District of Nevada

RENO, Nev. – A Reno man made his initial court appearance yesterday for alleged sexual exploitation of children and child pornography offenses.

According to allegations in the indictment, James Patrick Burns, 53, threatened two children on social media applications to coerce them into producing multiple images and videos of child pornography. Burns then advertised and distributed those child pornography images and videos online to others. In addition, he allegedly advertised, possessed, distributed, and received sexually explicit images of children. Burns is registered as a sex offender related to a previous conviction. 

Burns is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of advertising child pornography, one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb and was detained pending trial.

A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on January 3, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du. If convicted, Burns faces a statutory maximum penalty of 50 years in prison for each count of child exploitation.

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 Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, FBI, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparks Police Department, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is 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.

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, Nev. – A Lawrenceville, Georgia, man pleaded guilty today 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.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, on September 11, 2020, Robert Devon Barber (25) and co-conspirator Keheir Jordan Parker (25, of Victorville, Calif.) 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 the claims associated with the 12 recovered EDD cards. Approximately, $170,715.78 was withdrawn from accounts associated with those 12 cards, including $148,400 in ATM cash withdrawals and $22,315.78 in purchases.

Barber pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effectuate illegal transactions with access devices. He faces a statutory maximum penalty of seven and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled sentencing for February 1, 2022.

Co-defendant Parker pleaded guilty in June 2021, and he is awaiting sentencing.

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 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, Nev. – A convicted felon was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for unlawfully possessing a sawed-off shotgun, which was recovered during a traffic stop in Searchlight, Nevada.

According to court documents, on October 28, 2020, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer stopped a vehicle for traveling more than 50 miles per hour on a 25 mile per hour section of U.S. Route 95 through Searchlight. Ronald Allen Class, Jr. (31, of Las Vegas) was a backseat passenger in the vehicle.

While speaking with the driver and passengers, the officer noticed a sawed-off shotgun on the floor at Class’ feet. The officer secured the firearm — a Remington 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun that had a cut-down barrel and was loaded with a chambered round — and took Class into custody. Class is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. During the traffic stop, records checks revealed that: (a) the car had been stolen; and (b) three of the four people in the car, including Class, had outstanding arrest warrants.

Class pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Class 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, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig 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 Reno man was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison for selling methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Bay Johnson (aka “Pissy,” 33) sold 105 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover detective in Reno. Additionally, Johnson sold 98 grams of methamphetamine on two other occasions. These drug transactions occurred while Johnson was on work release from the Nevada Department of Corrections, where he was serving a prison sentence for a 2015 drug trafficking conviction.

Johnson pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Johnson to 20 years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.

If you suspect a possible violation of controlled substance laws and regulations, such as the growing, manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, please report the alleged violation to the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Mexican citizen was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison for shooting a man in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

According to court documents, on March 6, 2020, the victim was at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area when he responded to a male voice calling for help. The victim saw Eliel Urrutia-Jimenez (26) lying on the ground and attempted to see if Urrutia-Jimenez needed help. When the victim approached, Urrutia-Jimenez turned and shot the victim four times, wounding him in the torso.

Urrutia-Jimenez pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, admitting that he knowingly and intentionally shot the victim — with the intent to do bodily harm — four times in the torso. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Urrutia-Jimenez to five years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Chief Ranger Trouper Snow for the National Park Service made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the National Park Service.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 49 months in federal prison for filing two dozen fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, which were approved for more than $250,000 in unemployment benefits from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) and California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Antwine Demon Hunter, 34, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of mail fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon ordered Hunter to pay restitution and sentenced him to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from June 1, 2020 to September 28, 2020, Hunter and co-conspirators used personally identifiable information belonging to victims to submit 24 false unemployment claims to DETR and EDD. As part of the scheme, Hunter had DETR and EDD mail debit cards containing unemployment benefits to addresses he had access to. In total, more than $250,000 in unemployment benefits was approved, and at least $189,118 was withdrawn by Hunter.

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 the Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Los Angeles Region made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the 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, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty today to using at least 40 stolen identities to fraudulently collect approximately $175,622 in unemployment insurance benefits from the California Employment Development Department (EDD), the administrator of the federally funded unemployment insurance benefit program for residents of the State of California.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Danielle Lacharis Buck (aka Danielle Lacharis Lakey), 45, participated in a scheme from September 2010 to April 2019 to defraud the California EDD into paying her approximately $175,622 in unemployment insurance benefits. As part of the scheme, Buck obtained stolen identities through her job in the medical industry. She used her access to patient and co-worker information to steal personal identifying information — such as names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of unsuspecting individuals — and then electronically filed false unemployment claims using the stolen names and information. In total, Buck filed more than 50 false unemployment insurance claims using at least 40 different stolen identities. She withdrew cash from an unemployment insurance benefits debit cards at ATMs in the Las Vegas and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.

Buck pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. She faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud and a mandatory minimum two-year term in prison for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2022.

Assistant 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.

The case was investigated by the DOL-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

To learn more about the Department of Justice’s COVID response, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An undocumented individual pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to use over 100 victims’ identities (without their consent) to unlawfully submit fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits claims, totaling at least $934,129.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from March 2020 to late October 2020, Alan Ray, 33, 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.

Ray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled sentencing for February 4, 2022. Ray faces a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of 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 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, Nev. – Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada announced today that the Department of Justice has recently awarded $21,997,467 in grant funding to improve services for crime victims and to support state, local, and tribal public safety across Nevada.

“By providing additional resources for victim service providers in Nevada, these grants will help secure victims’ legal rights and get survivors on the road to recovery,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “The grants also reflect the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to protecting public safety and reducing crime in our communities and homes.”

Since mid-September 2021, Nevada entities have been awarded the following grants from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its components:

• Bureau of Justice Assistance:

 

• The Nevada Department of Public Safety was awarded: (a) $2,174,534, as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; (b) $21,783, as part of the Prison Rape Elimination Act Reallocation Funds; and (c) $358,297, as part of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant.

 

• The State of Nevada was awarded $36,901, as part of the John R. Justice Program Formula Grant Solicitation.

 

• Office for Victims of Crime:

 

• Noah’s Animal House Foundation in Reno was awarded $500,000, as part of the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program.

 

• The Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada was awarded $3,082,025, as part of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Grant Program.

 

• The Division of Child & Family Services was awarded: (a) $10,054,895, as part of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant; and (b) $1,119,000, as part of the VOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant.

