District of New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – An Indiana man was convicted on all counts today in connection with a plot to pay a purported hitman to kill his estranged wife, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Narsan Lingala, 57, of Noblesville, Indiana, was convicted on one count each of conspiring to commit murder for hire and traveling interstate or using interstate facilities with intent that a murder for hire be committed and two counts of attempting to tamper with a witness. The jury deliberated three hours before returning the guilty verdicts following an eight-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court.

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

Lingala conspired and attempted to hire a purported hitman to kill his ex-wife. He also attempted to tamper with the testimony of a conspirator and an undercover law enforcement officer. The conduct for which he was convicted occurred between approximately May 2018 and March 2019.

Lingala’s conspirator, Sandya Reddy, pleaded guilty in April 2019 to her role in the scheme and was sentenced on Aug. 10, 2020, to 63 months in prison.

The murder-for-hire charges are each punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison; the witness tampering charges are punishable by a maximum of 20 years. All of the charges are also punishable by a maximum fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch in Newark, as well as the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and detectives, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Feldman Nikic of the Cybercrime Unit and Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark. 

NEWARK, N.J. – A Peruvian woman today admitted smuggling approximately seven kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Peru, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Yolanda Fonseca Melgarejo, 59, a legal permanent resident of the United States and a citizen of Peru, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging her with one count of importation of controlled substances.

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

Fonseca Melgarejo arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from Lima, Peru, on March 31, 2019.  Law enforcement officers discovered that Fonseca Melgarejo possessed approximately seven kilograms of cocaine concealed within wrapped chocolate candy in her luggage.

The count to which Fonseca Melgarejo pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million dollars. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Lucchese Crime Family was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for planning and carrying out an aggravated assault on the husband of one of the former stars of the Bravo television show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

John Perna, 44, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to Count One of an indictment charging him with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today by videoconference. The indictment also charges Thomas Manzo, 56, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

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

In the spring of 2015, Manzo, one of the owners of the Brownstone Restaurant in Paterson, New Jersey, and the ex-husband of the Bravo star, hired Perna to assault his ex-wife’s new boyfriend (now husband) in exchange for a deeply discounted wedding reception to be held at Manzo’s upscale Passaic County venue. Perna, who is a member of the Lucchese Crime Family, planned and carried out the assault on July 18, 2015, with the help of a member of his crew. Perna was armed with a “slapjack” during the assault. In exchange for committing the assault, Perna held a lavish wedding reception at Manzo’s restaurant a month later for a fraction of the price he would otherwise have paid. The reception was attended by over 330 guests, many of whom were members of the Lucchese Crime Family.

In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Perna to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $17,816 in restitution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations in the indictment remaining against Manzo are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – Avis Budget Group Inc. (Avis Budget), which includes its wholly-owned brands Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, and Payless Car Rental, will pay $10.1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overcharging the United States in connection with rental vehicles, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

According to the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement:

Avis Budget made false claims in connection with obtaining payments under an agreement with the United States managed by the Department of Defense Travel Management Office. From Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2019, Avis Budget submitted false claims and received payment from the United States for unallowable supplemental charges to car rentals, including collision damage waiver/loss damage waiver insurance; supplemental liability coverage/additional liability insurance; personal accident insurance; personal effects coverage/personal effects protection; and late turn-in fees. In addition to being unallowable, some of the fees Avis Budget charged were already included in the government rental rate.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; Regional Agent in Charge for the New Jersey Resident Agency, Richard Monticello; Regional Agent in Charge for the St. Louis Resident Agency, Mitch Berry, and personnel of the Department of Defense, Defense Travel Management Office, under the direction of Director William R. Mansell Jr., with the investigation leading to the settlement.

The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark C. Orlowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Government Fraud Unit in Newark.

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

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, Jersey, man today admitted offering bribes to a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee to steal check books and credit cards from the mail, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jabre Beauvoir, 22, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with one count of bribery.

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

In the summer of 2019, Beauvoir offered bribes to USPS employees to steal mail containing check books and credit cards. Beauvoir typically offered $100 per package of check books or credit cards to induce USPS employees to steal such mail matter and deliver it to him. It was further part of the scheme that Beauvoir and others then posed as the actual accountholders to whom the check books or credit cards originally were mailed by fraudulently signing checks, activating the stolen credit cards, and fraudulently using them.

The bribery charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain derived or loss sustained, or three time the monetary equivalent of the thing of value received, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, and special agents with the USPS-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 arrest. He also thanked the U.S. Secret Service, the New Jersey State Police, the Elizabeth Police Department, and the Secaucus Police Department for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier made her initial court appearance today on charges of making false statements to obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Aida Perez, 42, of Roselle Park, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing, and covering up a material fact, and making a false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in connection with the application for and receipt of federal workers’ compensation benefits. Perez made her initial appearance today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk and was released on bail.

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

Perez worked as a mail carrier for the USPS in Westfield, New Jersey. On Nov. 18, 2020, Perez signed and certified a form in which she alleged she sustained an ankle sprain on Nov. 9, 2020, while performing her duties. In subsequent forms, Perez certified that she did not receive earnings from employment outside of her federal job. However, an investigation revealed that Perez operated a business from which she received substantial income. For example, during the investigation, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased $245 in goods from Perez’s business.

The count of making false statements to obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited members of the USPS – 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.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Pesce of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s OCDETF/Narcotics 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.

CAMDEN, N.J.  – A Michigan man today admitted defrauding victims of more than $5 million in connection with the sale of medical-related business opportunities, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Vijay Reddy, 45, of Milan, Michigan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. 

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

From December 2015 through November 2020, Reddy and his conspirators, David Weinstein and Kevin Brown, advertised business opportunities for sale on various websites. They purported to sell “blocks” of contracts with medical providers who allegedly wanted to outsource their medical billing, collections, appeals, answering, credentialing, or transcription functions. The buyers would then provide the contracted services to the medical providers and earn a profit. The conspirators promised to deliver a specified number of providers and pledged that their proprietary marketing efforts would provide a guaranteed client base to the buyers.

To induce buyers to purchase the business opportunities, the conspirators created fake references purporting to be buyers who vouched for their prior business purchases from the conspirators. In fact, the references were Reddy, Weinstein, and their friends and family members, and they used aliases and disguised phone numbers to speak with potential buyers.

After agreeing to purchase the blocks of medical providers, victims entered contracts with companies represented by Weinstein or Reddy and wired down payments ranging from $15,000 to $240,000 to accounts controlled by Weinstein or Brown. The remainder of each purchase price was payable when the conspirators fulfilled the contract by delivering the agreed-upon number of providers.

After receiving the down payments, Weinstein and Reddy typically delivered to each victim only a small number of medical providers. Despite not fulfilling the contracts of any of the buyers identified by law enforcement, the conspirators continued to sell blocks of medical providers to new buyers and refused to provide refunds for their failures to satisfy the terms of the contracts. The conspirators also periodically sold batches of previously signed contracts and disclaimed further responsibility for those contracts to insulate themselves from complaints or legal action from disgruntled buyers.

Brown acted as the business broker for most of the transactions and received a commission for the sales he brokered. Reddy or Weinstein acted as the seller and signed the contracts with the victims. At least 77 victims sent more than $5 million to accounts controlled by the conspirators. The conspirators spent the victims’ money on personal expenses, including a travel, jewelry, real estate, a wedding and a college education, and other business investments.

The wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy counts are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. As part of his plea agreement, Reddy agreed to make restitution $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in Philadelphia; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark; and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel A. Friedman and Diana V. Carrig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

The charges and allegations in the criminal complaints against Weinstein and Brown are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for conspiring to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.  

