2020. They face a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000, or twice the amount of loss.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

— END —

In recent days, many have gathered in cities throughout the Eastern District of Kentucky to express anger, frustration, and grief, and to seek understanding, equity, and justice. Those attending are exercising important rights bestowed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, including the freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble, and right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. I support their exercise of these fundamental rights.   

We are truly fortunate that our District has not experienced the acute violence witnessed in other areas across the country. Across our District, the majority of those demonstrating have been peaceful and responsible in presenting their message for understanding and change. Significant credit is due to the demonstrators, as well as the police departments in these communities. 

As these demonstrations bear witness, there are genuine concerns regarding the influence of racism in society and people are rightly moved to pursue change. It is imperative that we work to build trust in the criminal justice system and ensure justice for all. It is equally important that we engage with community leaders to find constructive solutions to other critical problems. I pledge my commitment to these essential efforts.     

The Constitution mandates equal protection under the law. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky will continue to work tirelessly to achieve just that. True Justice simply compels it.         

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington, Ky., man, Cheike Gueye, 35, pled guilty in federal court on Monday, before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to two counts of bank robbery.           

According to his plea agreement, Gueye admitted that on December 11, 2019, he robbed both the Kentucky Bank and the Blue Grass Federal Savings and Loan, in Paris, Ky. Gueye admitted to entering the banks and passing tellers a note that instructed them to give him all the money in the drawers or he would kill everybody. Gueye also admitted to carrying a toy gun in the waistband of his pants and taking measures to make it visible to bank personnel. In total, Gueye took $7,881.01 from the two banks.                       

Gueye was indicted in February 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Louisville Field Division; J. “Butch” Best, Chief of the Paris Police Department; Michael Bosse, Chief of the Georgetown Police Department; and Tony Asbury, Bourbon County Sheriff, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Paris Police Department, Georgetown Police Department, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield.

Gueye is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

 

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Jackie B. Love, 55, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 100 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for a series of five commercial robberies.

In pleading guilty, Love admitted that he robbed five different businesses around Fayette County, on different occasions, from April 19-25, 2019.  According to his plea agreement, Love entered the business establishments, demanded money from the cash registers and brandished a firearm in at least three of the robberies. Love admitted to taking $1,255, collectively, from the robberies.  The Lexington Police Department arrested Love on April 26, 2019. He pleaded guilty in December 2019.           

 Under federal law, Love must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge for ATF, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was conducted by ATF and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.           

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

— END —

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A Williamson, W. Va. man, Curtis Hight, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward Atkins, to distributing heroin and crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Hight admitted that on October 16, 2019, in Pike County, he sold heroin and crack cocaine to a confidential witness from his residence.  According to his plea agreement, during the controlled purchase, a handgun was within arm’s reach of Hight when he made the sale.  Officers seized 13 firearms, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, one gram of heroin, 2.5 grams of crack cocaine, $15,775 in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking from his residence.

Hight was indicted in November 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Parman and Nick Rabold. 

Hight faces up to 20 years in prison for the heroin trafficking charge, and not less than five years for the firearms charge, which must run consecutively.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.            

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - A Nancy, Kentucky man, Rex Doane, 35, was sentenced on Friday to 292 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for production of child pornography.

In his guilty plea agreement, Doane previously admitted that, on May 31, 2019, he engaged in an online conversation with a 15-year-old minor female, using Facebook Messenger.  He also admitted to requesting explicit images from the minor victim.  After she transmitted a sexually explicit photograph to him, he continued to send the victim sexually-explicit messages.

Doane pled guilty in December 2019.           

Under federal law, Doane must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. 

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by 11HSI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Reed.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - A Mt. Vernon, Kentucky man, Brice Hubbard, 47, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, before Magistrate Judge Hanly A. Ingram, to conspiring with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture.

