Eastern District of North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – 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.  United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that awards were given to five law enforcement agencies in the Eastern District allowing them to hire 9 additional officers.  These grants total $1,124,540.00.  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.”

“I applaud the work of the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and their efforts to fund additional police officers in my District,” commented Mr. Higdon.  This grant is timely and will assist agencies to increase their community policing efforts that will build better relationships between law enforcement and those they serve.”

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.

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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.

GREENVILLE, N.C. – A Jacksonville man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Dasean Clifton Moore, 34, attempted to pull a loaded .25 caliber handgun on Onslow County Sheriff’s detectives while they were serving him with warrants for drug-related crimes.  After a prolonged struggle over the handgun, the Onslow County detectives were able to disarm and arrest Moore.  Moore is a high-ranking member of the United Blood Nation street gang in the Jacksonville area.     

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parris prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website.  Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-cr-00174-BO-1

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to 264 months’ imprisonment for robbing an AT&T store and illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Robert Kevin Boddie, 46, was named in a three-count Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on November 20, 2019.  The Indictment charged Hobbs Act Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence on April 15, 2019. On February 11, 2020, the defendant pled guilty to the Indictment pursuant to a plea agreement.

On April 15, 2019, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD), was dispatched to an armed robbery that occurred at the AT&T store located at 4551 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.  Upon arrival, officers spoke with an employee who advised that the suspect, later identified as Boddie, entered the store and inquired about an iPhone.  According to the employee, Boddie then brandished a firearm and forced him to go to the rear storage room at gunpoint.  The employee placed eight iPhones (ranging in price from $749.99 to $1,099.99), an Alcatel Tetra (valued at $49.99), and a GPS tracker (valued at $480.00) from the safe into a plastic bag and gave it to Boddie.  The employee advised that Boddie then fled the store.  RPD reviewed the surveillance video from the store and were able to clearly see Boddie as the suspect.

RPD officers responded to the area of the AT&T store and began searching for Boddie with the use of the GPS tracker that was taken.  An officer traveling on Buffalo Road in Raleigh observed a vehicle swerve from traffic, cross a double yellow line, and then run a red light.  Once the officer reached the vehicle, both doors were open, and no one was in the vehicle.  The stolen cell phones and GPS unit were recovered from the vehicle.  Additionally, a loaded firearm with 12 rounds of ammunition wrapped in a shirt was located between the vehicle and guardrail on the side of the road. The officer heard someone running in the wooded area parallel to the road and gave chase.  The officer gave commands to Boddie to stop. Boddie was then arrested.  Officers established that the firearm located next to the vehicle was the same one used in the robbery.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Smith  prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-462-BO.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Sanford man with Fraud and Money Laundering.  The charges were unsealed yesterday.

According to the indictment, Joshua Matthew Houchins, 36, operated a number of real estate development companies in Raleigh between 2014 and 2018, including Rossshire Development LLC, Greenstone Ventures LLC, and Modern South Development LLC.  The indictment charges that Houchins used these entities to carry out a fraud upon his real estate development investors.

According to the indictment, Houchins solicited investment monies by telling victims that their money would be “put to work” on a specific property, and further represented that the investments would be secured by deeds of trust filed with the county register of deeds that was the subject of the investment.  In fact, Houchins did not put all of the investor funds to work on the property on which the investor was solicited to invest, and instead, regularly used investor funds on other properties, or on personal expenses.  Likewise, the investor promissory notes were not secured by a deed of trust as promised.  In some instances, Houchins did not even own the property that was the subject of the investment, and as such, could not truthfully grant a deed of trust to the investor. 

The indictment alleges that after Houchins diverted investor money away from the property on which the funds were supposed to be spent, Houchins failed to develop and sell the properties, as he represented he would.  Houchins then defaulted on the notes by failing to pay investors their promised returns.  The investors were unable to foreclose upon the investment properties because Houchins had not secured the promissory notes with a deed of trust filed, thereby resulting in losses to the investors.

Houchins is charged with nine counts of Wire Fraud, each of which carry a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.  Houchins is also charged with three counts of Conducting Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property, each of which carry a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Secretary of State are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

RALEIGH, N.C. – On May 19, 2020 a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment charging a Las Vegas couple with numerous charges, including (1) Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud, (2) Health Care Fraud, (3) Wire Fraud, (4) False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, (4) Aggravated Identity Theft, (5) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and (6) Conducting Transactions in Criminally Derived Property with Fraud and Money Laundering.  The charges were unsealed today, following the arrest of all defendants.

“This case represents one of the most brazen and egregious cases of home health Medicaid fraud ever seen in this district,” commented U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.  “The indictment alleges a $13 million fraud that funded a gluttonous, social media-marketed lifestyle - one filled with private jets, penthouses and luxury resorts.  Most reprehensible is the fact that this crime is alleged to have been carried out on the backs of our most vulnerable:  the poor, the deceased, the elderly, and the disabled. Even in the face of a global pandemic, this office will continue its work to ensure that defendants like these will be held to fully account for their actions.”

​"Stealing taxpayer money from a health care program designed to care for the poor and disabled just to bankroll a private jet and other luxury products – as alleged in this case – is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the HHS Office of Inspector General.  “Our hardworking investigators and law enforcement partners are committed to making sure such greed-fueled fraud is uprooted and those who commit it are held accountable for their actions.”

Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line, of the IRS, Criminal Investigation stated, “We are pleased with today’s indictment of Latisha and Timothy Harron as a result of the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners.  The egregious acts allegedly carried out by the Harron’s in this case will not be tolerated. IRS-CI will continue to use our financial expertise to expose and bring to justice those who line their pockets by committing fraud against the healthcare system.” 

According to the indictment, Latisha Harron, also known as Latisha Reese Holt, 44, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Timothy Mark Harron, 50, of Las Vegas, Nevada, worked together to carry out a massive fraud upon the North Carolina Medicaid Program (“NC Medicaid”) by billing the government for fictitious home health services.  They then worked together to launder the proceeds of the fraud into, among other things, a private jet, luxury jewelry and clothing, and properties in Ahoskie and Rich Square, North Carolina.

According to the indictment, by 2010, Latisha Harron had created, and was operating, Agape Healthcare Systems, Inc. (“Agape”) an alleged Medicaid home health provider, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.  The indictment alleges that to enroll Agape as a Medicaid provider, Latisha Harron fraudulently concealed her prior felony conviction for Identity Theft.  The indictment then alleges that in 2012, Latisha Harron moved out of North Carolina to Maryland.  Despite that move, Harron continued to bill NC Medicaid as though Agape was providing home health services to North Carolina recipients.

The indictment further alleges that in May of 2017, Latisha Harron moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to live with Timothy Mark Harron, and that the two were married in 2018.  The indictment alleges that Timothy Mark Harron was also a previously convicted felon, and that this fact was concealed from the NC Medicaid on enrollment documents.  The indictment then details how Latisha Harron and Timothy Mark Harron (“the Harrons”) worked together to expand the Agape fraud upon NC Medicaid, by fraudulently billing the program for more than $10 Million, just in the period between 2017 and 2019. 

The indictment alleges that the Harrons carried out the fraud by exploiting an eligibility tool that was entrusted only to NC Medicaid providers.  Specifically, the Harrons searched publicly available sources, such as obituary postings on the internet by North Carolina funeral homes, to locate recently deceased North Carolinians.  The Harrons would extract from the obituary postings certain personal information for the deceased, including their name, date of birth, and date of death.  Then, utilizing the extracted information, the Harrons would then query the NC Medicaid eligibility tool to determine whether the deceased individual had a Medicaid Identification Number.  If the deceased North Carolinian had a valid Medicaid Identification Number and was otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage during their life, the Harrons would use that individual’s identity to “back-bill” NC Medicaid, through Agape, for up to one year of fictitious home health services that were allegedly rendered prior to the death of the individual.  NC Medicaid then disbursed millions to Agape, all of which flowed into accounts controlled by the Harrons.