 

Further, Nevada entities have been awarded the following grants from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW):

• The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges was awarded $2,600,000, as part of the Training and Technical Assistance Initiative Program.

 

• The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California was awarded $600,000, as part of the Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program.

 

• The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe was awarded $900,000, as part of the Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program.

 

• The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence was awarded $270,782, as part of the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Grant Program.

 

• The Nevada Attorney General’s Office was awarded $279,250, as part of the Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Grant 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 at www.ojp.gov.

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An undocumented individual residing in Las Vegas was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for trafficking firearms, specifically three AK-47 rifles and one AR-style rifle.

In February 2021, Eduardo Israel Islas-Orozco, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal alien in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Islas-Orozco to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, on May 19, 2016 and June 9, 2016, Islas-Orozco — who is undocumented — sold three AK-47s and one AR-style semi-automatic firearms to an undercover Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) task force officer working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). When selling these firearms, Islas-Orozco insisted on completing a bill of sale, but did not use his own name as the seller. He also admitted that he believed the firearms would be transported out of the United States to Mexico.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the ATF made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance by LVMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer 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.

The public is urged to report illegal firearms activity to the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Nevada man pleaded guilty today to participating in a scheme to defraud multiple financial institutions by filing fraudulent bank loan applications that sought more than $1.9 million dollars in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The man also pleaded guilty to collecting over $350,000 from employees as income tax and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) withholdings for tax years 2014 to 2019, which he failed to pay over to the IRS on the employees’ behalf.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Jorge Abramovs, 40, submitted at least 12 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to seven different lenders in spring 2020. As part of the scheme, he submitted the loan applications in the names of multiple different businesses while falsely claiming to have numerous employees earning wages. In fact, these businesses were non-operational: they had no employees and no monthly payroll.

To support the fraudulent loan applications, Abramovs submitted false information about the businesses, fake tax documents and payroll schedules, and other forged documents. In total, Abramovs fraudulently obtained $1,986,737 in PPP loans. Rather than spending these funds to pay workers or for other specified business expenses as certified in the loan applications, Abramovs spent these funds on purchases for himself, including luxury condominiums, a Bentley, a Tesla, and payments on his home mortgage.

Abramovs further admitted that he failed to pay $475,000 in taxes owed to the IRS, relating to a different set of companies Abramovs controlled and operated. From 2014 through 2019, Abramovs was responsible for collecting and paying over employee-related taxes to the IRS, including withheld employee federal income tax, employee and employer FICA contributions, and federal unemployment tax. But Abramovs did not pay these withheld funds over to the IRS. Similarly, he failed to pay employer FICA contributions and unemployment tax payments the entities owed the IRS for those employees.

Abramovs pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and one count of willful failure to collect or pay over tax. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2022. Abramovs faces a total statutory maximum penalty of 45 years in prison.

Christopher Chiou, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada; Aaron C. Rouse, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office; Weston King, Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General’s (SBA OIG) Western Region Office; J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); and C. Darren Lian, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, SBA OIG, TIGTA, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

In May, 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 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, Nev. – A Boulder City man — with a history of domestic violence — was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for assaulting his wife when they were camping together at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on September 21, 2020, Michael David Thompson, 66, repeatedly punched the victim’s face and body while camping at the Boulder Beach Campground within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The victim suffered significant injuries.

In May 2021, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted Thompson of one count of felony assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate partner. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Thompson to two years of supervised release.

Thompson was previously convicted in 2008 of misdemeanor battery and felony intimidation of a witness for assaulting his then-girlfriend. While on probation, he committed a second felony battery against the same victim. In 2001, he was convicted of battery against a child.

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

This case was investigated by the National Park Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Kent and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man made his initial court appearance Thursday for allegedly distributing methamphetamine while he was on parole for a previous offense.

Nathaniel Royal, aka “Champ,” 50, is charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah scheduled a jury trial for November 15, 2021 before U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan.

As alleged in the indictment, on February 3 and 7, 2021, Royal distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. At the time, Royal was on parole for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon out of California.

If convicted, Royal faces a statutory minimum penalty of ten years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the DEA made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich 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.

If you suspect a possible violation of controlled substance laws and regulations, such as the growing, manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances, please promptly report the alleged violation to the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Two Las Vegas residents — Norbert Ozemena Ikwuegbundo (28) and Omniyi Jonathan Omotere (35), both citizens of Nigeria — have been indicted for defrauding people seeking to rent houses out of $3.3 million, through a scheme that involved using multiple false identities and counterfeit drivers’ licenses.

According to allegations in court documents, from about March 2018 until about September 2019, Ikwuegbundo, Omotere, and others engaged in the following fraudulent scheme:

• The defendants assumed the identities of homeowners who were advertising on websites to rent their properties.

 

• They posted imposter rental advertisements online at reduced rent prices, using the names and personal identifiers of true homeowners — but changing the contact information to email addresses and phone numbers controlled by the defendants.

 

• Using wire transmission instructions provided by the defendants through emails and text messages, prospective renters wired money for first and last month’s rent (and security deposits) to commercial businesses that provide wire transfer services to their customers.

 

• The defendants used various lulling techniques, such as sending false rental agreements for victims to sign, so that they would have more time to pick up the wired money.

 

• The defendants laundered proceeds from the scheme by using some of the stolen money to buy cars at auction.

Ikwuegbundo and Omotere are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition, Omotere is charged with one count of wire fraud, while Ikwuegbundo is charged with two counts of wire fraud, one count of possessing equipment used to make counterfeit drivers’ licenses, one count of concealment money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Ikwuebundo made his initial court appearance on August 11, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah. Omotere made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 18, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. If convicted, Ikwuegbundo faces a statutory maximum penalty of 97 years in prison; and Omotere faces a statutory maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Charles R. Beckmeyer of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HSI and DSS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Frayn is prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal prison inmate was sentenced today to an additional six years and three months in prison for conspiring with his brother to defraud the IRS as part of a fraudulent income tax refund scheme.

According to court documents, Jabari Laquan Marshall, who was serving a federal prison sentence for a prior mortgage fraud conviction, and his brother Jalen Tony Henry devised a scheme to defraud the IRS. As part of the scheme, Marshall provided Henry with false documents and directed Henry to file a false amended tax return for tax year 2014, claiming that over $5.5 million in federal income tax had been withheld on his behalf as a result of a fictitious intellectual property sale. Henry later submitted other fraudulent documents that supposedly documented the sale, and the IRS ultimately relied on these documents to issue a refund check for $1,439,039. Henry deposited the check into his bank account, and Marshall directed Henry to split the funds among their family members. Henry withdrew approximately $5,000 before his bank account was frozen. The IRS successfully recovered the remaining funds.