Ramon Velez, 44, of Camden, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin from June 2018 through November 2018. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

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

Using confidential informants, consensual recordings, over 40 controlled drug purchases, and several court-authorized wiretaps, the investigation showed a large-scale drug operation operating in the 400-500 block of Pine Street in Camden in 2017-2018. Street-level sellers were supervised by managers, who also resupplied them with pre-packaged heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Ramon Velez also sold heroin from the area surrounding his residence. Several firearms were recovered from different locations during searches by the FBI and other law enforcement officers when the defendants were arrested in November 2018. Ramon Velez was arrested on December 6, 2018.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Johnson to five years of supervised release.

Nineteen defendants were arrested on drug trafficking charges based on the investigation; 15 defendants have pleaded guilty on drug conspiracy charges. One defendant, Kaliel Johnson of Camden, was sentenced last week to nine years in prison; 13 defendants are awaiting sentencing and three more defendants are awaiting trial. The charges and allegations against those three defendants awaiting trial are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sherriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of  Chief William P. Monaghan; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance.

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. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Sara Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Camden Office.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A California man was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for shipping approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and conspiring to send an additional 5 kilograms of fentanyl into New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jesus Zavala-Torres, 35, of San Jacinto, California, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence today by videoconference.

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

In September 2018, law enforcement officers received information that an individual identified as Isabel Otanez-Sanchez, was shipping large quantities of narcotics to New Jersey from California. On Jan. 28, 2019, Sanchez agreed to send 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a law enforcement confidential source (the “CS”) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Zavala-Torres and Sanchez hid 28 packages of methamphetamine inside a salvaged vehicle that was shipped from California to New Jersey. Agents recovered the 28 packages, totaling approximately 30 pounds, from the car’s gas tank. On Feb. 12, 2019, the CS met with Sanchez and Zavala-Torres in Riverside, California. At this meeting, Sanchez and Zavala-Torres also agreed to sell an additional five kilograms of fentanyl that would be shipped to the CS in New Jersey in the same manner as the methamphetamine. Following this meeting, Sanchez and Zavala-Torres were arrested by law enforcement and the five kilograms of fentanyl they intended to ship to New Jersey were recovered.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Zavala-Torres to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked HSI in Riverside, CA; the New Jersey State Police; the Hemet, California, Police Department; and the Atlantic City Task Force for their assistance.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden. 

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 65 months in prison for defrauding several investors of more than $1.5 million, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Brett Cooper, 44, of Moorestown, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of money laundering. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

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

Cooper and two other individuals created a “high-yield bank scheme” and solicited investments from multiple investors, telling them that they could double or triple their initial investments in 60 to 90 days. Cooper set up several shell companies, including a company he named Peninsula Water Development and another named Dream Holdings, and he had the investors wire money to bank accounts that he had set up for these shell companies. Cooper admitted that he never invested any of the money and that he transferred the money to his personal accounts used it to pay his living expenses and for other personal expenditures.  Cooper also wired some of the money from the investors to two other conspirators. A total of eight victims lost money due to Cooper’s fraudulent scheme.

Cooper was previously found liable for damages related to the fraud scheme in a civil case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the civil case, Cooper was ordered to pay over $2 million in damages and fines in November 2015.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Cooper to three years of supervised and fined him $25,000. Restitution will be determined at a late date.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited agents with IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark; and attorneys and investigators for the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the direction of Division of Enforcement Acting Director Melissa Hodgman, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Camden Office.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for his role in a large-scale cocaine distribution conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig announced. 

Narcisco Ramirez, 46, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence via videoconference today. 

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

Ramirez was part of a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of cocaine in and around Passaic County in 2017.  In November 2017, law enforcement officers observed Ramirez and a conspirator meet at a location in Passaic and exchange a package containing cocaine. Later that day, officers stopped Ramirez’s car and found one kilogram of cocaine on the front seat and two additional kilograms hidden in his right pant leg and waist band. A search of Ramirez’s residence revealed another two kilograms of cocaine and $89,000 in cash. Law enforcement officers also discovered over $296,000 in cash in two different safety deposit boxes controlled by Ramirez.  In total, law enforcement officers seized approximately 29 kilograms of cocaine and over $1.3 million in drug proceeds from Ramirez and his conspirators. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Ramirez to five years of supervised release and order him to forfeit over $384,000 in drug proceeds.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.    

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan M. Peck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Jamaican man today admitted that he smuggled approximately 2.8 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Perez Omar Gibbs, 38, of Trelawny, Jamaica, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of importation of controlled substances.

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

Gibbs arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Law enforcement officers discovered that Gibbs possessed approximately 2.8 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside two bags of coffee and four picture frames.

The count with which Gibbs is charged carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Marty Raybon, Acting Director of Field Operations, New York Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

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

NEWARK, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man made his initial court appearance today for allegedly filing a fraudulent bankruptcy petition claiming he had limited assets and hundreds of millions of dollars in liabilities, when, in fact, he had $2.9 million in a hidden bank account, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig announced today.

Elia Zois, 56, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of concealment in bankruptcy. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.

According to the complaint:

Zois was one of five partners in “Business-2,” a New Jersey-based health care organization that maintained approximately 50 senior living facilities throughout New Jersey, Michigan, and Wisconsin. On Feb. 6, 2019, he and his spouse filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, alleging that between 2014 and 2018 he had only $9,000 in assets and $201 million in liabilities, based upon his partnership in Business-2. A forensic accounting report concluded that during that period Zois received $2.9 million in deposits into the bank account of “Business-1” – of which Zois was the sole owner – including approximately $200,000 in undeclared income after he filed for bankruptcy. The hidden account was intended to conceal a portion of his income to circumvent existing IRS liens on his known assets.

The count of concealment in a bankruptcy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the investigators of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, under supervision of Regional Director Thomas Licetti; and special agents of the Department of Labor (OIG), New York Region, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nikitas Splagounias, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked special agents of the FBI, Milwaukee field office, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.

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

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a conspiracy that used fake passports to open accounts at victim banks into which he and others deposited phony IRS refund checks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Mamadou Diallo, 44, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of false use of a passport.

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

From June 2012 through December 2018, Diallo and others conspired to fraudulently obtain money from four victim banks. Diallo and his conspirators created false passports from various West African countries by affixing their own pictures onto passports bearing names other than their own. They opened fraudulent bank accounts at the victim banks using the doctored passports as photo identification. The conspirators deposited fraudulent checks bearing the routing number for the U.S. Treasury. Once the fraudulent checks were deposited, the conspirators withdrew the funds. To date, the losses associated with the conspiracy exceed $450,000.

The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. The passport fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.  Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins; special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina; the U.S. Department of Treasury-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General Richard K. Delmar; and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari B. Fontecchio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

CAMDEN, N.J. B A Camden man was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for conspiring to distribute approximately 900 grams of heroin in Camden, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.  

Kaliel Johnson, 28, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin from August 2018 through November 2018. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

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

Using confidential informants, consensual recordings, over 40 controlled drug purchases, and several court-authorized wiretaps, the investigation showed a large-scale drug operation in the 400-500 block of Pine Street in Camden in 2017-2018. Street-level sellers were supervised by managers, who also resupplied them with pre-packaged heroin, cocaine, and crack-cocaine. Several firearms were recovered from different locations during searches by the FBI and other law enforcement officers when the defendants were arrested in November 2018. Johnson was arrested on Nov. 28, 2018.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Johnson to five years of supervised release.

