District of New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – Two Brooklyn, New York men are charged with three gunpoint robberies of check cashing locations in different parts of New Jersey in 2021 and 2022 and with conspiracy to commit robberies in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Ramel Harris, 40, of Brooklyn, and Neville Brown, 38, of Brooklyn, are charged by complaint with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.  Harris and Brown each made their initial appearance on September 6, 2022 before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court and were detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On several dates between January 2021 and January 2022, two individuals, later identified as Harris and Brown, attempted to rob a check cashing location in Nanuet, New York, and thereafter successfully robbed three check cashing locations in different parts of New Jersey while brandishing a firearm and using zip ties to restrain female employees at each location.  During those robberies, Harris and Brown stole over $578,000.     

During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement learned that the conspirators surveilled check cashing locations in the following locations: Mount Kisco, New York, Allentown, Pennsylvania and West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Law enforcement collected an extensive amount of video surveillance footage that ultimately linked Harris and Brown to the robberies.    

The Hobbs Act Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison.  The brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence count carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed.  Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the FBI’s New Jersey field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; members of the FBI’s New York field office, under the leadership of Assistant Director In Charge Michael J. Driscoll; members of the FBI’s Philadelphia field office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; members of the Hackettstown Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief James Macaulay; members of the Old Bridge Police Department, under the leadership of Acting Chief of Police Donald F. Fritz, Jr.; members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Richard Pantina; members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; members of the Clarkstown Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker; members of the Westchester County (New York) Department of Public Safety; and members of the Borough of West Chester (Pennsylvania) Police Department, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Vaughn Tiedeman, 49, of West Milford, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.  Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence on Sept. 21, 2022, in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Between July 2018 and April 2019, Tiedeman downloaded and possessed more than 600 images of child sexual abuse, including images of young children and depictions of violence.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Tiedeman to 10 years of supervised release and order him to pay restitution of $9,000 to the victims.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah A. Sulkowski of the Violent Crime Unit and Francesca Liquori, Chief of the Narcotics/Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit, in Newark.

Defense counsel: Stephen Turano Esq., Newark

NEWARK, N.J. – A former U.S. Postal Service USPS employee was sentenced to 13 months in prison for conspiring to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. 

Ross Clayton, 31, of Irvington, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals to an information charging him with conspiring to commit wire fraud. Judge Neals imposed the sentence on Sept. 21, 2022, in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who were not eligible for other types of unemployment (the self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers). The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUC) that provided an additional $600 weekly benefit to those eligible for PUA and regular unemployment insurance benefits.

Clayton was a USPS employee and took unemployment insurance benefits-related mail, including debit cards, from a USPS location in New Jersey. He used that mail to obtain unemployment insurance benefits to which he was not entitled.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Neals sentenced Clayton to two years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $53,321.05 and forfeiture in the amount of $28,397.49.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone in Manhattan; and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, Philadelphia Division; special agents with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

Defense counsel: Robert M. Perry Esq., Mount Holly, New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – An Illinois man was sentenced to 39 months in prison for using other individuals’ personal identification information to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits while he was incarcerated, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. 

Devontae Stokes, 28, of Country Club Hills, Illinois, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to an information charging him with conspiring to commit wire fraud. Judge Arleo imposed the sentence by videoconference on Sept. 19, 2022.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who were not eligible for other types of unemployment (e.g., the self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers). The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUC) that provided an additional weekly benefit to those eligible for PUA and regular unemployment insurance benefits. 

Between August 2020 and November 2020, Stokes was incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix, a federal correctional institutional with an adjacent satellite camp located in Fort Dix, New Jersey. Stokes and his conspirators obtained personal identification information (PII), including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers belonging to other individuals without those individuals’ knowledge and consent. Stokes and his conspirators then used the PII to make fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits applications and obtained more than $140,000 in benefits.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Stokes to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $143,290 and forfeiture in the amount of $143,290.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, in New York; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold in Newark; and special agents of the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the  direction of Special Agent in Charge Dale Forrester, Cybercrime Investigations Division, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

Defense counsel: K. Anthony Thomas Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man who ran an illegal gambling business was sentenced to 18 months in prison for filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Steven Bryce, 52, of Howell Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to Count Five of an indictment charging him with subscribing to a false tax return. U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi imposed the sentence on Sept. 20, 2022, in Trenton federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In 2013, Bryce operated an illegal gambling business. On July 14, 2014, Bryce filed with the IRS U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, for the calendar year 2013 on behalf of himself and his spouse, which falsely stated that they had total income of $112,899. The 2013 tax return was not true and correct: Bryce received significant income from his gambling business, and, as a result, had income substantially in excess of the amount he reported. As part of his plea agreement, Bryce agreed to pay full restitution of $338,885 to the IRS for tax losses resulting from false tax returns filed by Bryce for calendar years 2011 to 2016.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Bryce to one year of supervised release, a $50,000 fine, and ordered to pay $338,885 in restitution.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara F. Merin and J Fortier Imbert of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

Defense counsel: Edward C. Bertuccio Hamilton, New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee was sentenced to 13 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. 

Khaori Monroe, 29, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Judge Neals imposed the sentence by videoconference on Sept. 20, 2022.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

Monroe was employed as a mail carrier with the USPS. From July 2020 through October 2020, Monroe and others stole credit/debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits from a location in New Jersey. Monroe and others then activated the cards and used the cards to obtain more than $40,000.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Neals sentenced Monroe to two years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $53,321.05 and forfeiture in the amount of $24,924.16.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone in Manhattan; and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

Defense counsel: Khari O. Moore Esq., Newark, New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – Seven members of a New Jersey gang associated with the Bounty Hunter Bloods were charged by indictment today with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

The Indictment charges Walter Boyd, a/k/a “Walt,” a/k/a “Walt Daddy,” 34, Isiah Daniels, a/k/a “Ice,” 33, Joel Lyons, a/k/a “Jayski,” 21, Gede Maccelus, a/k/a “G Baby,” 21, Armando Ortiz, a/k/a “Mando,” 24, Malik Stringer, a/k/a “Rambo,” 24, and Kimani Wanyoike, a/k/a “Ki,” 21, all of Somerset and Middlesex County, New Jersey with a racketeering conspiracy that included multiple murders, fraud schemes, and narcotics distribution. Daniels and Wanyoike are in federal custody on previously filed related federal charges. Lyons and Ortiz are currently serving terms of imprisonment in state prison. Boyd, Maccelus, and Stringer are currently in state custody on pending state charges related to the charges filed today. All defendants’ will have initial appearances to be scheduled.

The charges are the result of a long-running investigation, coordinated between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Brunswick Police Department, and the Franklin Township Police Department.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Boyd, Daniels, Lyons, Maccelus, Ortiz, Stringer, and Wanyoike, each were allegedly members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods, who operated under the umbrella of the neighborhood street gangs known as “Parkside” in Somerset and “The Ville” in New Brunswick. Gang members, including the defendants, are alleged to have also engaged in numerous violent acts on behalf of and for the benefit of the gang, including assaults, shootings, and murders, some of which targeted rival gang members, including the following:

• On or about June 12, 2020, Daniels, along with other gang members drove at least two cars to a gathering to pay homage to a purported rival gang member who had passed away. At the gathering, members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods gang got out of their cars and shot into a vehicle in the area of Churchill Avenue in Franklin Township;

• On or about August 1, 2020, Maccelus, Wanyoike, and other gang members, at Ortiz’s direction, drove to the area of the Hope Manor housing complex in the “Down Bottom” area of New Brunswick in a stolen vehicle. Upon arriving, Wanyoike and another gang member exited the vehicle and shot Victim 1, a purported gang rival, as well as Victims 2 and 3;

• On or about September 13, 2020, Lyons, Daniels, and other gang members used a stolen car to commit a shooting in New Brunswick that caused the deaths of Victim 4, a purported gang rival, and Victim 5, and resulting in injuries to Victims 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12; • On or about July 19, 2021, Wanyoike possessed a firearm that had been used in a shooting on or about April 30, 2021, in North Brunswick, New Jersey where at least seven rounds of .40 caliber ammunition were discharged from a red Hyundai motor vehicle as it chased at Victim 13, a purported rival of the Bounty Hunter Bloods Enterprise;

• On or about June 18, 2021, Boyd and other gang members gathered outside a hospital in New Brunswick to support and pay homage to a high-ranking member of the Bounty Hunter Bloods gang, who had been shot by purported rivals hours prior. Upon seeing a white Jeep they concluded was occupied by rivals, Boyd and two other gang members followed the Jeep to the area of Easton Avenue in New Brunswick. After stopping, one of the gang members shot into the Jeep, killing Victim 14 and causing injury to Victim 15;

• On or about July 24, 2021, Stringer, while gathered with other gang members, possessed a firearm and attempted to fire it at a purported rival gang member in New Brunswick;

• On or about January 9, 2022, Stringer, while with another gang member in New Brunswick, got into a confrontation regarding narcotics distribution with purported rival gang members and shot at them, killing Victim 16 and causing injury to Victim 17; and

• On or about January 20, 2022, Maccelus, while with another gang member in Franklin Township, possessed a loaded firearm that had been used in a shooting in New Brunswick that same day.

