District of Nevada

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A California 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, Keheir Jordan Parker (25, of Victorville, Calif.) and co-conspirator Robert Devon Barber (25, of Lawrenceville, Georgia) were stopped in Las Vegas for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, law enforcement officers recovered 12 California Employment Development Department (EDD) unemployment insurance benefits debit cards issued in other peoples’ names, along with ATM receipts showing that the debit cards had been used to make cash withdrawals totaling $7,400 in Nevada and California.

At least $249,460 in unemployment benefits was approved for claims associated with the 12 recovered EDD cards. Approximately $170,715.78 was obtained from accounts associated with those 12 cards, including $148,400 in ATM cash withdrawals and $22,315.78 in purchases.

Parker pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to effectuate illegal transaction with an access device. He faces a statutory maximum penalty of seven and a half years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2021.

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.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 should please 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.

For information about COVID-19 fraud, visit the Department of Justice’s website at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A Las Vegas man was sentenced on Tuesday to five years and 10 months in prison for assuming others’ identities to steal nearly $185,800 from the Nevada State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Fund.

According to court documents, from February 2011 to August 2014, John Badea, 69, and co-defendant Radu Gal, 66, both of Las Vegas, repeatedly stole money belonging to individual victims that had been held in trust by the Nevada State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division. As part of their fraudulent scheme, Badea and Gal searched the Unclaimed Property Division website to identify potential victims who were owed unclaimed property, obtained those victims’ personal identifying information using a ruse, and then submitted fraudulent claims to the Unclaimed Property Division using the victim’s identities.

Badea opened bank accounts in the names of stolen identities and deposited stolen unclaimed property funds into those accounts. He used the stolen funds for personal gain and to further the fraudulent scheme. Through their scheme, Badea and Gal submitted more than 143 false claims and impersonated more than 100 persons. They unlawfully obtained checks from the Unclaimed Property Division totaling approximately $185,872.

Badea pleaded guilty in December 2020 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Badea was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. Gal pleaded guilty in February 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Gal is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2021.

"We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who conspire to steal Social Security numbers and the identities of innocent people for their personal gain,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General of Social Security. "I thank the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their efforts and the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI, and Inspector General Ennis of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the SSA OIG, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal court permanently enjoined a Henderson, Nevada, company from preparing, processing, and distributing adulterated and misbranded bottled water.

In a complaint filed on May 19, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States alleged that AffinityLifestyles.com Inc. and Real Water Inc., along with company officers Brent A. Jones and his son, Blain K. Jones, violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by distributing adulterated and misbranded bottled water. The companies formerly distributed bottled water under the brand names “Re2al Water Drinking Water” and “Re2al Alkalized Water.” While the companies marketed their products as a healthy alternative to tap water, the government alleged that the products in fact consisted of municipal tap water that the defendants processed with various chemicals in violation of current good manufacturing practices, relevant food safety standards and hazard prevention measures.

According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, the FDA received information that at least five children experienced acute non-viral hepatitis (resulting in acute liver failure) after drinking Re2al Water. The FDA documented other consumer complaints of illness, including nausea and vomiting, related to the Re2al Water. Subsequently, the agency warned consumers, restaurants, distributors and retailers not to drink, cook with, sell or serve the product.

“Food and water sold to consumers must be safe,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work closely with the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that bottled water and other products we eat and drink are manufactured in compliance with the law.”

“As consumers, we count on bottled water companies to take appropriate measures in ensuring their water doesn’t make our families sick, particularly children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “The permanent injunction imposed on Real Water reflects the Department of Justice’s and FDA’s commitment to protecting the health of Nevadans and consumers across the country.”

The complaint alleges that FDA inspections found: (a) multiple regulatory violations in the companies’ manufacturing processes, including significant deviations from preventative control requirements intended to control the risk of hazards in food; and (b) multiple failures to follow current good manufacturing practice requirements for water bottling facilities.

“We are committed to preventing harmful products from entering the nation’s food supply, and we will take enforcement action when a company fails to follow the law,” said FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D. “The FDA, together with our federal counterparts at the U.S. Department of Justice, aggressively pursued this injunction and we will continue to take swift action to protect consumers.”

The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The order entered by the federal court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and requires that they destroy any food, including any bottled water products, still in their possession. As part of the settlement, the defendants represented that they are no longer engaged in processing, preparing, packing or distributing water or any other type of food. Before processing or distributing any food in the future, the defendants first must notify the FDA in advance, comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction, and permit the FDA to inspect their facilities and procedures.

Trial Attorneys Brianna Gardner and Sarah Williams of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are handling the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Flake of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and Associate Chief Counsel Jennifer Argabright of the FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel.

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A Las Vegas woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to export goods from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.

According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, Tina Chen, 47 — aka Ya When Chen, Wen Tina Chen, Tina Dunbar, and Tina Dubner — is the owner of Top One Zone, LLC, a company exporting electronic and computer components that Chen operates from her residence. As alleged, from about November 2015 to May 2019, Chen conspired with others to buy and export goods from companies in the United States, and then send those goods to individuals in Iran through companies in Hong Kong. Chen concealed the identities of the end users, and she did not have a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Chen is charged with one count of conspiracy to unlawfully export goods to Iran. Chen made her initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe, who scheduled a jury trial for July 26. If convicted, Chen faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors

Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division, 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.

The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Dickinson of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

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

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to export goods from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.

According to the indictment unsealed on Thursday, Tina Chen, 47 — aka Ya When Chen, Wen Tina Chen, Tina Dunbar, and Tina Dubner — is the owner of Top One Zone, LLC, a company exporting electronic and computer components that Chen operates from her residence. As alleged, from about November 2015 to May 2019, Chen conspired with others to buy and export goods from companies in the United States, and then send those goods to individuals in Iran through companies in Hong Kong. Chen concealed the identities of the end users, and she did not have a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Chen is charged with one count of conspiracy to unlawfully export goods to Iran. Chen made her initial court appearance on Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe, who scheduled a jury trial for July 26. If convicted, Chen faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors

Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division, 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.

The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Dickinson of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

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

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RENO, Nev. – A Reno man pleaded guilty today to selling hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.

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

Mendoza pleaded guilty to seven counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben scheduled sentencing for August 24, 2021.

The statutory maximum penalty for distribution of fentanyl is 20 years in prison, and the minimum penalty is five years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl is 40 years in prison.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The leader and organizer of a drug trafficking conspiracy was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years in prison for selling nearly 36 pounds of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.

According to court documents, Vang Tran, 53, of Los Angeles, Calif., also known as “Train,” conspired with Hieugod Tran, also known as “Rabbit,” Quang Duong Tao, David Roeum, and George Suarez to distribute approximately 36 pounds of methamphetamine from December 2017 to November 2018. Tran, who was the leader and organizer of the conspiracy, negotiated the drug sales that occurred at hotels and casinos in Las Vegas.

Tran pleaded guilty in March 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware sentenced Tran to 10 years of supervised release.

Co-defendants Hieugod Tran, Tao, Roeum, and Suarez all previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Hieugod Tran and Roeum were each sentenced to 10 years in prison; Suarez was sentenced to eight years and two months in prison; and Tao has not been sentenced yet.

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, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.

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RENO, Nev. – A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to attempting to steal trade secrets belonging to his employer, a Nevada-based defense contractor.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Peter James Cariani, 58, of Boston, was employed as a systems engineer by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). On April 7, 2015, without authority to do so, Cariani downloaded tens of thousands of electronic files from SNC’s computer network. The files contained trade secret information related to SNC’s Radar Enhanced Vision System: a unique onboard aircraft radar sensing system that displays digital images of the ground for pilots flying in zero-visibility conditions. Cariani transferred the files to a personal external hard drive, and later transmitted information derived from the files to others for potential economic benefit. When entering his guilty plea, Cariani admitted that he knowingly downloaded trade secret information from SNC’s network and he knew his actions would harm SNC. An investigation was initiated by the FBI’s Reno branch after SNC detected (and reported) that an unauthorized electronic device had been used to download files from its computer network. 