Marshall pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan ordered Marshall to pay restitution and sentenced him to three years of supervised release.

Co-defendant Henry pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of theft of government property. He was sentenced on August 26, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge C. Darren Lian for IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A North Las Vegas man was sentenced Tuesday to 16 years and four months in prison for kidnapping a girl in Arizona and repeatedly sexually assaulting her at his house in North Las Vegas, where he held her hostage.

“The sentence imposed by the Court reflects the serious nature of the defendant’s crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office is grateful to the victim in this case for exemplifying strength and courage, and we’re thankful for the FBI’s and North Las Vegas Police Department’s hard work, which helped ensure the defendant’s conviction.”

“I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort put forth to ensure this defendant was brought to justice and will no longer be able to harm children again,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI. “Knowing that the defendant will serve the next 16 years in federal prison, ensures there is one less predator victimizing the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community. Our community is a lot safer because of today’s sentencing.” 

According to court documents, Jimmy Carter Kim, 32, met and communicated with a 14-year-old girl through a social media application. Sometime between November 2 and 3, 2015, he and the victim met in person in Bullhead City, Arizona. Kim kidnapped the girl and drove them to his residence in North Las Vegas, where he held her hostage in a locked room for one month. He repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim, and took photos and videos of the assaults. On December 3, 2015, the victim escaped and called the police. Kim was arrested the same day.

Kim pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Kim to 36 years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou and Special Agent in Charge Rouse made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance by the North Las Vegas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani 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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The Justice Department today announced charges against a U.S. citizen residing in Ukraine for his alleged participation in a scheme to deceive banks. In a related case, the department filed a civil complaint and secured a temporary restraining order against a ring of individuals and corporations allegedly responsible for using the scheme to steal funds directly from thousands of consumers’ bank accounts. The civil complaint was unsealed yesterday.

On Aug. 24, a grand jury in the District of Nevada indicted Harold Sobel, 68, a U.S. citizen who resides in Ukraine, for conspiracy to make false statements to a bank and two counts of false statements to banks. Sobel was arrested on Aug. 12 pursuant to a criminal complaint at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, before he could return to Ukraine. According to the indictment, Sobel traveled from Ukraine to the United States in October 2019 and February 2020 and used his identity to open accounts at federally insured banks, control of which he immediately transferred to a co-conspirator who then impersonated Sobel in communications with the banks. 

In a related civil complaint unsealed yesterday, the Department of Justice alleges that a transnational network of fraudsters, including Harold Sobel, Guy Benoit, Edward Courdy and more than two dozen other defendants, stole millions of dollars from American consumers by charging unauthorized debits against their bank accounts. The fraudsters used sham companies to cover their tracks and make the unauthorized debits appear legitimate.

“The scheme alleged in these cases involves an elaborate plot to reach into consumers’ bank accounts and steal their hard-earned savings,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Through these cases, the Department of Justice makes clear that it will use all tools at its disposal, including civil and criminal remedies, to halt such practices and bring offenders to justice.”

“Today’s charges allege insidious individuals and companies alike, employed deceptive techniques to steal money from thousands of unsuspecting victims,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “This investigation showcases the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s relentlessness is pursuing justice and holding individuals and corporations, be it domestically or internationally, accountable for their criminal actions. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate sophisticated fraud cases targeting U.S. consumers.”

According to the civil complaint, the defendants posted unauthorized debit transactions in the name of sham corporate entities against the bank accounts of unsuspecting consumers. To hide the fraudulent nature of these transactions from consumers and banks, defendants allegedly took elaborate steps to portray the sham corporate entities as legitimate businesses that provided internet-related services, creating bogus websites for the entities, fake customer authorizations for the entities’ services, and a “customer service” call center to field complaints. The complaint further alleges that the defendants used thousands of sham “micro transactions” so that banks would not detect the chargebacks of their unauthorized debits. The temporary restraining order obtained by the government enjoined the defendants from making unauthorized debits from consumers’ bank accounts and from using micro transactions to disguise chargebacks. The government also successfully petitioned for the appointment of a receiver to stop defendants from dissipating assets obtained through the fraud scheme. 

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented in the criminal case by Trial Attorneys Wei Xiang and Meredith Healy of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mina Chang of the District of Nevada. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas provided substantial assistance.

The government is represented in the civil matter by Trial Attorneys Michael Wadden and Amy Kaplan, and Assistant Director Lisa Hsiao of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.

The conspiracy charge against Harold Sobel provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison. Making a false statement to a bank provides for a maximum of 30 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Woodlands, Texas, man pleaded guilty today for his role in an unemployment insurance benefits scheme to defraud the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

According to court documents and admissions made in court, around May 2020, Paul Andrew Naeger (38) and his co-conspirators began submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the EDD, using other people’s personal identifying information without their consent. Some of the EDD debit cards associated with those fraudulent unemployment claims were mailed to rental mailboxes in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and Sherman Oaks. The debit cards were used for cash withdrawals and to purchase goods and services. In total, EDD approved at least $334,230 in benefits for the fraudulent claims. Naeger and his co-conspirators used at least $164,137 of the unemployment insurance benefits, including to pay for Naeger’s bail after he was arrested and detained on unrelated state charges in Houston, Texas.

Naeger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2021. Naeger faces statutory maximum penalties of seven and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices, and two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.

Co-defendant Brittany Danielle Griesel has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Kenneth Edward Greenland has been indicted by a grand jury and is currently awaiting trial.

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.

In May, 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 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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RENO, Nev. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Reno man for allegedly distributing a large amount of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to allegations in court documents, on August 16, 2021, James Raymond Ellis (51, also known as “Jimbo”) distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Several days later, on August 20, Ellis possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. In addition, Ellis possessed a 9mm pistol after having been previously convicted in Nevada for possession of a chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, which is a felony. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. The Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force arrested Ellis on August 20 in Reno.

