Northern District of Oklahoma

Evan Jamon Woodard, 34, of Tulsa, was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court for two firearms violations and for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Woodard to 14 years in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

“It’s appropriate we close out this year with a gun and drug related sentencing of a seven-time repeat felon. Project Safe Neighborhoods is designed to protect communities from these types of career criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners work together to send individuals, like Mr. Woodard, to federal prison to account for the harm they repeatedly inflict in our communities.”

In September, a jury found Woodard guilty of seven felony charges. Woodard was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2 counts), possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2 counts); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

Woodard remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prison’s facility.

Woodard’s arrest and conviction were the result of a coordinated effort involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tulsa and Bartlesville Police Departments, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor Régal and Edward Snow.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is the nationwide federal initiative to disrupt gun violence strategically and comprehensively, using all available enforcement and prosecutive tools.  The initiative involves a partnership of federal, state and local authorities, uniting their efforts and leveraging existing and new resources at all levels.  Each United States Attorney’s Office will create a specialized unit that tailors its approach to the unique needs of its own district and targets the most significant gun crime problems within that district to maximize the impact of the initiative and help ensure the safety of the community.

A Tulsa man was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court for his involvement in methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering operations at Casa Herrera, a local money remitter business, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Cesar Ordaz-Miranda, 45, of Tulsa, to 84 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for money laundering conspiracy. The defendant pleaded guilty to the money laundering conspiracy on Aug. 21, 2019.

“Methamphetamine continues to flow over our porous southern border and into Oklahoma. The drug proceeds return to Mexico, but the addicts remain here,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.  “Money laundering fuels drug trafficking operations and facilitates the distribution of drugs in northern Oklahoma. One way to stop the flow of methamphetamine into Oklahoma is to dismantle the money laundering operations that facilitate it. Whether you are a drug mule or a money launderer, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Tulsa Police Department, and U.S. Attorney’s Office are on the job. We will dismantle your illegal business and send you prison. Cesar Ordaz-Miranda learned that the hard way.” 

Cesar Ordaz-Miranda was indicted with 21 other defendants in 2018. Also named in the indictment was Felix Ordaz-Miranda, the defendant’s brother. Felix Ordaz-Miranda was previously convicted in 2006 for drug trafficking. Subsequent to his prosecution, Felix was removed from the United States but later resumed his role in the drug trafficking organization in Mexico.

The highly efficient drug trafficking organization was able to transport 50 kilograms of high grade methamphetamine from Mexico into the Northern District of Oklahoma. The organization sent the methamphetamine in shipments of 15 kilograms each.  Felix recruited Cesar to take part in the money laundering operations.

For 26 months, Cesar Ordaz-Miranda laundered money for the drug trafficking operation, thus facilitating the transport and sale of methamphetamine into Oklahoma. In his plea agreement, Cesar Ordaz-Miranda stated that he received money and sent it back to Mexico to individuals who supplied methamphetamine for distribution in Tulsa and the surrounding areas. To facilitate the process, he used Casa Herrera and other money remitter businesses to generate wire transfers using nominee names. A “nominee name” is used to hide the actual recipient of the money and disguise the true nature of the transactions. Cesar Ordaz-Miranda stated in his plea agreement that Alfredo Herrera, Domingo Aguirre, and Javier Passement assisted him by generating wire transfers to send drug proceeds from Tulsa to Mexico. As a result of the criminal prosecutions associated with this case, Casa Herrera is no longer in business.

Ordaz-Miranda remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case. AUSA McCormick serves as the lead attorney for the United States Attorney’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.

Ira Lee Wilkins, 38, of Tulsa, was sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court for being a felon in possession of a Hi-Point C9 9 mm pistol and associated ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell sentenced Wilkins to 70 months in federal prison.

“Felons are prohibited from possessing firearms, period. No ifs, ands, or buts. A central focus of our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is prosecuting felons who possess guns because they pose a threat to the security of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I commend the combined effort of law enforcement and Assistant U.S. Attorneys to ensure that fellow Oklahomans are safe.”

In May 2019, a local business contacted authorities after a disturbance involving the defendant. Officers from the Tulsa Police Department answered the call and discovered that Wilkins had outstanding warrants and was previously convicted of multiple felonies. Upon his arrest, officers found the loaded pistol in his front pants’ pocket.

The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Proctor and Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced today that the Northern District of Oklahoma collected $3,199,436.92 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2019.  Of this amount, $1,211,753.29 was collected in criminal actions and $1,987,683.63 was collected in civil actions.

Additionally, the Northern District of Oklahoma worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,632,217.49 in cases pursued jointly. Of this amount, $686.89 was collected in criminal actions and $1,631,530.60 was collected in civil actions.         