“Theft of trade secret information is a federal crime and economically destructive, depriving companies of the fruits of their creativity,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Our office will continue to work closely with the FBI and Nevada businesses to hold accountable anyone trying to steal trade secret information from the innovative companies in our district, and to protect their sensitive business and technical information.”

“This case reminds all of our business partners of the need to be vigilant to prevent the insider threat from robbing them of their success,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI. “The FBI stands ready to protect businesses from those who would profit from stealing trade secrets as this case clearly shows.”

Cariani pleaded guilty to one count of attempted theft of trade secrets. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 31, 2021.

Cariani faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Reno Resident Agency of the Las Vegas Division of the FBI with assistance from the FBI's Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Myhre and Randolph St. Clair are prosecuting the case.

A private sector entity that is a victim of a cyber incident can receive assistance from government agencies, which are prepared to investigate the incident, mitigate its consequences, and help prevent future incidents. Federal Government agencies work together to leverage their collective response expertise, apply their knowledge of cyber threats, preserve key evidence, and use their combined authorities and capabilities to minimize asset vulnerability and bring malicious actors to justice. Private sector entities are encouraged to report a cyber incident to the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted two men on May 21, of committing four armed robberies, including two banks and the same Starbucks coffeehouse twice.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Edwin Arnold Jr., 25, of Las Vegas, and Shamariae Marshon Jones, 25, of Pasadena, Calif., robbed two banks and a Starbucks coffeehouse between December 2016 and January 2017. They stole a total of $14,280. During each robbery, Arnold brandished a handgun at employees, demanding money and threatening to shoot if they did not comply. Jones helped Arnold commit the robberies. On January 26, 2017, the FBI's Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Arnold and Jones when the two drove back to Arnold's residence immediately after committing their latest robbery.

After a five-day jury trial, Arnold and Jones were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of bank robbery, and three counts of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. Arnold was found guilty of an additional count of interference with commerce by robbery and of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the jury trial and scheduled sentencing for August 25, 2021. Arnold and Jones each face the statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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 and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Reese and Shaheen Torgoley are 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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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Boulder City man on May 20, for assaulting his wife at a campground in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael David Thompson, 65, repeatedly struck the victim’s face and body on September 21, 2020, at the Boulder Beach Campground within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Thompson’s assault caused the victim injuries that included a broken nose, fractured left orbital bone, and large contusions to her face and left arm.

After a three-day jury trial, Thompson was found guilty of one count of felony assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate partner. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 23, 2021.

Thompson faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

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 are prosecuting the case

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A hip-hop producer was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison for unlawfully operating a prostitution business over a 12 year period, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.

According to court documents, Jamal Rashid, 45, of Las Vegas, known as hip-hop producer “Mally Mall,” owned and operated several escort businesses between April 2002 and September 2014 that served as fronts for a prostitution business. Rashid operated a high-end prostitution business that transported victims across the United States, using various paid websites — such as Backpage and Eros — to advertise the victims for prostitution purposes.

Rashid exploited hundreds of victims as: (a) “independent contractors” who turned over to Rashid a portion of what they earned through prostitution; and (b) “priority girls” who turned over nearly all of the proceeds from prostitution to Rashid. He admitted to manipulating the victims, imposing rules and threatening them so that they would prostitute for him. Further, Rashid encouraged victims to get tattoos of him to demonstrate their loyalty, and led many of them to believe he would advance their careers in show business.

Rashid pleaded guilty in October 2019 to one count of use of an interstate facility in aid of unlawful activity. In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro sentenced Rashid to three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Dickinson prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Texas woman Monday for her role in a child sex trafficking conspiracy to recruit and exploit a child in multiple states, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.

“Sex trafficking — especially when it involves preying on children and forcing them into commercial sexual exploitation — subjects victims to appalling cruelty,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “Combatting human trafficking remains one of our office’s top priorities. Working closely with our law enforcement and community partners, our dedicated prosecutors are focused on bringing traffickers to justice and off the streets, away from victims.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from August 2018 to September 2018, Demecia Shontres Washington, 42, of Dallas, Texas conspired with co-defendant Jimmy David Washington Jr., 35, of Lubbock, Texas, to recruit and coerce a child — who had not yet reached 18 years old — to engage in commercial sex acts and to produce child pornography. Demecia Washington and Jimmy Washington Jr. transported the child from Texas to New Mexico and Nevada with the intent that she engage in prostitution.

After a six-day trial, Washington was found guilty of one count each of: conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking; conspiracy to transport for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; transportation for prostitution or other criminal sexual activity; conspiracy to sexually exploit children; sexual exploitation of children; and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 1, 2021.

The statutory maximum penalty for sex trafficking, transportation for purposes of prostitution, and conspiracy to commit those offenses is life in prison, with mandatory minimum penalties of 10 years for each offense. The statutory maximum penalty for sexual exploitation of children and conspiracy to commit that offense is 30 years in prison, with mandatory minimum penalties of 15 years for both offenses. The statutory maximum penalty for distribution of child pornography is 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum penalty of five years for that offense.

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

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Bianca Pucci are prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada honors the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, National Police Week is observed from Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

“Our law enforcement partners regularly face challenging and dangerous situations without hesitation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou. “Their jobs have only become more difficult during the pandemic. Our office joins in expressing gratitude for individuals who belong to the noble profession of law enforcement and thanking them for their daily sacrifices, as guardians of peace and a system of equal justice are essential to thriving communities.”

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

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

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the District of Nevada, two officers died in the line of duty. They were: Lt. Erik Lloyd of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Sgt. Benjamin Jenkins of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. 

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.   

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A fourth defendant has pleaded guilty to causing damage to the Foley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI, and U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield.

According to court documents, Alejandro Avalos, 28, of Las Vegas, participated in a protest on the evening of May 30, 2020 — in front of the federal buildings in downtown Las Vegas — following the May 25th death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. During the protest, fireworks were set off, walls were spray painted with obscenities and graffiti, and small bushes were lit on fire. Avalos and others went to the east entrance of the Foley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, threw paint on the windows, and kicked and struck the windows with objects. Video surveillance footage at the courthouse, as well as social media videos, showed Avalos striking the building’s windows with a metal bar and breaking at least one window.

Avalos pleaded guilty to one count of depredation against property of the United States. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey on August 9, 2021. Avalos faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In addition to Avalos, three other individuals - Reginald Lewis, 20; Kelton K. Simon, 35; and Alexander Kostan, 22; all of Las Vegas - have pleaded guilty to one count of depredation against property of the United States and await sentencing. A fifth individual, Keion Joe'l Cherry, 25, has been charged with one count of depredation against property of the United States and awaits a preliminary hearing in June 2021. A sixth individual, Jeanette R. Wallace, 35, of Las Vegas, is charged with one count of depredation against property of the United States and awaits a jury trial scheduled for August 2021.

A complaint or an indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

These cases are the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Las Vegas Violent Crimes Task Force and LVMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Cartier-Giroux and Kimberly Sokolich are prosecuting the cases.

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RENO, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a California man last Friday for his role in running a prescription opioids trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 2018 to May 2019, Myron Motley, 57, of Richmond, California, conspired with others to possess and distribute Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, both Schedule II controlled substances. As part of the conspiracy, Motley enlisted co-defendant Dr. Eric Math to write fraudulent prescriptions for Oxycodone and Hydrocodone to Motley and co-conspirators Joseph Jeannette, Michael Kwoka, Ivy Elliott, and Alesia Sampson. The co-conspirators would then fill the prescriptions at local pharmacies and give some of the pills to Motley, so that he could sell them to other co-conspirators, including Michael Slater.