In addition to these violent acts, Bounty Hunter Bloods members, including the defendants, are alleged to have routinely distributed narcotics in and around the gang’s turf in both New Brunswick and Somerset. Gang members also engaged in various wire and bank fraud schemes to enrich themselves and fellow members of the gang, including schemes to defraud the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

Boyd, Daniels, Lyons, and Stringer each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the racketeering conspiracy, while Maccelus, Ortiz, and Wanyoike each face a maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment. All defendants face a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy, investigators of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, investigators of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Director Anthony Caputo, and the Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Quovella Mayweather, for the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the District of New Jersey’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the Trenton Office.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Charles Sistrunk Jr., 40, of Millville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with possession with intent to distribute 500 mg or more of a substance containing methamphetamine.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Oct. 13, 2020, agents of the FBI executed a court-authorized search warrant at Sistrunk’s residence and found over 3.7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice.” Sistrunk admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to others.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Sistrunk to three years of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of $2,900 of drug proceeds seized from the defendant’s residence. 

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the New Jersey State Police; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office; the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office; the Atlantic City Police Department; the Pleasantville Police Department; and the Millville Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

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

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.

Defense counsel: Maggie Moy Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden

TRENTON, N.J. – A New York man was charged for an armed carjacking committed in South Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Jashawn Robinson, 21, of Queens, New York, is charged by complaint with one count of carjacking and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He will appear for his initial appearance at a later date.

According to the documents filed in this case:

On Aug. 29, 2021, at approximately 11:15 a.m., as two victims approached their vehicle parked in a motel parking lot to leave, Robinson ran up behind one of them, pointed a gun directly at her, and forcefully pulled her away from the vehicle. Robinson fired one round of ammunition from his gun into the air. Robinson then pointed his gun at the second victim, who had his hands in the air and was backing away from the vehicle. Robinson then entered the vehicle and drove away. The carjacking, including Robinson’s discharge of the firearm, was captured on video surveillance.

On Sept. 27, 2021, law enforcement officers located the carjacked vehicle parked on a residential street in Queens, New York, and established surveillance. The officers observed Robinson approach and enter that vehicle. As law enforcement officers converged and surrounded the vehicle, Robinson repeatedly tried to get away, including hitting parked cars and almost hitting law enforcement personnel. Robinson was removed from the vehicle and arrested.

The count of carjacking carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on any other charge. Both charges each carry a potential fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; and the South Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Raymond J. Hayducka, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the New York City Police Department,  the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with this case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle S. Gasparian, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

22-341

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 480 months in prison for trafficking in thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse while incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix for a previous offense transporting and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

William H. Noble, 57, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was convicted in November 2021 after a three-day jury trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez of conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography, receiving child pornography, distributing child pornography, possessing child pornography, and accessing with intent to view child pornography on federal property. Judge Rodriguez imposed today’s sentence in Camden federal court. In addition to the prison term, Judge Rodriguez sentenced Noble to five years of supervised release. Noble was also ordered to pay $63,415 in restitution to the victims.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

From Nov. 1, 2016, to April 26, 2017, while an inmate at FCI-Fort Dix, Noble participated in a conspiracy with other inmates to receive and distribute images of child sexual abuse. Noble was serving an 81-month sentence following his guilty plea in the District of Massachusetts to transportation and possession of child pornography. He was scheduled to be released on March 8, 2018.

While in prison, Noble and his conspirators accessed images of child sexual abuse on the “dark web” using cell phones that had been smuggled into the prison. They then stored the images on micro SD cards, which they shared amongst the conspirators.

On April 19, 2017, Noble transferred a micro SD card containing over 2,400 images and nearly 100 videos of child sexual abuse to a government informant. Many of the images and videos depicted the sexual abuse of prepubescent children, including infants and toddlers. At the time of the transfer, Noble was recorded describing the child sexual abuse images and videos to the informant. Noble’s conspirators were also recorded describing Noble’s role and conduct in furtherance of the conspiracy. When Noble was arrested on Feb. 5, 2018, he confessed to the FBI.

The charges against Noble stem from a long-term investigation by the FBI, which led to similar charges against seven other FCI-Fort Dix inmates. All of the other defendants have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation. He also thanked officials of the Bureau of Prisons, FCI-Fort Dix, and the New Jersey Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory for their assistance with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew B. Johns and David E. Malagold of the Criminal Division.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 480 months in prison for trafficking in thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse while incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix for a previous offense transporting and possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

William H. Noble, 57, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was convicted in November 2021 after a three-day jury trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez of conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography, receiving child pornography, distributing child pornography, possessing child pornography, and accessing with intent to view child pornography on federal property. Judge Rodriguez imposed today’s sentence in Camden federal court. In addition to the prison term, Judge Rodriguez sentenced Noble to five years of supervised release. Noble was also ordered to pay $63,415 in restitution to the victims.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

From Nov. 1, 2016, to April 26, 2017, while an inmate at FCI-Fort Dix, Noble participated in a conspiracy with other inmates to receive and distribute images of child sexual abuse. Noble was serving an 81-month sentence following his guilty plea in the District of Massachusetts to transportation and possession of child pornography. He was scheduled to be released on March 8, 2018.

While in prison, Noble and his conspirators accessed images of child sexual abuse on the “dark web” using cell phones that had been smuggled into the prison. They then stored the images on micro SD cards, which they shared amongst the conspirators.

On April 19, 2017, Noble transferred a micro SD card containing over 2,400 images and nearly 100 videos of child sexual abuse to a government informant. Many of the images and videos depicted the sexual abuse of prepubescent children, including infants and toddlers. At the time of the transfer, Noble was recorded describing the child sexual abuse images and videos to the informant. Noble’s conspirators were also recorded describing Noble’s role and conduct in furtherance of the conspiracy. When Noble was arrested on Feb. 5, 2018, he confessed to the FBI.

The charges against Noble stem from a long-term investigation by the FBI, which led to similar charges against seven other FCI-Fort Dix inmates. All of the other defendants have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation. He also thanked officials of the Bureau of Prisons and FCI-Fort Dix for their assistance with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew B. Johns and David E. Malagold of the Criminal Division.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A fugitive from justice who was captured in the Dominican Republic on July 12, 2022, by the U.S. Marshals Service and other law enforcement officials in the Dominican Republic has been returned to the United States to serve her prison sentence, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

In 2006, Ramona Cruz pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In 2007, Cruz was sentenced to a term 40 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. She was given the opportunity to voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) at a later date. Approximately three days prior to her surrender date, Cruz cut off her ankle bracelet and fled to the Dominican Republic to avoid prison, where she remained a fugitive until her recent apprehension.

The narcotics charge to which Cruz pleaded guilty to stems from illegal narcotics activity in 2005, which she took part in with her codefendant (and brother) Ramon Dejesus. In July 2005, an individual was apprehended upon entry into the United States while in possession of approximately three kilograms of cocaine. Later, while under surveillance by law enforcement, Cruz and Dejesus took possession of a piece of luggage which they believed contained the cocaine. The investigation revealed that all three individuals involved had been in touch with the same narcotics contact in the Dominican Republic. Dejesus also pleaded guilty to the narcotics charge and has since served his prison sentence.

U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., and special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill Office and Newark Division Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Deputy U.S. Attorney Andrew Carey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden. 