Nineteen defendants were arrested on drug trafficking charges based on this investigation; 15 defendants have pleaded guilty on drug conspiracy charges and are awaiting sentencing, and three defendants are awaiting trial. The charges and allegations against those three defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; the Camden County Sherriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; the Cherry Hill Police Department, under the direction of  Chief William P. Monaghan; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance.

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. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Sara Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Camden Office.

NEWARK, N.J. – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee today admitted stealing checks sent through the mail, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Juan Torres, 28, of Hackensack, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with one count of mail theft.

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

Torres admitted that from November 2019 to May 2020 he stole checks that were addressed to third-party victims and mailed to addresses on postal routes in Hackensack, Leonia, and Maywood, New Jersey. He subsequently deposited the checks in New Jersey and elsewhere, into a bank account that he controlled, including a $1,505 check stolen from mail addressed to a third party. Torres stole checks totaling over $27,000.  

The mail theft charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents with the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, and the Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his role in a multi-year scheme to defraud financial institutions and others, Rahul Agarwal, Attorney for the United States in this matter, announced.

Steve Young Kang, aka “Steven Young Kang” and “Young Tae Kang,” 66, of Ridgefield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to an information charging him with one count of bank fraud and one count of wire fraud. Judge Martini imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

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

Kang and others fraudulently induced mortgage lenders to participate in “short sale” transactions, in which, typically, a financial institution agrees to allow a homeowner in financial distress to sell his or her home for less than the homeowner owes on the mortgage. Such transactions are called short sales because the market value of the house is less than the amount owed by the homeowner and the lender agrees to accept a payment “short” of the amount owed by the owner.

From June 2013 to January 2017, Kang, who owned and controlled two real estate brokerages, sold his own properties and recruited others to sell properties in fraudulent short sales to a co-schemer, Mehdi Kassai. The co-schemers convinced financial institutions to agree to short sales and to accept less than the properties were worth through false documents, straw buyers, and cosmetic damage to properties. Kang, as a listing broker, also prevented legitimate and higher offers from being made by artificially limiting the ability of others to bid on and buy properties. Kassai then sold the properties to third-parties at a substantial profit. Kang defrauded financial institutions and others of at least $2.7 million.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Kang to three years of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit $835,248 in proceeds of the scheme. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

Attorney for the United States Agarwal credited special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mark Musella, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlie L. Divine and Kevin V. Di Gregory of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County correctional officer today admitted signing a false report following another officer’s assault of a federal pretrial detainee, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Angel Chaparro, 38, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with filing a false report. Officers Luis Ortiz and Damion James and Sergeant Herman Pride were previously charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to violate a pretrial detainee’s civil rights. Those charges remain pending.

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

On the evening of Aug. 17, 2020, a federal pretrial detainee at Essex County Correctional Facility squirted a substance onto a correctional officer. The detainee subsequently was transported to a disciplinary cell, where Chaparro, Ortiz, and James began to conduct a strip search of the detainee. They never completed it. Chaparro admitted that during the strip search, James assaulted the detainee, striking him multiple times in his face, head, and chest area.  Multiple supervisory officers, including Pride, watched the assault, but no one intervened to stop it. At the end of the assault, Pride said, “Okay, that’s enough.”

Following the assault, the detainee asked for, and was initially denied, medical assistance. Two days later, the detainee was finally taken to the emergency room at University Hospital in Newark. He was diagnosed with large swelling and tenderness in the right side of his face and discoloration and bruising around his right eye.

Chaparro admitted that, in connection with the assault, he was given a blank “Strip/ Body Cavity Search Report” to sign. After he signed the blank report, it was ultimately filled out and submitted by a supervising officer. Chaparro admitted that the report was false in that he signed it as “reporting officer,” even though he did not write it. Chaparro also admitted that by signing the report, he falsely indicated that a strip search of the detainee had been completed, when, in fact, the officers never completed the strip search. Chaparro admitted that the report that was ultimately submitted was additionally false because it said “N/A” in the section of the report titled, “If applicable, reason for use of force,” when, in fact, Officer James struck the detainee multiple times while Chaparro, Ortiz, Pride, and other supervising officers watched and did not intervene.

The false report charge to which Chaparro pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2021. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; and the Essex County Correctional Facility Internal Affairs Bureau, under the direction of Director Alfaro Ortiz and the Office of the Warden, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Acting Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Agarwal.

The charges and allegations in the criminal complaint against the other defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – Three Essex County, New Jersey, men have been charged with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition in connection with a May 14, 2021 shooting, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Gilbert Bermudez, aka “Troub,” 28; Brian Elijah Mitchell, aka “Slash,” 31; and Jaahan Mitchell, 32, all of Newark, are each charged by criminal complaint with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Brian Mitchell made his initial appearance today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre, and was detained. Bermudez’s initial appearance is expected to be scheduled later this week. Jaahan Mitchell remains at large.

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

On May 14, 2021, members of the Newark Police Department were dispatched to the Pennington Court housing complex in Newark on a report of shots fired. Officers reviewed surveillance videos from cameras located near the shooting, which showed Bermudez and Brian Mitchell, together with another man, shooting at a fourth man, who had shot into the courtyard of the housing complex. The footage also showed that the third shooter dropped a cellular phone as he fled from the scene of the shooting. A lawful search of the cellular phone showed that the phone belonged to Jaahan Mitchell.

Bermudez was arrested on May 20, 2021. During a lawful search of Bermudez’s residence, officers recovered a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. Ballistics testing determined that six of the 9mm shell casings found at the crime scene were discharged from the firearm found in Bermudez’s residence.

The count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.   

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara; members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; and special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez, of the Violent Crimes Unit.

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

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Natquan T. Johnson, 26, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an indictment charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

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

On July 27, 2019, officers of the Asbury Park Police Department and detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office confronted Johnson, a previously convicted felon, at his residence after observing online social media postings depicting Johnson in possession of a handgun earlier that same day. During a consensual search of the residence, law enforcement located the firearm, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Johnson is not permitted to possess firearms under federal law.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Johnson to three years of supervised release. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; officers of the Asbury Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police David Kelso; and detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Camden County residents were arrested following their indictment by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in attempting to bribe a witness to steal a gun from a car that was in the custody of the Camden County Police Department, pending the execution of a search warrant, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Anthony D. Parker, aka “Papa Smurf,” 37, of Camden, and Saidah A. Davis, “Sacha,” 41, of Woodlynne, New Jersey, were both charged by indictment with witness tampering. Parker was additionally charged by indictment with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Both were indicted and arraigned in federal court last month before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams. U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio conducted a detention hearing on Parker today and ordered him held without bail pending trial.

According to the indictment and statements made in court:

On April 14, 2021, a law enforcement officer saw Parker enter a gray Chrysler while holding a black firearm in his hand. Later that night, police conducted a motor vehicle stop of the Chrysler, and ordered Parker, the sole occupant, out of the car. A drug-detecting K-9 alerted for the presence of narcotics in Parker’s car, which was then seized and impounded in a Camden tow lot pending an application for a search warrant. Parker was released from the scene. During the morning hours of April 16, 2021, police officers went to the tow lot and executed a search warrant on the Chrysler, at which time they found a black Glock 9 mm handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition hidden in a compartment behind the dashboard. Police officers also found approximately $8,000 in cash, packaged in a manner consistent with drug trafficking proceeds.  At the time, Parker had at least one prior felony conviction in federal court.

