District of Nevada

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who distributed methamphetamine and unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced today to eight years and two months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.

In August 2021, a federal jury found Donnell Henry (36) guilty of one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the four-day trial and sentencing hearing.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on October 29, 2019, Henry distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Three weeks later, on November 19, 2019, he possessed a multi-caliber pistol (and unlawfully sold that pistol). Henry is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in California state court for first degree burglary and maintaining a place to sell narcotics.

Co-defendant Ozzie Morrison pleaded guilty in May 2021. He was sentenced to two years in prison on August 11, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF, DEA, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.

This case was part of Operation Nora, a joint investigation by the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Central Intelligence Unit, focusing on the Sherwood Forest and Naked City areas in Las Vegas. Operation Nora was conducted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

This case was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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LAS VEGAS – A federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man yesterday for his role in a mail forwarding and identity theft scheme, which defrauded more than 300 victims.

Following a two-day trial, Nosa Frank Obayando (29) was found guilty of one count of mail theft, one count of using an unauthorized access device, and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was alerted in April 2017 to a fraudulent mail forwarding scheme. The USPIS’ investigation revealed that Obayando and co-defendant Efeturi Ariawhorai carried out a scheme where mail belonging to over 300 victims was forwarded to addresses under Obayando and Ariawhorai’s control, without the victims’ knowledge or consent. As part of the scheme, Obayando and Ariawhorai used a debit card — for a bank account opened in a victim’s name — to withdraw at least $5,000 in cash from ATMs in the Las Vegas area.

Obayando is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2022. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 17 years in prison.

Co-defendant Ariawhorai has been arrested by authorities in Italy and is currently pending extradition proceedings.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the USPIS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Simon Kung and Tony Lopez are prosecuting the case.

Please report suspected mail fraud and mail theft to the USPIS by calling 877-876-2455 or by making a report online at https://www.uspis.gov/report.

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LAS VEGAS – A Colorado felon was sentenced today to eight and a half years in prison for unlawful possession of firearms.

Russell Cates (43) pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Cates to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Cates — who was on supervised release for a previous felony conviction — absconded from his supervision in Colorado. He then obtained stolen firearms in Colorado and transported them to Las Vegas, with the intent to sell those firearms illegally. On or about August 24, 2019, after attempting to flee, Cates was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers during an investigation into a suspected stolen vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 10 firearms (including a semiautomatic firearm capable of using large capacity magazines), ammunition, and magazines. Cates admitted that several firearms were stolen. He is prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition due to at least five prior felony convictions, including a robbery conviction in Dallas County, Texas.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.

If you have information about illegal firearms activity, submit an anonymous tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.

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LAS VEGAS – An FBI Special Agent pleaded guilty yesterday to misusing government money to gamble at a Las Vegas casino.

Scott F. Carpenter (40), of New York, pleaded guilty to one count of conversion of government money. U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the hearing and scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2022. At sentencing, Carpenter faces a statutory maximum penalty of one year in prison, supervised release, and restitution.

According to court documents, from July 27 to July 31, 2017, Carpenter — employed as a Special Agent with the FBI’s New York City Field Office — and three other FBI agents traveled to Las Vegas to conduct an undercover operation. At the conclusion of the operation, Carpenter went to a casino’s high limit room, where he gambled on blackjack with $13,500 belonging to the United States.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge James F. Boyersmith of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Miami Field Office (DOJ OIG) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DOJ OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Schiess is prosecuting the case.

If you know about waste, fraud, abuse, misconduct, or whistleblower retaliation within the Department of Justice, you may report it to the OIG Hotline at https://oig.justice.gov/hotline/submit_complaint.

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LAS VEGAS – The owner of a Las Vegas tax preparation business was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison for failing to collect and pay over employment taxes to the IRS, causing a total loss to the IRS of over $9.6 million.

Jesus S. Castro (39) pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of failure to collect and pay over employment taxes. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Castro to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $399,387.87 in restitution.

According to court documents, in 2014, Castro began operating Castro Enterprise, a tax preparation business in Las Vegas also known as “Castro Enterprises” or “Castro Taxes Services.” Castro had the legal duty to withhold employment taxes on behalf of his employees and pay those funds to the IRS. From at least 2015 to 2019, however, he failed to report wages and employment taxes owed for his employees. Additionally, he filed numerous tax returns on behalf of clients with incorrect deductions and credits. In total, Castro caused a tax loss of $9,620,377.72.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case.

You can report a tax return preparer for improper tax preparation practices, misconduct to the IRS at: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to eight years and one month in prison after he admitted to searching for and downloading hundreds of child pornography files through the internet.

Allen Warren Miller (57) pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Miller to 15 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, in January 2019, Miller had numerous file names indicative of child pornography available to share on the BitTorrent file sharing network. Law enforcement was able to download approximately 15 files depicting child pornography from Miller’s computer. In August 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Miller’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic examination of Miller’s devices found 897 images and 65 videos of child pornography.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Pucci prosecuted the case.