An indictment was unsealed today charging three Iranian nationals with allegedly orchestrating a scheme to hack into the computer networks of multiple U.S. victims.

As alleged in the indictment, from October 2020 through the present, Mansour Ahmadi, aka Mansur Ahmadi, 34; Ahmad Khatibi Aghda, aka Ahmad Khatibi, 45; and Amir Hossein Nickaein Ravari, aka Amir Hossein Nikaeen, aka Amir Hossein Nickaein, aka Amir Nikayin, 30, engaged in a scheme to gain unauthorized access to the computer systems of hundreds of victims in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Iran, and elsewhere, causing damage and losses to the victims. 

“The Government of Iran has created a safe haven where cyber criminals acting for personal gain flourish and defendants like these are able to hack and extort victims, including critical infrastructure providers,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This indictment makes clear that even other Iranians are less safe because their own government fails to follow international norms and stop Iranian cyber criminals.”

The defendants’ hacking campaign exploited known vulnerabilities in commonly used network devices and software applications to gain access and exfiltrate data and information from victims’ computer systems. Ahmadi, Khatibi, Nickaein and others also conducted encryption attacks against victims’ computer systems, denying victims access to their systems and data unless a ransom payment was made.

The defendants victimized a broad range of organizations, including small businesses, government agencies, nonprofit programs and educational and religious institutions. Their victims also included multiple critical infrastructure sectors, including health care centers, transportation services and utility providers.

“Ransom-related cyberattacks — like what happened here — are a particularly destructive form of cybercrime,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “No form of cyberattack is acceptable, but ransomware attacks that target critical infrastructure services, such as health care facilities and government agencies, are a threat to our national security. Hackers like these defendants go to great lengths to keep their identities secret, but there is always a digital trail. And we will find it.”

“The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our U.S. government partners for the purpose of imposing cost on our adversaries,” said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “This indictment, when coupled with other disruptive operational activities, demonstrates what’s possible when we team up with our domestic and international partners and take a whole-of-government approach. We, along with our partners, remain dedicated to protecting the United States of America and the victims affected by these egregious crimes.”

According to court documents, in February 2021, the defendants and their conspirators targeted a township in Union County, New Jersey. They exploited known vulnerabilities to gain control and access to the township’s network and data and used a hacking tool to establish persistent remote access to a particular domain that was registered to Ahmadi.

In or before February 2022, the defendants and their conspirators targeted an accounting firm based in Morris County, New Jersey. They again exploited a known vulnerability to gain unauthorized access and then used a particular hacking tool to establish a connection to a server that was registered to Nickaein and to steal data. In March 2022, the defendants launched an encryption attack against the accounting firm; after denying the firm access to some of its systems, Khatibi demanded payment of $50,000 in cryptocurrency and threatened to sell the data on the black market.

The defendants also compromised, and often encrypted and extorted, hundreds of other victims, including an accounting firm based in Illinois; a regional electric utility company based in Mississippi; a regional electric utility company based in Indiana; a public housing corporation in the State of Washington; a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania; a County government in Wyoming; a construction company located in the State of Washington that was engaged in work on critical infrastructure projects; and a state bar association.

Ahmadi, Khatibi and Nickaein, all residents of Iran, are each charged by indictment with one count of conspiring to commit computer fraud and related activity in connection with computers; one count of intentionally damaging a protected computer; and one count of transmitting a demand in relation to damaging a protected computer. Ahmadi is charged with one additional count of intentionally damaging a protected computer. All defendants remain at large abroad.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The intentional damage to protected computers charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The transmission of a ransom demand charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The offenses also carry a potential maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold and Matthew Feldman Nikic for the District of New Newsey, and Trial Attorney Andrew D. Beaty of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

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

NEWARK, N.J. – An indictment was unsealed today charging three Iranian nationals with allegedly orchestrating a scheme to hack into the computer networks of multiple U.S. victims, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and National Security Division Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen announced today.

As alleged in the indictment, from October 2020 through the present, Mansour Ahmadi, aka “Mansur Ahmadi,” Ahmad Khatibi Aghda, aka “Ahmad Khatibi,” and Amir Hossein Nickaein Ravari, aka “Amir Hossein Nikaeen,” aka “Amir Hossein Nickaein,” aka “Amir Nikayin,” engaged in a scheme to gain unauthorized access to the computer systems of hundreds of victims in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Iran, and elsewhere, causing damage and losses to the victims.

The defendants’ hacking campaign exploited known vulnerabilities in commonly used network devices and software applications to gain access and exfiltrate data and information from victims’ computer systems. Ahmadi, Khatibi, Nickaein, and others, also conducted encryption attacks against victims’ computer systems, denying victims access to their systems and data unless a ransom payment was made.

The defendants victimized a broad range of organizations, including small businesses, government agencies, non-profit programs, and educational and religious institutions. Their victims also included multiple critical infrastructure sectors, including healthcare centers, transportation services, and utility providers.

“Ransom-related cyberattacks — like what happened here — are a particularly destructive form of cybercrime,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “No form of cyber-attack is acceptable, but ransomware attacks that target critical infrastructure services, such as health care facilities and government agencies, are a threat to our national security. Hackers like these defendants go to great lengths to keep their identities secret, but there is always a digital trail. And we will find it.”

“These defendants may have been hacking and extorting victims – including critical infrastructure providers – for their personal gain, but the charges reflect how criminals can flourish in the safe haven that the Government of Iran has created and is responsible for,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said. “According to the Indictment, even other Iranians are less safe because their own government fails to follow international norms and stop Iranian cyber criminals.”

“I want the people of New Jersey, and across the country, to know that the FBI is working tirelessly every day to protect you from people and things you may never see,” Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Division James Dennehy said. “This coordinated, global effort amongst law enforcement and the intelligence community should send a clear message to those actors who think they can’t be found in cyberspace: the days of hiding behind a keyboard and perpetrating crimes against the American people without consequence are waning, and we will bring the full force of the American Justice system to disrupt your criminal behavior.”

According to documents filed in this case:

In February 2021, the defendants and their conspirators targeted a township in Union County, New Jersey. They exploited known vulnerabilities to gain control and access to the township’s network and data and used a hacking tool to establish persistent remote access to a particular domain that was registered to Ahmadi.

In or before February 2022, the defendants and their conspirators targeted an accounting firm based in Morris County, New Jersey. They again exploited a known vulnerability to gain unauthorized access and then used a particular hacking tool to establish a connection to a server that was registered to Nickaein and steal data. In March 2022, the defendants launched an encryption attack against the accounting firm; after denying the firm access to some of its systems, Khatibi demanded payment of $50,000 in cryptocurrency and threatened to sell the data on the black market.

The defendants also compromised, and often encrypted and extorted, hundreds of other victims, including an accounting firm based in Illinois; a regional electric utility company based in Mississippi; a regional electric utility company based in Indiana; a public housing corporation in the State of Washington; a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania; a County government in Wyoming; a construction company located in the State of Washington that was engaged in work on critical infrastructure projects; and a state bar association.

Ahmadi, 34, Khatibi, 45, and Nickaein, 30, all residents of Iran, are each charged by indictment with one count of conspiring to commit computer fraud and related activity in connection with computers; one count of intentionally damaging a protected computer; and one count of transmitting a demand in relation to damaging a protected computer. Ahmadi is charged with one additional count of intentionally damaging a protected computer.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years in prison. The intentional damage to protected computers charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The transmission of a ransom demand charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The offenses also carry a potential maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold and Matthew Feldman Nikic of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark, and Trial Attorney Andrew D. Beaty of the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Iowa man admitted robbing a bank in Secaucus, New Jersey, in January 2017, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Jose Luis Martinez, 32, pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2022, before U.S. District Judge John M. Vazquez in Newark federal court to a two-count indictment charging him with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a bank robbery.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Jan. 5, 2017, Martinez walked into a bank in Secaucus and pointed a handgun at a bank employee while demanding cash.  Martinez told the bank employee that he would shoot her and other customers if the employee did not comply.  Martinez took cash from the bank and fled. 