During the afternoon hours of April 16, 2021, not knowing that a search warrant had been executed and that the police had already seized the gun and cash, Parker and Davis went to the home of an individual who worked at the Camden tow lot. Parker asked the employee if his car was still in the tow lot, and when the employee answered affirmatively, Parker offered the employee $2,000 to break into his car and remove the gun and cash. The tow lot employee refused.

During the evening hours of April 16, 2021, an unidentified male broke into the tow lot and walked directly to Parker’s Chrysler. The male attempted to open the driver’s side door, which was locked, and then broke into the Chrysler by smashing the driver’s side window. The male entered the Chrysler and removed a panel that concealed a hidden compartment behind the dashboard. Finding the compartment empty, the male exited the Chrysler and fled the tow lot.

The witness tampering charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in Philadelphia; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer; and officers of the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gabriel Rodriguez; with the investigation leading to the indictment. 

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

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 arrested and had his initial appearance in federal court on charges stemming from his arrest for narcotics trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Raheem Johnson, aka “Smoke,” 37, of Newark, is charged by complaint with two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin (Counts One and Three), one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Count Two), one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Count Four), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count Five). Johnson appeared by videoconference on May 27, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III and was detained without bail

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

The investigation revealed that in April 2021 and May 2021, Johnson distributed controlled substances, including cocaine base and heroin, around Hayes Street in Newark. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and recovered a WASR‑10 7.62x39 millimeter semi-automatic rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62x39-mm ammunition, and more than two dozen bricks, or 1,200 doses, of suspected heroin.

Counts One, Two, and Three each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Count Four carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Count Five carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence of imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

Johnson was a target of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute 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 DEA, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha C. Fasanello of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes 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.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A California man was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for shipping approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and conspiring to send an additional five kilograms of fentanyl into New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Isabel Otanez-Sanchez, 27, of San Jacinto, California, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

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

In September 2018, law enforcement officers received information that an individual known as “Pancho,” later identified as Otanez-Sanchez, was shipping large quantities of narcotics to New Jersey from California. On Jan. 28, 2019, Otanez-Sanchez agreed to send 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a law enforcement confidential source (the “CS”) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Otanez-Sanchez and conspirator Jesus Zavala-Torres hid 28 packages of methamphetamine inside a salvaged vehicle that was shipped to New Jersey from California. Agents recovered the 28 packages, totaling approximately 30 pounds, from the car’s gas tank. On Feb. 12, 2019, the CS met with Otanez-Sanchez and Zavala-Torres in Riverside, California. Otanez-Sanchez and Zavala-Torres also agreed to sell an additional five kilograms of fentanyl that would be shipped to the CS in New Jersey in the same manner as the methamphetamine.  Following this meeting, Otanez-Sanchez and Zavala-Torres were arrested by law enforcement and the five kilograms of fentanyl they intended to ship to New Jersey were recovered.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Otanez-Sanchez to five years of supervised release. Zavala-Torres is scheduled to be sentenced June 2, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges and today’s sentencing. She also thanked HSI in Riverside, California; the New Jersey State Police; the Hemet, California, Police Department; and the Atlantic City Task Force for their assistance.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.

NEWARK, N.J. – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier from Hudson County today admitted he discarded mail, including 99 general election ballots sent from the Essex County Board of Elections to West Orange, New Jersey, residents, from his assigned routes in Orange and West Orange, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Nicholas Beauchene, 26, of Kearny, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of desertion of mails.

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

Beauchene admitted that on Sept. 28, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2, 2020, he discarded into dumpsters in North Arlington, New Jersey, and West Orange 1,875 pieces of mail that he was assigned to deliver to postal customers in West Orange and Orange, New Jersey. This mail included 627 pieces of first-class mail, 873 pieces of standard class mail, two pieces of certified mail, 99 general election ballots destined for residents in West Orange, and 276 campaign flyers from local candidates for West Orange Town Council and Board of Education. Law enforcement recovered the mail on Oct. 2, 2020, and Oct. 5, 2020, and placed it back into the mail stream for delivery.

The desertion of mail charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 21, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the USPS-Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, with the investigation.

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

CAMDEN, N.J. – A New York man today admitted attempting to entice a minor and traveling from New York to New Jersey to meet an individual, whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity, Acting U.S Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.  

Eduardo Silva, 43, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Rene Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

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

On Sept. 5, 2020, Silva, while using an online social media application, sent a message to an individual he believed was an underage girl, but who was in fact an undercover federal agent. Silva asked whether the minor was “into older guys” and over the next several days sent a series of explicit online communications and text messages, discussing his intent to travel to meet the minor and engage in sexual activity with her. On Sept. 23, 2020, Silva was arrested when he traveled from the Bronx to a motel in Bordentown, New Jersey, intending to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex.  

The count of coercion and enticement of a minor carries a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison; the count of travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The charges also each carry a maximum fine of $250,000 per count. Silva will be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Cherry Hill Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, and the Bordentown Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Pesce, for their assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Mateo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl from a drug mill in the Bronx to locations in New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jose Antonio Vasquez Pena, a/k/a “Tono,” 48, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Judge Salas imposed the sentence by videoconference today. Dilson Vazquez Genao, 23, Eddie Urena Rodriguez, 35, and Francisco Mercedes Gil, 31, also of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before Judge Salas to the same charges in September 2019. Daury Contreras Ulerio, 34, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced in March 2020.

Two other individuals – Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 31, and Reimon Genao Rosario, 23 – were indicted on the same charge as Pena in August 2019. Their cases are pending.

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

In early February 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Maldonado used an apartment in the Bronx to store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities. Pena stayed at the apartment in order to safeguard the narcotics and narcotics supplies. Maldonado employed approximately five workers at a time—including Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Gil, and Genao—to assist in preparing the heroin and fentanyl for distribution, which Maldonado then distributed to customers in New Jersey.

On Feb. 25, 2019, law enforcement officers saw Maldonado drive to a retail store and emerge with several full shopping bags and then drive to the apartment. Genoa came out of the building and met with Maldonado, who got out of his vehicle and gave Genoa the plastic shopping bags. Through its investigation, law enforcement later learned that the plastic shopping bags contained materials to package heroin and fentanyl.

Genoa went back inside the building and was followed by law enforcement officers, who watched as Genoa entered Maldonado’s apartment with a key, still carrying the shopping bags. On Feb. 27, 2019, law enforcement searched Maldonado’s apartment and found seven individuals inside, including Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Gil, Maldonado, Pena, and Genao. All seven defendants attempted to escape out a window, but all but one – Rosario – were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside. Rosario was arrested at a later date. Law enforcement recovered nearly a kilogram of fentanyl from the apartment, along with materials to grind and package fentanyl for distribution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould, Acting Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations against Maldonado and Rosario are merely accusations, and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Salem County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for illegally possessing a handgun, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Rahim Seals, 28, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence today by videoconference.

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

On Dec. 27, 2019, while Seals was walking in Salem City, detectives from the Salem City Prosecutor’s Office attempted to arrest Seals on an outstanding warrant. Seals fled and dropped a Sig Sauer P238 .380 caliber handgun loaded with seven hollow point rounds of ammunition. Seals has three prior felony convictions, including a controlled substance offense and two resisting arrest offenses.

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

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.  He also thanked the Salem City Police Department, under the direction of Chief John A. Pelura, III, and the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John T. Lenahan, for their assistance.