Hubbard admitted that, from February 2019 to May 2019, he conspired with Dallas Clifford, Dustin Hurley, and Jordan Moore to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Hubbard admitted to supplying pound level quantities of methamphetamine to co-conspirators, who would then sell the methamphetamine to middlemen and end-users. Hubbard also admitted to arranging the sale of a pound of methamphetamine in Berea, Ky.

Clifford and Hurley pleaded guilty in February 2020, and are scheduled to be sentenced on July 23, 2020 and June 12, 2020, respectively. Moore pleaded guilty in May 2020 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Reed.

Hubbard is scheduled to be sentenced on a date yet to be determined by the court. He faces up to life in prison.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. Chris Michael Moberly, 33, and Caitlin Sue Maggard, 31, both from Lexington, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for their roles in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.           

According to their plea agreements, between September 2019 and October 2019, Moberly and Maggard conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  They both admitted that, on multiple occasions, they travelled to Scott County, Tennessee, for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine to other distributors in Tennessee and Kentucky, including McCreary County. Moberly admitted to enlisting other individuals to assist with transportation to make methamphetamine deliveries. In October 2019, law enforcement disrupted a drug transaction, seizing 50 grams of methamphetamine from Moberly and Maggard.

Moberly and Maggard were indicted in January 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Ronnie Phillips, Scott County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty pleas.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Scott County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.

Moberly is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6. He faces a minimum of ten years in prison. Maggard is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9. She faces a minimum of five years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

— END —

COVINGTON, Ky. - An Ohio man, Isaac Benson, 44, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 120 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after being convicted of possession with intention to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.           

According to Benson’s guilty plea agreement, in June 2019, he admitted to bringing 100 grams of methamphetamine, from Dayton, Ohio, to Newport, Ky., to sell to a confidential informant. Benson’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement, who found the methamphetamine and $3,624 in cash.

Benson pleaded guilty in November 2019.

Under federal law, Benson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Christopher Conners, Director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was directed by the DEA and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky.- A London, Ky., man, Ronnie Bowling, 56, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 180 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intention to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to Bowling’s plea agreement, between February 20, 2019 and February 22, 2019, Bowling engaged in multiple conversations with a distributor, in which they arranged for Bowling to obtain two pounds of methamphetamine. Bowling admitted meeting the distributor at a prearranged meeting location with $15,476.00 in cash to purchase more than 500 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute in the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Bowling pleaded guilty in January 2020.

Under federal law, Bowling must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff John Root, Laurel County Sheriff’s Department jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was directed by the DEA and Laurel County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Cynthiana, Kentucky, man was convicted on Tuesday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington for using a minor to produce sexually-explicit images and videos.           

After one hour of deliberation, following a day and half trial, the jury convicted 37-year-old William Michael Fields Jr., of two counts of employing, using, persuading, enticing, or coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of making a visual depiction of that conduct.             

According to testimony at trial, Fields used a 17-year-old minor to produce sexually explicit images in the back of an ambulance in Bourbon County, on March 17, 2019.  The evidence also revealed that the Defendant used the same minor to produce five videos and two images of sexually explicit conduct at the Emergency Medical Training Facility in Bourbon County, on March 23, 2019.          

Fields, a former Harrison County Constable and Paris Fire Department firefighter, was indicted in October 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry C Templet Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Daniel J. Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General, and Chief E. Douglas Robinson, Cynthiana Police Department; and jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by ICE and the Cynthiana Police Department with assistance from the Kentucky OAG Cyber Crimes Branch. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Mary Melton.

Fields will appear for sentencing on September 4. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 60 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

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

— END —

 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced nearly $400 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP).  The Attorney General announced funding awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.  The awards announced today are inclusive of the $51 million announced in May as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit.  

“The Department of Justice is committed to providing the police chiefs and sheriffs of our great nation with needed resources, tools, and support.  The funding announced today will bolster their ranks and contribute to expanding community policing efforts nationwide,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “A law enforcement agency’s most valuable assets are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of protecting and serving their communities.”