Ellis is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. His initial court appearance is scheduled for August 30, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla L. Baldwin. If convicted, Ellis faces a statutory maximum penalty of life 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 Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of members from the FBI, Reno Police Department, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Nevada Gaming Control Board, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson 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.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – On Wednesday, a federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man for committing three armed robberies of businesses in Las Vegas and Henderson.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lesean Roger Dennis Braddock Jr. (28) and co-defendant Byron Joshua Jarell Porter (24) conspired to commit a series of three armed robberies over a four-day period in September 2019.

Following a three-day trial, the jury found Braddock guilty 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. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for December 3, 2021. Braddock faces the statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment. For each count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Braddock faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence.

Co-defendant Porter pleaded guilty in October 2020 and is awaiting sentencing.

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, Henderson Police Department, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Clarkson and Brian Whang are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas tax preparer was sentenced today to two years in prison for filing fraudulent tax returns for her clients over approximately five years, causing a total tax loss of $529,782 to the IRS.

According to court documents, Martha L. Williams, 43, owned and operated MJW and Associates (formerly known as Across the Board Management Company), which were tax preparation businesses in Las Vegas. Between 2009 and 2014, Williams prepared more than 1,000 tax returns on behalf of her clients. She admitted to preparing 750 false tax returns that inflated the clients’ refunds by claiming fictitious deductions related to businesses that did not actually exist. To make these businesses appear legitimate, Williams used the IRS’ website to apply for and receive Employer Identification Numbers for fictitious businesses. In total, Williams caused a tax loss of at least $529,782 to the IRS.

In January 2020, Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Williams to one year of supervised release and ordered Williams to pay $529,782 in restitution to the IRS.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge C. Darren Lian for the IRS-Criminal Investigation made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer prosecuted the case.

You can report a tax return preparer for misconduct or improper tax preparation practices associated with your individual tax return by visiting the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – On Friday, a federal jury convicted James Bates (50, of Las Vegas) — who previously had been convicted of multiple felonies in Clark County, Nevada and Broward County, Florida — for unlawful possession of a firearm following a drug transaction.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in August 2020, Bates unlawfully possessed a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Bates’ prior felony conviction history includes second degree murder, robbery, burglary of a dwelling, and grand theft. As a result, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Following a four-day trial, the jury found Bates guilty of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2021. At sentencing, Bates faces: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 for the possession with intent to distribute charge; up to 10 years prison and a fine of $250,000 for the felon in possession of a firearm charges; and for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.

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 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Andrew Duncan are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Tallahassee, Florida, man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to use 17 victims’ identities (without their consent) to unlawfully submit fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits claims, totaling at least $385,000.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Joseph Holmes Jr., 22, conspired with others to submit fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). During a traffic stop on September 18, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers discovered in the car and on Holmes and co-defendant Emelio Rochester: 17 EDD debit cards, all in different names; $89,710 in cash; five cellphones; three laptop computers; and a tablet. At least $385,000 in unemployment benefits was approved for unemployment claims associated with the EDD debit cards, and at least $192,234 was withdrawn using the cards.

Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2021. Holmes faces a total statutory maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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.

In May, 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 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, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Las Vegas man Monday of distribution of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on October 29, 2019, Donnell Henry (35) 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. Henry is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in California state court for first degree burglary and maintaining a place to sell narcotics.

After a four-day trial, the jury found Henry 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 trial and scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2021. At sentencing, Henry faces: a statutory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine for the distribution of methamphetamine charge; and a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the felon in possession of a firearm charge.

Co-defendant Ozzie Morrison pleaded guilty in May 2021. U.S. District Judge Dorsey sentenced him 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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Kimberly Sokolich are prosecuting 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 is 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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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RENO, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Fort McDermitt Shoshone Paiute Tribe member today for murdering two women who were also members of the Tribe.

According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on January 31, 2018, Stoney Prior (43) shot and killed two people on the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, at the home of one of the victims. Both victims were members of the Fort McDermitt Shoshone Paiute Tribe.

Prior was found guilty of two-counts of second-degree murder in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada 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 are prosecuting the case.

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RENO, Nev. –  A Fernley man — who used various encrypted messaging applications and numerous online aliases to conceal his identity and avoid detection by law enforcement — was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for distributing images of young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

According to court documents, Benjamin D. Morrow, 36, used encrypted messaging applications, numerous online aliases, and various email addresses — including foreign email service providers — to send unsolicited emails to approximately 182 recipients. Those unsolicited emails contained images of the sadistic and masochistic sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. A forensic analysis of seized devices belonging to Morrow revealed 119,371 images and 4,945 videos of child pornography.

Morrow pleaded guilty in April 2021 to two counts of distribution of child pornography. In addition to imprisonment, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Morrow 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 a joint investigation by the FBI, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Washoe County Sherriff’s Office, Lyon County Sherriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, Carson City Sherriff’s Office, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson 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.

If you know of a child who may have been a victim of exploitation, please contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit NCMEC’s web site at https://www.missingkids.org/HOME.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday, a Stockton, California, man has been charged for allegedly using multiple California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards in other peoples’ names without their authorization.

According to allegations in court documents, on September 20, 2020, Breon Dante Mims, 30, was stopped by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers after he was observed smoking a marijuana blunt in public. During the stop, officers obtained Mims’ consent to search his backpack, which revealed: (a) ten EDD debit cards, none of which were in Mims’ name; (b) $10,080 in cash; and (c) narcotics, including marijuana, ecstasy, and hydrocodone pills. Between August 19, 2020, and September 19, 2020, Mims allegedly withdrew at least $77,000 from various ATMs in Nevada and California using these fraudulently obtained EDD debit cards. At least $261,600 in benefits were approved for the unemployment claims associated with the cards.

Mims is charged with one count of illegal transaction with access devices issued to other persons and one count of aggravated identity theft. He made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah. If convicted, Mims faces a statutory maximum penalty of 17 years in prison.

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 is prosecuting the case.

In May, 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF web complaint form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Santa Clarita woman pleaded guilty today to her role in a conspiracy to use other peoples’ personal information — without their consent — to unlawfully apply for and obtain over $250,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

According to court documents and admissions made in court, around May of 2020, Brittany Danielle Griesel, 38, and her co-conspirators submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the EDD using other people’s personal identifying information. In total, EDD approved more than $250,000 in benefits for these fraudulent claims, which Griesel and her co-conspirators spent on goods and services. During a traffic stop in Las Vegas on August 8, 2020, law enforcement discovered Griesel was in possession of $45,464 in fraudulent proceeds obtained as part of the conspiracy.