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 Passaic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Felix Acevedo, 29, of Paterson, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

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

From March 2018 through March 2019, Acevedo conspired with others to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. On Feb. 20, 2019, he took possession of a parcel that had been shipped to him at an address in Clifton, New Jersey. Acevedo believed the parcel contained narcotics, which he planned to deliver to a conspirator. Unbeknownst to Acevedo, law enforcement had interdicted the parcel prior to its delivery and removed the 997 grams of fentanyl it contained. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Acevedo to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and the inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

This case is being conducted under the auspices the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. 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 Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man today admitted to narcotics distribution and firearm offenses in connection with a drug trafficking organization, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Ibraaheem Islam, a/k/a “Ish,” 33, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to a four-count information charging him with:  possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Count One); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (Count Two); possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl (Count Three); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count Four). 

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

In May 2020, as the result of an investigation into narcotics distribution activity occurring in the area of Chadwick Avenue in Newark, law enforcement obtained a warrant for Islam’s arrest, as well as warrants to search two vehicles and one residence associated with Islam.  On May 30, 2020, law enforcement executed those warrants and recovered, among other things, a 5.7x28 millimeter FN Herstal model “FN Five-SeveN” pistol, loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, 194 vials containing cocaine base, and 64 glassine envelopes containing heroin and fentanyl. 

Islam admitted that on May 30, 2020, he illegally possessed the FN Herstal pistol, the cocaine base, and the heroin and fentanyl law enforcement seized during the execution of the search warrants.  Islam further admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his distribution of the heroin and fentanyl.

Count One carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Counts Two and Three each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Count Four carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 28, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Acting Director Brian O’Hara; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

Islam was a target of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute 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 DEA, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.

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

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha C. Fasanello, Cassye Cole, and Desiree L. Grace of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

CAMDEN, N.J. – The retired chief of the Bordentown Township Police Department was sentenced today to 28 months in prison for lying to FBI agents who were questioning him about violating an 18-year-old man’s civil rights during an arrest, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced. 

Frank M. Nucera Jr., 64, of Bordentown, New Jersey, was convicted in October 2019 of one count of making false statements to FBI agents who were interviewing him about an arrest that occurred on Sept. 1. 2016. Nucera is also charged by indictment with one count of hate crime assault and one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law; a mistrial was declared on those counts, and he is awaiting retrial.

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

On Sept. 1, 2016, two Bordentown Township police officers responded to a phone call from the Bordentown Ramada, complaining that two teenagers had stayed in a room at the hotel without paying. The teens were listed in the indictment as “Civilian 1,” an 18-year-old African American teenager, and “Civilian 2,” a 16-year-old African American girl. After the officers arrived and questioned the teenagers, the situation allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation, with both teens attempting to resist arrest. The officers called for backup, and numerous officers, including then-Chief Nucera, arrived on the scene.

After Civilian 1 was handcuffed and was being escorted out of the hotel by police, Nucera allegedly approached him from behind and slammed the teenager’s head into a metal doorjamb. During a video recorded interview by FBI special agents, Nucera falsely stated multiple times that he did not touch Civilian 1 during the arrest.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Nucera to two years of supervised release. He also ordered that Nucera will not begin serving his sentence until the remaining counts are resolved.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges and today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Molly S. Lorber, Attorney in Charge of the Camden Office, and Senior Civil Rights Counsel R. Joseph Gribko.

The remaining two counts of the indictment on which Nucera will be retried are merely accusations, and he remains innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man today admitted illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition in connection with an incident in which he shot another individual in Jersey City, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Hassan Mosby, 40, of Jersey City, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

On Oct. 12, 2019, members of the Jersey City Police Department were dispatched to the area of Martin Luther King Drive between Woodlawn Avenue and Armstrong Avenue in Jersey City on a report of shots fired in the area.

Officers located a crime scene which included six 9-millimeter shell casings. While the officers were canvassing the area and processing the crime scene, they reviewed video footage from city cameras located near the shooting. The video showed a brief altercation within a group of males on the sidewalk on Martin Luther King Drive. At the end of the altercation, Mosby pointed and fired a handgun several times at a victim, striking the victim. 

By viewing additional video footage from other city cameras, officers were able to determine that Mosby walked directly to a nearby residence immediately after the shooting.  Officers went to the residence and were let inside by a resident, where they observed Mosby sitting in a chair. Mosby stated, “You got me, I’m who you are looking for. They had nothing to do with it.” Mosby was arrested and a search warrant was obtained for the residence. Officers then found a 9-millimeter semiautomatic handgun, which was loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.  

Subsequent ballistics testing determined that five shell casings found at the crime scene were discharged from the firearm found in the residence.  

The charge to which Mosby pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2021.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, and the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma Spiro and Jonathan W. Romankow of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Maurice Tisdale, 28, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl.

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

Tisdale is a member and associate of the 230 Boys street gang, which operates primarily around Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue in Paterson. Through numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement determined that from at least September 2018 through Oct. 1, 2019, Tisdale and other members and associates of the 230 Boys distributed narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base, in and around Paterson. On June 25, 2019, Tisdale worked with other members and associates to distribute fentanyl to another individual.

The offense charged in the information carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2021.

This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; officers of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora; detectives of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Belleville and Livingston police departments for their assistance with the case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Edison, New Jersey man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for conspiring to export, without a license, firearms, and other items subject to the export control list, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Gene Shilman, 63, a native of the Soviet Union, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the Export Control Reform Act.

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

From May 2014 through October 2018, Shilman entered a conspiracy with others, including a conspirator residing in Ukraine. Shilman exported defense articles regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. Shilman also exported items that were included on the commerce control list as well as defense articles and items with both defense and civilian uses that are subject to the Export Control Reform Act. At no point did Shilman ever obtain the required export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Shilman ordered and received firearms components and parts, ammunition, night-vision goggles and bulletproof vests from various vendors and firearms dealers in the United States. He received numerous wire transfers from overseas locations, including Ukraine and Russia, to pay for the purchase of these items. After receiving these items from the vendors and firearms dealers, Shilman repackaged and shipped them to overseas locations without the required export licenses.  

For example, in September 2018 Shilman completed a Customs Declaration form at a U.S. Post Office in Middlesex County and falsely represented that the contents of the parcel destined for Ukraine contained tools and cartridges. An inspection of the parcel revealed that it contained multiple upper receivers for handguns, multiple ammunition magazines for handguns, multiple threaded barrels for handguns, and a set of front and rear sights for a handgun. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Shilman to one year of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the U.S. Department of Commerce, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, Newark Division, with the investigation leading to the today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for his role as a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy and his possession of multiple semiautomatic firearms in furtherance of his unlawful drug-trafficking activities, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Jubri West, 21, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to a superseding information charging him with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Judge Wolfson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

In October 2018, West and 25 other individuals were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin; West and others also were charged with firearms offenses relating to their drug trafficking. On Feb. 27, 2020, a grand jury returned a 10-count third superseding indictment charging West and six other defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and various other drug and firearms offenses. Of the 26 defendants originally charged in the criminal complaint, West is the 23rd defendant to have pleaded guilty. The charges in the third superseding indictment remain pending against three defendants.

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

From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, West and others engaged in a large drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, Chambers Street, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, law enforcement learned that Jakir Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Pop” and “Papi,” and that they distributed those supplies of heroin to other dealers and end users in and around Trenton.