Motley was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, four counts of distribution of Oxycodone, and one count of distribution of Hydrocodone. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the jury trial. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 23, 2021.

Motley faces a statutory mandatory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Motley was charged along with co-conspirators Math, Kwoka, Slater, Elliott, and Sampson, who have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Co-conspirator Jeannette awaits a jury trial.

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.

This case was a joint investigation conducted by the FBI; the Reno Police Department; Nevada Highway Patrol; the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Social Services; the Office of the Nevada Attorney General; the Carson City Sheriff’s Office; the Nevada Department of Corrections; the Nevada Gaming Control Board; the Sparks Police Department; the University of Nevada-Reno Police Department; and IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Peter Levitt.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal inmate and his accomplice pleaded guilty today to charges stemming from a fraudulent tax withholding scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. for the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS CI).

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Jabari Laquan Marshall, 43, devised the fraudulent tax withholding scheme while incarcerated in a Bureau of Prisons facility. As part of the scheme, Marshall provided co-defendant Jalen Tony Henry, 27, with false documents that purportedly showed the sale of certain trade secrets for $25 million during the 2014 tax year. To make those false documents appear more credible, Marshall used the real social security numbers of two other individuals.

In April 2015, Henry filed an amended tax return for tax year 2014, using the false documents and fraudulently claiming that — as part of the fictitious sale of the trade secrets — $5,575,633 in federal income tax had been withheld on his behalf. Henry requested a tax refund of $1,359,645, and actually received a refund check for $1,439,039, which he deposited into his bank account. Marshall then directed Henry to split the funds among their family members. Because of the suspicious nature of the transaction, Henry’s bank account was frozen, and the IRS successfully recovered $1,433,971 of the refund amount sent to Henry.

Marshall pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and one count of aggravated identity theft. Henry pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. The maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in prison for theft of government money, and two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan on August 13, 2021.

The case was investigated by IRS CI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. signed a proclamation designating today, May 5, 2021, as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. The proclamation reaffirms our country’s commitment to solving missing and murdered Indigenous persons cases and addressing the underlying causes of these crimes, including sexual violence, violent crime, economic disparities, and substance use and addiction.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada joins our Tribal, state, local, and federal law enforcement partners in commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, and taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting Tribal crime victims.

“Native Americans, especially women and children, suffer from disproportionately high rates of violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to finding the missing and seeking justice for the murdered. In partnership with the FBI, community organizations, and Tribal Nations, our District — one of the first in the country to recruit a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) program coordinator — has made strides in addressing the lack of data, lack of coordination, and jurisdictional gaps that caused many cases to go unsolved. Work remains to be done but, by working together, I believe we can end the MMIP crisis and bring some degree of peace to the families of missing and murdered Tribal victims.”

If you or someone you know has information about missing or murdered Indigenous persons in Nevada, please contact the FBI Las Vegas Field Office by calling (702) 385-1281, or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. If you have questions about the U.S. Attorney’s Office MMIP program, please contact MMIP program coordinator Tom Ross by calling (775) 784-5438.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – As the May 17 tax filing deadline approaches, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and IRS Criminal Investigations remind taxpayers to please pay careful attention to their reporting and filing obligations (and to timely pay all taxes due), and urge taxpayers to choose their return preparers wisely.

“Tax offenses are neither victimless nor without consequence, as taxes are how governments provide essential services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS website for tips on filing a tax return accurately and on searching for a reputable return preparer. Please keep in mind that criminals often use the tax filing deadline as an opportunity to steal personal and financial information.”

“The 2020 tax year included new tax laws, stimulus payments, and unemployment income benefits that may affect your tax return," said Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation. “And as the American public begins to recover from the ongoing pandemic, taxpayers still have an obligation to file and pay their taxes. It is extremely important to report all taxable income to avoid the potential for further financial hardship.”

In collaboration with the IRS and other law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been investigating and prosecuting a broad array of tax offenses, from identity theft to businesses and white-collar professionals underreporting income.

Identity Theft Prosecution

• On October 7, 2020, a Las Vegas man was sentenced to 70 months in prison for mail and wire fraud conspiracy, following his jury trial convictions. The trial evidence proved that from January 2009 through April 2011, Terry Williamson and his co-conspirators filed false tax returns with the IRS to fraudulently obtain tax refunds. To facilitate the fraud, they used the names and social security numbers of deceased taxpayers. More than 480 fraudulent tax refund checks — totaling almost $2 million — were deposited into Williamson’s account.

Prosecution of Tax Return Preparers

• On March 18, 2021, a Las Vegas tax preparer pleaded guilty to preparing fraudulent tax returns over a seven year span and causing nearly $3 million in tax loss to the IRS. Anita Edoria Santa Ana, the owner and operator of Santana Tax Service and Silver Income Tax LLC, falsified clients’ tax returns by claiming deductions and exemptions to which the clients were not entitled. Santa Ana is currently awaiting sentencing.
• On December 3, 2020, a Las Vegas tax preparer pleaded guilty to preparing and filing fraudulent tax returns on behalf of her clients and causing at least $1.5 million in tax loss to the IRS. Baby Vasquez Beltran, the owner and operator of Speed Refund Tax Services, falsified clients’ tax returns by claiming deductions and exemptions to which the clients were not entitled. Beltran is awaiting sentencing.

Prosecution of White-Collar Professionals

• On April 7, 2021, a married couple was indicted for their alleged roles — in connection with a sleep study fraud scheme — to evade payment of taxes on more than $1.1 million in income. As alleged, Oganes Berberyan and Valentina Zemlyak evaded paying federal income taxes owing and due on income from the fraud scheme, as well as from other sources. They had bank accounts in business names pay their personal expenses directly, including approximately $1.14 million in payments towards the purchase of real property and mortgage payments. In each of tax years 2014 through 2016, Berberyan and Zemylak had a joint taxable income greater than the amount they reported to the IRS. Berberyan and Zemlyak are currently awaiting a jury trial.
• On October 15, 2020, a former Las Vegas and New York resident was indicted for his alleged participation in an investment fraud scheme. Mykalai Kontilai allegedly misappropriated $6.1 million in investor funds, manufactured evidence to mislead an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and concealed the proceeds of his fraudulent scheme from the IRS. As alleged, Kontilai lured investors into giving him money to start an e-commerce auction business. Kontilai led bank officials to believe that money he withdrew was for business purposes, when in fact it was for himself. Kontilai failed to file tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2018 when he was engaged in the alleged scheme.

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

The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax preparer, has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers, and offers information on how to avoid “ghost” tax preparers, whose refusal to sign a return should be a red flag to taxpayers. The IRS also has a list of important reminders for taxpayers who are about to file their 2020 tax returns, including how to prepare for a smooth filing process.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Las Vegas woman yesterday for mailing letters threatening to injure her mother’s former supervisor and members of the law firm defending the mother’s former employer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the five-day trial, between August 11, 2018 and October 1, 2019, Latonia Smith, 27, sent anonymous threatening letters to her mother’s former supervisor; and attorneys and staff professionals engaged by her former employer to defend against a lawsuit Smith filed. In three of the letters, Smith wrote: “your throat will be slit you will be recorded as the blood spills from your neck and just as you gasp to take your final undeserving breath three bullets will be placed right through your skull.” In another letter, she threatened that the recipients had been “added to the hit list” and it would be the “end of lives.”