Griesel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effect illegal transactions with access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Richard F Boulware II scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2021. Griesel faces a statutory maximum penalty of nine and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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.

In May, 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 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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Four alleged members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have been charged in a federal superseding indictment with a racketeering conspiracy involving multiple murders, kidnappings and burglaries, as well as drug trafficking.

The individuals charged in the superseding indictment are: Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, 27, aka Molesto; David Arturo Perez-Manchame, 22, aka Herbi, aka Walter Melendez; Joel Vargas-Escobar, 25, aka Mumia; and Alexander De Jesus Figueroa-Torres, 25. 

According to court documents, MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 has more than 10,000 members regularly conducting gang activities in at least 10 states and Washington, D.C., with thousands more conducting gang activities in Central America and Mexico. The purpose of the MS-13 enterprise includes preserving, promoting, and protecting the power, territory, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates of the enterprise through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.” 

The superseding indictment charges alleged members of the Parkview clique operating in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Racketeering (RICO) Conspiracy and multiple counts of murder and kidnapping in aid of racketeering, as well as firearms charges. More specifically, the indictment charges the following acts of violence occurring over an approximately 12-month period:

Date

Offense/Predicate Act

March 3, 2017

D.C. murdered

Dec. 31, 2017

R.G. murdered

Jan. 18, 2018

C.P. kidnapped and murdered

Jan. 21, 2018

A.S. kidnapped and murdered

Feb. 2, 2018

J.R. murdered

Feb. 6, 2018

J. H. murdered

Feb. 6, 2018

R.O. murdered

Feb. 6, 2018

J.C. shot and wounded

Mid-February, 2018

I.T. kidnapped and murdered

Mid-February, 2018

R.P. kidnapped and murdered

March 1, 2018

E.R. kidnapped and murdered

“The Criminal Division and our federal, state and local partners are committed to dismantling violent gangs like MS-13,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The violence alleged in the superseding indictment in this case is truly shocking. The murder spree carried out by MS-13 in Las Vegas clearly shows the danger posed by organized street gangs like MS-13.”

“By significantly undermining MS-13’s ability to engage in violence in Las Vegas, the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners have made our communities safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office remains committed to protecting our neighborhoods against gang violence and other criminal activity by prosecuting dangerous transnational criminal organizations like MS-13.”

“Taking violent offenders off the street should send a message to MS-13 members and their associates that violence and murder will not be tolerated in Las Vegas,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “Working with our local partners, we are committed to staying in the fight until this plague is purged from our communities.”

Reyes-Castillo and Perez-Manchame are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Tuesday, Aug. 10 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. If convicted, they face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Bureau are investigating the case.

Trial attorneys Jeremy Franker and Chris Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.

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

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Four alleged members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have been charged in a federal superseding indictment with a racketeering conspiracy involving multiple murders, kidnappings and burglaries, as well as drug trafficking.

The individuals charged in the superseding indictment are: Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, 27, aka Molesto; David Arturo Perez-Manchame, 22, aka Herbi, aka Walter Melendez; Joel Vargas-Escobar, 25, aka Mumia; and Alexander De Jesus Figueroa-Torres, 25. 

According to court documents, MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 has more than 10,000 members regularly conducting gang activities in at least 10 states and Washington, D.C., with thousands more conducting gang activities in Central America and Mexico. The purpose of the MS-13 enterprise includes preserving, promoting, and protecting the power, territory, and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates of the enterprise through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.” 

The superseding indictment charges alleged members of the Parkview clique operating in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Racketeering (RICO) Conspiracy and multiple counts of murder and kidnapping in aid of racketeering, as well as firearms charges. More specifically, the indictment charges the following acts of violence occurring over an approximately 12-month period:

Date

Offense/Predicate Act

March 3, 2017

D.C. murdered

Dec. 31, 2017

R.G. murdered

Jan. 18, 2018

C.P. kidnapped and murdered

Jan. 21, 2018

A.S. kidnapped and murdered

Feb. 2, 2018

J.R. murdered

Feb. 6, 2018

J. H. murdered

Feb. 6, 2018

R.O. murdered

Feb. 6, 2018

J.C. shot and wounded

Mid-February, 2018

I.T. kidnapped and murdered

Mid-February, 2018

R.P. kidnapped and murdered

March 1, 2018

E.R. kidnapped and murdered

 

“The Criminal Division and our federal, state and local partners are committed to dismantling violent gangs like MS-13,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The violence alleged in the superseding indictment in this case is truly shocking. The murder spree carried out by MS-13 in Las Vegas clearly shows the danger posed by organized street gangs like MS-13.”

“By significantly undermining MS-13’s ability to engage in violence in Las Vegas, the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners have made our communities safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office remains committed to protecting our neighborhoods against gang violence and other criminal activity by prosecuting dangerous transnational criminal organizations like MS-13.”

“Taking violent offenders off the street should send a message to MS-13 members and their associates that violence and murder will not be tolerated in Las Vegas,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “Working with our local partners, we are committed to staying in the fight until this plague is purged from our communities.”

Reyes-Castillo and Perez-Manchame are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Tuesday, Aug. 10 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. If convicted, they face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Bureau are investigating the case.

Trial attorneys Jeremy Franker and Chris Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.

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, Nev. – A former regional director of community development for the National Community Stabilization Trust — formed in 2008 in response to the national mortgage-housing foreclosure crisis — was sentenced Tuesday to one year and one day in prison for conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

“The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entrusts non-profit organizations to administer HUD programs honestly and creatively to help improve the housing market. Their expertise is critical to stabilizing the nation’s housing economic recovery. When fraud is perpetrated against HUD, a significant impact is made on that recovery. One of the primary goals of the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse, and present findings to prosecutors; such findings aid in maintaining the integrity of HUD programs. Barajas’ actions violated that trust and he must now face the consequences,” stated Michael Gibson, Special Agent in Charge, HUD OIG, Los Angeles, California.

According to court documents, Sergio Barajas, 54, of Chino Hills, California, worked for the Trust as a regional representative over the western United States. His duties included helping the Trust and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) non-profit organizations locate and buy foreclosed homes under a joint program between the Trust and HUD.