The indictment alleges that the Harrons carried out the fraud via the internet from locations around the globe, including their corporate office building in Las Vegas, their penthouse condominium in Las Vegas, a corporate office in North Carolina, and from various hotels and luxury resorts in and outside of the United States.

The indictment further charges the Harrons in a scheme to launder the proceeds of the Agape fraud into various luxury items.  These expenses included a $900,000 wire for the purchase of a British Aerospace Bae 125-800A private jet, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Tiffany & Co. and Brioni clothing and jewelry, thousands of dollars on Eastern North Carolina business properties, and thousands of dollars in gym equipment.  The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice, seeking forfeiture of, among other things, a 2017 Aston Martin DB 11 sports vehicle and a wine collection.

The Harrons are charged with (1) Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, which carries a maximum punishment of up to 20 years in prison, (2) Health Care Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, (3) 54 counts of Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, each of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison, (4) 6 counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A, each of which carry a maximum punishment of not less than, nor more than, 2 years in prison consecutive to other sentences, (5) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h), which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, and (6) 11 counts of Conducting Transactions in Criminally Derived Property with Fraud and Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.  Latisha Harron is also charged with Making False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035, which carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Investigators with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Investigations Division, are all investigating the case.   The North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $6,160,252 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $2,053,414 for FY 2020, is funded by the State of North Carolina.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore is the prosecutor on this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Harris represents the United States with respect to forfeiture aspects of the case.

Should you feel that you or a family member are a victim of this case, please contact the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General at (305) 968-6960.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wilmington man was sentenced on May 23, 2020 to 180 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1000 grams or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, William Gethers, 49, was involved in the importation and distribution of heroin and cocaine into Wilmington.  Between May and September 2019, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice Division made several undercover purchases from Gethers.   On September 10, 2019, detectives served a search warrant on a “stash house” in Wilmington where Gethers had approximately 39,000 bags of heroin, 9 ounces of cocaine and more than $10,000.00.  Additionally, detectives searched his residence on Prices Lane and found an additional $44,000.00 and two handguns.  During a follow up investigation, law enforcement seized an additional $148,050.00 that had been hidden in Gethers’ home and in banks accounts.  The total amount of drug proceeds seized was more than a quarter of a million dollars.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement uncovered that Gethers was responsible for importation and distribution of more than 5 kilograms of heroin.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo  prosecuted the case.  This case was part of the OCDETF investigation “White Rabbit” focusing on a drug trafficking organizations involved in the importation of Heroin and Methamphetamine into Eastern North Carolina.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:19-CR-159-D.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh United Blood Nation gang member was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and shooting a victim.

According to court documents, Destin Devaunta Wilson, 24, was named in a one-count Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on July 18, 2019.  The Indictment charged Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon on February 18, 2019.  On December 4, 2019, the defendant pled guilty to the Indictment.

U.S. Attorney Higdon stated, “This shooting is but another example of the violence and danger that this defendant and the members of the United Blood Nation bring to communities all across the Eastern District.  My office is laser focused on breaking the UBN and ending their reign of fear and terror.”

On February 18, 2019, officers with the Raleigh Police Department (RPD), responded to a shooting at 567 Dacian Road in Raleigh. During the investigation, officers interviewed witnesses who reported that an argument ensued between Wilson and two other individuals at the aforementioned residence. As the argument escalated, Wilson pulled out a gun, pointed it at the male with whom he was arguing, and shot him in the neck. Wilson fled from the shooting scene, but was spotted in downtown Raleigh later that evening. Officers arrested WILSON, who was in possession of a .40 caliber pistol and 6 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Smith  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00281-D.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Tishawn Jermaine Edwards, 31, was caught with a firearm after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase in Roanoke Rapids. Edwards has multiple prior felony convictions.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Roanoke Rapids Police Department investigated the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-CR-41-D.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for making false statements during the purchases of firearms.

According to court documents, William John Shaw, Jr., 37, co-manager of Harris Teeter in Raleigh from October 2016 until present, was named in an eight-count Criminal Information filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on December 20, 2019.  On February 10, 2020, with a written Plea Agreement, the defendant pled guilty to all eight counts of making False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm.

An investigation was initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Group II, following the receipt of information from local law enforcement regarding numerous recovered firearms in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, some of which had been used in crimes.  Investigators determined that between 2013 and 2019, Shaw had purchased numerous firearms at various stores and pawn shops located in Wake County and Johnston County and sold those firearms to individuals in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. During these firearm purchases, Shaw knowingly made false statements related to the acquisition and intended ownership of the firearms.  Investigators determined that Shaw filled out numerous ATF Form 4473 and stated that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the purchased firearm(s) and that he was not acquiring the firearm(s) on behalf of another person. Investigators determined this to be false because Shaw was not purchasing firearms for himself, but rather for other individuals. In 2019, Shaw made unprotected admissions to ATF agents that he purchased and sold approximately 30 to 40 firearms to relatives and other unknown individuals.

“One of the priorities of the Justice Department is to shut down the illegal gun pipeline that feeds firearms into some of our largest and most crime ridden communities,” commented U.S. Attorney Higdon.  “William Shaw was running a gun pipeline between here and Washington.  But, no more.  The people of the Eastern District as well as the people of Washington are safer now because his pipeline has been shut down.”

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Washington Group, II investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Smith  prosecuted the case.

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.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.  

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00532-D.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 132 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (crack).

According to court documents, Matthew Darnell Pittman, 29, possessed with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (crack) in July 2017. Pittman, who has been convicted of multiple prior drug distribution offenses, also possessed a firearm. Pittman was found to be a Career Offender and was given credit for thirty months he had already served in the state on related charges.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. Law enforcement agents from the Tar River Regional Drug Task Force, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the Rocky Mount Police Department, and Nash County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Brown  prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-102-D.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced today to 262 months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm during a March 23, 2018 shooting incident.

According to court documents, Brian Lee Dunlow, 46, was named in a Superseding Indictment filed on October 9, 2019 charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm (2 counts), possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence protective order.  Dunlow pled guilty to the first count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon on January 24, 2020.

On March 23, 2018 officers with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Spring Hope, NC in response to a shots fired call.  Dunlow came home unexpectedly and found his girlfriend moving out, with the assistance of four men from her church who had volunteered to help pack and load a moving truck.  Dunlow became upset, pulled a gun and pointed it at the face of one of the men from the church.  Dunlow fired a shot at close range but missed.  The man, a former corrections officer who was licensed to carry, drew his own gun and returned fire, wounding Dunlow. 

Several weeks later, on May 5, 2018, officers from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department responded to a call from the home of Dunlow’s mother, where Dunlow was living at the time, while recovering from the injuries he suffered during the March 23, 2018 shooting.  Officers learned that Dunlow had stolen a firearm from his mother’s bedroom and held his mother and his wife hostage for approximately four hours.  During the incident, Dunlow threatened his wife and struck her in the face and head with a cane, and caused a cut on his mother’s arm.  Dunlow fled in his mother’s car, but was apprehended soon after, with a loaded revolver in the car.

Due to an extensive criminal history that includes qualifying predicate convictions, Dunlow was determined to be an armed career criminal and thereby subject to an enhanced sentence under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 924(e).

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the plea and sentenced Dunlow. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity Wilson and Bryan Stephany are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-CR-48-D1.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Southern Shores, NC man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute five (5) kilograms of cocaine.

According to court documents, Herndon Hunt Outlaw Riddle, III, 40, conspired with his codefendant Adolphus McClain to distribute five (5) kilograms of cocaine.  McClain previously pled guilty to the charge and is awaiting sentencing.