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

Report child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by calling the hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

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LAS VEGAS – A California man was sentenced today to 13 years and six months in prison for committing four armed robberies (including two banks and the same Starbucks coffeehouse twice), stealing more than $14,000.

In May 2021, a jury convicted Shamariae Marshon Jones (25), of Pasadena, California, of one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, two counts of bank robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Jones to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and evidence presented during the five-day trial, between December 2016 and January 2017, Jones and co-conspirator Edwin Arnold Jr. robbed two banks and a Starbucks coffeehouse, stealing a total of $14,280. During each robbery, Arnold brandished a handgun at employees, demanded money, and threatened to shoot if they did not comply. On January 26, 2017, the FBI's Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Jones and Arnold when the two drove back to Arnold's residence immediately after committing their latest robbery.

Arnold was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of bank robbery, and four counts of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. In January 2022, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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LAS VEGAS – A California man who admitted to fraudulently obtaining over $170,000 in unemployment benefits — by submitting multiple unemployment claims in other people’s names and using benefits debit cards not belonging to him — was sentenced today to 30 months in prison.

Keheir Jordan Parker (25), of Victorville, California, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of conspiracy to effectuate illegal transactions with an access device. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Parker to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, on September 11, 2020, Parker and co-conspirator Robert Devon Barber were stopped in Las Vegas for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, law enforcement officers recovered 12 California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards issued in other peoples’ names, along with ATM receipts showing that the debit cards had been used to make cash withdrawals totaling $7,400 in Nevada and California. At least $249,460 in unemployment benefits was approved for claims associated with the 12 recovered EDD cards, and over $170,715.78 was obtained from accounts associated with those cards — including $148,400 in ATM cash withdrawals and $22,315.78 in purchases.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.

This case was investigated by DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.

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

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

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LAS VEGAS – After a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man yesterday for coercion and enticement of a girl to engage in sexual activity.

Barry Allen Gabelman (51) was found guilty of one count of coercion and enticement. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 20, 2022.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from October 31 to December 6, 2019, Gabelman exchanged sexually explicit messages and photos via his social media account, as well as his messaging account, with individuals whom he believed to be an 11-year-old girl and her stepfather. In reality, a law enforcement officer was posing as both the girl and stepfather. During their communications, Gabelman discussed having sex with the girl and sent a nude photo of himself. On December 6, Gabelman traveled to a pre-arranged location in Las Vegas to meet and have sex with the girl. Law enforcement officers arrested Gabelman at the meeting place.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Supriya Prasad are prosecuting the case.

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

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RENO, Nev. — A Winnemucca man who admitted to organizing a robbery and stealing more than two dozen firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) was sentenced today to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

George Wyatt Elms (34) pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of theft of firearms from the premises of a Federal Firearms Licensee. In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du ordered Elms to pay $17,187.96 in restitution.

According to court documents, on February 19, 2020, Elms and two other individuals broke into a hardware store in Winnemucca by removing a panel in the roof, dropping down approximately ten feet onto a nearby staircase, and then breaking through the store’s door. Once inside, they broke into a gun case and stole 25 firearms. Before carrying out the robbery, they had intentionally set a fire in a nearby field to divert law enforcement away from the store.

Co-defendant Travis Klyn pleaded guilty in September 2021, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF and Winnemucca Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm while on supervised release for a prior felony.

Ralph Alexander Medina, 37, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Medina to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Medina was convicted in March 2015 for felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to imprisonment followed by supervised release. On January 4, 2020, while on supervised release for that conviction, Medina assaulted his spouse, pinning her to the floor and placing a 9mm semiautomatic pistol against her head. Several weeks later, on January 29, Medina reported to the U.S. Probation Office where he tested positive for opiates and methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers arrested Medina and recovered a loaded pistol that was hidden in an air conditioning access panel in his home. Medina is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his March 2015 felony conviction.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with assistance by the FBI Criminal Apprehension Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who assaulted a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier was sentenced today to 46 months in prison.

Michael Gerald Hammond (33) pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of unlawful possession of a postal key. In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Hammond to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 13, 2018, Hammond searched online for phrases such as “best homemade weapon for knocking out ppl” and “how exactly does a blackjack knock someone out.” The next day, Hammond used a rubber mallet to assault a mail carrier who was delivering mail at an apartment complex. Hammond hit the mail carrier multiple times, including striking the mail carrier’s head, so that he could take and use the carrier’s postal key to steal mail from mailboxes. Three days later, on February 17, Hammond was detained after attempting to break into a car at a casino parking garage.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Lopez and Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – An undocumented individual was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to use over 100 victims’ identities (without their consent) to unlawfully submit fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits claims, totaling at least $934,129.

Alan Ray (33) pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Ray to three years of supervised release and ordered Ray to pay restitution.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from March 2020 to late October 2020, Ray conspired with others to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, California Employment Development Department, and other state workforce agencies. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Ray had the state workforce agencies mail debit cards — not in his name — containing unemployment benefits to addresses he had access to. In total, more than $934,129 in unemployment benefits was approved by the state workforce agencies, and at least $698,655 was withdrawn by Ray and his co-conspirators. The fraud was discovered when Ray attempted to ship fraudulently-obtained debit cards from Las Vegas to his residence in Houston, Texas.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.