As part of the conspiracy:

•           Heartland Coalition agreed to pay Barajas for his influence to help Heartland Coalition participate in the program. From 2011 to late 2012, Heartland Coalition paid Barajas a total of $186,025 and purchased 626 houses in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

•           In 2011, Positive Housing Equations LLC agreed to pay Barajas for his influence to provide its affiliate company, Alliance Revitalization Communities (ARC), with access to houses available through the program. Between 2011 and 2014, ARC bought 167 houses, and Positive Housing Equations LLC paid Barajas a total of approximately $158,000.

•           In 2013 and 2014, a real estate agent in Arizona agreed to pay Barajas for each house that her client bought through the Trust. The real estate agent paid Barajas a total of $36,711 to Barajas for at least 32 properties.

Barajas pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Barajas to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Michael Gibson of HUD OIG, Los Angeles, California, made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HUD OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Schiess prosecuted the case.

To submit allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement or whistleblower related matters within HUD and HUD-funded programs to the OIG, the public can either call the HUD OIG Hotline number at 1-800-347-3735 or make an online report at https://www.hudoig.gov/hotline/report-fraud.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. –  A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, returned an indictment today charging a Las Vegas husband and wife with conspiring to defraud the IRS, tax evasion, filing a false tax return, assisting in the filing of false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns and pay federal income taxes.

According to allegations in the indictment, from at least 2005 through at least 2020, Scott H. Lawrence, a real estate professional, and Debra R. Lawrence, an owner of an interior design business, conspired to conceal their income and true financial condition from the IRS and to obstruct the IRS’s efforts to collect their unpaid tax liabilities. As part of the scheme, Scott and Debra Lawrence allegedly submitted to the IRS false documents, including false tax returns and collection information statements, that understated their true income. The indictment further alleges that Scott and Debra Lawrence sought to evade the payment of taxes owed for tax years 2005 to 2010 by cashing substantial portions of paychecks, thereby thwarting IRS levies and collection actions, and that they willfully failed to pay taxes for tax years 2014 to 2018. In total, Scott and Debra Lawrence are alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $1,758,128.

Scott and Debra Lawrence are scheduled to make their initial court appearances on August 11, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youchah of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and for each count of tax evasion; three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return and assisting in the filing of false tax returns; and one year in prison for each count of failing to file a tax return and failing to pay income taxes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

The IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating this case.

Trial Attorneys Valerie Preiss and Patrick Burns of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas felon was sentenced Thursday to 10 years and one month in prison for robbing two banks at gunpoint on the same day in April 2018, stealing approximately $22,000.

According to court documents, on April 17, 2018, Robert Carl Litheredge, 61, entered a bank in Henderson wearing a ski mask and carrying a semi-automatic handgun. Litheredge commanded the bank customers and employees to get down on the floor as he waved the handgun in the air. He pointed the handgun at a bank employee and demanded money. Litheredge left the bank with the stolen money.

Several hours later, Litheredge — again wearing a ski mask and carrying a semi-automatic handgun — entered a different bank in Las Vegas and demanded money. He fired one round from his handgun into the ceiling. Before fleeing the bank with the stolen money, Litheredge also fired another round into the ceiling.

Litheredge was arrested the following day in a local casino, in possession of a semi-automatic handgun and cash. During a post-arrest interview with detectives from the Henderson Police Department and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Litheredge admitted to robbing both banks.

Litheredge pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery and one count of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He has eight prior felony convictions, including two bank robbery convictions from 2001 and 2007. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Litheredge 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, Henderson Police Department, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre 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, Nev. – An accountant for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe made her initial appearance in federal court today for allegedly embezzling more than $140,000 from the Tribe.

As alleged in court documents, from March 2018 to July 2018, Linnie Arline Craner, 48, issued at least 18 checks — totaling over $140,000 — from the Tribe’s business checking account for her personal benefit. Craner allegedly falsified information in the Tribe’s accounting system so that it appeared the checks were made out to vendors for legitimate business purposes. But those checks were deposited into Craner’s personal bank account and used to pay off her auto loans.

Craner is charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization. If convicted, she faces a statutory maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on September 27, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon.

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.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A Las Vegas resident was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison for robbing two U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers while they were delivering the mail.

According to court documents, on January 18, 2020, Rodolfo Rafael Rodriguez-Silva, 21, and another individual — each wearing a ski mask — robbed a USPS mail carrier who was delivering mail. Rodriguez-Silva intimidated the mail carrier while the other person stole mail from the USPS vehicle. One week later on January 25, Rodriguez-Silva accosted another USPS mail carrier while wearing a mask. Rodriguez-Silva stated to the mail carrier, who was delivering mail in North Las Vegas: “I don’t want to hurt you, get to the side of the vehicle.” An individual with Rodriguez-Silva then stole mail from the USPS vehicle.

Rodriguez-Silva pleaded guilty in November 2020 to two counts of robbery of mail, money, or property of the United States. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II sentenced Rodriguez-Silva 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 Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Frayn and Daniel Clarkson prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Henderson man was sentenced on Thursday to six years in prison for distributing methamphetamine.

According to court documents, between March 6 and April 3, 2018, Kenneth Hall, 38, sold a total of 383.6 grams of methamphetamine in Henderson and Las Vegas. At the April 3 drug sale, Hall showed and offered to sell a handgun to the buyer. Later that day, during a traffic stop, officers found over 300 grams of methamphetamine, plastic baggies, and $4,080 in cash in Hall’s vehicle. When officers executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence, they found a 9mm Sig Sauer semiautomatic handgun, along with two magazines and ammunition. A convicted felon, Hall is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Hall pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Hall to five years of supervised release.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Federal indictments in the District of Nevada have been unsealed, charging six defendants with nearly 100 criminal charges in connection with an alleged drug trafficking ring and money laundering conspiracy.

These charges are the result of a global joint investigation, “Operation Money Maker,” comprised of nine law enforcement agencies that worked closely together to target a crime organization.

According to allegations set forth in the indictments:

• Barak Amar (51, of Las Vegas) conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. He is indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

 

• Arshak Arayan (41, of Los Angeles, California) conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. He is indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and six counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

 

• Ofir Frieden (38, of San Jose, California) conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. He is indicted on 45 counts of money laundering, eight counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and ten counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

 

• Djekem Kedoshim (31, of Seattle, Washington) is a business owner who wrote a business check in the amount of illegal drug proceeds to co-conspirators. He is indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and four counts of money laundering.

 

• Moshe Malka (36, of Las Vegas) conspired with others to deposit illegal cash proceeds into his bank account and wrote checks to co-conspirators for the cash received. He is indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and ten counts of money laundering.