Riddle pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute five (5) kilograms or more of Cocaine and faces not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced during the court’s September 8, 2020 term.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Gates accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Kitty Hawk Police Department, and the Hialeah, Florida Police Department assisted in this investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-00016-D-1.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Alvaro Mendez-Flores, age 39,  of Mexico, was sentenced today to 41 months imprisonment and over $4,000,000 in restitution, for conspiring to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and money laundering.

According to court records, Mendez-Flores and his co-conspirators stole vast amounts of used cooking oil from numerous restaurants, arranged for the stolen oil to be transported to the northeast, and laundered the proceeds.

As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, used cooking oil, historically viewed as a waste product, has become a valuable recycled commodity over the past decade. The majority of the recycled cooking oil sold is used for biofuel, fluctuating with market demand. It can also be used as a nutritional additive to animal feed and pet food, or in the production of many consumer and industrial products.

Legitimate businesses, known as renderers, collect used cooking oil from restaurants in exchange of compensation and sell it to refineries so that it can be processed and recycled. The rendering industry estimates that there is an annual loss of approximately $45-75 million dollars from the theft of used cooking oil.

United States Attorney Higdon emphasized, “These crimes rob hardworking citizens and restaurant owners of valuable income necessary to their livelihood and it will not be tolerated.”  

“Used cooking oil has become a sought-after commodity by biodiesel companies, and restaurants use the sale of this oil as another source of revenue,” said Ronnie A. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte, North Carolina. “This organized group of co-conspirators had an elaborate scheme to steal thousands of gallons of cooking oil for their own profit in violation of several U.S. laws.”

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge James C. Dever III. 

The case was investigated by HSI. 

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00220-D-21.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A California man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting.

According to court documents, Andrew Richard Rodarte, 73, was observed driving a semi-truck to a home under investigation in Littleton, North Carolina.  Rodarte was observed meeting with individuals at that home that unloaded duffle bags from the semi-truck.  After leaving the home, Rodarte drove to a nearby truck stop.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home where they located Luis Enrrique Arroyo-Jimenez and seized duffle bags containing a total of 80 kilograms of cocaine.  Officers located Rodarte at a truck stop in Halifax County and searched Rodarte’s semi-truck where they found $2,055,141 in United States currency located in a hidden compartment. 

On September 24, 2019, Rodarte pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting.  On November 7, 2019, Arroyo-Jimenez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting, and will be sentenced in June 2020.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dena King  prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-CR-48-D.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Four Oaks, NC man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute one (1) kilogram or more of heroin, aiding and abetting.

According to court documents, Luis Octavio Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 32, was the driver of a car stopped in Nash County for traffic violations.  Officers immediately observed marijuana in the car and Gonzalez-Gonzalez and his two passengers gave conflicting stories about where they had traveled.  Upon a search of the trunk of the vehicle, officers located over 1,400 grams of heroin. 

On September 24, 2019, Gonzalez-Gonzalez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute one (1) kilogram or more of heroin, aiding and abetting. 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dena King  prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-CR-48-D.

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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.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, BRENDA JOYCE HALL, 51, of Godwin, NC, had an initial appearance on an indictment charging her with, among other things, Conspiracy to Commit Student Loan Fraud and Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.

United States Attorney Higdon stated, “This defendant is charged with helping to orchestrate a long-standing fraud upon one of our institutions of higher learning by fabricating high school transcripts.  A scheme that is alleged to have resulted in in substantial federal education funding being used by Hall for her own personal interests and gain.”

“Per the indictment, Ms. Hall seems to have viewed Federal student aid as a private slush fund rather that what it is – funding to help students make their dream of a higher education a reality,” said Neil Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Southern Regional Office.  “As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Education, we are committed to fighting student aid fraud and ensuring that those who steal student aid or game the system for their own selfish purposes are stopped and held accountable for their criminal actions.”

The Indictment alleges that HALL and various others resided at a place referred to as “The Ranch” in Cumberland County, that was owned and operated by a tent revival preacher.  According to the Indictment, The Ranch consisted largely of several related families, but outsiders and their children were also invited to, and did, reside there over time.  The owner of The Ranch also owned various fish markets in the same area.  HALL, who is alleged to have worked at The Ranch and at the fish markets, also operated a non-public home school, known as “Halls of Knowledge”, from The Ranch.

The Indictment further alleges that HALL and others carried out a scheme to fraudulently acquire hundreds of thousands of dollars in Federal Student Aid to fund the operations of the Ranch, the fish markets, and to make other purchases.  To carry out the scheme, Hall and others would approach individuals residing on the Ranch and solicit their enrollment in an online course of college-level studies at Wake Tech.  The individuals solicited are referred to in the Indictment as the “Student Participants.” 

To attend the online course of college level studies at Wake Tech, the Student Participants were required to have successfully completed their high school level of education.  But most of the Student Participants never graduated from high school, and none completed their high school education through HALL’s home school, the Halls of Knowledge.  Many of the Student Participants had no genuine desire nor intention to attend college courses and graduate from Wake Tech.  None had the financial means to attend college without federal student aid.

Nevertheless, the Indictment charges that HALL and others provided various assurances to the Student Participants to get them to agree to be enrolled at Wake Tech.  For example, various Student Participants were told: (1) they would receive a high school diploma; (2) would receive a laptop or would get to keep some money; (3) they would not have to actually do the coursework; or (4) they would not be responsible for the student loans.

The Indictment then alleges that HALL fabricated high school transcripts for the Student Participants.  The transcripts represented that each of the Student Participants successfully completed four years of high school education through Halls of Knowledge.  The transcripts also fraudulently represented, for each year of study, the courses allegedly taken by the Student Participant, and the grade the Student Participant received in each course.  HALL directed another resident of The Ranch to notarize these transcripts.

The Indictment alleges that HALL assisted the Student Participants to become enrolled at Wake Tech by, among other things, causing the fake transcripts and other documents to be delivered to Wake Tech.  In addition to becoming enrolled in Wake Tech by fraud, Federal Student Aid was also awarded to the Student Participants based on the fraud.  As much as $700,000 in federal student aid was awarded based on the fake transcripts.

The Indictment alleges that funds left over after the payment of tuition were supposed to support other educational costs for the students.  But the students were not permitted by HALL and the Ranch owner to keep all of the funds.  Instead, the Student Participants were directed, in some instances, to cash out the remaining funds and pay them over to The Ranch.  The remaining student aid monies were then used to fund the operations of the Ranch, the fish markets, and other ventures.

The Indictment further alleges that after the Student Participants were enrolled at Wake Tech, the Students did not, in fact, attend all of the courses in which they were enrolled.  Instead HALL, and others at The Ranch, would fraudulently attend and complete online courses for the Student Participants.  This allowed the scheme to go on, undetected, for several years.

For her role in the conduct, HALL is charged with various federal offenses, carrying different maximum penalties.  Conspiracy to Commit Student Loan Fraud, and Student Loan Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and Title 20, United States Code, Section 1097(a), are punishable by up to five years in prison.   Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1343, are punishable by up to twenty years in prison.  Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), is punishable by not less than 2, nor more than two, years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence. 

An indictment is an allegation of a crime.  The defendant is presumed under the law to be innocent until proven guilty. 

The investigation of this case is being conducted by the United States Department of Education Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represents the United States.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man from Warren County, New York, with transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce.

According to the Indictment, Frederick Eli Knapp, age 51, transmitted from New York to North Carolina communications via Facebook and e-mail to the North Carolina Judicial Branch and employees with the Administrative Office of the Courts.  As alleged in the Indictment, Knapp stated that he would kill judges, court employees, and people in courthouses.

If convicted, Knapp faces a maximum imprisonment term of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marshal’s Office of the Supreme Court of North Carolina are investigating the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal inmate incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner was sentenced to 12 months in prison and an additional two-year term of supervised release for possession of the opiate buprenorphine, a Schedule III narcotic commonly referred to by the brand name Suboxone.  The 12-month term of imprisonment is in addition to, and consecutive to, his current term of imprisonment, and the two-year term of supervised release is in addition to and consecutive to his 3-year term of supervised release on his current sentence. 