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

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

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LAS VEGAS – This week, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the Department’s capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

“Stopping human trafficking requires a joint law enforcement and community effort,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Working alongside our federal, state, local, and tribal agency partners, our office will continue prioritizing the prosecution of those who prey upon and exploit vulnerable people, such as marginalized youth, refugee and migrant workers, and survivors of domestic violence. We will also deploy our combined resources to raise awareness across Nevada communities and to help get survivors on the road to recovery.”

Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

• Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

The Department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733.

To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for using her late husband’s identity to steal over $40,000 in Social Security benefits while on supervised release for a prior crime.

Florence Faamaligi Levao (71) pleaded guilty in July 2021, to one count of theft of government funds. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Faamaligi Levao to three years of supervised release. Faamaligi Levao was also ordered to pay restitution.

According to court documents, from October 30, 2014 to March 6, 2018, Faamaligi Levao stole approximately $40,625 of her late husband’s Social Security benefits for her personal use. During a substantial portion of this timeframe, she was on supervised release following her previous conviction for stealing Social Security benefits in her late father’s name.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Inspector General Gail S. Ennis for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.

If you suspect someone of committing fraud, waste, or abuse concerning Social Security Administration programs, please make a report to the Office of Inspector General at https://secure.ssa.gov/pfrf/home.

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LAS VEGAS – A Henderson man who was a member of a crew that robbed at least nine stores in southern Nevada was sentenced today to 14 years in prison.

Kaili Tualau (31) pleaded guilty in October 2021 to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Tualau to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between March and October 2016, Tualau and co-conspirators Jason Goldsby, Rudy Redmond, Bonnie Madrigal, Jessie Mendoza, and others robbed at least nine pawn shops in Las Vegas and Henderson. During each robbery, one robber stood guard at the door brandishing a firearm, while another robber used a sledgehammer to break open a display case and steal high value jewelry and watches. The robbers then fled in a stolen getaway vehicle, which they later abandoned for a second getaway vehicle. In total, the stolen items were valued at approximately $201,900.

Goldsby, Redmond, and Madrigal all pleaded guilty in September and October 2021. Redmond has been sentenced, while Goldsby and Madrigal are awaiting sentencing. Mendoza pleaded guilty in September 2019 to his role in one robbery and was sentenced to 43 months in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Lopez, Jim Fang, and Simon Kung are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday to nine years in prison for his role in five armed robberies of cell phone stores.

Rushard Burton (27) pleaded guilty in August 2021 to four counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Burton to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, from March 18 to June 5, 2017, Burton, co-conspirators Kejon Ward and Erica Caldwell, and others stole over 400 cell phones from five cell phone stores in North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Las Vegas. During each robbery, they pointed firearms at — and made threats to — victims in the stores.

Ward (28) pleaded guilty in August 2021, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was a joint investigation by the FBI, North Las Vegas Police Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Henderson Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Stephanie Ihler.

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RENO – A California man made his initial court appearance yesterday for allegedly stealing explosive materials from a mill in Hawthorne, Nevada.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Evan Ray Atkinson, 38, with multiple counts of Theft of Explosive Material from Licensee; Theft of Explosive Material Moved in Interstate Commerce; Transport of Explosives by a Non-Licensee; Possession of Stolen Explosives; and Improper Storage of Explosives. Atkinson was arrested on January 4, 2022 in Henderson. U.S. District Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb scheduled a jury trial to begin on March 28, 2022, before Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du.

According to allegations in the indictment, on December 24, 2021, Atkinson stole approximately 100 pounds of detonating cord, boosters, and dynamite from a Federal Explosives Licensee. Atkinson then drove the explosives to Henderson and stored them in his hotel room and vehicle. On January 4, 2022, after evacuating the hotel, law enforcement safely recovered the stolen explosive materials from Atkinson’s vehicle and hotel room.

If convicted, Atkinson faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Police Department, FBI, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who was convicted of committing four armed robberies — including two bank robberies and a robbery of the same Starbucks coffeehouse twice — was sentenced today to 29 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

In May 2021, a jury convicted Edwin Arnold Jr., 25, of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of bank robbery, and four counts of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the five-day jury trial and the sentencing hearing today.

According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, between December 2016 and January 2017, Arnold and co-conspirator Shamariae Marshon Jones (25), of Pasadena, California, robbed two banks and a Starbucks coffeehouse — stealing a total of $14,280. During each robbery, Arnold brandished a handgun at employees, demanded money, and threatened to shoot if they did not comply. On January 26, 2017, the FBI's Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Arnold and Jones when the two drove back to Arnold's residence immediately after committing their latest robbery.