Smith was convicted of five counts of mailing threatening communications through the U.S. Mail. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 25 years in prison, a term of supervised release, and a monetary fine. U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware presided over the trial. The Court has not yet scheduled a sentencing hearing.

This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Reno Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Myhre and Daniel Clarkson.

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RENO, Nev. –  A Fernley resident pleaded guilty today to using encrypted applications and online aliases to distribute child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

According to court documents, Benjamin D. Morrow, 36, used various encrypted messaging applications and numerous online aliases and email address, including foreign email service providers, to distribute unsolicited images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He used encrypted applications to conceal his identity and avoid detection by law enforcement. Morrow distributed child pornography to at least 182 recipients. The images and videos depict prepubescent minors under 12 years old engaged in masochistic and sadistic material.

During the execution of a search warrant at Morrow’s residence, law enforcement seized several electronic devices belonging to him. A forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed approximately 119,371 images of child pornography and 4,945 videos of child pornography.

Morrow pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 16, 2021. The maximum statutory penalty for each count is 20 years in prison.

The case was investigated 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 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. – A Las Vegas woman was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for fraudulently applying for and receiving nearly $23,000 in unemployment benefits debit cards, announced 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.

According to court documents, Deandra Michelle Smith, 36, used another person’s personal identification information — without that person’s consent — and fraudulently applied for unemployment insurance benefits with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). Around February 2017, Smith falsely claimed that the victim had been laid off, when in fact the victim was employed. Smith also listed her own address on the benefits application, so she would receive the benefits debit card issued by DETR. In carrying out her fraudulent scheme, Smith used the same victim’s personal information to renew the unemployment claim several times. Between March 2017 and August 2018, Smith used the DETR-issued unemployment benefits debit cards in multiple states, including Nevada, California, Texas, and Hawaii. In total, Smith fraudulently received $22,490 from DETR.

Smith pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of mail fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Smith to three years of supervised release.

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

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 Seattle man was sentenced today to 4 years and eight months in federal prison for stealing victims’ identities, using those identities to steal vehicles from car dealerships in several states, and then selling these vehicles to unwitting buyers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

According to court documents, from February 2016 to March 2016, Justin Lee Tripp, 48, and others conspired to use personal identities without authorization to purchase more than $230,980 of vehicles in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada. As part of the scheme, Tripp and a co-conspirator obtained other peoples’ personal information, produced false identification cards that included Tripp’s and the co-conspirator’s photographs, and used fraudulent lines of credit to purchase electronics and vehicles – including a Ford F350 pickup truck, a 5th Wheel RV trailer; and a Dodge Ram pickup truck.

In March 2016, Tripp attempted to buy two jet skis and a trailer at a Las Vegas dealership using a counterfeit driver’s license, fraudulent credit card, and a fraudulent money order. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers attempted to arrest Tripp who resisted multiple commands, assaulted the officers, and attempted to flee. After a struggle, officers arrested Tripp. At the time of his arrest, Tripp possessed a forged driver’s license and two fraudulent credit cards. During a search of the stolen truck Tripp drove to the Las Vegas dealership, officers found two California license plates that were reported stolen, and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was reported stolen in Washington. Officers also searched a stolen 5th Wheel RV trailer and found methamphetamine, multiple license plates, a backpack containing burglary tools, and a forgery lab used to produce counterfeit documents that were used to further the fraud scheme.

At the time of the crime spree, Tripp was a convicted felon serving a federal term of supervised release in the Western District of Washington.

Tripp pleaded guilty in September 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Tripp to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Frayn prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Nevada resident was sentenced last Wednesday to 10 years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine drug trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada.

According to court documents, on April 14, 2017, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped a vehicle. Alejandro Jose Rojas, 38, was a passenger, and co-defendant Jonathan Ruiz, 35, was the driver. During the stop, officers observed a firearm protruding from underneath the front passenger seat. Officers found approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine in Rojas’ pocket and recovered three firearms under the passenger seat. 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine was found in the vehicle’s trunk. During a subsequent search warrant executed on a hotel room Ruiz had rented, officers found an additional firearm and approximately 8.6 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Rojas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Rojas to five years of supervised release.

Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 78 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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RENO, Nev. –  Two men from the Reno area face federal charges for selling more than 4,500 stolen items online to buyers nationwide and in foreign countries, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. for IRS Criminal Investigation.

Gennaro Paolo Canta, 42, and Jess Legarza, 37, were indicted on one count of conspiracy and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. In addition, Canta is charged with one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property. Canta and Legarza made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb, who scheduled a jury trial to begin on June 21, 2021.

According to allegations in the indictment, from about June to August 2016, Canta and Legarza regularly purchased merchandise they knew had been stolen from retail stores, and then resold them online in nearly all 50 states and foreign countries. Canta received payments from the buyers and used the proceeds to buy more stolen items. In total, Canta and Legarza allegedly sold more than 4,500 stolen items online.

If convicted, the statutory maximum penalties are five years in prison for conspiracy and 10 years for interstate transportation of stolen property and conducting monetary transactions in criminally derived property.

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.

This case was investigated by the IRS CI and the Reno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel R. Schiess and Richard B. Casper are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A married couple made their initial appearances in federal court on Wednesday for their alleged roles — in connection with a sleep study fraud scheme — to evade payment of taxes on more than $1.1 million in income, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick for IRS Criminal Investigation.

According to court documents, Oganes Berberyan, 63, and Valentina Zemlyak, 63, both of Las Vegas, allegedly attempted to evade paying taxes owed to the IRS for tax years 2014 through 2016. From November 2014 to December 2015, co-defendant Armen Magzanyan (a/k/a “Arman Magzanyan” and “Arman Magz,” 43) operated GR8SLEEP.com, d/b/a Las Vegas Sleep Lab, which claimed to conduct monitored sleep studies. As part of a fraudulent scheme, Las Vegas Sleep Lab billed a health insurance company more than $5 million, claiming to have performed hundreds of sleep studies. But it did not actually provide any of those services.

The fraudulent scheme caused the health insurance company to pay more than $1.8 million to Las Vegas Sleep Lab. Berberyan, Zemlyak, and Magzanyan used the proceeds of their scheme to pay for various personal expenses, including private school tuition, luxury vehicles, and real property purchase and mortgage payments:

Berberyan and Zemlyak evaded paying federal income taxes owing and due on income from this scheme, as well as from other sources. They did so in part by having bank accounts in business names pay their personal expenses directly, including approximately $1.14 million in payments towards the purchase of real property and mortgage payments. In each of tax years 2014 through 2016, Berberyan and Zemylak had a joint taxable income greater than the amount they reported to the IRS.

Magzanyan has been charged with three counts of mail fraud, three counts of health care fraud, nine counts of monetary transactions in criminally deprived property, and two counts of attempted evasion of tax assessment.

Berberyan and Zemlyak made their initial appearances on April 21, each charged with three counts of attempted evasion of tax assessment. A jury trial has been scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey on June 22, 2021. Magzanyan is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information as to Magzanyan's whereabouts is asked to please contact your local law enforcement office, the IRS Criminal Investigation by calling (702) 868-5093, or the FBI by calling 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or at TIPS.FBI.GOV.

If convicted: (a) Berberyan and Zemlyak each face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, $750,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, and up to three years of supervised release; and (b) Magzanyan faces a maximum sentence of 190 years in prison, a fine of $4.25 million or twice the gross gain or loss, and up to three years of supervised release.

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

The case is being investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.

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RENO, Nev. – A Reno man is in federal custody for receipt and possession of child pornography after making his initial court appearance on Monday, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI.

According to court documents, beginning on or about April 24, 2018, Ryan Thomas Eley, 24, received and possessed USB flash drives, an external hard drive, and a cell phone that contained images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of these images were of prepubescent minors and minors under twelve years of age.