According to court documents, while Aaron Trujillo, 57, was serving a federal sentence for multiple bank robbery convictions, he was found in possession of multiple sublingual film strips containing buprenorphine.  The Bureau of Prisons’ investigation also revealed a large cache of stamps and a debt ledger suggesting that he was involved in the sale and distribution of buprenorphine for several months. 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Agents investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bredenberg prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00429-BO.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A New Bern  man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison and 3 years supervised release for two armed robberies of New Bern convenience stores.

According to court documents, Kenneth Earl Moore, 49, first robbed the Five Points Mini Mart convenience store during the early morning hours of December 4, 2018.  Moore wore a black mask and gloves, and carried a black bag with distinctive markings.  Moore pulled a gun on the clerk and, after taking approximately $500, fled on foot. 

A few weeks later, Moore convinced a female co-defendant to help him commit another robbery, in exchange for drugs.  Early on December 23, 2018, the co-defendant drove Moore to a Speedway convenience store in New Bern.  Moore again wore the black mask and gloves, and carried the same black bag – all of which were found in his residence.  Moore entered, pointed a gun at the clerk, took $622, and fled in the co-defendant’s car. 

At his arraignment on September 19, 2019, Moore plead guilty but was allowed to remain in a substance abuse treatment program after claiming he had been a Navy Seal.  Investigators later discovered that while Moore did serve in the Navy as a machinist, he was never a Navy Seal.  At sentencing, Moore was forced to admit he had not been honest with the Court about his service record.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Bern Police Department  investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-00033-BO.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, a Quantity of Cocaine, and 28 Grams of More of Cocaine Base (Crack); and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, a Quantity of Cocaine, and a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack), and Aiding and Abetting.

According to court documents, in July 2018, investigators learned that Rashaan Lakim Williams, 42, was distributing controlled substances in the area of Fayetteville.  From July 2018 until January 2019, agents conducted controlled purchases of 69.57 grams of cocaine and 41.07 grams of cocaine base (crack) from Williams.  Investigators obtained a warrant to search two residences associated with Williams.  From those two residences, agents seized approximately $30,000 in United States currency, 522.74 grams of cocaine, 25.6 grams of cocaine base (crack), 13.62 grams of heroin, and 74.4 grams of marijuana.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle.   The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fayetteville Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott A. Lemmon prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website.  Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00190-BO.

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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.

GREENVILLE, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a man, who is a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Jamaica, with naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and use and possession of fraudulent documents.

According to the superseding indictment, Anthony Morris McFarlane, 53, of Pitt County, allegedly failed to disclose during his naturalization proceeding that he had committed the crime of attempted first-degree sexual abuse of a child less than 11 years old.  McFarlane thereafter was naturalized as a United States citizen and fraudulently obtained and used multiple United States passports.

If convicted, McFarlane faces a maximum penalty of 90 years in prison, a $2,250,000 fine, and the revocation of his citizenship.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement.  ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations assigned to the Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, pursuant to Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship are investigating the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with nine counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the indictment, Christian Ruffin, 23, allegedly received at least nine images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  The indictment further alleges that on November 14, 2019, Ruffin was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

If convicted, Ruffin would face a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count.  He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.  For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with three counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the indictment, Cameron Hayes, 33, allegedly received at least three images containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  The indictment further alleges that on January 7, 2020, Hayes was found to be in possession of digital media containing images and videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

If convicted, Hayes faces a statutory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years per count.  He also would face up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.  For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

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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.

 

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced to 55 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge.

According to court documents, Officers with the Raleigh Police Department found Andrea Farrington, Jr., 23, a validated member of the G-Shine (Gangsta Killer) set of the United Blood Nation, with a semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine during a rap video shoot on May 3, 2019. This incident took place 2 days after Farrington pled guilty to his fourth felony possession of cocaine conviction in a Wake County District Court.  At the time of his arrest, Farrington was under judicial supervision for 5 separate state criminal convictions, including 3 felony possession of cocaine convictions and two misdemeanor convictions for child abuse.

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.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian. 

This case is also 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative.  This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney J.D. Koesters prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Higdon will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.

“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”

United States Attorney Higdon stated “Today, and every day, hundreds of law enforcement officers all across the Eastern District of North Carolina headed out of their homes, often facing uncertainty, but dedicated to protecting our communities.  They have given their lives to serve us and to ensure our safety and security.  As part of the National Police Week observance I ask every citizen in the Eastern District of North Carolina to join with me in thanking these brave public servants for their selfless service to us all.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.   

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.

Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including one deputy here in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.

The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina (“FCI Butner I”) with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, as well as inciting or participating in a mutiny or riot within a federal penal institution. 

According to the indictment, on April 22, 2020 Rene Moreno-Castillo and Javier Tijerina allegedly assaulted, resisted, or impeded federal officers during the performance of their official duties at FCI Butner I.  Specifically, Moreno-Castillo is alleged to have pulled a fire extinguisher from the wall during an open disagreement with staff about housing assignments, and sprayed them with its chemical contents.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that on the same day, prior to the discharge of the fire extinguisher, Tijerina, expressing the same perceived disagreement, incited and attempted to cause or assisted in a mutiny or riot within FCI Butner I by openly yelling, gesturing, and threatening “action” by the inmates if housing assignments did not change. 

According to the indictment, after spraying staff, inmate Moreno-Castillo barricaded the unit door with lockers which he ripped from the wall and slid against the door, tied the door shut with a bed sheet, and continued to spray the fire extinguisher, filling the unit with the powder contents.  FCI Butner I staff, including a tactical Complex-wide Quick Response Force, were emergently called to the scene to regain control of the unit.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented:  “Effectively managing a federal prison is a complex and difficult job but is one that is critical to the enforcement of our criminal laws and to ensuring the safety of people in every community across the country.  The men and women who serve us from behind the walls of facilities like those at Butner deserve our support and swift enforcement when prisoners take any action that impedes their work or, as here, threatens the security of those officers and risks the proper order and management of the prison.  This indictment deals with the offenders who tried to incite a riot within the Butner facility but is also designed to send a message to anyone else who might consider this type of action; there will be consequences if you jeopardize the security of our prisons or endanger the brave officers and employees who serve us from within the facility.”

Moreno-Castillo is charged with violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111 and 18 U.S.C. § 1792.  If convicted, he faces a maximum potential penalty of eight or ten years in prison, respectively.  Inmate Tijerina is charged with a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1792, he faces a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison. 

U.S. Attorney Higdon made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Brooks Storus is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County man was sentenced today to 115 months in prison for one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

According to court documents, Roger Bryant Locklear, 30, and a friend on July 21, 2018, traveled from Lumberton to Raleigh to purchase drugs.  Locklear and his friend picked up the would-be supplier who gave them a sample of the drugs and instructed them to drive to a location on Beauty Ave.  The transaction turned into an attempted robbery and shots were fired by both Locklear and the would-be supplier.  Both men suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds, were treated at a local hospital, and ultimately arrested.

Locklear already had a substantial criminal record, having amassed 19 prior criminal convictions, including 6 felonies.  At least 3 of Locklear’s prior felony convictions involved violent firearm offenses, including two prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and a prior conviction for discharging a firearm into a vehicle that was occupied by four people. 

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.  Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted 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. 

That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.  For more information about this initiative click here:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc. 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Stephany is prosecuting the case.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department conducted the investigation of this case.

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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.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00191-D

 

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced today to two life terms in federal prison for Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Resulting in Death of a Person, and Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute One Kilogram or More of Heroin.  United States District Judge James C. Dever III, ordered that Jayson McNeil, 28, serve the life sentences concurrently, along with 30 years’ imprisonment for Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, and 10 years imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.  In addition, McNeil was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,826.64 for the victim’s funeral expenses. 