During the investigation of the conspiracy, on Sept. 6, 2018, law enforcement officers stopped a green 2002 Volkswagen Passat driven by, and registered to, Timothy Wimbush, a/k/a “Young Money,” and occupied by West, Taquan Williams, a/k/a Trip,” and a juvenile. Law enforcement officers recovered from West’s pocket a quantity of heroin, and during a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered from a secret trap compartment under the rear passenger’s seat approximately 57 bricks of heroin, four semiautomatic firearms – including a .223 caliber assault rifle linked with a shooting in Trenton four days earlier – and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement officers identified the heroin as having been supplied by other members of the conspiracy. The charges against Wimbush and Williams remain pending.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced West to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the  direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

The government is represented by Attorney-in-Charge J. Brendan Day and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement 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. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The charges and allegations pending in the third superseding indictment against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – Eight members of an interstate burglary crew were charged for their roles in a conspiracy that targeted homeowners of Asian descent for residential burglaries, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Rabine Armour of Easton, Pennsylvania; Kevin Burton of Newark; Kevin Jackson of Rahway, New Jersey; Thomas Rodgers of Newark; James Hurt of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania; Sherman Glasco of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Randi Barr of Irvington, New Jersey; and Terrance Black of Irvington, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Burton is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiring with Keesha Davis, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, to tamper with evidence. The defendants will appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III.

As alleged in the complaint, these defendants were part of a sophisticated, multi-state burglary crew that targeted the homes of business owners of Asian descent, intending to steal the cash proceeds of their businesses as well as jewelry, foreign currency, and other property,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “A comprehensive investigation led by our partners at the FBI and aided by the cooperation of local law enforcement revealed the links among over 50 residential burglaries and thereby uncovered this scheme. As a result of this careful investigative work, the defendants now face federal charges for their actions.” 

“These defendants allegedly carried out a brazen conspiracy based on stereotype and opportunity,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “It is fitting that these arrests come at a time when society is raising awareness regarding crimes against our Asian-American citizens. FBI-Newark appreciates the strong relationship with our law enforcement partners. To that end, I want to thank the South Plainfield Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutors office for initiating the investigation, and the police departments of New Castle County, Delaware, Eatontown, Edison, Hazlet and the Old Bridge for their investigative assistance leading to these burglary interruptions.”

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

Law enforcement officials identified eight members of an interstate burglary crew responsible for more than 50 home burglaries. Armour, Burton, and Jackson were arrested in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and Barr was arrested in Hazlet, New Jersey, during burglaries in progress. Searches of Armour’s and Burton’s residences revealed tens of thousands of dollars in United States currency and currency from Asian countries, jewelry, family heirlooms, and other valuables that were previously reported stolen by victims. While searching vehicles used in the commission of burglaries, law enforcement recovered notes containing the home addresses of individuals of Asian descent with derogatory descriptive terms to identify the ethnicity of the homeowners.

A subsequent investigation of the contents of communications obtained from Armour and Burton’s cellular telephones, in addition to location data associated with crew members’ phone numbers, led law enforcement to identify other conspirators, including Glasco, Hurt, Black, and Rodgers. In comparing communications, location information, and recovered stolen property with known burglaries matching the methods employed by the burglary crew, law enforcement was able to associate these defendants with numerous residential burglaries of homes owned by individuals of Asian descent.

Law enforcement officials learned that unlawful entry into the homes was often made through unsecured second-floor windows; the victims’ cars were burglarized at their respective places of business in order to ascertain the homeowners’ addresses from the vehicles’ documents; makeshift trackers were placed on victims’ vehicles; the crew looked for indications of occupancy of homes by individuals of Asian descent; and once inside, the crew sought out cash, jewelry, and firearms.

The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited FBI Newark’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, and the South Plainfield, South Whitehall, Eatontown, New York City, Edison, Hazlet, Kenilworth, New Castle County, Pocono Township, Sayreville, Old Bridge and Spotswood police departments for their work on the investigation. Acting U.S. Attorney Honig also thanked the numerous law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware that assisted with the investigation.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Travers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics 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. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was charged in connection with possessing a firearm, several rounds of ammunition, as well as controlled substances with the intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

John A. Fuller, 31, of Newark, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III and was detained.

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

In August 2020, law officers observed Fuller conduct several narcotics transactions from his residence. On Oct. 3, 2020, law enforcement officers executed search warrants for Fuller’s residence and vehicle and recovered a handgun loaded with an extended magazine containing 31 rounds of ammunition, a box containing additional rounds of ammunition, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, packaging material, and $405. 

The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison – which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed – and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited members of the Irvington Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Police Chief Francis Pignatelli; deputy marshals with the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of New Jersey, under the supervision of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest.

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

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent 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.

CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Camden County, New Jersey, residents were charged for their role in fraudulently obtaining federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) totaling $1.4 million, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Stephen Bennett, 45, of Berlin, New Jersey, and Rhonda Thomas, 36, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Bennett and Thomas are scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams.

According to the criminal complaints:

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP.

The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans, which must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.

The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide EIDLs of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A company may use EIDL funds for payroll expenses, sick leave, production costs, and business obligations, such as debts, rent, and mortgage payments.

To obtain a PPP loan or EIDL, a qualifying business must apply and provide information on its operations, such as the number of employees, gross revenues, and cost of goods sold. Supporting documentation may also be required.

Bennett, Thomas, and their conspirators submitted 15 fraudulent PPP loan applications and six fraudulent EIDL loan applications to several lenders and the SBA on behalf of 12 purported businesses. The applications contained fraudulent representations to the participating lenders, including forged documentation of federal tax returns and altered bank statements.  According to Social Security Administration records, there were no wages or Forms W-2 processed for any of the businesses between 2018 and 2020.

Based on these alleged misrepresentations, the lenders approved 13 of the PPP and EIDL applications and provided the businesses with approximately $1.4 million in federal COVID-19 emergency relief funds meant for distressed small businesses. Bennett and Thomas used the proceeds to purchase personal items, including vehicles and jewelry.

The counts of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. The count of conspiracy to commit money laundering is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, New York Regional Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso; special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in Philadelphia, special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nikitas Splagounias, and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Damon Wood in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. She also thanked the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, under the direction of Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier, for its assistance.

The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason M. Richardson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.

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. – An employee of the Township of Irvington Building and Construction Department (TIBCD) today admitted soliciting corrupt payments from a man posing as a land developer in New York and New Jersey in exchange for securing the necessary documentation and approvals required to obtain building permits for a property in Irvington, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Derrick James, 60, of Irvington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of attempted extortion under color of official right. James remains on bail pending sentencing on this charge.

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

From September 2018 to December 2018, while employed as a zoning officer with TIBCD, James represented to a cooperating witness who posed as a land developer in New York and New Jersey that James could facilitate the acquisition of the necessary permits for the proposed rehabilitation of a certain residential property in Irvington. The TIBCD processed the issuance of permits for construction, renovations, and alterations to building structures in Irvington in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, which required that contractors registered and licensed with the State of New Jersey perform certain residential construction. The TIBCD also required the seal of a licensed New Jersey contractor on building, plumbing, and electrical permit applications to issue permits. James met with the cooperating witness on two occasions, during which he accepted a total of approximately $1,500 in cash payments from the cooperating witness. During the meetings, James outlined a corrupt arrangement whereby in exchange for a $1,000 payment and a further $1,000 payment per permit, James would arrange for licensed New Jersey contractors to place their official seals on permit applications for the Irvington property. James further guaranteed that an Irvington inspector would inspect the property and grant the necessary approvals. James told the cooperating witness that the cooperating witness’ payments would also be passed on to the licensed New Jersey contractors and Irvington inspector that James recruited to the scheme.

The count of attempted extortion under color of official right carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tazneen Shahabuddin of the Special Prosecutions Division.

CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic City, New Jersey, man was charged today with possessing images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Cory Newman, 44, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. He is scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill.