Jones was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, two counts of bank robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. Jones faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison at his sentencing hearing on January 18, 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Reese is prosecuting the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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RENO, Nev. – A Fort McDermitt Shoshone Paiute Tribe member was sentenced today to a term of life in prison as to both counts to run consecutively to each other for murdering two women who were also Tribe members.

According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on January 31, 2018, Stoney Prior (43) shot and killed two women on the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, inside the home of one of the victims.

In August 2021, a jury convicted Prior of two counts of second-degree murder in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the jury trial and the sentencing hearing today.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was a joint investigation by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Penelope Brady and Richard Casper prosecuted the case.

If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, you are urged to contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online – tips can remain anonymous – at TIPS.FBI.GOV.

The Department of Justice is committed to addressing violent crime in native communities and to improving the federal response to reports of missing or murdered American Indians or Alaska Natives. For more information about the Department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons initiative, visit: www.justice.gov/tribal.

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LAS VEGAS — An Arizona man who admitted to sexually assaulting a woman at a Laughlin resort and casino on the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation was sentenced today to eight years and four months in prison.

According to court documents, on September 24, 2018, Richard Anthony Hernandez (26) punched a woman multiple times before sexually assaulting her. As a result of the assault, the victim — a Native American — suffered multiple facial abrasions and contusions, bleeding from head injuries, and loss of consciousness with a concussion, all of which required medical treatment at a hospital.

Hernandez pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of aggravated sexual abuse. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Hernandez to 15 years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Fort Mohave Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – Three men made their initial appearances in federal court today for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to apply for and use Nevada and California unemployment insurance benefits debit cards — approved for over $900,000 — that were issued in other peoples’ names.

Luigi J. Montes (41), of Sugarland, Texas, Alexander Hoyos Rivera (24), of Marion, Ohio, and Peter Alexander Stincer (33), of Sylmar, California, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.

According to allegations contained in the complaint, from about March 1, 2020 to January 6, 2021, Montes, Rivera, and Stincer conspired with others — including Alan Ray, who was previously charged and pleaded guilty in October 2021 to his role in the conspiracy — to defraud the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD). As part of the scheme, the defendants fraudulently applied for unemployment insurance benefits with DETR and EDD, using stolen personal identifying information. The debit cards were sent to mailing addresses to which the defendants had access. After receiving the unemployment insurance debit cards, Montes, Rivera, and Stincer withdrew the funds at various ATMS located in several states, including Nevada, California, and Texas. In total, the fraud scheme involved at least $934,129 in benefits approved by the state workforce agencies, and implicated $1,149,250 in actual and potential benefits.

Montes, Rivera, and Stincer each appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach. If convicted, each defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of 26 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who admitted to recklessly driving a vehicle with five times the legal limit of marijuana in his blood — resulting in the death of his passenger — was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, on March 17, 2017, Corey Wylie Brown (26) was speeding and swerving his truck back and forth on a loose gravel road around Nelson’s Landing at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Brown lost control of the truck, causing it to flip onto the passenger side. As a result, his passenger — who was a minor — was partially pinned under the truck. A package labeled “Shaolin Kush” was found at the scene and tested positive for THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Brown pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary vehicular manslaughter, one count of driving under the influence, one count of reckless driving, and one count of unsafe operation of a motor vehicle.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Burton and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Kent prosecuted the case.

Driving under the influence of over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, marijuana or other illicit drugs is referred to as drug-impaired driving. In 2020, 12.6 million people ages 16 and older admitted to driving under the influence of illicit drugs, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. For more information on drug-impaired driving, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who admitted to sexually exploiting a child and possessing child sexual abuse material was sentenced today to 15 years and 10 months in prison.

According to court documents, on April 9, 2020, Kenneth James Robison (35) recorded a video of himself sexually exploiting a child who was less than 12 years old. That same day, he shared the video with others using Kik, an online messaging platform. Additionally, Robison possessed more than 600 items of child pornography — including a video of the sexual assault of an infant — in online cloud storage.

Robison pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Robison to a lifetime term of supervised release and ordered Robison to pay restitution to his victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 25 years and 9 months in prison for his role in a series of violent armed robberies in September 2019.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from September 6 to September 9, 2019, Lesean Roger Dennis Braddock Jr. (29) and co-conspirator Byron Joshua Jarell Porter (24) robbed three businesses at gunpoint in Las Vegas and Henderson. Braddock and Porter committed the armed robberies while Braddock was on state parole after serving a significant prison term for a robbery in California.

Following a three-day jury trial in August 2021, Braddock was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and three counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Porter pleaded guilty in October 2020 and is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2022.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Braddock to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Henderson Police Department, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Whang prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded an additional $11,884,392 in grant funding to support public safety efforts across the Silver State. In total, the Department has awarded $33,881,859 to various Nevada entities since September.

“Our office and our state and local partners are grateful to the Department of Justice for continuing to provide resources to better serve our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “We appreciate the commitment demonstrated by the Office of Justice Programs and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to protecting public safety in Nevada.”

From October through December, Nevada entities were awarded the following grants from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its components:

• Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention:
  • The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was awarded $385,854, as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces.