McNeil was convicted, following a four-day trial, on January 28, 2020.  The evidence at trial showed that McNeil operated a long-standing heroin organization in the city of Raleigh, distributing heroin and fentanyl to numerous individuals – resulting in multiple overdoses.  (More here.)  Despite McNeil’s own recent experience snorting fentanyl and overdosing, and despite his knowledge that his customers were overdosing on the drugs he provided to them, he continued to sell the substance to customers who would inject it intravenously.

The overdoses culminated on May 30, 2018 with the overdose death of a 27-year-old man in the Raleigh area.  The man, an expectant father, had struggled with addiction to powerful opiates.  The deadly dose was provided to him by McNeil.

At trial, one of McNeil’s customers testified that he, too, bought heroin and fentanyl from McNeil, and that he overdosed in a bathroom within days of May 30, 2018.  That man survived his overdose only through the administration of multiple doses of Narcan.  Another customer, a friend of the deceased, testified that when he confronted McNeil about his friend’s death, McNeil responded by providing him with free heroin.  That customer, in the depths of his own addiction, used the drugs.

At sentencing, the Court heard from the deceased’s family members, who described a loving family in disbelief of what occurred, the wife and children left behind, and the countless family events that this young man will never have an opportunity to share in and witness.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented:

“I join the Court in the message it clearly expressed today – anyone that is a heroin dealer, particularly those who cut it with fentanyl, is playing with death.  Mr. McNeil was fully aware of the deadly power of the substance he was distributing – indeed, he had his own personal wakeup call when he overdosed.  He knew that his customers were overdosing.  Undeterred by either, he continued to show zero regard for this community by spreading this poison on our streets.  As the Court stated, ‘Death is fundamentally different, when it is fundamentally preventable.’  Mr. McNeil will have a lifetime in federal prison to reflect upon this.

I was proud to stand with the victim’s family in Court today.  They have endured the nightmare shared by some 70,000 families a year whose loved ones are taken from them by drug overdoses, many involving opioids like fentanyl.  Drug dealers, like Mr. McNeil, and the drug abuse they fuel are devastating families and robbing North Carolina of the potential and promise of our citizens.  So long as this continues, we will continue our fight.”

A co-conspirator, Destin McLean, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute one (1) kilogram of heroin before trial.  McLean is awaiting sentencing.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation in this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Sandling and Thomas L. Crosby prosecuted this case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website.  Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00120-D.

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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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Warsaw man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for SNAP fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $464,385.60 and to forfeit criminal proceeds and property used in the crimes.

According to court documents, Fernan Sanchez, 52, previously pled guilty to making material false statements in connection with the on-going federal crop insurance fraud investigations in Eastern North Carolina.  On April 9, 2010, the Court granted the government’s motion for a departure based on substantial assistance and sentenced Sanchez to 5 years’ probation.

Sanchez’s 2010 felony conviction made him ineligible to participate in SNAP and he was permanently disbarred from the program.  Notwithstanding his debarment, Sanchez recruited another person who, at Sanchez’s direction, created a business entity known as Selena’s Mexican Bakery & Store, opened a bank account in the name of Selena’s Mexican Products, and submitted an electronic SNAP vendor application that contained false and misleading information.  Based on the application, the co-conspirator received authorization to be a SNAP vendor in August 2013.   The co-conspirator opened up a bank account, listing Sanchez on the account.

From August 30, 2013, through September 24, 2017, Selena’s Mexican Bakery & Store received approximately $464,385.60 in SNAP benefits.   During that period, Sanchez trafficked SNAP EBT benefits, allowing individuals to exchange benefits for cash or ineligible purchases.

Sanchez and/or another person, through Selena’s Mexican Products, also caused the transfer of $464,385.60 SNAP funds to Selena’s Mexican Products business account at First Bank.  Sanchez transferred a portion of the money to an account controlled exclusively by him.  He withdrew or otherwise spent the remaining SNAP funds in the Selena’s Mexican Products business account.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever II.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is prosecuting the case.

The United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation in this matter.  Special thanks to the Warsaw Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00120-D.

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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.

 

 

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced today that Dr. Ibrahim Oudeh, his wife Teresa Sloan-Oudeh, and Dr. Oudeh’s medical practice agreed to relinquish approximately $3,300,000 worth of assets and further agreed to a conditional consent judgment in the amount of $5,500,000 to settle civil False Claims Act liability for allegedly false Medicare and Medicaid claims.

The United States and the State of North Carolina alleged that Dr. Oudeh, Ms. Sloan-Oudeh, and the practice were liable for more than 40,000 fraudulent claims that were systematically submitted to Medicare and Medicaid between 2010 and 2017. 

Specifically, the Governments argued that Defendants falsely obtained approximately $1,900,000 from Medicare for over 37,000 diagnostic tests, an astronomical number of tests for a solo practitioner in a small North Carolina town.  Defendants profited handsomely from them.  They allegedly short-changed the outside physicians who interpreted those tests by paying them less than the practice’s Medicare reimbursement, and then pocketed the difference, all in violation of the federal Anti-Markup Rule.  To boot, the Governments asserted that the vast majority of the more-than-37,000 tests were medically unnecessary. 

The Governments also alleged that Defendants falsely billed for office visits.  In some of those instances, Defendants billed more than twenty-four hours’ worth of supposed visits with one physician in a single day.  In others, the evidence showed that the visits were for medication refills rather than for the complex, labor-intensive examinations that Defendants claimed.  Either way, the Governments alleged that Defendants could not have provided the level of patient care for which they sought reimbursement.

Finally, the Governments contended that Defendants falsely obtained approximately $640,000 from Medicare and Medicaid after Dr. Oudeh certified almost 4,300 nerve-conduction studies that, by his own admission, he was unqualified to interpret.  Dr. Oudeh also admitted to the Governments that he used the nerve-conduction studies as mere screening tools, in direct contravention of Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements.

“The United States takes healthcare fraud very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon.  “Federal healthcare programs are designed to help patients in need.  They are not boundless coffers that entrepreneurial fraudsters like the Oudehs can pilfer to maximize their fortunes.  Our office will continue to dedicate resources to rooting out and pursuing those who would rob American taxpayers to satiate their greed.  Such abuse will not be tolerated.”

This case is not Dr. Oudeh’s first run-in with government authorities.  The North Carolina Medical Board previously entered a consent decree finding that Dr. Oudeh’s medical recordkeeping was deficient and revoking his ability to prescribe certain controlled substances.

The federal and North Carolina False Claims Acts mandate that the Governments recover triple the money falsely obtained, plus substantial civil penalties for each false claim submitted.

It should be noted that the claims resolved by settlement here are allegations only, and that there has been no judicial determination or admission of liability.

This matter was handled between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office (“MID”), including Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and MID Financial Investigators.  Assistant United States Attorneys Neal Fowler and John Harris represented the United States.  Special Deputy Attorney General Lareena Phillips, who also serves as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, represented the United States and the State of North Carolina.

***

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.

             

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh indicted MATTHEW SCOTT THOMAS, 34, of Henderson for possessing a firearm after having been adjudicated mentally defective and committed to a mental institution and for making a false statement during the transfer of firearms. 

The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2018, THOMAS made false statements on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) form during the attempted transfer of firearms.  Specifically, THOMAS is alleged to have falsely indicated that he had never been adjudicated mentally defective and not committed to a mental institution, when in fact he had.  Additionally, the indictment alleges that on December 4, 2019, THOMAS possessed a firearm after having been so adjudicated.  If convicted, he faces up to ten years imprisonment and three years of supervised release on each count.

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.  

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.   

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.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DEMETRICE R. DEVINE,  a/k/a “Respect,” 37, of Garner, NC, to four consecutive terms of life imprisonment followed by a term of 240 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release for Conspiracy to Participate in a Pattern of Racketeering (RICO conspiracy), Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Murder with a Firearm During and in Relation to  a crime of Violence, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering.  The court also recommended that the defendant serve his life sentences at the “Supermax" Federal Prison in Colorado. 