 

• Shine True (39, of Phoenix, Arizona) conspired with others to deposit illegal cash proceeds into her bank account and wrote checks to co-conspirators for the cash received. She is indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and eight counts of money laundering.

 

“Our office appreciates the opportunity to partner with the FBI and law enforcement agencies across the world to combat the flow of cocaine into our communities and stop the laundering of illegal drug proceeds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “The hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners made it possible to disrupt this crime operation.”

“This is a brilliant example of the power of the international partnerships the FBI enjoys to combat the most dangerous organizations in the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI. “This operation should be a wakeup call to other criminals that regardless of where they think they can hide; the FBI and its partners will find them and bring them to justice.”

An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, the statutory maximum penalties for each count faced by each defendant are:

Defendant

Charges

 

Stat. Max. Penalties

Barak Amar

Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

40 yrs. imprisonment (5 yrs. mandatory minimum), $5 million fine, and at least 4 yrs. supervised release

 

Distribution of Controlled Substance

20 yrs. imprisonment, $1 million fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Arshak Arayan

Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

40 yrs. imprisonment (5 yrs. mandatory minimum), $5 million fine, and at least 4 yrs. supervised release

 

Distribution of a Controlled Substance

20 yrs. imprisonment, $1 million fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Ofir Frieden

Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

40 yrs. imprisonment (5 yrs. mandatory minimum), $5 million fine, and at least 4 yrs. supervised release

 

Distribution of a Controlled Substance

20 yrs. imprisonment, $1 million fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Djekem Kedoshim

Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Moshe Malka

Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Shine True

Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

Money Laundering

20 yrs. imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3 yrs. supervised release

 

This case was investigated by the FBI with significant assistance by the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Colombian National Police, the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Organization, the Israeli National Police, the SRI – Romanian Intelligence Service, and the UK National Crime Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Schiess is prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force assigned to Nellis Air Force Base was sentenced today to 32 months in prison for selling a large quantity of methamphetamine and for trafficking firearms (including an AK-47 rifle) without a Federal Firearms License.

In April 2021, Michael Reimers, 41, of Las Vegas, had pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson sentenced Reimers to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, from about July 11, 2019 to about September 4, 2019, Reimers — who is not a licensed firearms dealer — sold an AK-47, a .26 caliber handgun, and a 12 gauge shotgun to various buyers. In addition, he sold large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine to the same buyers.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DEA, along with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen Torgoley prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to filing two dozen fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, which were approved for more than $250,000 in unemployment benefits from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) and California Employment Development Department (EDD).

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from June 1, 2020 to September 28, 2020, Antwine Demon Hunter, 24, and co-conspirators used personally identifiable information belonging to victims to submit 24 false unemployment claims to DETR and EDD. As part of the scheme, Hunter had DETR and EDD mail debit cards containing unemployment benefits to addresses he had access to. In total, more than $250,000 in unemployment benefits were approved, and at least $189,118 were withdrawn by Hunter.

Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2021. Hunter faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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, Nev. – A North Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty today to unlawfully collecting over $200,000 of her deceased mother’s Social Security retirement benefits. She also admitted to wrongfully taking over $20,000 of her deceased mother’s annuity payments from a life insurance company.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Inez Baker Cone, 74, held a joint bank account with her mother. The Social Security Administration (SSA) directly deposited her mother’s retirement benefits into the joint account. When her mother passed away in 1995, Baker Cone did not inform the SSA that her mother had died and was accordingly no longer eligible to receive retirement benefits. Instead, nearly two years after her mother’s death, Baker Cone changed her mother’s mailing address with the SSA to her own home address.

Similarly, Baker Cone changed her mother’s mailing address with Transamerica Life Insurance Company to her own home address in order to wrongfully collect her mother’s annuity payment checks mailed by the company. Baker Cone deposited the checks by forging her late mother’s signature. From April 1995 to September 2020, Baker Cone unlawfully obtained approximately $200,244 of SSA retirement benefits and $22,763 of annuity payments from Transamerica Life Insurance Company.

Baker Cone pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II on October 14, 2021, and she faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Inspector General Gail S. Ennis for the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the SSA OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Belize citizen, who was unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison for using a fraudulent United States Permanent Resident Card and a fake Social Security card while applying for a "Real ID" identification card at a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office.

According to court documents, on October 1, 2020, Rickon Amyon Wade, aka “Ricky Wade,” 35, attempted to obtain a Nevada Real ID identification card at a DMV office in Henderson. Wade presented a counterfeit United States Permanent Resident Card and counterfeit Social Security card — bearing Wade’s name and a Social Security number not assigned to him — as identification. Wade had obtained the fraudulent immigration and Social Security cards from a counterfeit document vendor in Los Angeles, California.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Wade to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Inspector General Gail S. Ennis for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.

The case was investigated by HSI and the SSA OIG after referral by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Compliance Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Frayn and Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty today to trading over 600 child pornography images and videos using Kik Messenger, an instant messaging application on mobile devices.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Cyrus Orlando Ortega, 27, distributed those 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 toddlers — being sexually exploited.

Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of five years in prison, and a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2021.

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 and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Supriya Prasad is 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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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted three defendants who worked for a Las Vegas private vault business of stealing cash, jewelry, and watches from safe deposit boxes and private vaults, as well as laundering those illegal proceeds.

“Yesterday’s verdict reflects that the defendants used their inside knowledge of the business’ security measures to take advantage of victims — including victims who were reluctant to come forward even after they were stolen from,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office is grateful to the jury for fulfilling its civic duty, and to our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication in investigating the inside jobs.”

2012 Robbery. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Phillip D. Hurbace (74, of Calpine, California) was a former contractor for the private vault business and Sylviane Della Whitmore (aka “Sylviane Cordova,” 69, of Las Vegas) was an employee of the business. They met and conspired to rob the business using information they knew. On April 14, 2012, conspirators entered the business through an adjoining vacant suite, restrained an employee using handcuffs and duct tape, and used the crawl space above the ceiling to pass over walls.

Once inside, conspirators drilled into safe deposit boxes and private vaults. They stole cash and personal property, including coins, jewelry, and watches. Whitmore subsequently deposited more than $250,000 of stolen money into her bank account, and Hurbace attempted to sell a stolen watch worth several hundred thousand dollars.