The armed bank robbery count carries a maximum potential penalty of 25 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. The brandishing a firearm count carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the FBI’s White Plains, New York Office; the New York City Police Department; the Greenwich, Connecticut, Police Department; and the Port Chester, New York, Police Department for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County, New Jersey, man admitted possessing images and videos of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Joseph Cooper, 76, of Williamstown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb on Sept. 13, 2023, to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In October 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cooper’s residence and discovered computers containing more than 50 videos and 200 images of child sexual abuse, including depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  The computers also contained logs documenting Cooper’s participation in internet chatrooms relating to sexual interest in children.

Because Cooper has been convicted previously of interstate transport of child pornography by computer and cruelty and neglect of a child, the charge of possession of child pornography depicting prepubescent children carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, woman today admitted stealing numerous cell phones from mail that passed through the United States post office where she was employed, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, announced.

Nyasia Hutchinson, 26, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging her with one count of theft of mail by a postal employee.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Hutchinson was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a postal service clerk at the Elizabeth Post Office (EPO). From May 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2018, another EPO employee provided Hutchinson with 15 to 20 stolen cellphones that the employee had taken out of packages at the EPO that had been mailed to a Hillside, New Jersey, business. Hutchinson admitted that she taped up empty packages and placed them back in the mail stream after cellphones had been removed. Hutchinson later sold the stolen iPhones which had a total approximate value of $12,000, keeping the sales proceeds for herself.

The theft of mail by a postal employee charge carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Faye Schwartz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson Police Department sergeant was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for conspiring to violate civil rights and filing a false police report, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Michael Cheff, 51, of Oakland, New Jersey, was convicted May 26, 2022, following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden on one count of conspiracy to deprive persons of civil rights and one count of falsification of a police report. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

“It’s a sad day when we have to announce the sentencing of a law enforcement official who has violated his oath, as we do today,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “This defendant preyed on the public he had sworn to protect and violated the rights of citizens in the process, all to line his pockets and those of the officers he was supposed to be supervising. We work hand-in-hand with our local law enforcement partners, and those partnerships are critical to our work. We will not tolerate the few bad officers who tarnish the badge.”

“Whether local, state, or federal, those of us who carry a badge have to prove ourselves worthy every single day,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy, Newark Division, said. “This defendant not only betrayed his badge and the public who entrusted him with it, he led his subordinates down a path of self-destruction and left his fellow officers to deal with the fallout. We value the strong partnerships we have with our local and state counterparts. Officers who betray their oath are few and far between and we are committed to protecting the integrity of the badge to benefit those who work hard to protect it, as well as protect the general public.”

According to documents filed in this case and evidence at trial:

Eudy Ramos, Daniel Pent, Jonathan Bustios, Matthew Torres, and Frank Toledo were police officers with the Paterson Police Department. Cheff, who was a sergeant, supervised their activities and approved their reports and other paperwork related to arrests and seizures of money, narcotics, and firearms. Ramos, Pent, Bustios, Torres, and Toledo, while on official duty, violated the civil rights of individuals in Paterson. They stopped and searched motor vehicles without any justification and stole cash and other items from the occupants. They also illegally stopped and searched individuals in buildings or on the streets of Paterson and seized cash from them. They concealed their activities by submitting to Cheff false reports that omitted, or falsified, their illegal activities. Cheff signed off on those false police reports and routinely received a portion of these stolen monies from some of these officers.

On Nov. 14, 2017, Cheff joined Bustios, Ramos, and Torres in stealing cash from an apartment in Paterson. Bustios, Ramos, and Torres stopped and arrested an individual in Paterson. The officers went to the individual’s apartment and were joined by Cheff. After the arrested individual was coerced to sign a consent to search form, and while the arrested individual was handcuffed in a police car, Cheff, Bustios, and Ramos went to search the individual’s apartment. After obtaining consent to search the apartment by lying to the individual’s mother, Cheff, Bustios, and Ramos then searched the individual’s room and located a safe inside the room. Cheff took money and narcotics from the safe and put the money in his pocket. Cheff handed a small portion of the money stolen from the safe to Bustios and told Bustios to log it into evidence. Cheff also approved a police report that falsely stated that the officers had recovered $319 from on top of a shelf in the individual’s room.

Later that day, Bustios and Toledo exchanged text messages discussing Cheff’s theft of money. Bustios said, among other things, that Cheff “got us for over a stack today,” that “there was a safe” and that Cheff “grabbed the cash.” According to the individual whose apartment was searched, the safe contained approximately $2,700, and all of it was missing after the search was completed. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Cheff to three years of supervised release. Ramos, Pent, Bustios, Torres, and Toledo previously pleaded guilty; Toledo and Pent were sentenced Sept. 9, 2022, and Bustios, Torres and Ramos were sentenced Sept. 8, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, and the Paterson Police Department Office of Internal Affairs, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jihee G. Suh, Deputy Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division.

NEWARK, N.J. – Two Paterson, New Jersey, police officers were sentenced today to prison terms for their respective roles in a conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden handed down the following sentences in Newark federal court:

• Police Officer Frank Toledo, 33, of Paterson, was sentenced to 24 months in prison.  Toledo previously pleaded guilty to a three-count information charging him with conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights, using unreasonable and excessive force in violation of individuals’ civil rights, and filing a false police report.

• Police Officer Daniel Pent, 35, of Paterson, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Pent previously pleaded guilty  to an information charging him with conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights, using unreasonable and excessive force in violation of individuals’ civil rights, and filing a false police report.

 

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Hayden sentenced both of the defendants to three  years of supervised release.

Three codefendants – Police Officers Jonathan Bustios, Eudy Ramos and Matthew Torres – were sentenced Sept. 8, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings. He also thanked the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, and the Paterson Police Department Office of Internal Affairs, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jihee G. Suh, Deputy Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division.

NEWARK, N.J. – Three Paterson, New Jersey, police officers were sentenced today for their respective roles in a conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden handed down the following sentences in Newark federal court:

• Police Officer Jonathan Bustios, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, was sentenced to 24  months in prison. Bustios previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights and one count of extortion under color of official right.

 

• Police Officer Eudy Ramos, 35, of Paterson, was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Ramos previously pleaded guilty to Counts One and Seven of an indictment against him, charging him with conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights and filing a false police report. Ramos also pleaded guilty to an information charging him with using unreasonable and excessive force in violation of individuals’ civil rights.

 

• Police Officer Matthew Torres, 33, of Paterson, was sentenced to three years of probation. Torres previously pleaded guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights and filing a false police report.

 

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Hayden sentenced Bustios and Ramos to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings. He also thanked the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, and the Paterson Police Department Office of Internal Affairs, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jihee G. Suh, Deputy Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division.

 

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Margate, New Jersey, firefighter was convicted today on four counts of an indictment charging him with defrauding public health insurance plans out of approximately $1 million, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.

Thomas Sher, 50, of Northfield, New Jersey, found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of health care fraud following a 12-day trial before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court. 

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

Sher was part of a criminal conspiracy in which state and local government employees were recruited and compensated to receive medically unnecessary compound prescription medications. Sher caused the pharmacy benefits administrator to pay out almost $1 million for medically unnecessary compound prescription medications for individuals they recruited into the scheme. Sher directly received approximately $115,000 from the scheme.

Sher and others were indicted in March 2019 on charges that they defrauded New Jersey health benefits programs and other insurers. To date, approximately 40 people have been convicted or pleaded guilty to the conspiracy.

Sher faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan.10, 2023.

Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to today’s verdict.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina O. Hud of the Criminal Division and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division Desiree L. Grace.

NEWARK, N.J. – Three Essex County, New Jersey, men admitted their roles in murders in aid of racketeering on behalf of a drug enterprise, including the murder of a federal informant, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced today.

Tyquan Daniels, 26, Ali Hill, 29, and Thomas Zimmerman, 26, all of East Orange, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to racketeering acts in connection with their roles in a narcotics enterprise led by separately charged defendant Michael Healy.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In February, 2018, Healy found out that one of his conspirators in the drug enterprise was cooperating with law enforcement by providing information against the drug enterprise. He ordered members of the Brick City Brims Bloods in East Orange to kill the informant. On Feb. 3, 2018, outside the informant’s residence in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Zimmerman and other gang members shot and killed an innocent bystander, believing the bystander was the informant.

Realizing they killed the wrong person, the Healy enterprise members, including Daniels, Zimmerman and Hill, conspired to murder the informant. On March 12, 2018, in Bloomfield, two masked gunmen, members or associates of the drug enterprise approached the informant and fired multiple shots at close range, killing him. Daniels also pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and predicate acts which included the murder of a member of a rival Bloods gang, whom Daniels shot and killed on May 13, 2018.