On October 24, 2019, DEMETRICE R. DEVINE and BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM,  a/k/a “B-Easy,” 31, of Knightdale, NC, were found guilty of all charges after a two-week jury trial.  (More here.)  Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that DEMETRICE R. DEVINE was the leader or “Godfather” of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and  the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization.  The BMG/DGF are sets of the “Bloods” gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh and especially in the area of Haywood Street.  BRANDON JOWAN MANGUM was another high-ranking member of  BMG/DGF.  BMG/DGF members committed acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline, both within the gang and against non-gang members.  Members committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and assaults, in order to maintain their positions within the gang and to be promoted within the leadership structure of the gang. 

U.S. Attorney Higdon commented, “For the better part of two decades, members of the United Blood Nation, known locally as the Black Mob Gangstas or the Donald Gee Family, have operated and virtually controlled and terrorized the law abiding citizens who live in the Haywood Street area of downtown Raleigh, not more than a mile from our federal courthouse.  Last October, during the trial of Mr. Devine and his co-defendant, Brandon Mangum – the jury heard the chilling testimony and saw the uncontroverted evidence presented by the Government of Devine’s role – indeed, his absolute leadership – in a murderous, violent, drug dealing gang of thugs who terrorized Raleigh and the Eastern District for far too long.  These street gangs will stop at nothing to attempt to maintain their violent way of life without consequence.  Mr. Devine’s multiple life sentences exemplify the consequences for those who join gangs and commit crimes in the Eastern District of North Carolina.”

BMG/DGF, including its leadership, members and associates, constituted an “enterprise” as defined by Title 18, United States Code, Section 1961(4), that is, a group of individuals’ associated-in-fact. The enterprise constituted an ongoing organization, whose members functioned as a continuing unit for a common purpose of achieving the objectives of the enterprise.  The enterprise was engaged in, and its activities affected, interstate and foreign commerce.  The purpose of the BMG/DGF enterprise included the following:

    a.  Preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation, respect, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder;

    b.  Promoting and enhancing the enterprise and its members’ and associates’ activities, including, but not limited to, murders, attempted murders, robberies, drug distribution and other criminal activities;

    c.  Keeping the community and rivals in fear of the enterprise and its members and associates through violence and threats of violence;

    d.  Providing financial support and information to gang members, including those incarcerated in the United States;

    e.  Providing assistance to other gang members who committed crimes for and on behalf of the gang; and,

    f.  Hindering, obstructing, and preventing law enforcement officers from identifying, apprehending, and successfully prosecuting and punishing members of the enterprise. 

BMG/DGF also held gang meetings to communicate gang information, to recruit members, issue punishment and collect gang dues from each BMG/DGF member for the benefit of the BMG/DGF organization.  A portion of the dues were saved and utilized locally in what was referred to as a “community rent box” while another portion was sent up the chain of command to gang leadership in Virginia and New York.  BMG/DGF members were permitted to earn their money for dues through various methods, including, but not limited to, robberies, fraud schemes, and drug distribution.  The monies were used locally for loans to gang members, for drug purchases, for firearm purchases, for gifts, and cellular telephones for high-ranking members who were in jail.  DEVINE ordered that individuals selling narcotics in and around Haywood Street who were not BMG/DGF members were also required to pay gang dues in order to continue their drug sales in territory controlled by BMG/DGF.  Individuals who did not pay gang dues risked being robbed, assaulted, or murdered.

In his leadership position, DEVINE directed members of his gang to shoot a 16 year old rival gang member, Adarius Fowler, who died from gunshot wounds.  He also ordered a gang member to shoot a person who provided information to law enforcement regarding the murder of Fowler.  While this person was recovering from those gunshot injuries in the hospital, DEVINE ordered that the person be killed.

DEVINE presided over a “beat-in” gang initiation of a BMG/DGF gang member and personally assaulted another gang member whose loyalty he questioned.  DEVINE conspired with other gang members to silence and threaten gang members that had been provided subpoenas to testify in a federal proceeding.

MANGUM will be sentenced in May 2020 and also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The prosecution of DEVINE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) targeting violent gang members and drug traffickers in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh Police Department led the investigation with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification, United States Marshal’s Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.   Assistant United States Attorneys Dena King and Scott Lemmon prosecuted this case with Christina Taylor with the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section. 

***

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.

 

WHEN:       Wednesday, April 22, 2020 between Noon and 3:00 PM (following sentencing hearing)

WHERE:     Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are giving the press several options to participate.  The United States Attorney will be available by video teleconferencing following the sentencing hearing, telephone or in person at the United States Attorney’s Office located at:

                        150 Fayetteville Street

                        Suite 2100

                        Raleigh, NC 27601                       

Re:                  Raleigh Gang Leader Sentenced for RICO Charge and Related Murder

The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press availability to discuss the sentencing of Demetrice R. Devine.  The sentencing hearing for Devine is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 am before United States District Judge James C. Dever III. 

Devine, along with co-defendant, Brandon Jowan Mangum, were convicted of all charges after a two-week trial on October 24, 2019.  More here.  Evidence presented during the trial and other public documents established that Devine was the North Carolina leader of the Gangsta Killer Bloods (GKB), and then created the Black Mob Gangstas (BMG) and the Donald Gee Family (DGF) organization.  The BMG/DGF are sets of the Bloods gang whose members committed various crimes in the city of Raleigh, particularly in the area of Haywood Street.

Credentialed members of the media are invited to participate.  Please RSVP by emailing Don Connelly at usance.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov.  Let him know your preferred method if interviewing the United States Attorney with your RSVP.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging LESLIE MCCRAE DOWLESS JR., age 64, of Bladen County, with one count of theft of government property, two counts of social security fraud, and one count of false statements. 

According to the publically filed indictment, DOWLESS is alleged to have unlawfully obtained Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Title II Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB) by failing to notify the Social Security Administration of his income while receiving those benefits. Specifically, between in or around March 2017, and in or around November 2018, DOWLESS received over $100,000 in payments related to work he performed during the 2018 Midterm Election.  During that time, DOWLESS continued to receive SSI as well as RIB while concealing his work activity and earnings from the Social Security Administration.  As a result of his concealment, the Social Security Administration overpaid DOWLESS more than $14,000 in benefits. 

If convicted of the charge of theft of government property, DOWLESS faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  If convicted of the charges of social security fraud, DOWLESS faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  If convicted of making false statements, DOWLESS faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  Each count in the indictment also subjects the defendant to a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  His initial appearance is tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2020, at 9:30 am, in Wilmington.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Tamika Moses.  Ms. Moses is an attorney with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the General Counsel, designated to prosecute federal crimes involving Social Security in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

***

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.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that, RICHARD R. CEPHAS, of Wilmington, Delaware, was arrested on April 20, 2020 by the United States Marshals Service (USMS).  CEPHAS turned himself in at the Federal Courthouse in Delaware, approximately eighteen days after he is alleged to have escaped from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020.

Yesterday, CEPHAS had an initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in Delaware.  He waived all preliminary hearings and was remanded to the custody of the USMS.  CEPHAS is currently pending transfer back to the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC) to face escape charges.  As alleged in a federal Criminal Complaint, signed by United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II on April 17, 2020, CEPHAS is charged with escaping from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020.  The USMS led the investigation of CEPHAS’ alleged escape.  More here.

U.S. Attorney Higdon said the following, “We are grateful for our dedicated law enforcement officers, particularly the United States Marshals Service, who investigated Mr. Cephas’ alleged escape over the past several weeks.  They pursued this case in the face of the heightened risk presented by the pandemic in order to ensure the public’s safety – an example of the critical role that law enforcement plays in protecting us every day.  Mr. Cephas will be extended his Constitutional rights when he appears in Court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, including the presumption of innocence and the requirement that the Government prove the escape case against him beyond a reasonable doubt.  We look forward to presenting our case before the Court.”