• Bureau of Justice Assistance:
  • The City of Winnemucca was awarded $75,749, as part of the Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for Law Enforcement Agencies.
  • The Division of Child & Family Services was awarded $172,939, as part of the Implementing the PREA Standards, Protecting Inmates, and Safeguarding Communities.
  • The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was awarded $933,421, as part of the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program; and $249,580, as part of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.
  • Washoe County was awarded $200,000, as part of the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.
  • The City of Henderson was awarded $250,000, as part of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.
  • The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded $296,966, as part of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program; and $201,426, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
  • Nevada Department of Corrections was awarded $500,000, as part of the Continuation of BJA Previously Funded Awards.
  • The City of North Las Vegas was awarded $549,003, as part of the Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program.
  • The National Judicial College was awarded $1,000,000, as part of the Continuation of BJA Previously Funded Awards.
  • The Nevada Office of the Attorney General was awarded $5,751,772, as part of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-Based Program.

• National Institute of Justice:
  • The Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education was awarded $567,682, as part of research and development in forensic science for criminal justice purposes.

Further, Nevada entities have been awarded the following grants from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office):

• The Nevada System of Higher Education was awarded $125,000, as part of the COPS Hiring Program.
• The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe was awarded $125,000, as part of the COPS Hiring Program.
• The City of Sparks was awarded $500,000, as part of the COPS Hiring Program.

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OJP provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found here.

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

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LAS VEGAS – Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou announced today that the District of Nevada collected $38,515,689.66 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2021. Of this amount, $36,943,966.20 was collected in criminal actions and $1,571,723.46 was collected in civil actions.

“Without the dedication, commitment, and hard work of our Civil Division, particularly the Financial Litigation Program and Asset Forfeiture Unit, these significant collections would not have been possible,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “Our office is honored to work alongside our law enforcement and other collection partners, and contribute these funds for (among other things) victim compensation and assistance.”

Highlights of the District of Nevada’s FY 2021 collection efforts include:

• In March 2021, Indian drug manufacturer Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited (FKOL) pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by failing to provide certain records to FDA investigators. As part of a criminal resolution, FKOL paid a criminal fine of $30 million in April. The Asset Forfeiture Unit also obtained an order compelling FKOL to forfeit an additional $20 million.  

• In September 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained an order granting a motion for final order of garnishment in United States v. Patel. The garnishment, which was directed to a complicated investment vehicle owned by the defendant, enabled the government to obtain $453,025.57 to apply towards the defendant’s outstanding $500,000 fine.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $22,292,063 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2021. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for coercing two children, who were step-siblings, to create images of themselves appearing to commit sexual acts with each other and to send those images using various video and instant messaging applications.

According to court documents, David Howard Babit, 49, utilized the Internet applications LiveMe, ooVoo, Skype, and Snapchat to contact and manipulate two 12-year-old children to create and send child sexual abuse images. He used an alias when speaking with the victims, pretending to be a 16-year-old boy. Babit directed the victims to create videos and images conducting sexual acts with each other. The mother of one of the victims contacted law enforcement about Babit’s messages.

On December 1, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Babit’s residence. After Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigators advised Babit of his Miranda rights, he confessed to communicating with the children and possessing child pornography. A forensic examination of Babit’s computer revealed at least 788 images and 1,280 videos of child pornography, including forceful sexual assault of toddlers and children ranging from three to ten years old.

Babit pleaded guilty in November 2020 to two counts of coercion and enticement. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Babit to 35 years of supervised release. Babit also must pay restitution to the victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Gardendale Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Pucci prosecuted the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced yesterday to 111 months in prison for using skimming devices to steal victims’ identities and credit card account information to buy luxury merchandise — including Rolex watches and high-end purses — and to obtain cash advances at various properties on The Strip.

According to court documents, from about January 1, 2013, to January 3, 2017, Fausto Teixeira Martins Neto (41) — also known as “Margrello,” “Fausto Neto,” and “Fausto Martins” — and co-conspirators placed skimming devices on ATMs and cash-out transaction ticket dispensing terminals, such as Global Cash Advance machines, in order to steal credit card account information. Martins Neto and others would then encode the stolen account information onto forged credit cards. They used the counterfeit cards to purchase high-end retail items, such as Rolex watches and luxury designer purses, and to withdraw money from hotel-casino cash advance machines and ATMs. In total, Martins Neto and co-conspirators stole over $2.28 million through their fraud scheme.

Martins Neto pleaded guilty in March 2020 to one count of use or trafficking in unauthorized access device and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Martins Neto to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

Martins Neto is the 14th defendant to be sentenced in this case. Twenty-one individuals were charged in a 2017 indictment for their alleged roles in the conspiracy. The remaining seven indicted defendants are currently at large. The charges as to these seven defendants are allegations only: they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case was the product of a ten-month investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon Kung is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada recognized nine federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and special agents who went above and beyond in 2021, putting themselves at risk to support the Department of Justice’s mission.