Hill pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022, before Judge Vazquez to racketeering acts, which included the murder of the federal informant.  

Pursuant to the plea agreements, Hill faces a prison term between 20 and 25 years. Daniels and Zimmerman each face prison terms of between 33 and 38 years.

The charges and allegations against Healy are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of special agent in charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé; the Essex County Prosecutors Office; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, East Orange PD; Montclair PD, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Intelligence and Investigative Division, under the direction of Secretary Robert Green.

The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Robert L. Frazer of the Organized Crime Gang Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Naazneen Khan, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in engaging in a pattern of fraudulent activity through his auto dealership, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Afzal Khan, aka “Bobby Khan,” 40, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to Count One of an indictment charging him with wire fraud.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

From at least December 2013 through September 2014, Khan, through his car dealership,

Emporio Motor Group of Ramsey, New Jersey, engaged in acts to defraud lenders and customers. Khan obtained loans from the auto finance division of a large bank for cars that he never delivered, but for which the purchaser was still responsible. Khan also obtained loans from the victim bank for cars that were delivered, but for which neither he nor Emporio had title. As a result, the purchasers of these cars were liable for the loans, but could not register the cars. In addition, Khan offered to sell cars for individuals on consignment, but did not return the cars or provide any money to the individuals from the sale of the cars. Khan admitted that as a result of his actions, he exposed the victim bank to a potential loss of at least $550,000.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Khan to three years of supervised release and ordered forfeiture of $1.1 million. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ramsey Police Department for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man admitted his role in conspiracies that involved committing armed carjackings and robbing multiple gas stations in southern New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Kamau Bradshaw, 20, of Camden, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to commit armed robberies, one count of committing an armed robbery, and one count of conspiring to commit armed carjackings. Bradshaw and another defendant, Paul Rogers, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 17, 2021.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Sept. 14, 2021, two masked individuals carrying an AR-style rifle robbed a gas station in Pennsauken, New Jersey. One of the robbers wore a gray Nike hooded sweatshirt and scuffed tan work boots. The second robber wore a tan hooded sweatshirt with “REACTIVE” printed on the sleeves and striped boxer shorts. They obtained cash and cigarettes while brandishing the firearm. Shortly after the robbery, two individuals were seen returning to a residence in Camden with a large duffle bag. On Sept. 17, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at the Camden residence and recovered, among other items, a duffle bag, an AR-style rifle, a gray Nike sweatshirt, scuffed tan work boots, and a tan hooded sweatshirt with “REACTIVE” printed on the sleeves. Bradshaw and Rogers were present when law enforcement agents executed the search warrant, at which time Bradshaw was wearing striped boxer shorts consistent with those worn by one of the robbers during the robbery.

Bradshaw admitted his role in eight gas station robberies or attempted robberies in addition to the Sept. 14, 2021, robbery in Pennsauken, including robberies in Haddon Township on Aug. 30, 2021; Pennsauken on Aug. 30, 2021; Bridgeton on Aug. 31, 2021; Brooklawn on Aug. 31, 2021; Vineland on Aug. 31, 2021; Pennsauken on Sept. 1, 2021; Haddon Township on Sept. 1, 2021; and Haddon Township on Sept. 16, 2021. Two of the gas stations were victimized more than once. At each gas station, at least one member of the conspiracy brandished what appeared to be an assault weapon in order to threaten the gas station attendant. 

For several of the robberies, Bradshaw and his conspirators used a car they obtained by committing an armed carjacking in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Members of the carjacking conspiracy traveled from Camden to Philadelphia and brandished what appeared to be an assault weapon in order to force a driver and passenger from an automobile. They returned to Camden with the victims’ car, which they proceeded to use to drive to and from some of their gas stations robberies.  

The complaint against Rogers remains pending. The charges and allegations against him are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The count of conspiracy to commit robbery and the robbery count to which Bradshaw pleaded guilty each carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of conspiracy to commit armed carjacking to which Bradshaw pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Bridgeton City Police Department, Brooklawn Borough Police Department, Camden County Police Department, Haddon Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Oaklyn Police Department, Pennsauken Township Police Department, Vineland Police Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department for their assistance.  

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man today admitted to his role in a bank fraud conspiracy that targeted 12 different financial institutions in southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Sulaiman Dosunmu, 41, of Darby, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

The defendant was part of a multi-defendant, Nigerian-based criminal organization that engaged in a massive bank fraud conspiracy in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Rhode Island, between June 2016 and March 2020. Members of the group acquired numerous business checks that were stolen from the United States mail, altered the payee on the checks to a fraudulent name, and deposited the checks into bank accounts that had been opened with forged foreign passport documents and fraudulent U.S. visas that matched the names on the stolen checks. Once the banks credited all or a portion of the funds to the accounts, but before the checks had cleared, the defendants withdrew the funds from ATMs or purchased money orders, using debit cards associated with the fraudulent accounts. Members of the organization have used over 400 fraudulent accounts opened with fake identity documents to defraud the victim banks. To date, the total loss to the victim banks is approximately $7 million.

Dosunmu admitted using several false identities to open fraudulent bank accounts, making numerous deposits of stolen checks to these accounts, and withdrawing funds from the accounts.

The bank fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bellmawr office and Philadelphia Division Office, under the direction of Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington, D.C. Division Office, under the direction of Peter R. Rendina, Washington Division Inspector in Charge; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill Office and Newark Division Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold; Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Division Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; Homeland Security Investigations Maryland Division Office, under the direction of James C. Harris, Special Agent in Charge, Baltimore; Homeland Security Investigations Rhode Island Office, under the direction of Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Boston Division Office; and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), under the direction of R. Mike Escott, Resident Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Resident Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

Five other conspirators have pleaded guilty and one conspirator was convicted in a trial before Judge Hillman in June 2022. Four of these defendants have pending sentencing hearings before Judge Hillman. Charges against five other defendants remain pending before the District Court; the charges and allegations against them are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Daniel Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.

NEWARK, N.J.– A Passaic County, New Jersey, woman today admitted her role in a scheme to embezzle over $3.7 million from her employer while she was the company’s chief financial officer and director of operations, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Amy Aldi, 50, of Wayne, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging her with wire fraud.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

From January 2018 through December 2020, Aldi abused her position as chief financial officer and director of operations for a New Jersey-based company to embezzle millions of dollars by withdrawing cash from the company’s operating account and then using the cash for her own personal benefit. Aldi, without authorization, made over 200 cash withdrawals, in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per withdrawal, totaling more than $3.7 million.

Aldi concealed the theft by falsifying company accounting and financial records, including making false journal entries and altering bank statements issued to the company for the company’s operating account.

The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss from offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted scheming with others to use credit cards and checks that were stolen from the mail by at least two U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees to make hundreds of thousands of dollars of purchases, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.

Adeeb Salih, 30, of East Orange, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:

Salih obtained checks, including U.S. Treasury checks, and credit cards from Yaseen Salih, 25, and Jahad Salter, 26, who had recruited USPS employees, including Khadijah Banks Oneal, 31, and Ashley Taylor, 28, to steal the credit cards and checks from the mail in exchange for compensation. Once they obtained the stolen credit cards, Adeeb Salih, Yaseen Salih, and Salter fraudulently posed as the accountholders of the stolen cards when calling the banks that issued the cards and used personal identifying information belonging to the accountholders to obtain or change information about the stolen credit cards. They then used the stolen credit cards to make purchases in New Jersey and elsewhere. Adeeb Salih also caused the stolen checks to be deposited into bank accounts that he controlled and withdrew proceeds from those checks from the accounts in the form of cash. This resulted in attempted losses of over $250,000.

Yaseen Salih, Salter, Banks-Oneal, and Taylor previously pleaded guilty for their respective roles in this scheme and are awaiting sentencing.

The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023.

Attorney for the United States Khanna credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, Philadelphia Division; and special agents of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, District of New Jersey; the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office; the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Mid-Atlantic Field Division; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Office; the Livingston, New Jersey Police Department; the Newark Police Department; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office; the New Providence, New Jersey, Police Department; and the Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Police Department, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara F. Merin of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Raquan Rawls, aka “Bandz,” 24, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge John Michael Vazquez by videoconference to two counts in a superseding indictment charging him with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, (Count Eight), and distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin (Count Nine).  