At the time of his alleged escape, CEPHAS was serving the remainder of his prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Butner, NC.  In 2017, CEPHAS was sentenced by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to a term of 66 months in federal prison – for his violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 (a)(l) and (b)(l)(A) and 846, Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine.  The conviction and sentence resulted from a long-term High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) federal wiretap investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Drug Trafficking Task Force in Delaware.  More about that investigation here. 

The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week.  This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”

“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need.  We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”

U.S. Attorney Higdon commented:  “Helping and supporting the victims of crime is central to the mission of the Department of Justice and to the work of my office.  Every year we have the sad privilege of coming alongside them as we work to help them restore their lives and overcome the effects of the crimes committed against them.  We will remain steadfast in our commitment to reduce crime in the Eastern District so we reduce the number of our citizens who are victimized.  But we also renew our commitment to support and assist those who are victimized.  And, we honor the dedication and work of victim advocates and members of the law enforcement community who lead the fight for the victims of crime.”

“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs.  “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”

Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda.  He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.  President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.

Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey.  The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.  Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.  This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.

This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others.  The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.

“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart.  “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival.  I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”

This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person.  During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims.  The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services.  Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that today, RICHARD R. CEPHAS, of Wilmington, Delaware, was charged in a federal Criminal Complaint with escaping from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Butner, North Carolina on or about April 1, 2020.  The Criminal Complaint was authorized by United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II, and supported by the sworn affidavit of a Deputy United States Marshal.  The United States Marshals Service (USMS) has been investigating CEPHAS’ alleged escape since he was discovered missing on April 2.

In June 2017, CEPHAS was sentenced by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to a term of 66 months in federal prison – for his violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 (a)(l) and (b)(l)(A) and 846, Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine.  The conviction and sentence resulted from a long-term High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) federal wiretap investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Drug Trafficking Task Force in Delaware.  More about that investigation here.

As alleged in the publicly filed affidavit attached to the Criminal Complaint, CEPHAS had been serving the remainder of his prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Butner, NC.  On April 2, 2020, CEPHAS was placed in an escape status by the BOP following his absence from a bed count conducted by staff at the Butner facility.  At the time of his absence, CEPHAS was not authorized to be away from the Federal Prison Camp.  He remains in an escape status and law enforcement is working to determine his whereabouts. 

U.S. Attorney Higdon issued the following statement:

“This morning, members of my office obtained a criminal complaint charging Richard R. Cephas with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 751(a), escape from the custody of a facility to which he was confined at the Direction of the Attorney General. 

The complaint alleges that Mr. Cephas began planning his escape as early as March 30.  At that time, he had email communication with at least one family member.  Two days later, Mr. Cephas contacted another family member regarding his plan to escape.  When a head count was conducted later that day, and again very early in the morning of April 2, Mr. Cephas was missing.  A search of the entire prison complex resulted in a determination that Mr. Cephas had escaped.

Media reports surfaced late yesterday afternoon in which an individual identifying himself as Richard Cephas during a recorded video interview explained that he escaped from Butner because of health concerns related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and his belief that he is particularly vulnerable because of an ongoing chronic health condition.  This, he explained, justified his escape and warrants a modification to his underlying sentence.  He also argued that it requires the Justice Department to overlook and tolerate his escape.

Let me be clear, Mr. Cephas is a convicted drug trafficker who was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a wide-ranging drug conspiracy which imported cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico.  He was convicted in federal court in Delaware and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, which he was serving at the Butner facility.  Mr. Cephas’ decision to escape federal custody is nothing more than an opportunistic move to use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to cut his prison term short.  He is a fugitive from justice and federal law enforcement will find him and bring him to Court here in the Eastern District to answer these charges.

Should Mr. Cephas choose to turn himself in, he may do so at any law enforcement office; to the United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina (call 919-856-4153); or to the United States Marshal in any federal district in which he is currently located (call 877-WANTED-2).  Otherwise, federal agents will pursue his arrest.

Mr. Cephas will, of course, be extended his Constitutional rights when he appears in Court, including the presumption of innocence and the requirement that the Government prove the escape case against him beyond a reasonable doubt.  We look forward to presenting our case before the Court.

In the meantime, the public should assume that Mr. Cephas is dangerous and they should take caution if they encounter him.  The public should also know that anyone who knowingly harbors or assists Mr. Cephas in avoiding arrest may be in violation of federal law as well.

I want to thank the law enforcement officers who have been tasked with investigating this case and pursuing Mr. Cephas’ arrest.  His decision to escape has increased their already heavy workload and has raised the risk of illness and harm to them by drawing them out into the community at this difficult time.  This is another example of the dedication of law enforcement who serve us no matter the circumstances.”

The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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.

 

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging MARIO SOTELO, age 48, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Mexico, with passport fraud and possession of a fraudulent immigration document, and ZAW LIN LAY, age 42, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Burma, with naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and making false statements in an immigration proceeding. 

Additionally, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging HECTOR DANERI REGALADO, age 44, a naturalized citizen of the U.S., born in Honduras, with naturalization fraud, passport fraud, possession of a fraudulent immigration document, and violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.  

If convicted of passport fraud, SOTELO, of Wake County, could face maximum penalties of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

If convicted of naturalization fraud, and making false statements in an immigration proceeding, LAY, of Craven County, could face maximum penalties of 85 years’ imprisonment, a $2,500,000 fine, a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and the revocation of his citizenship.

If convicted of naturalization fraud, passport fraud, possession of a fraudulent immigration document, and violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, REGALADO, of Sampson County, could face a maximum imprisonment term of 85 years, a $2,500,000 fine, a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and the revocation of his citizenship.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations pursuant to Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative to identify and prosecute felons who fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship, are investigating the cases.

RALEIGH – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina continues to promote the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) throughout the Wake County area.  On April 14, 2020, the Eastern District partnered with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to conduct outreach to approximately 1,300 seniors in the area to raise awareness about Coronavirus (COVID-19) fraud.  

Below are some facts shared with the community about how to protect against becoming a victim of COVID-19 scams:  

• Hang up on robocalls.  Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
• Verify information.  Contact trusted sources to confirm information is correct.  For the most up to date information about Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov. 
• Know from whom you are buying.  Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they do not.
• Do not click on links from sources you do not trust.  They could download malware onto your computer or device.
• Do your homework.  Do not let anyone rush you into making a donation.  If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, do not do it. 

 

If you believe you are a victim of a scam, call local law enforcement and file a complaint online or by phone:

            National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF): (866) 720-5721

            disaster@leo.gov

            www.IC3.gov (cyber)

            www.cdc.gov

           www.coronavirus.gov

           www.FDA.gov

           www.ftc.gov/coronavirus

           www.justic.gov/usao-ednc

The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate DOJ’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and scams that target our nation’s seniors by promoting justice for older adults; helping older victims and their families; enhancing state and local efforts through training and resources; and supporting research to improve elder abuse policy and practice. 

For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.  Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  You can also contact the Victim Connect Hotline between 9am-6pm, Monday through Friday, at: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-4842846), or contact the Elder Justice Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina at (919) 856-4530.

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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.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging JEOVANY AMILCAR RIBAS-NAVARETE, age 40, of El Salvador, and LEONEL AGUIRRE-GIRON, age 36, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of illegal reentry, RIBAS-NAVARETE, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

AGUIRRE-GIRON, previously deported twice and found in Sampson County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Southern District of Texas.  Therefore, if convicted, he would face maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.

***

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.

RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, DAVID BURLEY, 67, Bayboro, Nc was named in a Criminal Information filed on April 6, 2020 charging him with False Statement or Fraud to Obtain Federal Employee’s Compensation.  If convicted, he faces up to one-year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, and up to one year supervised release.