“This critical funding provides several local law enforcement agencies in the Eastern District of Kentucky with an opportunity to hire more officers to protect and serve their communities.  That allows police departments and sheriff’s offices across Eastern Kentucky to expand existing law enforcement and public safety efforts, something that benefits us all,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers.  In addition to providing financial support for hiring, CHP provides funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics.  In a changing economic climate, CHP funding helps law enforcement agencies maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to promote safe communities.  Funding through this program had been on hold since the spring of 2018 due to a nationwide injunction that was lifted earlier this year.

CHP applicants were required to identify a specific crime and disorder problem focus area and explain how the funding will be used to implement community policing approaches to that problem focus area.  43 percent of the awards announced today will focus on violent crime, while the remainder of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officer positions, building trust and respect, and opioid education, prevention, and intervention.  The COPS Office received nearly 1,100 applications requesting more than 4,000 law enforcement positions. 

The complete list of awards can be found here.  To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp.  For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

###

COVINGTON, Ky. - A Cincinnati man, Frank Traylor, 43, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 90 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after being convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm by convicted felon.           

According to Traylor’s guilty plea agreement, he admitted that in July 2019 in Kenton County, he sold crack cocaine on two occasions to confidential informants. During this time and in furtherance of his drug trafficking, he used Deziah Dye, 22, his co-defendant, to make a straw purchase of a Glock pistol. Traylor admitted that upon search of his residence, law enforcement officers found the Glock, 3.4 grams of crack cocaine, baggies, a digital scale, and razor blades. Traylor further admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking and that he had previously been convicted of a felony, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.

Traylor pleaded guilty in November 2019. Dye also pleaded guilty in November 2019 and has not yet been sentenced.

Under federal law, Traylor must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was directed by the ATF. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Harris.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.          

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - A Booneville, Kentucky, man, James Everett Smith, 52, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to 240 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for his convictions for to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.           

According to his guilty plea agreement, Smith admitted that on September 23, 2018, in Owsley County, law enforcement responded to a shots-fired complaint. After searching Smith’s residence, they discovered six firearms, various ammunition, over 685 grams of methamphetamine, $1,170 in cash, digital scales, and other controlled substances. The firearms and methamphetamine were located next to each other. Smith further admitted that he knew he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from owning a firearm.

Smith pleaded guilty in February 2020.

Under federal law, Smith must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Filed Division; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the ATF and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A former United States Postal Service (USPS) employee from Eminence, Kentucky, Christina Victoria Gregory, 33, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to three years of probation, by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, after her conviction for embezzling postal funds.           

According to her guilty plea agreement, Gregory admitted that, from April through May of 2019, she was employed as a Postmaster Relief; and during that time, she knowingly embezzled funds from her USPS cash and stamp drawer and unlawfully converted USPS money order funds to pay for her own personal expenses. She intentionally converted and used $2,851.64 of USPS funds. 

Gregory pleaded guilty in January 2020.

In addition to three years of probation, Gregory was also ordered to pay $2,710.03 in restitution.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and pecial Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by USPS-OIG. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tashena Fannin.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Mexican National residing in Lexington was convicted today, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington, of two counts of conspiring to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.      

After three hours of deliberations, following a three day-trial, the jury convicted 36-year-old Daniel Segura-Corro of conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and conspiring to commit money laundering.           

According to testimony at trial, in early 2015, Segura-Corro engaged in an agreement with other individuals from Mexico to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine in the Lexington area.  In August of 2015, several search warrants were executed by the Lexington Police Department, recovering approximately $20,000 in cash and large quantities of cocaine, from his residence. 