A federal grand jury had returned an indictment charging Eley with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Eley made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb, who scheduled a jury trial to start on June 21, 2021 before Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du.

If convicted, Eley faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparks Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair 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. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced on Wednesday to 13 years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine and firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court documents, Ever Antonio Alvarado-Coronado, 29, conspired with co-defendants Daniel Luis Bowlin, Marquis Dion Patrick-Howard, and Dennis Green to distribute over 15 pounds of methamphetamine and to sell nine firearms in Las Vegas: (a) one of the firearms had been reported stolen; (b) another firearm had an obliterated serial number; and (c) others were “AR” style semi-automatic assault firearms.

Alvarado-Coronado pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He has three prior narcotics convictions and, in January 2014, he was convicted of illegal reentry and was deported to Mexico. Alvarado-Coronado unlawfully returned to the United States and engaged in this methamphetamine and firearms conspiracy.

In May 2018, a federal grand jury returned a 21-count superseding indictment charging Alvarado-Coronado and the co-defendants for their roles in the drug and firearm trafficking conspiracy. For their roles in the conspiracy: Bowlin, aka “OG,” pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and was sentenced to 33 months in prison; Patrick-Howard, aka “Black,” pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of distribution of a controlled substance, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison; and Green, aka “Loc,” pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance, and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI and ATF.

This case is 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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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A felon was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm that had been used in an attempted robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada.

Derrick Simmons, 28, of Las Vegas, had pleaded guilty in January 2021 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro presided over the sentencing hearing.

According to court documents, on or about June 7, 2020, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers recovered a .22 caliber semi-automatic firearm from Simmons’ vehicle. He had previously used the firearm during an attempted robbery on June 6, 2020. Simmons is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction in Clark County for robbery and battery with a deadly weapon.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada joins the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s observance takes place from April 18 to April 24, and features the theme: “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.”

“During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, our office would like to help raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights, and introduce our communities to the important resources and services available,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou. “We stand with victims and survivors of crime — and we’re very grateful for the hard work of dedicated advocates across Nevada, for advancing the cause of victims’ rights and services.”

In 2019, 1.2 million people were victims of violent crime, according to the latest National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The Office for Victims of Crime supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties, and bond forfeitures.

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

For more information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to support victims of crime, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.

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RENO, Nev. – A federal grand jury has returned indictments charging three residents of Sparks, Nevada, for their alleged roles relating to the distribution of fentanyl (a deadly synthetic opioid).

• Jesse Arevalo, aka “Kay,” 30, and Francisco Navarro-Delgado, 32. Arevalo and Navarro-Delgado are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, and one count of maintaining drug involved premises. Arevalo is also charged with five counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to allegations in the superseding indictment against him, from February to April 2021, Arevalo possessed with the intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl and at least 500 grams of cocaine.

According to allegations in the indictment and arguments made in court, from about November 2019 to March 2021, Arevalo and Navarro-Delgado conspired to maintain several apartments for the purpose of storing and distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. Arevalo acquired thousands of fentanyl pills as well as kilograms of cocaine per month, using those apartments to store and distribute the controlled substances. Further, from about November 2019 to February 2020, Arevalo allegedly used students at a southeast Reno high school to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl pills, on his behalf.

• Jaime Collazo Munoz, aka “Chivo,” 33. In a related case, Munoz was indicted on four counts of distribution of a controlled substance (specifically, fentanyl). According to allegations in the indictment against him, from July to November 2020, Munoz distributed at least 80 grams of fentanyl.

“During the pandemic, Nevada has seen an increase in overdoses, as illegal drugs and illicit drug use continue to exact an enormous toll across our state,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will keep fighting to stop the distribution of drugs in our communities — particularly schemes that get children and youth involved in drug sales and trafficking.”

“Fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids remain the primary driver behind the ongoing opioid crisis with counterfeit prescription pills being the most prevalent form of exposure,” said Acting Reno Resident Agent in Charge Aimee Koontz for the DEA. “Individuals that prey on our youth and community by distributing these potentially lethal counterfeit pills pressed with fentanyl will be held accountable. These fake pills are disguised to look like prescription pills, but in reality taking one is no different than playing Russian roulette that is fueling the opioid epidemic.”

“This time last year our community was reeling because of shocking fentanyl overdose deaths,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. “I asked for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s support in investigating the distribution of opiates in our region, and ultimately agents ended up adopting our drug cases due to their national and international implications. I am extremely grateful to the Drug Enforcement Administration and federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their diligent work on the cases. I promise you and every member of our community, we will not stop fighting illegal drug trafficking in Washoe County.”

Arevalo, Navarro-Delgado, and Munoz were charged by two indictments on March 25, 2021, and Arevalo was charged with additional criminal offenses on April 15, 2021. Arevalo and Munoz were detained and remanded to custody, and Navarro-Delgado was released on a personal recognizance bond. Jury trials have been scheduled before Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda Du and U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks on May 17, 2021.

If convicted, Arevalo faces a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000,000. If convicted, Navarro-Delgado, and Munoz each face a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000,000.

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.

The cases were investigated by the DEA and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office with assistance by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol K-9, Regional Gang Unit, Regional Narcotics Unit, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office K-9, Sparks Police Department K-9, and (Regional) Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the cases.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine: only a few milligrams of this chemical compound, equivalent to a few grains of table salt, are enough to cause a fatal overdose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of the nearly 71,000 drug overdoses in 2019 involved an opioid.

If you have information of a potential violation of controlled substances laws and regulations, including the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, please contact the DEA at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An Arizona man has been sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for possessing multiple unemployment benefits debit cards — all in different names — and intending to fraudulently obtain nearly $239,000 in benefits, announced 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.

Delashaun Dean, 32, of Tolleson, Arizona, pleaded guilty in February 2021 to one count of possession of counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon sentenced Dean to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between October 3 and October 5, 2020, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department found 15 unemployment insurance benefits debit cards issued by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) in Dean’s hotel room and on his person. The debit cards were all in different names; none were in Dean’s name. In addition, law enforcement found a fake driver’s license and a notebook containing personal identifying information of multiple individuals, which was used to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. At least $238,914 in unemployment benefits were approved for claims associated with the recovered EDD debit cards.

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

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.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A charged felon from California has been sentenced today to 14 months in federal prison for receiving four firearms, announced 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).

Taisia Soloai Fauolo, 24, of Oakley, California (within the San Francisco Bay Area), pleaded guilty to one count of illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Fauolo to  three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on or about January 18, 2018, Fauolo’s co-defendant James Williams Jr. bought four firearms: a FN Five-Seven pistol, a Glock 42 .380 caliber pistol, a Glock 19C 9mm pistol, and a Glock 30S .45 caliber pistol from a gun store in Las Vegas, Nevada. Later that same day, Fauolo received these guns from Williams. The FN pistol and Glock 19C pistols are semiautomatic firearms capable of accepting large capacity magazines. At the time he received those firearms from Williams, Fauolo knew he was charged with two felony offenses in San Francisco County.

Williams, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 28 months in prison in February 2020, following a jury conviction for making a false statement during a purchase of a firearm. Between May 2017 and May 2018, Williams purchased 35 firearms, mostly handguns, and many of the same make, model, and caliber from various Las Vegas firearms dealers over approximately a one-year period.

This case was the product of an investigation by the ATF, with assistance by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer prosecuted the case.

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

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

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A senior U.S. Air Force servicemember assigned to Nellis Air Force Base pleaded guilty in federal court today to selling methamphetamine and engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license, announced 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).