The Criminal Information charges BURLEY with failing to report income from 2015-2018 for work he performed in that time.

The Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) is part of the Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).  OWCP monitors the program by mailing an annual self-certification form to a FECA beneficiary that requests information about the beneficiary’s work activities during the past 15 months. The beneficiary is required to certify that the beneficiary’s responses are true, complete and correct. The beneficiary is required to report all employment for which the beneficiary received a salary, wages, income, or payment of any kind. The beneficiary is also required to report all volunteer work, self-employment or involvement in business enterprises, and to report any work or ownership interest in any business enterprise even if the business lost money or profits or income were paid to others.  

OWCP uses the employee’s responses to reevaluate, confirm the amount of, or entitlement to, benefits. Recipients of workers’ compensation benefits have an obligation to immediately report any change in employment to OWCP.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), in conjunction with the Marine Corps Eastern Area Counsel Office and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation in this matter.

***

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.

RALEIGH – The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“Law enforcement at every level remains on duty and vigilant in the Eastern District, even in the face of this contagious illness,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.  “These funds made available through the Department of Justice will provide critical support to our vital law enforcement partners.”

“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.

For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.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.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging MAURICIO HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ, age 37, of Mexico, and OMAR HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, age 30, of Mexico with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictment charging SANTOS MILENY TORRES-DIAZ, age 31, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry, Visa Fraud, False Representation of a Social Security Number, and Aggravated Identity Theft.

If convicted of illegal reentry, HERNANDEZ-RAMIREZ, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

If convicted of illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction, HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, previously deported nine times and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

If convicted of illegal reentry, visa fraud, false representation of a social security number, and aggravated identity theft, TORRES-DIAZ would face maximum penalties of 24 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the cases.

***

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.

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by sending an e-mail to disaster@leo.gov.

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.

“As our health care professionals and first responders work tirelessly to defeat COVID-19, we can be certain that criminals will attempt to profit from the fears of the public and will take advantage of this dangerous pandemic for their personal gain.  The Department of Justice is committed to detecting, investigating, and aggressively prosecuting those who commit this wrongdoing.  As we fight to address COVID-19 related fraud that is unfortunately emerging across the country – we want to raise awareness and forewarn those who might otherwise fall victim to these scams,” said United States Attorney Higdon.

Some examples of these schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.      

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.  The Eastern District of North Carolina’s Fraud Coordinator is Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Ontjes.

The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.  The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.

“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

“Preventing violence in our schools is critical to the safety and security of all of our communities,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.  “These funds made available by the Department of Justice will be used to better prepare school faculty, students and law enforcement to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats.”

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats. 

A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future: 

Research and Evaluation on School Safety

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308

Total Available $5 million                                    Deadline 4/13/2020

STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308

Total Available $71.4 million                              Deadline 4/13/2020

Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence  

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926

Total Available $7 million                                    Deadline 4/27/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.

“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

“The trafficking of human beings is one of the most outrageous and shocking crimes committed.  The victims are often terrorized day after day after day – manipulated through violence, drugs, emotional abuse, and by depriving them of any independent means of support.  Sadly, there are many of these cases and we are committed to aggressive investigation and prosecution wherever we find them, but we need the public’s assistance.  The funds made available through these OJP grants will greatly assist our communities in developing, continuing, and reasearching both new and proven means for addressing and preventing this horrendous crime,” stated United States Attorney Higdon.

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors. 

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future:

Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351

Total Available $1.8 million                                 Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)

Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking

Total Available $22 million                                  Opens week of 3/16/2020

Preventing Trafficking of Girls

Total Available $1.7 million                                Opens week of 3/16/2020

Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons           

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324

Total Available $2.5 million                                 Deadline 4/20/2020

Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $16.5 million                              Opens week of 3/16/2020

Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking  

Total Available $2 million                                    Opens week of 3/16/2020 

Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program

Total Available $5 million                                    Opens week of 3/16/2020

Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $6 million                                    Opens week of 3/16/2020

Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking

Total Available $8 million                                    Opens week of 3/16/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

           

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.

“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

“As we struggle to come to grips with the enormity of the opioid threat in our state and in our nation, we recognize that we must employ a ‘whole-of-government approach’ to end this crisis.  The funds made available through these OJP grants will greatly assist our communities in  developing, continuing, and reasearching both new and proven means for addressing the scourge of opioid abuse,” stated United States Attorney Higdon.

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime. 

A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open: 

Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098

Total Available $1.75 million                              Deadline 5/14/2020

Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20

Total Available $27 million                                  Deadline 5/21/2020

Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims

https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf

Total Available: $19 million                                 Deadline: 5/4/2020           

            Family Drug Court Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090

Total Available $18.2 million                              Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)

Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754

Total Available $28.1                                             Deadline 5/5/2020  

Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051

Total Available $7.2 million                                 Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended) 

Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930

Total Available $48 million                                  Deadline 4/13/2020  

Opioid Affected Youth Initiative

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352

Total Available $9 million                                    Deadline 4/20/2020

Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime            https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275

Total Available $1 million                                    Deadline 4/20/2020 

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners

https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20

Total Available $4.5 million                                 Deadline 4/6/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.

“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

“Money supporting reentry programs is critical to the success of organizations working to reintegrate offenders back as productive members of society.  Since the vast majority of those in prison will one day be released, these funds will help that transition and reduce or eliminate the risk that the offender ends up back in the criminal justice system.  This, in turn, will reduce the numbers of those victimized by crime and the strain on the prisons across our District,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming. 

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future. 

Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104

Total Available $7.2 million                                 Deadline 4/27/2020

Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096

Total Available $3 million                                    Deadline 4/28/2020

Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20

Total Available $13.2 million                              Deadline 4/27/2020

Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281

Total Available $4 million                                    Deadline 5/4/2020

Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives  

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295

Total Available $6 million                                    Deadline 5/5/2020  

Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool            

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa

Total Available: Determined after selection    Deadline 4/10/2020

Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110

Total Available $13.5 million                              Deadline 5/4/2020

Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680

Total Available $4 million                                    Deadline 4/28/2020

Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf

Total Available $7 million                                    Deadline 4/28/2020

 

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

RALEIGH - The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., stands in support of law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic and has stated:

“As the country grapples with the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and as daily activities are altered or discontinued, we know that your work remains unchanged.  If anything, your efforts to deal with violent crime, drug trafficking and scams against our citizens will become more intense.”

“I want you to know that the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office here in the Eastern District remain on duty and fully able to partner with you as you enforce federal criminal laws and work to keep all of Eastern North Carolina safe and secure.  We will continue to work alongside you and to proudly stand with you in the federal courts all across this District.  Our commitment to you, and to the mission we share, is unaffected by the health challenges the country faces.  And, we renew our commitment to work with you to “Take Back North Carolina” from the criminals and wrong doers who would victimize our communities.”

RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced DUSTIN LEE BISHOP, 32, of Raleigh, NC to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by an eight-year term of supervised release.  BISHOP was also ordered to pay more than $19,000 in restitution to known child pornography victims identified through the investigation.  BISHOP pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on November 12, 2019 to one count of receipt of child pornography. 

In September 2017, investigators with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Google regarding a user account that had uploaded multiple files of child pornography.  The cyber tip was forwarded to the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (NCICAC) task force and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Raleigh Police Department. 

Investigators confirmed that that the account identified in the cyber tip belonged to BISHOP and later obtained a search warrant for BISHOP’s residence that was executed on February 20, 2018.  Investigators with the FBI executed the warrant and seized 19 electronic devices and 6 DVDs from BISHOP.  A forensic review was conducted and revealed over 9,300 images and more than 840 videos containing child pornography.  BISHOP agreed to speak with investigators at the time of the search and admitted to receiving, trading, and possessing child pornography.   

This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.  For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina and the Raleigh Police Department conducted the investigation of this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Bryan M. Stephany represented the government.