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Stephen Crane Village is a public housing complex in Newark, on the border with Belleville. From at least February 2019 through February 2020, law enforcement officers investigated individuals that controlled an open-air drug market that operated within Stephen Crane Village. On Nov. 21, 2019, Rawls and others sold heroin and cocaine base to an individual while under surveillance by law enforcement. On Dec. 13, 2019, Rawls sold heroin to an individual while under surveillance by law enforcement.

The drug charges to which Rawls pleaded guilty both carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini; special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, with the investigation leading to today’s plea. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Nutley Police Department, the Bloomfield Police Department, the West Orange Police Department, the Verona Police Department, the Orange Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this case.

This investigation was part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), where the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with state, federal, county, and local law enforcement to investigate crime in Newark and the surrounding cities. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton.

NEWARK, N.J. – A former telecommunications company employee was charged for his role in a scheme to fraudulently unlock the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards of thousands of mobile phones, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Richard Forrest Sherman, 43, of previously of Salem, Oregon, and now Boerne, Texas, is charged by complaint with wire fraud conspiracy in Newark federal court. He was arrested today in Texas, had his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad in federal court in the Western District of Texas, and was released on $30,000 unsecured bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Sherman worked at a multinational telecommunications company. While there, he managed an account for a customer that received an exemption to unlock the SIM cards of mobile devices. Sherman exploited this exemption by creating a series of customer accounts within the carrier’s system to make the accounts look like an affiliate company of the customer that actually received the exemption. Sherman and others then submitted bulk unlocking requests through these fake affiliate accounts that Sherman set up before leaving the telecommunications company. 

Sherman, through his entities, received payment from others in exchange for causing the fake affiliate accounts to successfully send International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in bulk to the carrier. The carrier, believing that the fake affiliate company was entitled to the unlocking exception, unlocked these IMEIs in bulk. Unlocking these IMEIs permitted others involved in the scheme to resell the phones for profit – the phones would have otherwise remained locked or required payment of a fee to be unlocked. Sherman set up the fake affiliate accounts in or around 2013; he and his conspirators exploited the fraud scheme until it was discovered in August 2020. 

The wire fraud conspiracy count is punishable by a maximum of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service’s Seattle Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Canestrari, with the investigation leading to the charge.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

NEWARK, N.J. – Bayer Corp., an Indiana corporation and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, and its related entities, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bayer HealthCare LLC, and Bayer AG (collectively “Bayer”), have agreed to pay $40 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act in connection with the drugs Trasylol, Avelox, and Baycol. 

The settlement announced today arose from two “whistleblower” lawsuits filed and pursued by a former employee of Bayer who worked in its marketing department. 

In a lawsuit filed in the District of New Jersey, the employee, Laurie Simpson, alleged that Bayer paid kickbacks to hospitals and physicians to induce them to utilize the drugs Trasylol and Avelox, and also marketed these drugs for off-label uses that were not reasonable and necessary. Simpson further alleged that Bayer downplayed the safety risks of Trasylol. The lawsuit alleged that as a result of this conduct Bayer caused the submission of false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs and violated the laws of 20 states and the District of Columbia.  Trasylol is a drug used to control bleeding in certain heart surgeries. Avelox is an antibiotic approved to treat certain strains of bacteria.

Simpson filed a second lawsuit relating to Bayer’s statin drug, Baycol, which was later transferred to the District of Minnesota. That lawsuit alleged that Bayer knew about, but downplayed, Baycol’s risks of causing a serious syndrome that results from the death of muscle fibers and the release of their contents into the bloodstream. The lawsuit further alleged that Bayer misrepresented the efficacy of Baycol when compared to other statins and fraudulently induced the Defense Logistics Agency to renew certain contracts relating to Baycol. Subsequently, Trasylol and Baycol were withdrawn from the market for safety reasons. 

“As alleged in the complaints, Bayer – one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world – engaged in a series of unlawful acts, including paying kickbacks to doctors and hospitals, marketing them off-label, and downplaying their safety risks,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, District of New Jersey, said. “This resolution should send a message to the pharmaceutical industry that such conduct undermines the integrity of federal health care programs and jeopardizes patient safety. This settlement reflects the importance of the whistleblower’s role in litigating False Claims Act actions on behalf of the United States, and we thank Ms. Simpson and her counsel for stepping forward and pursuing this case to conclusion.”

“Ms. Simpson diligently pursued this matter for almost two decades,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Today’s recovery highlights the critical role that whistleblowers play in the effective use of the False Claims Act to combat fraud in federal healthcare programs.”

“We recognize Ms. Simpson for her perseverance with this matter,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, District of Minnesota, said. “We are pleased we were able to work with the parties to facilitate this resolution and help bring this longstanding matter to a close.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Bayer will pay $38.9 million to the United States and $1.14 million to the 20 states and the District of Columbia.

The two actions resolved by the settlement were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private citizens to bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. The United States may intervene in the action or, as in this case, the whistleblower may proceed with the matter. Ms. Simpson will receive $11 million from the proceeds of the settlement. 

The resolution obtained in this matter was supported by a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey, the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Minnesota.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti D. Dharia of the District of New Jersey’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit, Senior Trial Counsel Sanjay M. Bhambhani of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Bildtsen of the District of Minnesota.

The cases are captioned United States ex rel. Simpson v. Bayer Corp. Civ. No. 05-cv-3895 (D.N.J.), and United States ex rel. Simpson v. Bayer Corp., Civ. No. 08-cv-5758 (D.Minn).

The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no admission of liability.

NEWARK, N.J. – A global healthcare company has agreed to pay $6.3 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by selling items to the United States that were manufactured in non-designated countries in violation of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

The settlement resolves allegations that Novo Nordisk Inc. violated the Trade Agreements Act, which restricts the procurement of goods under certain government contracts to purchases from specific designated countries, by submitting false claims for payment for medical devices that were manufactured in non-designated countries. The settlement resolves claims that from July 2012 through November 2020, Novo Nordisk sold to United States government agencies its NovoFine 30G 8 mm needles, and that from May 2016 through November 2020, Novo Nordisk sold to United States government agencies its NovoFine 32G 6 mm needles, all of which were manufactured in non-designated countries.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri; special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Scott J. Lampert; the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and special agents of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Philadelphia Fraud Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Larry S. Moreland, with the investigation leading to the settlement.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark C. Orlowski of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.

The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

NEWARK, N.J. – Four members and associates of a neighborhood street gang in Hudson County, New Jersey, admitted their respective roles in a gang-related stabbing, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Jermaine Jennings, aka “Maine” and “Drill,” 21, Divine Abraham, aka “Dee,” 22, Jamil Bowens, 21, and Jaylen Boone, 22, all of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court via video conference to separate informations charging each of them with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Aug. 3, 2020, Jennings, Abraham, Bowens, Boone, and four others, all of whom are associated with a street gang operating in and around the Curries Woods Public Housing Complex in Jersey City – identified as “Curries Woods” or the “Tay Tay Shrimp Gang” or the “Sharks” – assaulted a rival gang member in retaliation for a prior gang-related assault. As the victim was walking down a street in Jersey City, Jennings, Abraham, Bowens, Boone, and the others approached in two cars, parked in the middle of the street, and violently assaulted the victim, who was punched, kicked, and stabbed and suffered life-threatening injuries.

The count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is currently scheduled as follows: Jennings, Jan. 4, 2023; Abraham and Bowens, Jan. 6, 2023; and Boone, Jan. 10, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; and the Hudson County Department of Corrections with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.

This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City.  As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida lab owner has been charged with over $50 million in health care fraud related to fraudulent genetic cancer screening tests, Attorney for the United States Lee M. Cortes Jr. announced today.

Daniel Hurt, 48, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He had his initial appearance and arraignment by videoconference today before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Hurt owned several clinical laboratories that conducted or arranged for a variety of medical tests. Hurt paid kickbacks and bribes to various entities who supplied referrals and orders for genetic cancer screening tests (CGX) for Medicare and other health care benefit program beneficiaries, without regard to medical necessity. The laboratories submitted claims for payment to Medicare for these CGX tests. Medicare reimbursed the laboratories without knowing that the services were not medically necessary or were procured through the payment of kickbacks. From January 2019 to October 2021, Hurt, through the laboratories, submitted or caused to be submitted claims to Medicare, including claims for beneficiaries residing in New Jersey.  