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

On May 20, 2021, agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), served a search warrant at Newman’s residence and discovered electronic devices that are alleged to belong to Newman. A subsequent forensic examination of one of the devices revealed 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 maximum fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of HS - Alantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, with the investigation leading to the charge. She also thanked the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, and the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Interim Officer in Charge 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.

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

TRENTON, N.J. – Two New Jersey men were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine in the Bayshore area of Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Daniel McHugh, 51, of Sayreville, New Jersey, was sentenced to 90 months in prison. McHugh previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti via videoconference to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. McHugh also admitted conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine.

Brian Hall, 49, of Freehold, New Jersey, was sentenced today to eight months of home confinement and three years of probation. He previously pleaded guilty before Judge Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Martinotti imposed both sentences today in Trenton federal court.

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

From May 2017 to November 2018, McHugh, Hall, and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the Raritan Bayshore region of Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties.

Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that McHugh regularly obtained heroin and cocaine for further distribution from co-defendant Guy Jackson. Some of the heroin distributed by the conspiracy contained fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid. When McHugh was arrested, law enforcement officers recovered quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine intended for further distribution, as well as $3,800 in cash that McHugh agreed to forfeit.

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced McHugh to four years of supervised release and ordered forfeiture of $3,800.

Today’s sentencings are part of a coordinated takedown in November 2018 of 15 defendants charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. Thirteen defendants have pleaded guilty. Supplier Gregory Gillens was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2020, to 10 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Lead defendant Guy Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2021. Defendant Deberal Rogers has been indicted; the charges and allegations contained in the indictment against her are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges against one defendant have been dismissed.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach Police Department, Brick Police Department, Howell Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police Department, and Union Beach Police Department) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; special agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, Scranton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Matawan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas J. Falco Jr.; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni; the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief William A. Volkert; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert B. Sheehan; the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ted A. Wittke; and the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Geyer, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man and two men from South Carolina have been charged with conspiring to illegally sell firearms, including five pistols and one rifle, in and around Essex County, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Torell Brown, 45, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Carter Wilkerson, 21, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Mark Washington, 57, of Irvington, New Jersey, are each charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of unlicensed firearms dealing. Brown and Washington are each additionally charged with one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. 

Brown, Wilkerson, and Washington were arrested May 18, 2021, and appeared by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer. Brown and Washington were detained; Wilkerson was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

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

From April 2021 through May 18, 2021, Brown, Wilkerson, and Washington were members of a drug trafficking conspiracy. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Brown and Wilkerson trafficked six firearms and a large quantity of ammunition, with the intent to sell these weapons to at least one New Jersey resident. On May 18, 2021, Washington attempted to thwart law enforcement from recovering certain of these firearms.

The count of conspiracy to engage in the business of unlicensed firearms dealing carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case is being conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, and special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

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

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez, of the Violent Crimes Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.

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

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing with the intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Derrick Norwood, 58, of Neptune, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

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

On July 18, 2019, Norwood knowingly possessed 39 bricks, or 1,982 individual glassine bags, of heroin mixed with fentanyl inside a safe in his residence in Neptune. Norwood admitted that he possessed the heroin-fentanyl mixture for the purpose of distributing it to others in and around Monmouth County.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a fine up to $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2021. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man today admitted attempting to interfere with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder when he attempted to set fire to a police vehicle during a riot in the City of Trenton, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Kadeem A. Dockery, 29, of Trenton, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of attempting to obstruct, impede, or interfere with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder affecting commerce.

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

On May 31, 2020, large-scale protests were held throughout the United States, including in Trenton, in response to the death of George Floyd. Although the protest in Trenton was peaceful earlier in the day, violence erupted later. A group of individuals proceeded down East State Street in downtown Trenton and began to riot, smashing store fronts, looting stores, and attacking multiple marked Trenton Police Department vehicles parked on the 100 Block of East State Street.

A City of Trenton street camera and other video footage taken by an individual present on the street captured Dockery light an explosive device and throw it through the open front driver’s side window of a Trenton Police Department vehicle. Dockery then removed his shirt and handed it to Killian Melecio, who then attempted to stuff the shirt in the gas tank of the police vehicle and ignite it. Melecio was then assisted by Justin Spry in attempting to set fire to the police vehicle.  Spry was arrested on scene, but Dockery and Melecio fled. Law enforcement later identified Dockery and Melecio through analysis of street camera and other video footage. They were arrested on Aug. 5, 2020.

The charge of attempting to interfere with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder – to which Dockery, Spry and Melecio have now pleaded guilty – carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; troopers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and officers of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks, for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Ramey and Michelle S. Gasparian of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

NEWARK, N.J. – A California woman was arrested and charged with fraudulently selling over $700,000 worth of counterfeit Catalina coupons used at various retail stores across the United States for the purchase of household items, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Tong Lor, aka “Mandy Carr,” 33, of Modesto, California, is charged by criminal complaint with two counts of mail fraud. She is expected to make her initial appearance by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carolyn K. Delaney in the Eastern District of California.

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

From January 2020 to May 2021, Lor was involved in a large-scale operation to produce and sell fraudulent, counterfeit Catalina coupons using the U.S. Postal Service. She printed coupons with fake bar codes and then mailed them to purchasers in New Jersey and elsewhere for use at participating retail stores for discounts on household items such as diapers, laundry detergent, and toiletries.

Lor sold the counterfeit coupons via invitation-only internet groups – associated with her businesses: Mandy’s Treasure Box, Mandys Knitting Club, and Mandy’s Treasure Chest – that were accessible via the Internet site Telegram Messenger Inc. (Telegram), a cloud-based, mobile instant communications service. The purchasers who were invited into the groups were provided with access to an order form containing a list of numerous counterfeit coupons that had associated prices and volume designations. Purchasers would electronically select the counterfeit coupons they wanted and submit the form to Lor through the Telegram application.

Lor then falsely coded and printed the counterfeit coupons and mailed them to the purchasers, almost exclusively using the USPS mail system. USPS records show that from in and December 2017 through the present, Lor mailed over 13,000 parcels using USPS.

The charge of mail fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins, in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Coppotelli and Heather Suchorsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office 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. – The employee of a Jersey City, New Jersey, doctor today admitted her role in a multimillion-dollar conspiracy to solicit and receive kickbacks and bribes from individuals associated with a Union City, New Jersey pharmacy, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Yudelka “Vicky” Ayala, 42, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging her with conspiring to violate the federal anti-kickback statute.

The information alleges that Ayala conspired with six individuals associated with Prime Aid Pharmacy, three of whom were previously charged by superseding indictment: Samuel “Sam” Khaimov and Yana Shtindler, both of Glen Head, New York; and Ruben Sevumyants, of Marlboro, New Jersey. Ayala’s other alleged conspirators included Igor Fleyshmakher, of Holmdel, New Jersey, and Alex Fleyshmakher, of Morganville, New Jersey, who each previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy; and Eduard “Eddy” Shtindler, of Paramus, New Jersey, who previously pleaded guilty in a related kickback conspiracy. Their respective sentencings are pending. 

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

Ayala worked at a doctor’s office in Jersey City and developed a long-standing and illegal kickback relationship with several individuals associated with the Prime Aid Pharmacies – now closed – which operated as “specialty pharmacies” in Union City, New Jersey, and Bronx, New York. As “specialty pharmacies,” they processed expensive medications used to treat various conditions, including Hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Khaimov was a co-owner of Prime Aid Union City and the lead pharmacist of Prime Aid Bronx. Khaimov’s wife, Yana Shtindler, was Prime Aid Union City’s Administrator, and Sevumyants was Prime Aid Union City’s operations manager. Eddy Shtindler, Yana Shtindler’s brother, was a Prime Aid Union City employee. Alex Fleyshmakher worked at Prime Aid Union City and was an on-paper owner of Prime Aid Bronx. His father, Igor Fleyshmakher, was the other co-owner of Prime Aid Union City.