2014 Break In. In 2014, after the private vault business went into bankruptcy, Whitmore and Larry Anthony McDaniel (61, of Las Vegas) planned another heist. They broke into safe deposit boxes and private vaults, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. Afterwards, McDaniel opened new bank accounts using nearly $700,000 in cash, and Whitmore deposited $190,000 into a trust account in her mother’s name.

Hurbace was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; one count of interference with commerce by robbery; and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. McDaniel was found guilty of one count of fraudulent transfer of property; two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property; and 11 counts of money laundering. Whitmore was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; one count of interference with commerce by robbery; seven counts of money laundering; one count of fraudulent transfer of property; and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.

U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for September 28, 2021. The statutory maximum penalties faced by each defendant are: Hurbace — 50 years of imprisonment and a $750,000 fine; McDaniel — 135 years of imprisonment and a $3.5 million fine; and Whitmore — 115 years of imprisonment and a $2.75 million fine.

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

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Lopez and Mina Chang are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, FBI Las Vegas Field Office, and AARP Nevada will host an interactive telephonic town hall on June 30, at 10 a.m. PDT, to share information about common gift card fraud schemes and prevention tips.

During the hour-long town hall, an Assistant U.S. Attorney and FBI Supervisory Special Agent will discuss common scams to be aware of and provide tips to protect you and your loved ones. Following the presentations, callers will have the opportunity to ask questions.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2020, Nevadans over the age of 60 lost more than $36.5M. In fact, Nevada ranked first among all states for the number of total fraud reports in 2020 with 35,533.

To join the toll-free telephonic town hall, register at https://aarp.cvent.com/events/aarp-nv-gift-card-scams-tth-statewide-6-30-2021/event-summary-8b14e7f171034e6fb1c3fb7278fee296.aspx. In addition to joining the town hall by phone, AARP members and the community at large may join online by going to the AARP Nevada Facebook page at facebook.com/aarpnv.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

In addition, you can report potential elder fraud to the FBI at www.ic3.gov or by calling 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324). Similarly, you can call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam. You can also find tip sheets and sign up for fraud alerts at the Fraud Watch Network site, www.aarp.org/fraud.

To learn more about the Department of Justice’s efforts to stop elder fraud, please visit the Elder Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

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RENO, Nev. — A Reno resident was sentenced on Friday to 14 years and one month in federal prison for robbing a liquor store and a convenience store at gunpoint in July 2019.

In March 2021, a federal jury convicted Edward Monet Knight, 32, of Reno, of two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Knight already had prior felony convictions, three of which stemmed from incidents where he robbed commercial establishments at gunpoint. On June 25, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Knight to 30 days for the two most recent robberies and the statutory mandatory minimum of 14 years for the use of a firearm during those robberies.

According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, on July 7, 2019, Knight racked the slide of a firearm while threatening a clerk at a liquor store in Sparks, Nevada. The next day, on July 8, Knight entered a convenience store and told a clerk: “what do you mean knock it off, with a real gun that’s a good way to get yourself killed.” Knight then pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the clerk and ordered the clerk to give him all the money in the cash register. After Knight fled the store with the stolen money, Sparks Police Department officers responded to the scene. A search of an abandoned vehicle that was seen fleeing the convenience store revealed: a handgun matching the description of the gun used in the robbery; Knight’s identification card; and the stolen money.

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 the Sparks Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing fentanyl that caused the death of another person.

According to the indictment and allegations made at the initial court appearance, Gabriel Ulloa, 29, distributed fentanyl to the 27-year-old victim, who believed he was buying Oxycodone pills from Ulloa. The victim died as a result of ingesting the drugs.

Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 80-100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. A few milligrams of fentanyl, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly.

Ulloa is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Ulloa made his initial appearance on June 25, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler, who scheduled a jury trial for August 23, 2021. If convicted, Ulloa faces a statutory minimum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, and a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.

An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Major Violators Narcotics Crimes Bureau, Overdose Response Team, HSI, DEA, and the Henderson Police Department.

This case was part of the Southern Nevada’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program that enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas, Nevada, businesswoman pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Graciela Rueda Alvarez, aka “Graciela Masso,” owned and operated two Las Vegas businesses: All Hose Inc. (AHI) and All Hose South LLC (AHS), which are distributors of industrial, hydraulic, and pneumatic hoses, connectors and fluid transfer systems. From 2013 to 2016, Rueda Alvarez transferred more than $950,000 of the profits from AHI and AHS to bank accounts she controlled, but did not report these funds as income on her personal federal tax returns. In total, Rueda Alvarez caused a tax loss to the IRS of $210,807.

Rueda Alvarez faces the statutory maximum penalty of three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. In addition to the prison term, Rueda Alvarez has agreed to pay $458,728.52 in restitution, including past-due taxes, interest, and penalties. U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for Sept. 27.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress of the IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement.

The IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney Michael Landman of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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RENO, Nev. — A Reno man today pleaded guilty to damaging the Bruce R. Thompson Federal Courthouse in the late evening of May 30, 2020, following a protest relating to the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Keith Moreno, 28, threw a cigarette receptacle (weighing about 23 pounds) and a rock through the first floor windows near the front entrance of the courthouse. Moreno broke at least one of the courthouse windows.

Moreno pleaded guilty to one count of Destruction of Government Property. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on September 16, 2021. Moreno faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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 is the product of an investigation by the FBI, Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Marshals Service.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A Las Vegas man today pleaded guilty to distributing opioids that resulted in the overdose death of another person.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Daniel Anguiano, 42, distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills — containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl — to a man who died after consuming the counterfeit pills. 

Fentanyl is classified as Schedule II controlled substances, and acetyl fentanyl is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 80-100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. A few milligrams of fentanyl, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly. Acetyl fentanyl is an analog of fentanyl that is 10-15 times more potent than morphine. Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is a common drug of abuse.

Anguiano pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance, specifically fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2021.

For the distribution of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, Anguiano faces: (a) a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment; and (b) a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the DEA made the announcement.

This case is the product of an investigation by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich is prosecuting the case.

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RENO, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Reno man on June 16, 2021 for committing voluntary manslaughter on tribal land.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Steven Bryan, 51, shot and killed his son with an AR-15 style rifle on or about December 13, 2019, on the Carson Indian Colony.

Bryan was found guilty of one count of voluntary manslaughter. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for September 21, 2021.

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 Penelope Brady and Andolyn Johnson are prosecuting the case.

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