Hurt paid kickbacks to entities who supplied referrals for each CGX test that was billed to Medicare and other health care benefit programs. To conceal the payments of bribes, Hurt and the suppliers entered into sham contracts to make it appear that the suppliers were engaged in, and being paid for, legitimate marketing and referral services. The scheme resulted in Medicare paying the laboratories at least $53.3 million for CGX test claims. Hurt received at least $26.9 million from the Medicare reimbursements.

The count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud carries a maximum potential punishment of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Hurt has also been charged in the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of Florida in relation to other health care offenses. Those charges are also pending.

Attorney for the United States Cortes credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick Hegarty; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the investigation leading to today’s charge.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Sherman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man was arrested for allegedly obtaining more than $1 million in government benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Michael Blanc, 33, of Miami, Florida, appeared by videoconference in Florida on Aug. 24, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chris M. McAliley, who set bond at $250,000.

According to the complaint:

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. The CARES Act also enabled the Small Business Association (SBA) to offer funding to business owners through the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

From March 2020 to in or about December 2020, five states paid out approximately $960,000 in unemployment insurance benefits in response to applications that used an internet provider (IP) address associated with Blanc in furtherance of the claim. Law enforcement officers interviewed four people in whose names the claims were made; each said they did not file a claim, authorize anyone to make a claim, or know Blanc.

In July 2020, the SBA provided an EIDL of approximately $65,000 in response to an application in the name of a victim. The loan was transferred to a bank account in Blanc’s name. The IP address used to file the EIDL application is also connected to 67 additional EIDL applications. The SBA provided approximately $250,000 in response to these applications.  

The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gross profits or twice the gross loss suffered to the victims of his offense.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, in New York, and the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dale Forrester, Cybercrime Investigations Division, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the FBI, Miami Division, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development for their assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man today admitted leading a drug trafficking organization that operated out of a drug mill located in the Bronx, New York, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Luis Cabrera, 37, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Five other individuals have previously pleaded guilty to charges arising from this investigation: Pedro Acosta Ramos, 34; Rodolfo Antonio Acosta Liriano, 38; Johan Manuel Lopez Brito, 35; Humberto Antonio Rodriguez, 35; and Julian Brito Sanchez, 50.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From 2019 to June 2020, Cabrera was a leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to customers in New Jersey and elsewhere. He operated a drug mill in an apartment located in the Bronx, New York. On June 30, 2020, law enforcement searched the mill and recovered heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The quantity of heroin amounted to 8,650 individual doses. Law enforcement seized the drug trafficking organization’s distribution materials, including glassine baggies, tape, scales, cutting agents to mix with narcotics to increase their weight and value, and stamps for the branding of the drugs. Cabrera was at the mill during the search and was arrested. On previous occasions, Cabrera met with conspirators in New Jersey and also purchased supplies for the mill in New Jersey.

Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A former investment bank employee was arrested today in Hudson County, New Jersey, for cyberstalking former bank colleagues, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Gawargyous, aka “George,” Shind, 31, of Jersey City, New Jersey is charged by complaint with cyberstalking. Shind is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From April 2020 to November 2021, Shind engaged in a pattern of harassment directed towards at least four female victims by employing means of electronic communications, including text messages and computing services platforms, to threaten grievous bodily injury and death. Shind began a campaign of cyberstalking multiple victims after his termination from a bank where he and the victims were employed. Shind sent messages stating his intention to kill the victims and their families and referred to himself as a “predator.”  

The charge of cyberstalking is punishable by five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in both the Newark and New York field offices, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy of the Newark field office, and Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll of the New York field office, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for distributing multiple images and videos of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Mauricio Calderon, 51, of Belleville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From March 2020 to April 10, 2020, Calderon used an encrypted, internet-based application to distribute multiple graphic videos depicting the sexual assault of minors. During the course of the investigation, Calderon publicly posted multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some of which featured infants and toddlers, in a chatroom, and also sent links that redirected to web pages containing child pornography. Law enforcement also discovered numerous videos and images of child sexual abuse on Calderon’s electronic devices when he was arrested at his home in September 2020.  

In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Cecchi sentenced Calderon to 10 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

 

CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic City, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Cory Newman, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On May 20, 2021, agents with Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, (HSI) served a search warrant at Newman’s residence in Atlantic City and discovered electronic devices containing numerous videos and images of children being sexually abused.  

Because Newman has been previously convicted of possession of child pornography, the charge of possession of child pornography carries an enhanced mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold. He also thanked the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, and the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Interim Officer in Charge Deputy Chief James A. Sarkos, for their assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.

NEWARK, N.J. – A former caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Protection and Permanency, was indicted today on charges of possession and transportation of child pornography and attempted sex trafficking of a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Trent Collier, 56, of Kearny, New Jersey, is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession of child pornography, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Sept. 28, 2021, Collier arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from the Dominican Republic. Law enforcement officials searched Collier’s cellular phone and identified at least two images of child pornography. The investigation also revealed that from June 19, 2021, through Sept. 29, 2021, Collier attempted to solicit a minor for a commercial sex act.

The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of transportation of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a minor carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold in Newark; and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, under the direction of Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camila A. Garces of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for obstructing justice while on pre-trial release, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Robert Alexander, 45, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti to a superseding indictment charging him with obstructing justice while on pre-trial release.      

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Jan.14, 2019, Alexander pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of making a false statement on a loan application in a criminal case that was pending before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson. On Sept. 4, 2019, Judge Wolfson sentenced Alexander to 46 months in prison; the sentence imposed by Judge Martinotti today will run consecutively to that sentence.

On Oct. 8, 2019 – the day before Alexander was scheduled to voluntarily surrender to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence – he caused a forged medical note to be submitted to Judge Wolfson in support of a request to delay the date of his voluntary surrender. The forged medical note contained falsified information and was submitted with the specific intent to influence and impede Judge Wolfson in the discharge of her duties as the judge presiding over his case. At the time of the offense, Alexander was on pre-trial release.  

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Alexander to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. 

The government is represented by U.S. Attorney DeNae Thomas of the Criminal Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was charged today with defrauding victims in an investment fraud scheme out of at least $1 million, and with fraudulently obtaining a loan of approximately $96,000 meant to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Anthony Mastroianni Jr., 48, of Manalapan, New Jersey, charged in a five-count complaint with wire and mail fraud. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In 2016, Mastroianni consented to being permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibited him from acting as a broker or intermediary in securities transactions. Despite that debarment, from January 2017 to August 2022, Mastroianni defrauded victim investors, many of whom were senior citizens, by falsely and fraudulently claiming that he would generate large investment profits for them through his company, Global Business Development & Consulting Corp. Instead of investing the money as promised, Mastroianni used victim funds on personal expenses, including household rent, automobile payments, credit card bills, and cash withdrawals. Mastroianni defrauded 10 victims out of $1 million.

Mastroianni also exploited the ongoing global pandemic by submitting a false and fraudulent application to obtain $96,300 from a federal COVID-19 emergency relief loan meant for distressed small businesses. As with his investment fraud scheme, Mastroianni misused the loan proceeds to make personal purchases and cash withdrawals.

Each count of mail and wire fraud carries a maximum potential punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

TRENTON, N.J. – Thirteen individuals were charged today with various drug trafficking and firearms offenses arising from an investigation targeting unlawful activities in a northeast neighborhood in the city of Trenton, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Jamal Wilson, aka “Vill,” and Theodore Meekins, aka “Meech,” both of Trenton, were among 12 defendants charged in a 16-count criminal complaint unsealed today. Ten of the defendants were arrested this morning as part of a takedown coordinated by federal and local law enforcement authorities. One defendant is currently detained on related charges. One defendant remains at large. A 13th defendant, Alterrick Livingston, 42, of Trenton, was arrested and charged today in a separate one-count complaint following law enforcement’s court-authorized search of his Trenton apartment and the recovery of five privately made firearms (PMFs), two fully drilled frames, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and numerous tools and accessories used for manufacturing and assembling firearms.