“These awards honor law enforcement’s commitment to maintaining public safety across Nevada,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Each recipient has made a significant impact in our communities, and our office is grateful for the opportunity to work with them.”

The award recipients were honored for their dedication, contributions, and collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office towards reducing violent crime, combatting human trafficking, and preventing fraud. The recipients came from the following law enforcement agencies:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Henderson Police Department
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
• U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service

The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks all of the recipients, their colleagues, their families, and agency leadership for their continued commitment to promoting public safety.

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RENO – A federal jury convicted a northern Nevada man yesterday of making false statements on his U.S. passport application.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on February 27, 2018, William Phillip Neidinger (60), also known as William Joseph Beck III, provided a false birthdate, place of birth, and Social Security number on his U.S. passport application.

U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben presided over the three-day jury trial. Neidinger was found guilty of one count of false statements in application for a U.S. passport. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2022, and faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Latent Print Unit, U.S. Marshals Service, California Department of Health Care Services, Placer County California Health and Human Services, Nevada Department of Welfare and Social Services, Placer County District Attorney’s Investigators, Colusa-Sutter-Yolo Regional Child Support Agency (CA), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (Naval Air Station Fallon). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randolph St. Clair and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.

If you are aware of fraud associated with a U.S. passport application, please contact PassportVisaFraud@state.gov.

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LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nevada, resident was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for engaging in sexually explicit conversations over Facebook with three girls, requesting nude photos from them, and sexually assaulting two of the girls after purchasing airline tickets for them to travel to Las Vegas from New York City.

According to court documents, beginning in September 2018, Robert Marcellus Jones Jr. (55) used Facebook and phone calls to communicate with three victims in New York City. He coerced and enticed the girls to send sexually explicit images of themselves to him. Jones promised to pay them a weekly allowance in return for sexual attention and nude photographs and videos.

On November 2, 2018, Jones purchased two airline tickets to fly two of the girls to Las Vegas. After picking them up at the airport, Jones sexually assaulted both girls at his home. On November 5, the National Human Trafficking hotline received a tip that Jones was enticing three victims over Facebook. Law enforcement arrested him on November 8. A forensic review of Jones’ cellphones revealed sexually explicit images of the girls.

Jones was charged in a superseding indictment in April 2019. He pleaded guilty in November 2019 to one count each of distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, transportation of minors for prostitution or other illegal sexual activity, and coercion and enticement.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Jones to 15 years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Brian Whang prosecuted the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to eight years and six months in prison after assaulting and robbing a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who was delivering mail in North Las Vegas.

According to court documents, on February 28, 2018, Ryan Joseph Ritter (31) ambushed and repeatedly swung a 13-inch metal pipe at the mail carrier’s head, causing bodily injuries. During the attack, Ritter also stole the mail carrier’s postal keys.

Ritter pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of aggravated robbery of a postal mail carrier. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Ritter to two years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang prosecuted the case.

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RENO, Nev. – A Carson Colony tribe member was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in prison for killing his son on tribal land in December 2019.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on December 13, 2019, Steven Bryan (52) shot his son in the head with an AR-15 style rifle on the Carson Colony of the Washoe Tribe Reservation. Bryan and his son had been in a quarrel over money owed.

On June 16, 2021, following a seven-day trial, a jury convicted Bryan of one count of voluntary manslaughter. In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Bryan to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Washoe Tribe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.

If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, you are urged to contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online – tips can remain anonymous – at TIPS.FBI.GOV.

The Department of Justice is committed to addressing violent crime in native communities and to improving the federal response to reports of missing or murdered American Indians or Alaska Natives. For more information about the Department’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons initiative, visit: www.justice.gov/tribal.

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LAS VEGAS – A Florida man was sentenced today to 54 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess and use California Employment Development Department (EDD) debit cards issued in other people’s names.

According to court documents, during a traffic stop on September 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, officers found that Joseph Holmes Jr. (23) and co-conspirator Emelio Vladimir Rochester (25) possessed at least 17 California EDD debit cards issued in other peoples’ names, and $89,710 in cash. Holmes and Rochester had used the debit cards — without the victims’ authorization — to withdraw at least $192,234.29 in cash from ATMs in California. The debit cards had been approved for at least $385,000 of unemployment insurance benefits.

Holmes pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Holmes to two years of supervised release.

Co-conspirator Rochester, who was indicted in November 2021, is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in January 2022 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Quentin Heiden of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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LAS VEGAS – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded $201,426 to administer PSN grant funds in the District of Nevada.

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

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

“Our office and our law enforcement partners appreciate the Department of Justice’s commitment to providing additional resources to promote public safety and address violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Through the PSN program, we will continue working together to identify and resolve the most pressing violent crime issues in our communities.”

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

In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

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

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

For a list of all grantees, please visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf.

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The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was sentenced yesterday to 34 months in prison after pleading guilty to selling hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.