The evidence at trial established that Segura-Corro and other co-conspirators fled to Mexico, after the Lexington Police Department seized this cocaine. In mid-2018, the investigation led to several additional search warrants, where additional kilograms of cocaine were recovered.  In July 2019, a search warrant was executed at Segura-Corro’s apartment, resulting in the seizure of more than $99,000 in drug proceeds. In the course of the investigation, $188,000 in drug proceeds and seven kilograms of cocaine were seized. Segura-Corro was sending thousands of dollars of drug proceeds, by wire transfer, to his hometown of Vera Cruz, Mexico. Segura-Cora was ordered to forfeit the $99,000 in drug proceeds.

Segura-Coro was indicted in February of 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by FBI and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger W. West. 

Segura-Coro will appear for sentencing on September 4, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to a maximum of life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes before imposing a sentence.

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Lawrenceburg, Kentucky man, William Richard Smith, was sentenced in federal court Thursday, to 360 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, after previously being convicted at trial of receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography.           

According to testimony at trial, Smith distributed twenty-five videos of child pornography to an investigator with the Kentucky Office of Attorney General (OAG), Cyber Crimes Branch, who was performing an undercover investigation using an online peer-to-peer network. After identifying Smith as the individual who distributed the images, a search warrant was executed on Smith’s residence, during which several electronic devices were seized.  Forensic examinations of those devices revealed that, in addition to distributing child pornography, Smith also possessed 1,622 sexually explicit visual depictions of minors and had been receiving those visual depictions using a peer-to-peer network since May 2016. Smith was indicted in February 2019.           

In November 2019, Smith stood trial in federal court. After deliberating for an hour, following a two-day trial, the jury convicted him of seven counts of receipt, one count of distribution, and one count of possession of visual depictions involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. 

 Under federal law, Smith must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 20 years.

 “The receipt, possession, and distribution of child pornography is especially damaging, because it continues to traumatize victims long after the initial exploitation,” said United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. “The defendant’s conduct was abhorrent and undoubtedly deserves the substantial penalties imposed by the Court. I commend the efforts of the investigators from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and agents from Homeland Security Investigations, whose work helped hold this defendant accountable for his criminal actions.”

United States Attorney Duncan; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky OAG Cyber Crimes Branch and HSI.  The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Mary Melton. 

END

LONDON, Ky. - A Somerset, Kentucky, woman, Kathie Huff, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 68 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Huff was the final defendant to be sentenced in this case.     

In her plea agreement, Huff admitted that between September 2017 and March 2019, she conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Pulaski, Laurel Wayne, McCreary, and Anderson counties. According to Huff’s plea agreement, she developed an arrangement with a methamphetamine dealer in Louisville, through whom she regularly obtained large quantities of methamphetamine and then returned to Pulaski County to sell it. According to court documents, Huff’s source of methamphetamine supply was David Ameral. Ameral also supplied other members of the conspiracy, including Robert Jerome “Cotty” Beach, who Huff introduced to Ameral. Additionally, as part of the conspiracy, Ameral also supplied methamphetamine to Ignacio Brasfield.   

Huff pled guilty in October 2019. Huff’s co-conspirators have received the following sentences: Ameral received 137 months and five years supervised release; Brasfield received 151 months and eight years of supervised release; and Beach received 157 months and five years of supervised release.

Under federal law, Huff and her co-conspirators must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon her release, Huff’s will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for four years. 

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; Chief Bryan Taylor, Lawrenceburg Police Department; Chief William Hunt, Somerset Police Department; and Sheriff Greg Speck, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, Louisville Metro Police Department, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, Somerset Police Department, and Lawrenceburg Police Department  

— END—

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Frankfort woman, Lesley Wade, pled guilty in federal court on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to money laundering and filing a materially false tax return.                       

Wade was a long time employee of the Franklin County Board of Education (FCBOE), most recently serving as the FCBOE’s Financial Director.  In Wade’s guilty plea agreement, she admitted that, starting in February 2011 and continuing through about June 25, 2019, she wrote unauthorized checks of FCBOE money to herself, then falsified the necessary FCBOE records and invoices to cover up her crimes. 