Michael Reimers, 41, of Las Vegas, 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. U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson scheduled a sentencing hearing on July 13, 2021.

According to court documents and admissions Reimers made in court, beginning on or about July 9, 2019, and continuing to about September 4, 2019, Reimers — who was not a licensed firearms dealer — offered to sell numerous firearms to various buyers, including an AK-47, a .26 caliber handgun, and a 12 gauge shotgun. In addition, on July 23, 2019, Reimers sold methamphetamine to an individual for $800.

Reimers faces a statutory maximum sentence of a lifetime term of imprisonment, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a fine of $10,250,000.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, returned an indictment today charging VDA OC LLC (formerly Advantage On Call LLC), a health care staffing company, and Ryan Hee, a former manager of the company, with entering into and engaging in a conspiracy with a competitor to allocate employee nurses and to fix the wages of those nurses, in violation of the Sherman Act.

According to the one-count felony indictment filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Hee, a resident of Las Vegas, along with a co-conspirator, agreed not to recruit or hire nurses staffed by their respective companies at Clark County School District facilities and to refrain from raising the wages of those nurses. During the alleged conspiracy, from about October 2016 until July 2017, Advantage was one of two primary providers of contract nursing services to the school district and employed Hee as a regional manager in its Las Vegas office. Advantage changed its name to VDA OC LLC after its assets were acquired by another company in July 2017.

“When employers conspire to allocate employees and fix wages, it robs American workers of higher pay and the ability to bargain for better, higher-paying jobs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “Ensuring that American workers receive the benefits of free and fair competition is a top priority, so we will use every investigative tool at our disposal to investigate these crimes and prosecute perpetrators to the full extent of the law.”

“Our office is committed to investigating and prosecuting employers that harm the livelihood of American workers by conspiring to suppress wages,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Working closely with the Antitrust Division, we will continue protecting the integrity of Nevada’s labor market against illegal wage-fixing and no-poach agreements.”

“The FBI is committed to investigating potential corruption that impedes our economy,” said Assistant Director Calvin Shivers of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI works daily to disrupt illegal activity, like wage-fixing in this case, protecting honest American workers from those who would unfairly enrich themselves. We work hand-in-hand with our partners at the Department of Justice to stop this type of alleged activity and ensure Justice is served.”

A violation of the Sherman Act carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals and a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by victims if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum. 

Today’s announcement is the result of a federal investigation being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the International Corruption Unit of the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

The charges in this case were brought in connection with the Antitrust Division’s ongoing commitment to prosecute anticompetitive conduct affecting American labor markets. Anyone with information on market allocation or price fixing by employers should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman made her initial court appearance yesterday for allegedly lying on a federal form to make a straw purchase of a firearm, announced 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).

Chandra Bridges, 26, was charged with one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna Youchah scheduled a jury trial on May 17, 2021.

According to allegations in the indictment, on or about September 26, 2019, Bridges falsely represented to a Federal Firearms Licensee that she was the actual buyer of a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .380 caliber pistol. But in fact, she was acquiring the firearm on behalf of another person.

If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty Bridges faces is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 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.

This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich is prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A convicted felon pleaded guilty today to possession of a sawed-off shotgun found during a traffic stop in Searchlight, Nevada, announced 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).

Ronald Allen Class, Jr, 31, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 30, 2021.

According to court documents and admissions made in court by Class, on October 28, 2020, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer stopped a car that was travelling more than 50 miles per hour on a 25 mile per hour section of U.S. Highway 95 through Searchlight. While speaking with the driver, the officer noticed that a passenger in the back seat was agitated. Turning his attention to the backseat passenger, the officer saw a sawed-off shotgun on the floor at the man’s feet. The officer secured the shotgun — a Remington 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun, loaded with a round in the chamber — and took the man into custody. The man initially provided a false name, but the officer was able to identify him as Class. Class is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.

During the stop, the officer also discovered that: (a) the car had been stolen, and (b) three of the four people in the car, including Class, had an outstanding arrest warrant.

The maximum statutory penalty Class faces is 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release, and a monetary fine.

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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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Indian drug manufacturer Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited (FKOL) was sentenced to pay $50 million in fines and forfeiture after pleading guilty to concealing and destroying records prior to a 2013 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plant inspection.

In a criminal information previously filed in federal court in the District of Nevada, the United States charged FKOL with violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by failing to provide certain records to FDA investigators. As part of a criminal resolution with the Department of Justice, FKOL agreed to plead guilty to the misdemeanor offense. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey accepted the company’s guilty plea and sentenced FKOL to pay a criminal fine of $30 million, forfeit an additional $20 million, and implement a compliance and ethics program designed to prevent, detect, and correct violations of U.S. law relating to FKOL’s manufacture of cancer drugs intended for terminally ill patients. 

“By concealing and destroying drug manufacturing records, FKOL undermined FDA’s regulatory authority and placed vulnerable consumers at risk,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s sentence holds the company accountable for its past conduct and seeks to ensure it will fully comply with its obligations to the FDA going forward.” 

According to court documents, FKOL owned and operated a manufacturing plant in Kalyani, West Bengal, India, that manufactured active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in various cancer drug products distributed to the United States. Prior to a January 2013 FDA inspection of the Kalyani facility, FKOL plant management directed employees to remove certain records from the premises and delete other records from computers that would have revealed FKOL was manufacturing drug ingredients in contravention of FDA requirements. Kalyani plant employees removed computers, hardcopy documents, and other materials from the plant and deleted spreadsheets that contained evidence of the plant’s noncompliant practices.

“Today’s sentencing reflects our office’s and the department’s commitment to holding accountable companies that disregard FDA regulations, at the risk of consumers’ health and safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Together with our agency partners, we will continue to ensure that drug manufacturers fully comply with their obligations to maintain the integrity of records and data.”

“FDA inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities help ensure the strength, quality and purity of our medicines,” said Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs of the FDA. “Today’s sentencing proves that we will continue to aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to subvert requirements that protect the public health.”

The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office, investigated the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation in India provided invaluable assistance to U.S. authorities in the investigation of this matter. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided investigative assistance.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Director Clint Narver and Trial Attorney Natalie Sanders of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Dickinson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

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A Russian national pleaded guilty in federal court today for conspiring to travel to the United States to recruit an employee of a Nevada company into a scheme to introduce malicious software into the company’s computer network.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from July 15, 2020, to Aug. 22, 2020, Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov, 27, conspired with others to recruit an employee of a large U.S. company to transmit malware provided by the conspirators into the company’s computer network. Once the malware was installed, Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators would use it to exfiltrate data from the company’s computer network and then extort the company by threatening to disclose the data.

As part of the conspiracy, Kriuchkov traveled from Russia to California through New York.  On numerous occasions between Aug. 1, 2020, and Aug. 21, 2020, Kriuchkov traveled from California to Nevada in an attempt to entice the employee to participate in this hacking scheme, offering to pay the employee with Bitcoin if the employee transmitted the malware.  After meeting with Kriuchkov, the employee reported his conduct to the victim company, which promptly contacted the FBI. The FBI then thwarted the scheme.

“The swift response of the company and the FBI prevented a major exfiltration of the victim company’s data and stopped the extortion scheme at its inception,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case highlights the importance of companies coming forward to law enforcement, and the positive results when they do so.”

“This case highlights our office’s commitment to protecting trade secrets and other confidential information belonging to U.S. businesses — which is becoming even more important each day as Nevada evolves into a center for technological innovation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to prioritize stopping cybercriminals from harming American companies and consumers.”

“This is an excellent example of community outreach resulting in strong partnerships, which led to proactive law enforcement action before any damage could occur,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office.

Kriuchkov pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer and is scheduled to be sentenced May 10.