Wilson was charged with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 100 grams or more of heroin, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and additional quantities of cocaine. Meekins was charged in three counts with distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Livingston was charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The remaining defendants were charged with varying counts of distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine. Those arrested today are scheduled to make their initial court appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court.

According to the two federal criminal complaints:

Beginning in July 2020, law enforcement agencies investigating drug trafficking in the area of Garfield, Cleveland, and Logan avenues in Trenton executed numerous controlled purchases of narcotics from multiple defendants, including Wilson and Meekins. On multiple occasions, law enforcement officers made multiple seizures of unlawfully trafficked narcotics, including, suspected heroin, cocaine base and a firearm from a vehicle driven by Meekins, a previously convicted felon. Communications that law enforcement intercepted revealed that Wilson was a significant drug trafficker of heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine in the area, specifically in the area of the Grand Court Villas apartment building, East State Street and South Olden Avenue; Garfield Avenue Playground; and other locations. In connection with today’s coordinated operation, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Livingston’s Trenton apartment, and recovered multiple firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and numerous tools and accessories used for manufacturing and assembling firearms.

The charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of heroin and/or 28 grams of cocaine base carry a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. The remaining narcotics charges carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $1 million. The firearm and ammunition counts with which Meekins and Livingston are charged each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charges filed today are the result of an investigation by the Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force. Led by the FBI, the Task Force is comprised of various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and its mission is to combine the resources and intelligence of the participating agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Director Steve Wilson; officers of the Burlington City Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John Fine; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Bruce Painter; officers of the Willingboro Township Police Department, under the direction of Acting Public Safety Director Ian Bucs; and detectives with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Super Pitts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Matthews of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

*denotes at-large

Defendant

Age

Residence

Jamal Wilson, aka “Vill”

 

46

Trenton

Theodore Meekins, aka “Meech”

 

40

Trenton

Louis Williams, aka “Bake”

 

38

Trenton

Clinton Rodriguez, aka “C-Rod”

 

46

Morrisville, Pennsylvania

Kai Bowman Jr.

 

45

Trenton

Glenn Moore

 

29

Levittown, Pennsylvania

*Rashied McKines

 

48

Trenton

Michael Williams, aka “Ice”

 

45

Trenton

Derrick Jiles

 

59

Trenton

Dion Morris

 

36

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Jerry Farmer

 

46

Trenton

James Edwards

 

27

Ewing, New Jersey

Alterrick Livingston

42

Trenton

 

NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man was indicted for his role in a murder-for-hire scheme to kill a minor girl, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. 

Armando Conceicao, 57, is charged in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and causing another to travel interstate or using interstate facilities with intent that a murder for hire be committed.

According to the indictment:

In May 2021, Conceicao communicated with another individual for the purposes of killing or locating another person to kill the victim. Conceicao met with this individual around that time and provided victim’s address in Texas, a photograph of the victim, and a quantity of cash so that individual could conduct reconnaissance at the victim’s residence. The individual drove from New Jersey to Texas and photographed the victim’s residence, a car belonging to the victim’s father, and surrounding area. Conceicao instructed individual to proceed with the scheme to murder the victim.

The murder-for-hire charge is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charge.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olta Bejleri of the Criminal Division in Newark.

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

CAMDEN, N.J. – A correctional officer at the Salem County Correctional Facility today admitted accepting a bribe in exchange for agreeing to smuggle a telephone into the jail for a prisoner, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Marcus Kidd, 36, of Elmer, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of attempted extortion under color of official right.

According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:

In May 2022, Kidd agreed with a federal pretrial detainee housed at the Salem County Correctional Facility to smuggle a phone into the jail and provide the phone to the detainee in exchange for a $5,000 bribe. Kidd met with an associate of the detainee at a parking lot in Elmer, New Jersey, and accepted $5,000 in cash and a cell phone.

The count of attempted extortion under color of official right to which Kidd pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with FBI, Philadelphia Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire, and Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

NEWARK, N.J. – Four Union County men were arraigned today for their roles in the armed robbery of a gas station in Union County, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Wiggins Cadet, 24, and Khalil Brown, 23, both of Roselle, New Jersey; and Zyquan McCray, 23, and Tyrone Crutchfield-Davis, 27, both of Linden, New Jersey, are each charged in a five-count superseding indictment returned Aug. 2, 2022, with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery. Cadet, McCray, and Crutchfield-Davis are also charged with one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of conspiracy to brandish a firearm during a crime of violence. Cadet is charged with one count of possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The four defendants were arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and all entered pleas of not guilty.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Dec. 15, 2019, a gas station in Cranford, New Jersey, was robbed by two masked individuals, later identified as Cadet and McCray. Cadet brandished a firearm as he and McCray stole cash from two gas station attendants. After fleeing the gas station, Cadet and McCray got into a getaway car driven by Brown. The investigation revealed that Crutchfield-Davis, one of the gas station attendants, was involved in the robbery scheme.

The Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and conspiracy to brandish a firearm during a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. The possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, the Cranford Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Ryan Greco, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Camila A. Garces of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A French national and executive of a pharmaceutical company admitted making false statements to gain control of the rights to sell a weight-loss drug in the United States, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Alain Bouaziz, 69, a French citizen and resident of the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of making false statements to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Bouaziz represented himself to be the chief operating officer of Hexim Pharmaceuticals (Hexim), a company headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey. Hexim was previously known as Alkopharma USA Inc.

Beginning in February 2018, Bouaziz submitted forged documents and made false statements to the FDA to try to fraudulently gain control of Sanorex, a weight-loss pharmaceutical owned by a major international pharmaceutical company. Bouaziz sent letters and documents by email and in hard copy to the FDA falsely stating that Hexim had purchased the New Drug Application for Sanorex and requesting a meeting about marketing Sanorex in the United States. These representations were false because neither Hexim nor Alkopharma owned the rights to distribute Sanorex.

The count of making false statements is punishable by a maximum term of five years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Fernando P. McMillan, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden M. Brockett of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man admitted possessing and distributing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Perth De, aka “Parthasarthie Kapoor,” 48, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Jan. 21, 2020, De was arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport pursuant to a fugitive warrant issued by on behalf of the government of Canada, which previously charged De with sexually assaulting minors. During a search incident to De’s arrest, law enforcement found several cellular phones in De’s luggage. A subsequent forensic examination of one of the cellular phones revealed numerous videos of children being sexually abused. The forensic examination further revealed that some of the videos had been distributed from the cellular phone.  

The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, and with the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, with the investigation leading to these charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing a weapon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Anthony D. Parker, aka “Papa Smurf,” 38, of Camden, was convicted at trial in March 2022 before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman of one count of being a felon in possession of a weapon. Parker has three previous convictions for illegally possessing a weapon, as well as prior drug convictions.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Parker to three years of supervised release and fined him $5,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire in Philadelphia; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay; and officers of the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg of the Criminal Division in Camden.

CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic City, New Jersey, woman was sentenced to 216 months in prison after being convicted at trial of two drug distribution offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Rajeri Curry, 33, was previously convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, following a nine-day trial before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence on Aug. 11, 2022, in Camden federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

On Jan. 17, 2018, law enforcement executed a search at Curry’s residence. Inside Curry’s home, law enforcement recovered heroin, stamped with the words “DOA” and “BODY COUNT,” which Curry intended to distribute to her customers in Atlantic City. Also, between March and June of 2018, Curry conspired with drug suppliers in Newark to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Curry to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA’s Newark Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief James A. Sarkos, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Repole, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Virginia man was charged with conspiring to launder money taken from victims across the United States, many of whom were elderly, as a part of a series of  romance scams, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Richard Agyeman Dua, 44, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is charged by complaint with one count of money laundering conspiracy.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Agyeman laundered money obtained through romance scams through business accounts he opened in the name of Mineral Logistics. After receiving the romance scam victims’ money, Agyeman wired thousands of dollars to overseas bank accounts, including accounts in Canada, Hong Kong, and China. Many of the victims were told of a scheme involving gold or an inheritance held up overseas; at least one victim lost her house as a result of the fraud. Law enforcement estimates that Agyeman received at least $734,000 in fraudulent proceeds.

The money laundering conspiracy charge has a maximum term of 20 years, and a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved in the transfer, whichever is greater.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen in Cleveland, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the FBI in Richmond, Virginia, for its assistance. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.