Wade also served as Treasurer of Leestown Gospel Church in Frankfort, where she essentially had plenary control over its financial management, with little oversight or internal controls.  Wade also admitted to periodically using her control over the Church’s finances to launder money she had stolen from the FCBOE, using the Church’s account before writing checks to herself, attempting to avoid detection and making the checks appear legitimate.           

Her theft of funds, which took place over a term of years, resulted in the FCBOE losing a total of $1,624,593.  Further hiding her theft of funds, Wade also admitted that she willfully filed false individual income tax returns, for the years 2011-2018, by intentionally failing to report the income from her fraudulent scheme. The total amount of tax loss is $315,677.    

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the Louisville Division of FBI; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and IRS. The United States was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman.

Wade is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2020. For the money laundering charge, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000.  For the tax charge, she faces up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Fort Campbell soldier, Daniel J. Zulawski, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 192 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, following his conviction for using the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.            

According to testimony at trial, Zulawski traveled from Lexington to Frankfort after communicating with an undercover officer on the Kik application.  During this communication, they discussed his engaging in sexual relations with the undercover officer and her fictitious 11 and 13 year-old children. Evidence revealed that Zulawski initially responded to a Craigslist ad, posted by the undercover officer, which indicated she was a mother interested in incest.             

Zulawski was indicted in May 2018.  The criminal conduct occurred in January 2018.  He traveled from Lexington, where he was staying for a week of training for the U.S. Army, to Frankfort on January 17, 2018, when he was arrested.  He was convicted during a three-day trial in November of 2019.

Under federal law, Zulawski must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 20 years. 

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Ralph A. Gerdes, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Louisville Field Office of the United States Secret Service; and Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at Ft. Campbell, and the Kentucky Office of Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Branch. The United States represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Will Moynahan. 

 — END —

COVINGTON, Ky. - A Covington man, Dennis Duane Free, 32, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 132 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, after previously admitting to conspiring with others to distribute crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.           

In his plea agreement, Free admitted that he conspired with another individual, Robert Lee Copeland, to distribute crack cocaine between October 1, 2018 and April 2, 2019. On three occasions, Free sold crack cocaine to law enforcement personnel. On April 2, 2019, following his arrest, law enforcement officers seized additional crack cocaine, three firearms, and cash from his residence. In total, 14.2 grams of crack cocaine was seized. Free further admitted that he possessed the firearms found in his residence for protection in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

Free has three prior felony convictions, including convictions for felony possession of cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.             

Under federal law, Free must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI Safe Street’s Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Richmond, Ky., man, Richard Duerson, was sentenced in federal court on Friday to 200 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after previously being convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.           

According to the evidence at trial, on March 2, 2019, officers with the Richmond Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant on Duerson’s apartment in Richmond.  During the search, in Duerson’s bedroom, officers located quantities of cocaine and over 50 grams of methamphetamine, including 661 pills containing methamphetamine, as well as approximately $10,000 in cash wrapped in a sock in the bedroom closet.

After Duerson’s arrest, officers investigated several recorded phone calls he made to Jennifer McFarland, his co-defendant, from the Madison County Detention Center, discussing the removal of various items from his apartment. On March 8, 2019, officers obtained a second search warrant, for McFarland’s Richmond residence. During this search, officers located approximately 303 grams of methamphetamine, 679 grams of cocaine, several firearms, and multiple items used for mixing and preparing narcotics for sale.

McFarland was sentenced in March 2020 and received 151 months in prison.         

Under federal law, Duerson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Department; and James Ebert, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was investigated by the DEA, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Richmond Police Department, and the Madison County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Francisco Villalobos II.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Lexington man, Damien O. Porter, 21, was sentenced in federal court on Friday to 21 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.           

On May 12, 2019, officers with the Lexington Police Department responded to a theft call at a local business. While investigating, officers made contact with Damien Porter and located a loaded .9mm handgun Porter attempted to conceal.  During his guilty plea, Porter admitted he had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.   