According to court documents, from June 12 to September 2, 2020, Octavio Mendoza Jr. (24) sold counterfeit oxycodone pills stamped with “M30” containing fentanyl. On September 6, law enforcement arrested Mendoza after observing him using drugs in a vehicle in downtown Reno. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found approximately 374 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.

Mendoza pleaded guilty in November 2021 to seven counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced Mendoza to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Gaming Control Board, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for stealing credit and debit card account numbers and profile information to spend on Las Vegas Strip show tickets and gift certificates, totaling over $500,000.

According to court documents, from about October 25, 2016 to September 30, 2017, Shaun Patrick Anderson (39) stole credit and debit card account numbers and victims’ personal identifying information. He used the stolen account numbers to purchase approximately $503,842.30 in Las Vegas Strip show tickets and gift certificates.

Anderson pleaded guilty on November 1, 2019 to one count of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, one count of use or trafficking of unauthorized access devices, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon ordered Anderson to pay $503,842.30 in restitution.

During the course of the investigation in this case, law enforcement discovered nearly 1,300 files of child pornography on Anderson’s devices. In October 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty that Anderson faces for the child pornography charge is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan in February 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon Kung prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for his role in a fraud scheme to steal thousands of credit and debit card numbers from victims at gas pumps in Nevada and California.

According to court documents, between November 2018 and June 2019, Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez was personally involved in installing at least ten skimmer devices at several gas stations, and also assisted co-conspirators in acquiring skimmer devices. After obtaining the stolen account information, Rodriguez Gonzalez and his co-conspirators re-encoded that information onto counterfeit cards to fraudulently make purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. Collectively, Rodriguez Gonzalez and his co-conspirators obtained at least 3,120 stolen credit and debit card account numbers and caused a loss of at least $157,695.51.

Rodriguez Gonzalez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, one count of use of unauthorized access devices, and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Rodriguez Gonzalez to three years of supervised release.

Co-conspirators Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo and Adrian Leyva Tamayo await a jury trial on July 12, 2022. Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez was sentenced to 61 months in prison in November 2021 for his role in the conspiracy.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy for the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 11 years in prison for distributing more than 600 child pornography images and videos using Kik Messenger, an instant messaging application.

According to court documents, between about September 27, 2019 to November 1, 2019, Cyrus Orlando Ortega (28) distributed child pornography images and videos to other Kik Messenger users, in exchange for child pornography from those users. The images and videos depicted underage victims — some as young as infants — being sexually exploited.

Ortega pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Ortega to a lifetime term of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad prosecuted the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man with prior felony convictions was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, on August 11, 2020, law enforcement conducted a compliance check on Eddie Joe Perez, 34, who was staying at a hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. During the check, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun, a scale with methamphetamine residue, and over eight grams of methamphetamine. Perez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in Nevada and Hawaii.

Perez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Perez to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Nevada Department of Public Safety Division of Parole and Probation, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.

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RENO – A Glenbrook, Nevada, man was arrested yesterday in Reno on criminal charges related to allegedly obtaining at least $4.5 million through a bank fraud scheme.

According to allegations in the indictment, in April and May 2019, Sukhdev Singh Sidhu (36) used more than 26 bank accounts at over 11 financial institutions to carry out his bank fraud scheme. Sidhu falsely claimed that he did not authorize Automated Clearing House withdrawals from his bank accounts. But in fact, Sidhu knew the withdrawals were being deposited in “pass-through” accounts that were held in his father’s name, and the monies were then transferred to a receiving account that Sidhu controlled at a different bank. As a result of the false claims, Sidhu obtained at least $4.5 million by the banks. Further, Sidhu fraudulently used his father’s identity — specifically, a driver’s license belonging to his father and a check drawn for an account in his father’s name — to execute the scheme.

Sidhu made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla Baldwin. A jury trial is scheduled for February 14, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Robert C. Jones. Sidhu is charged with three counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for bank fraud and a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Myhre and Richard Casper are prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – On Friday, a Las Vegas woman was sentenced to 84 months in prison — to be followed by four years of supervised release — for distributing methamphetamine on multiple occasions.

According to court documents, from January 30, 2020 to March 26, 2020, Alexis Catalan (41) sold a total of 391.9 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally, she possessed 271.8 grams of methamphetamine.

Catalan pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the sentencing hearing.

Co-defendants Justin Wright (36) and Daniel Leath (29) each pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In September 2021, Wright was sentenced to 24 months in prison. In November 2021, Leath was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 61 months in prison for his role in a fraud scheme to steal thousands of credit and debit card numbers from victims at gas pumps in Nevada and California.

According to court documents, between November 2018 and June 2019, Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez (23) was a key member in a conspiracy to install skimmer devices at numerous gas pumps. Alarcon Rodriguez installed at least 27 skimmer devices that obtained at least 481 stolen card numbers.

After obtaining the stolen credit and debit card account information, Alarcon Rodriguez and his co-conspirators would re-encode that account information onto the magnetic strips of counterfeit cards, and then use the counterfeit cards to fraudulently make purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. Collectively, Alarcon Rodriguez and his co-conspirators obtained at least 3,120 stolen credit and debit card account numbers and caused a loss of at least $157,695.51.