In order to obtain a higher volume of prescriptions from the doctor’s office where Ayala worked, Khaimov, Yana Shtindler, Igor Fleyshmakher, Alex Fleyshmakher, Sevumyants, Eddy Shtindler, and other Prime Aid employees paid Ayala kickbacks and bribes to induce her to steer prescriptions to Prime Aid Union City. From 2008 to August 2017, these bribes included expensive meals, designer bags, and payments by cash, check, and wire transfers. In total, Ayala accepted bribes and kickbacks totaling at least $219,060. The prescriptions that were steered to Prime Aid Union City as part of the scheme resulted in Medicare and Medicaid payments to the pharmacy of approximately $24.8 million.

The conspiracy to which Ayala pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark; special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; and the N.J. Office of the State Comptroller, under the direction of Acting Comptroller Kevin Walsh, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the Health Care Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the information pertaining to Khaimov, Yana Shtindler, and Sevumyants are merely accusations, and those three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man with a prior felony conviction today admitted illegally possessing a machinegun, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Anthony Reynolds, 26, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to one count of possession of a machinegun, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a machinegun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. 

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

On May 2, 2020, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Newark Police officers were conducting surveillance in marked patrol cars in the area of Summer Avenue and May Street in Newark, with the specific purpose of minimizing social gathering of citizens in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

As they traveled north on Summer Avenue, one of the officers observed several individuals congregating on the sidewalk within close proximity to each other. The officers stopped their patrol cars and exited their vehicles. One of the officers observed Reynolds remove a black handgun from the front of his waistband and place it underneath a parked vehicle. The officer then advised one of the other officers of his observations, at which point the other officer looked underneath the vehicle and observed a .40 caliber Glock 23 semiautomatic handgun which was loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.

Law enforcement determined that the firearm was fitted with a Glock conversion device commonly referred to as “Glock Switch,” which has the effect of converting a semiautomatic Glock pistol into a machinegun. 

A search incident to arrest revealed that Reynolds was also in possession of a small clear sandwich bag containing suspected marijuana and $655 in cash.

For each of the three counts, Reynolds faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22, 2021.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; and officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Romankow of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County woman has been charged with witness tampering and retaliating against a witness or informant, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Kaitlyn R. Powers, 32, of Aberdeen, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with two counts of retaliating against a witness or informant and one count of witness tampering. Powers is expected to appear by videoconference later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.

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

During an FBI investigation, a confidential source working at the direction and supervision of law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of suspected narcotics, including crack cocaine, from Richard N. Edwards Jr., of Old Bridge, New Jersey. During one of the controlled purchases, Powers distributed suspected narcotics to the confidential source after the confidential source arranged to purchase the suspected narcotics from Edwards. On April 6, 2021, special agents of the FBI arrested Edwards and one of his narcotics suppliers, Jamil J. Yasin of East Orange, New Jersey, on a complaint that charged Edwards and Yasin each with distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The next day, Powers confronted the confidential source in a parking lot of a convenience store in Cliffwood Beach and threatened, among other things, to have the confidential source killed in retaliation for Edwards’s and Yasin’s arrests. Powers also threatened to kill the confidential source in the event Powers were to be charged with a federal crime. Two days later, Powers again confronted the confidential source in the parking lot of a commercial establishment in Cliffwood, New Jersey, and again threatened the confidential source for the confidential source’s assistance during law enforcement’s investigation of Edwards and Yasin. 

The charges of retaliating against a witness or informant each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of witness tampering carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Matawan, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Thomas J. Falco Jr., for its assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations against the defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for participating in a scheme that involved defrauding financial institution customers of almost half a million dollars, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Ramon Herrera, 37, of Jersey City previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence May 13, 2021, in Newark federal court.

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

Between May 2015 and January 2018, Herrera used his position as a registered broker and financial advisor at a clearing services company associated with “Financial Institution-1” to meet and learn confidential information about Financial Institution-1 customers in the Hudson County area, for whom he was ostensibly providing advice and brokerage services. Herrera caused the Financial Institution-1 customers he was advising, many of whom were elderly or communicated with Herrera in Spanish, to sign blank withdrawal slips, which Herrera then completed and presented to bank tellers at Financial Institution-1 branches. Herrera directed the bank tellers to withdraw the money from the customers’ accounts in the form of cashier’s checks, which enabled Herrera to then apply the checks against the various personal accounts that Herrera and a family member maintained at Financial Institution-1. Herrera stole more than $450,000 from approximately 40 Financial Instiution-1 customers. He used the stolen funds for his own purposes without the customers’ knowledge or authorization.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Herrera to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was indicted for possessing a semi-automatic rifle loaded with a high-capacity magazine, several rounds of ammunition, and a large quantity of oxycodone, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Shaquille Hankerson, aka “Jaquil L. Tukes,” 30, of Newark, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He will be arraigned on a date to be determined.

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

On Sept. 22, 2020, law enforcement officers were conducting patrol when they observed Hankerson, who appeared to be sleeping in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle. As the officers approached Hankerson, he jumped up in his seat and began shuffling around the front center area of the vehicle. The officers then observed a prescription pill bottle with no label containing an unknown substance in the front center cup holder. The officers searched the vehicle and recovered the following: one .223 caliber Bushmaster Carbon-15 semi-automatic rifle loaded with a high capacity magazine that contained 26 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition; one magazine loaded with 10 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; 317 oxycodone pills; and one bag containing marijuana. The officers also recovered $542.75 from Hankerson.

The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the ATF, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, Newark Field Division; and members of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Brian O’Hara, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

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

NEWARK, N.J. – A general contracting company based in Newark today admitted violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, leading to the death of an employee, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Trustworthy LLC, d/b/a “Trustworthy Roofing and Siding,” (Trustworthy) via its owner, Derico Ferreira, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court to an information charging it with one count of willfully violating OSHA standards by failing to provide fall protection to employees engaged in the construction of a residential home, which caused the death of an employee. 

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

On Oct. 15, 2016, Ferreira and four employees began installation of a new roof on a two-story residential home located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Trustworthy did not use or provide to its employees any personal fall protection equipment, such as safety harnesses, lanyards, tie-off ropes, guard rails, safety nets, or other feasible means of fall protection, while they were working on the roof. 

During the installation of an ice and water shield, one of Trustworthy’s employees (Employee 1), fell off the left corner of the roof. Employee 1 was not wearing any fall protection gear at the time. Ferreira had the required equipment in his truck, and could have also installed a guard rail system around the perimeter of the roof from a ladder, prior to the start of roofing work, but failed to do so. Trustworthy LLC was previously cited by OSHA during an inspection in 2014 for failing to provide fall protection to its employees.

If the court accepts the terms of the plea agreement, Trustworthy will be sentenced to five years of probation and will pay restitution to the estate of Employee 1 in the amount of $305,275. The plea agreement also includes specified conditions that Trustworthy must follow, including providing training procedures to all its employees and a requirement to follow enhanced safety provisions for future construction jobs. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nikitas Splagounias; Daniel Hennefeld, Counsel for OSHA Office of the Solicitor, Region 2, and OSHA Compliance Officers with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. 

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason P. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Government Fraud Unit in Newark.