“The United States Attorney’s Office, working on behalf of American taxpayers and victims of crime, recovered more than $3 million in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2019. We recovered money defrauded from government programs and pursued substantial amounts in restitution and fines that go to victims or help provide critical victim related services,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “The Asset Recovery Unit is a critical part of our team, and they do such great work for the cause of justice. I am so proud of our team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and legal assistants who work diligently to see that victims are restored, restitution and fines are paid, and civil financial obligations are satisfied.”

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

Also, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,324,755 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2019.  Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and are equitably shared for a variety of local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement purposes.

In one case in the Northern District of Oklahoma, the court ordered a criminal defendant to pay $368,329 in restitution to the victim. The Asset Recovery Unit seized and forfeited two vehicles, a financial account, and proceeds from the sale of the convicted embezzler’s home. The government provided the funds as restitution to the victim. In another case, the Asset Recovery team seized more than $400,000 in real property, financial accounts, vehicles, and a yacht. The funds were also provided to the victim in the case.

In the Civil Division, the False Claims Act is an important tool used by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit to protect the integrity of federal funds, such as taxpayer-funded health care programs.  The Act allows the government to address losses it sustains by providing for treble damages and civil monetary penalties for each false claim made to the government. In April alone, two doctors settled with the United States for more than $350,000 for allegedly accepting illegal kickbacks. In both cases, the doctors immediately began making payments to restore taxpayer dollars illegally collected in the kickback schemes.

A federal jury convicted a Bristow man Tuesday of coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Arthur James Mann, 34, was found guilty of communicating with an individual he believed to be 13 years of age but who was an undercover officer. From July 29 to Aug. 17, 2018, Mann communicated with the “girl” on Facebook, telling her that his name was Andrew Mason and he was 16 years old. Mann initiated multiple sexual conversations with the girl and requested nude photos. Mann further suggested the two meet in order to have sex on Aug. 17, 2018. Mann arrived that night in his pajamas and slippers to meet the 13-year-old girl. Instead, he was met by officers from the Bristow Police Department and taken into custody.

“The jury has spoken, and Arthur Mann is guilty as charged of attempting to coerce and entice a minor via Facebook. Parents must be aware that sex predators like Mann use social media to find, groom, and entice their prey. In this case, we were lucky the defendant was talking to an undercover law enforcement officer and not a 13-year-old child. Key evidence in this trial included a cell phone and communications on Facebook. The ever-present threat of online child predators underscores the importance of lawful access by law enforcement to various tech devices and social media platforms,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. 

“I hope the public understands that law enforcement gains “lawful access” to cell phones and social media accounts through warrants and wiretaps approved by impartial judges,” Shores continued. “‘Warrant proof encryption’ or ‘end-to-end encryption’ touted by some social media platforms actually facilitates and protects the criminal acts of pedophiles and others online. Bottom line, when technology prevents law enforcement officials from having lawful access, it puts our children and communities at risk. Thankfully, law enforcement officials in this case were able to search Mr. Mann’s cell phone to obtain critical evidence.”

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell set sentencing for March 2020. At that time, Mann faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, supervised release of not less than five years up to life, and a fine not to exceed $250,000.

The Bristow Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Snow and Scott Proctor are prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative. PSC combats the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse and was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

 The Department of Justice has selected an additional 30 American Indian tribes to participate in the expansion of the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), a program that provides federally recognized tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for both criminal and non-criminal justice purposes.  

The following tribes have been selected for the next phase of TAP in the Northern District of Oklahoma: Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and Osage Nation.

“The Tribal Access Program is strengthening tribal governance and public safety in tribal communities across the United States,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “TAP provides law enforcement and tribal governments real-time access to data that can help locate a missing person, identify a dangerous fugitive or prevent a domestic abuser from obtaining a gun, among many other important functions.  The Trump administration is committed to fixing these public safety gaps and serving victims in Indian country. I believe the expansion of this law enforcement tool will prove to be critical in achieving those goals.”

“The expansion of the Tribal Access Program, or TAP, in northern Oklahoma is great news. Expanding TAP into rural areas where law enforcement may have limited resources, allows officers to more effectively provide for the safety of tribal citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “TAP is a critical information sharing tool that allows tribal law enforcement to efficiently access and share data in order to bring perpetrators of crime to justice. Moreover, the program can be an invaluable tool to enhance local and tribal law enforcement’s ability to find missing indigenous persons.”

TAP is currently deployed to more than 75 tribes across the country with over 300 participating tribal justice agencies, including Cherokee Nation, Wyandotte Nation, and Miami Agency (Bureau of Indian Affairs) in the Northern District of Oklahoma. 