Alarcon Rodriguez pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of conspiracy, one count of use of unauthorized access device, and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Alarcon Rodriguez to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution.

Co-defendant Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez (35) pleaded guilty in July 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced in December 2021. Co-defendants Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo (32) and Adrian Leyva Tamayo (32) are scheduled for a jury trial to begin in July 2022.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Texas woman was sentenced yesterday to 18 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for her role in a child sex trafficking conspiracy to recruit and exploit a child in multiple states.

“This conviction and sentence demonstrates our office’s and our law enforcement partners’ unwavering commitment to combating sex trafficking and child exploitation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Through our ongoing collaboration and expanded partnerships, we will keep working to hold accountable in federal court those who use fraud, force, or other illicit means to victimize children.”

“This sentencing is a success in the fight against those who exploit the vulnerable and illustrates our dedication to bring these criminals to justice,” said Aaron C. Rouse, FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge.

After a six-day jury trial in May 2021, Demecia Shontres Washington (42, of Dallas, Texas) was found guilty of one count each of: conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking; conspiracy to transport for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; transportation for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; conspiracy to sexually exploit children; sexual exploitation of children; and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from August 2018 to September 2018, Demecia Washington conspired with co-defendant Jimmy David Washington Jr. (36, of Lubbock, Texas) to recruit and coerce a child to engage in commercial sex acts and to produce child pornography. Demecia Washington and Jimmy Washington Jr. transported the child from Texas to New Mexico and Nevada with the intent that she engage in prostitution.

Co-defendant Jimmy Washington Jr. previously pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution. In April 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton, Bianca Pucci, and Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the District of Nevada, three law enforcement agencies were awarded funding totaling $750,000.

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

“The District of Nevada appreciates this grant from the COPS Office to help safeguard our communities and schools,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “These funds are an important step towards reducing violence and increasing community policing capacity in Nevada and across the country.”

The following law enforcement agencies in Nevada received awards:

•           Nevada System of Higher Education —– $125,000

•           Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe —– $125,000

•           City of Sparks —– $500,000

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

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

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

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Monday to 27 years in prison for attempting to sexually exploit a child and for receiving child pornography using a file sharing network.

“Child pornography and sexual exploitation of children are appalling crimes that have been on the rise as predators use technology to gain easier access to communication with children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to prioritize protecting children from sexual abuse.”

“The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Aaron C. Rouse, FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”

According to court documents, in June 2016, Richard Fred Dittmer III (25) utilized the BitTorrent file sharing network to download child pornography. During the execution of a search warrant at Dittmer’s residence, he admitted to receiving images and videos of child pornography, as well as to uploading child pornography to YouTube. A forensic examination of electronic devices belonging to Dittmer revealed over 365 images and 18 videos of child pornography, including sadistic and masochistic images. He was charged in federal court and released on pretrial supervision.

While on pretrial supervision, between December 2018 and February 2019, Dittmer III coerced a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat into creating sexually explicit images and videos of herself. He then threatened to send those images to students at the victim’s school unless she sent him additional images.

Dittmer III pleaded guilty in January 2021 to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a child. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced him to a lifetime term of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution to the victims.

This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Pucci and Christopher Burton prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas husband and wife were each sentenced today to 21 months in prison for assuming a deceased person’s identity and stealing more than $300,000 in retirement payments intended for that person.

According to court documents, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management deposited annuity payments into a former federal employee’s bank account because it was not notified of the person’s death. From about November 12, 2005 to November 1, 2017, Rodolfo Segovia (53) and Jennifer Segovia (48) assumed the deceased person’s identity and stole at least $308,391.72 by redirecting the annuity payments into their own accounts.

Each defendant pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money or property. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced each defendant to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon Kung prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man with multiple prior felony convictions was sentenced today to four years and seven months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, including a stolen assault rifle.

According to court documents, on January 27, 2020, Matthew Robert Smith, 38, was arrested after law enforcement officers found an AR-15 rifle and a Glock 9mm pistol in his car. Both weapons previously had been stolen from parked vehicles. Smith is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in Nevada and California.

Smith pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Smith to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A California man made his initial court appearance today for allegedly making false statements in connection with the unlawful purchase of multiple firearms and selling the firearms without a license.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, from about May 13, 2020, to about August 17, 2021, Kenneth Earl Smith Jr. — 28, of Lancaster, California — engaged in dealing firearms without a firearms business license. During the purchase of 19 firearms at several Federal Firearms Licensees in Las Vegas, he made false statements on ATF Firearms Transactions Records (Form 4473). As alleged, Smith represented that he was the buyer of the firearms, when in fact he was acquiring the firearms on behalf of other persons. Smith likewise represented that he was a Nevada resident, when in fact he was a California resident.

Smith is charged with eight counts of illegal acquisition of a firearm and one count of engaging in the firearms business without a license. He was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on January 3, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. If convicted, Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 90 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.

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

Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov, or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.

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