Under federal law, Porter must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the ATF and Lexington Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia T. Rieker.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.           

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dejon Jasper, 27, of Lexington, was sentenced today, to 120  months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.   

In November 2018, officers with the Lexington Police Department, initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Jasper.  During the stop, Jasper was in possession of a stolen Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, 28 grams of fentanyl, and 4 grams of cocaine.  During his plea, Jasper admitted to possessing the narcotics for distribution and possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.            

Under federal law, Jasper must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; R. Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.

The ATF and the Lexington Police Department conducted the investigation.  The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia T. Rieker.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated 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.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Billy J. Earls, 35, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell, to escaping federal custody.           

In his guilty plea agreement, Earls admitted that he absconded from a residential confinement center, where he had been sentenced to serve 18 months for a supervised release violation. Earls was confined to Dismas Charities, a residential center located in Fayette County, to serve the remainder of his federal sentence.  On February 11, 2020, the U.S. Marshals Service was notified that Earls had left the center, without permission. He was found, three days later, by law enforcement in Campbell County, Kentucky.            

Earls was indicted in March 2020.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Norman E. Arflack, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield. 

Earls is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2020. He faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Frankfort, Ky., man was indicted on Thursday for assaulting and threatening to kill special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A federal grand jury in Lexington returned an indictment charging 29 year-old Phillip E. Morris with one count of knowingly and intentionally assaulting, impeding or resisting FBI special agents, in the performance of their official duties. The indictment also alleges that Morris knowingly and intentionally threatened to murder FBI special agents, with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with them while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties.             

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the indictment.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West. 

A date for Morris’s to appear in court has not yet been scheduled. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

            Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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LONDON, Ky.- A Somerset, Kentucky, man, Tommy Vaughn, 42, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 128 months in prison, by U.S. District  Judge Robert Wier, for conspiring to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and heroin.           

According to Vaughn’s plea agreement, he admitted that beginning in October 2018 through February 2019, Vaughn conspired to others to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and heroin that he obtained from a source of supply in Richmond, Kentucky. Vaughn was previously convicted of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance- First Degree in Kentucky state court in 2006. .           

Under federal law, Vaughn must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 8 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Greg Speck, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Reed.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Lamar Van Williams, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday, to trafficking fentanyl, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew A. Stinnett.

Williams admitted that on July 23, 2019, he was in possession of a digital scale and 23 grams of fentanyl, items he tried to discard while fleeing from the Lexington Police.

Williams was indicted in December 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jeffrey Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2020. He faces up to 30 years in prison for the drug trafficking charge. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a focused enforcement effort that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Middlesboro, Kentucky man, Robert Billy Taylor, 54, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, to three years of probation and a $75,000 fine, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for making and submitting false records regarding ginseng sales, in violation of the Lacey Act. Taylor was also prohibited from engaging in ginseng dealing as an agent or dealer in any state during the term of his probation.

According to his plea agreement, Robert Billy Taylor was the owner and operator of Taylor’s Roots and Herbs and Taylor’s Fresh Ginseng, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.  Taylor was a dealer of wild American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and was licensed in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The harvesting and sale of ginseng is governed by both federal and state regulations. As a dealer, he was required to maintain certain purchase and sales records.

The investigation by the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife revealed that over a period of years, Taylor had falsified the required Kentucky Ginseng Purchase Forms for multiple purchases of wild ginseng, including failing to include the correct weight of purchases, not keeping records of all his purchases, and purchasing ginseng that he knew was harvested from another state, but not properly certified before entering Kentucky. Taylor also acknowledged that he had stored 54 pounds of dry ginseng, despite telling law enforcement that he had not stored any, and possessing ginseng that had been harvested improperly, out of season.

Taylor’s son, Billy Taylor, was also sentenced on Monday for violations of the Lacey Act.  He received one year of probation and community service.   

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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