The investigation was led by the FBI Las Vegas Field Office with the assistance of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, the FBI Sacramento Field Office, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel C.S. Heath and Trial Attorney Thomas Dettore of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Casper of the District of Nevada.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Russian national pleaded guilty in federal court today for conspiring to travel to the United States to recruit an employee of a Nevada company into a scheme to introduce malicious software into the company’s computer network.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from July 15, 2020, to Aug. 22, 2020, Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov, 27, conspired with others to recruit an employee of a large U.S. company to transmit malware provided by the conspirators into the company’s computer network. Once the malware was installed, Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators would use it to exfiltrate data from the company’s computer network and then extort the company by threatening to disclose the data.

“The swift response of the company and the FBI prevented a major exfiltration of the victim company’s data and stopped the extortion scheme at its inception,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case highlights the importance of companies coming forward to law enforcement, and the positive results when they do so.”

“This case highlights our office’s commitment to protecting trade secrets and other confidential information belonging to U.S. businesses — which is becoming even more important each day as Nevada evolves into a center for technological innovation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to prioritize stopping cybercriminals from harming American companies and consumers.”

“This is an excellent example of community outreach resulting in strong partnerships, which led to proactive law enforcement action before any damage could occur,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office.

As part of the conspiracy, Kriuchkov traveled from Russia to California through New York.  On numerous occasions between Aug. 1, 2020, and Aug. 21, 2020, Kriuchkov traveled from California to Nevada in an attempt to entice the employee to participate in this hacking scheme, offering to pay the employee with Bitcoin if the employee transmitted the malware. After meeting with Kriuchkov, the employee reported his conduct to the victim company, which promptly contacted the FBI. The FBI then thwarted the scheme.

Kriuchkov pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer and is scheduled to be sentenced May 10.

The investigation was led by the FBI Las Vegas Field Office with the assistance of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office; the FBI Sacramento Field Office; and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel C.S. Heath and Trial Attorney Thomas Dettore of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Casper of the District of Nevada.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas tax preparer pleaded guilty today to preparing fraudulent tax returns over a seven year span and causing nearly $3 million in tax loss to the IRS, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Anita Edoria Santa Ana, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of the preparation and filing of a false tax return. U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 21, 2021.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, Santa Ana operated tax return preparation businesses in Las Vegas under the names Santana Tax Service and Silver Income Tax LLC. For tax years 2012 to 2018, Santa Ana falsified clients’ tax returns by claiming deductions and exemptions to which clients were not entitled. In total, Santa Ana caused a tax loss of at least $2.9 million to the IRS.

“As we approach the May 17 filing deadline, Nevadans should remain vigilant when seeking tax return preparers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chiou. “Our office is committed to working closely with the IRS Criminal Investigation team to investigate and prosecute unscrupulous tax preparers who take advantage of law-abiding taxpayers and cause tax losses to the IRS.”

“Santa Ana is the type of tax return preparer we warn taxpayers about every year,” said Special Agent in Charge Sullivan. “Choose wisely, because a large refund that you are not entitled to today could result in owing more to the IRS later.”

The statutory maximum penalty Santa Ana faces is three years in prison, a period of supervised release, and monetary penalties.

The case was investigated by the IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva is prosecuting the case.

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A Nevada man was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison for producing images of child sexual abuse involving multiple minor victims under the age of 12 years old.

According to court documents, in January 2015, Eric Blair McCartt, 37, of Reno, joined a chat group dedicated to trading child sexual abuse materials. He thereafter used two prepubescent minor victims known to him to produce images of child sexual abuse including photographing his own genitalia on the victims’ faces while they were sleeping. He distributed these images to others in the chat group, and some of the images were posted to the internet. Several of the images were found on the computer of another individual in another country.

“McCartt preyed upon two innocent children, and the exploitation of children will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The production of images of child sexual abuse is heinous and causes incalculable and long-lasting harm to victims. Thanks to the department’s commitment to prosecuting child abusers and the diligent work of our law enforcement partners, McCartt will serve a substantial prison term in a place where he cannot sexually abuse minors.”

In addition to his prison sentence, McCartt was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release, pay $6,000 in restitution and forfeit computer equipment used in the violation. As a result of his conviction, he will be required to register as a sex offender.

“With this sentencing, we have removed a dangerous child predator from the community and sent a categorical message that we are committed to aggressively investigate anyone who seeks to exploit our most vulnerable population – our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Las Vegas. “Child pornography, when it’s released on the internet, lives on forever to haunt the innocent children whose abuse is depicted in the images. While we cannot undo the damage of his horrible crimes, we hope that this sentence helps with the healing process for his victims and families.”

HSI investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Lauren Britsch and Charles Schmitz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada provided assistance.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury indicted a convicted felon yesterday for unlawful possession of drugs with intent to distribute — specifically, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin — and unlawful possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada.

Brent Matthew Wilson, 33, of Las Vegas, was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. An initial court appearance has been scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach on March 30, 2021.

According to allegations in the indictment, on January 22, 2021, Wilson possessed methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin with the intent to distribute. In addition to the drugs, he possessed a Glock 17 handgun. At the time of the offense, Wilson was on probation for a prior controlled substance conviction that prohibits him from possessing a firearm.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties Wilson faces are: up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 for the possession with intent to distribute charges; and up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the felon in possession of a firearm charge. 

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case.

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RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday for robbing a liquor store and a convenience store at gunpoint, announced 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).

Edward Monet Knight, 32, of Reno, was found guilty 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. Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du presided over the five-day trial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 21, 2021.

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, Nev. 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 observed fleeing the convenience store) revealed: (a) a handgun matching the description of the gun used in the robbery; (b) Knight’s identification card; and (c) the stolen money.

Knight faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years in prison for the use of a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence charges. He faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the interference by robbery charges, a term of supervised release, and a monetary fine.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Sparks Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Rachow and Penelope Brady are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A convicted felon was sentenced last Monday (March 8, 2021) to eight years and six months in federal prison for unlawfully selling over 1,000 pills of Oxycodone — a Schedule II controlled substance — and unlawfully possessing two loaded firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada.

Kary Watson, 50, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey sentenced Watson to three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and admissions made in court by Watson, between August 2016 and April 2017, he and co-conspirators agreed to obtain Oxycodone pills and resell them. Watson received and sold more than 1,155 Oxycodone 30 mg pills during the conspiracy. In addition, he possessed a loaded Sig Sauer Model 556 .223 caliber rifle and a loaded H&K P2000 semi-automatic handgun. He has prior drug felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing a firearm.

Co-defendants Earnest Rogers, Jason West, Marcus Jones, Leslie Brass, Artavious Wright, Murray Newton, Jamal William, and Richard Roberts, have all pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Co-defendant Damien Norris was convicted by a federal jury and was sentenced. A federal jury trial for the final co-defendant, John Phillips, is scheduled for June 8, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Oxycodone — a semi-synthetic opioid — has a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence and can result in fatal overdoses.

If you have a tip or information about illegal sales or distribution of prescription opioids, including Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone, please call the DEA at 1-877-RX-Abuse (792-2873). For information about the harmful effects of illicit drug use, visit www.JustThinkTwice.com for teens and www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for parents, educators, and caregivers.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas gift stores owner pleaded guilty today to the unlawful prescription and distribution of controlled substances and prescription drugs at her two stores, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada.

Patricia Padilla, 62, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of conspiracy to import prescription drugs and distributing prescription drugs when not licensed as an importer, wholesaler, a pharmacist, and practitioner. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 11, 2021.

According to court documents and admissions made in court by Padilla, she owned and operated Sinaloa Store, Inc. (from approximately May 30, 2013 to August 18, 2020) and Deportes Y Mas Store, Inc. (from May 2019 to August 18, 2020), both gift stores in Las Vegas. Padilla would meet “patients” with an alleged medical problem or condition in a back room of a store. On a note card, she would write a “prescription” for controlled substances to treat the alleged medical problem or condition. The patient would then pay an employee at the front of the store to “fill” the prescription. To ensure the stores’ drug inventories were stocked, Padilla conspired with others to import prescription drugs and controlled substances in bulk quantities from Mexico and El Salvador into the United States.

Padilla has no state or federal license that would have permitted her to lawfully prescribe, distribute, or dispense controlled substances. The total amount of drug proceeds seized from Padilla during the investigation was $1,698,655.60.

The maximum statutory penalties faced by Padilla are: (a) 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; (b) five years in prison for conspiracy to import prescription drugs and distributing prescription drugs when not licensed as an importer, wholesaler, a pharmacist, and practitioner; (c) a period of supervised release; and (d) a monetary fine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Levitt is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury convicted a Belize citizen yesterday for using a fraudulent United States Permanent Resident Card and a fake Social Security card (listing a Social Security number not assigned to him) while applying for a "Real ID" identification card at a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office in Henderson.

After a four-day jury trial, Rickon Amyon Wade, aka “Ricky Wade,” 35, was found guilty of one count of Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Documents, and one count of Misuse of a Social Security Number. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 16, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on October 1, 2020, Wade applied for a Nevada Real ID identification card at a DMV office in Henderson. As part of the application process, Wade filled out a form and provided a DMV Field Technician with a United States Permanent Resident Card and Social Security card as identification. The Field Technician could not validate and verify the identification cards Wade presented. Wade had obtained the counterfeit immigration and Social Security cards from a street vendor in California.

An investigation revealed that Wade traveled from Belize to Mexico and entered the United States at a Texas Port of Entry in January 2000, as a temporary visitor for pleasure or tourism. He was authorized to stay in the United States until July 2000. Because Wade did not have a pending application with U.S. Customs and Immigration Services to remain in the United States after July 2000, his continued stay was unlawful.

Wade faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, supervised release, and a monetary fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Robb Stickley for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), San Francisco Field Division 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 Jessica Oliva and Kimberly Frayn are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An Arizona resident made his initial appearance in federal court today for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than one million dollars from clients by falsely promising them U.S. citizenship, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.

“The defendant is accused of orchestrating a scheme that deceived individuals on the false promise of U.S. citizenship,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Citizenship cannot be bought. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable individuals who manipulate and defraud others for their personal financial gain.”

Douglas Lee Thayer, 68, of Mohave Valley, Arizona is charged with one count of wire fraud and six counts of mail fraud. U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach scheduled a jury trial for April 19, 2021.

According to allegations in the indictment, Thayer operated U.S. Adult Adoption Services Inc. (USAAS) in 2015-2016, a business that promised its clients U.S. citizenship in exchange for money. Thayer fraudulently represented to clients, who were mostly Chinese nationals, that they would be adopted (as adults) by United State citizens. This would supposedly allow the clients to obtain new birth certificates and, subsequently, obtain United States citizenship for themselves. Thayer charged each client an upfront payment between $5,000 and $20,000 for USAAS’s services. Thayer allegedly received more than $1,018,337.83 in total payments from clients.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties per count of conviction are 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon F. Kung is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Georgia man who was traveling cross-country with nearly 75 pounds of methamphetamine in a commercial vehicle made his initial appearance in federal court on Thursday, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Neill for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Colonel Anne Carpenter for the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) - Highway Patrol Division (NHP).

Jaquavius Trishun Powell, 26, of Monroe, Georgia, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Powell made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah who scheduled a preliminary hearing for March 4, 2021.

According to allegations in the complaint, on February 15, 2021, the Nevada Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a commercial pickup truck that was towing an unregistered enclosed trailer. Powell was driving the truck, which was going north on I-15 near Flamingo Road. Powell stated that he and a passenger were traveling without a load from San Diego, California to Monroe, Georgia. During an inspection of the trailer, approximately 74 pounds of methamphetamine were recovered. Powell also had a firearm in a bag in the trailer, and the passenger concealed a firearm under the rear passenger seat.

If convicted, Powell faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the DEA and DPS-NHP.

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RENO, Nev. – A man was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison for strangling and suffocating a woman on the Pyramid Lake Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI.

Wakinyan Blindman, an indigenous person, 39, pleaded guilty in November 2020 to one count of assault of an intimate partner by strangulation or suffocation within Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the sentencing hearing.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, on July 31, 2020, Blindman assaulted a woman on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Reservation, located 35 miles northeast of Reno. He hit her with a closed fist, strangled her, and suffocated her by shoving dirt and weeds into her mouth. As a result of the assault, the woman suffered serious bodily injury.

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance by the Pyramid Lake Tribal Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Penelope Brady prosecuted the case.

For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website at https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

This case was brought as part of Project Veronica, an initiative that the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada launched in August 2020. Project Veronica brings together law enforcement agencies, tribes, victims of domestic violence, and local and state government within Nevada to curb domestic violence and sexual violence. Project Veronica is named in honor of a local victim of domestic violence named Veronica Caldwell. In 2015, Veronica lost her life at the hands of her husband, who also shot and killed Veronica’s daughter Yvonne and her daughter’s boyfriend.

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Click to view the settlement agreement.

The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with Nevada to ensure that inmates with HIV are not illegally segregated or otherwise discriminated against on the basis of HIV status and that inmates with disabilities are provided an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) programs.

The agreement resolves the department’s findings that NDOC violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unjustifiably isolating and segregating inmates with HIV, failing to keep their HIV status confidential, and denying them equal employment opportunities, including in food service positions. The department found that NDOC’s HIV housing policy stigmatized inmates with HIV and had the effect of indiscriminately disclosing their confidential HIV status to NDOC employees and inmates. As leading public health and correctional authorities oppose the routine segregation of inmates with HIV as medically unnecessary, the department determined that NDOC’s policy had no legitimate health justification. Nevada has since taken steps to desegregate inmates with HIV and also cooperated with the department throughout the investigation.

The agreement also resolves the department’s findings that NDOC denied inmates with disabilities — including mobility disabilities, HIV, and other physical or mental health conditions — classification and housing at lower-custody levels and facilities. These facilities offer opportunities for inmates to gradually reintegrate back into the community, including various employment positions and reintegration programs, and earn additional credits to reduce the lengths of their sentences. By denying inmates with disabilities opportunities to participate in these programs, the department found that NDOC deprived them of an equal opportunity to engage in productive activities and to accelerate their NDOC release dates. NDOC also confined certain inmates with disabilities for longer periods and in more restrictive settings than they otherwise would have been housed, such as medium or high custody facilities.

“The routine segregation of inmates with HIV is unnecessary, stigmatizing, and harmful, and the Department of Justice will enforce the ADA to stop such discrimination. Compliance with the ADA ensures that prisoners with disabilities have equal access to educational, rehabilitative, and other programs and opportunities available to other inmates,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend Nevada for working collaboratively with the department, ending its illegal segregation of inmates based on HIV, and integrating current and future inmates with disabilities into critical community reintegration housing placements and programs.”

Among the terms of the agreement, Nevada will amend its policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that inmates with HIV are not isolated or segregated solely because of their HIV status and will keep information related to inmates’ disabilities confidential. Nevada will also ensure that qualified inmates with disabilities are not excluded from employment opportunities and lower-custody classifications, housing placements, services, and programs. The agreement also requires Nevada to train NDOC staff and inmates on HIV and disability discrimination, designate statewide and facility-specific ADA Coordinators, and implement an ADA grievance procedure.

For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.