The TAP program provides software to enable tribes to access national crime information databases and/or a kiosk-workstation that provides the ability to submit and query fingerprint-based transactions via FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Next Generation Identification (NGI) System. 

This fifth expansion of TAP is part of the Justice Department’s continuing focus on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, allowing tribes to more effectively serve and protect their communities by ensuring the exchange of critical data with federal and state databases.

On November 22, Attorney General Barr launched a national strategy to address the issues surrounding missing and murdered Native Americans, and TAP provides the ability for participating tribes to exchange data with FBI CJIS, including data on missing persons from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

In October, the Justice Department announced an unprecedented $273 million in grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women, and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

TAP enhances tribal efforts to register sex offenders pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), have orders of protection enforced off-reservation, protect children, keep firearms away from persons who are disqualified from receiving them, improve safety within public housing, and allows tribes to record their arrests and convictions in national databases.

TAP supports tribes in analyzing their needs for national crime information with appropriate solutions, including a state-of-the-art biometric/biographic kiosk-workstation with capabilities to process finger and palm prints, take mugshots and submit records to national databases, as well as the ability to access CJIS systems for criminal and non-criminal justice purposes through the Department of Justice’s Criminal Justice Information Network. TAP, which is managed by the Chief Information Officer and the Office of Tribal Justice, provides specialized training and assistance for participating tribes, including computer-based training and on-site instruction, as well as a 24x7 help desk.

TAP is primarily funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART); the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS); and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).  TAP prioritized tribal applicants that have a law enforcement agency currently unable to access the FBI CJIS databases; have a tribal sex offender registry pursuant to the Adam Walsh Act and are currently unable to easily submit data to national crime information databases; and/or have a tribal court which issues orders of protection in domestic violence cases.

For more information on TAP, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.  

For more information about the Justice Department’s work on tribal justice, public safety issues and victim services, visit www.justice.gov/tribal.

A man arrested for two carjackings in June pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Kameron Todd Myers, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking; two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Gun crimes mean hard time in the federal system. This guilty plea gets us one step closer to a sentencing hearing. This carjacker was prosecuted as a part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “PSN is the Justice Department’s flagship program to reduce violent crime, and it’s making a difference in Tulsa.”

In his plea agreement, Myers admitted that on June 2 and June 4, 2019, he used force, fear and intimidation during two carjackings. Myers stated that he brandished a pistol and threatened to harm the owners of the vehicles during the crimes. On June 10, Tulsa Police officers found a Glock .45 caliber pistol in the car driven by Myers at the time of his arrest. Because he was previously convicted of a felony, Myers is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric O. Johnston and Mark R. Morgan are prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide federal initiative to disrupt gun violence strategically and comprehensively, using all available enforcement and prosecutive tools.  The initiative involves a partnership of federal, state, and local authorities, uniting their efforts and leveraging existing and new resources. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners tailor their efforts to meet their own district’s unique needs, helping ensure the safety of communities in the Northern District of Oklahoma.

The Department of Justice today announced awards of more than $333 million to help communities affected by the opioid crisis. The funds support families, children and crime victims dealing with the impact of substance abuse, along with first responders whose actions can often mean the difference between life and death for those who have overdosed.

In Oklahoma, state, tribal and local partners will receive $5,279,379 toward the fight against opioid addiction.

“The opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis this country has ever faced,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice is committed to using all means available to bring drug traffickers to justice, disrupt the supply chain, support our law enforcement officers, and help the victims.”

“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “This epidemic — the most deadly in our nation’s history — is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. OJP is here to support them through this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”

“Oklahomans are committed to the fight for our families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “The opioid crisis must be fought on multiple fronts, including prevention, recovery and enforcement. This more than $5.2 million will aid Oklahoma’s state, tribal and community partners to battle addiction and perform the necessary, on-the-ground work to save lives.”

With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related drug overdoses per day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids – including heroin and fentanyl – a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities – from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research – to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.

Funding was awarded under the following programs.

•          The Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Programs ($163 million) will help jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims and will provide training and technical assistance.

•          The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program ($23.8 million) will address the treatment needs of people using opioids.

•          The Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims ($15.8 million) program will help service providers ensure children and youth are supported as they heal from the impact of crime and substance abuse.

•          The Opioid Affected Youth Initiative ($7.9 million) will develop effective programs for children, youth and their families who have been affected by the opioid crisis and drug addiction.

•          The Drug Courts Program ($83.5 million) will provide financial and technical assistance to states and federally recognized tribes to develop and implement drug courts to help adults, youth and veterans suffering from substance abuse issues.

•          The Child Abuse Training for Judicial Personnel program ($1 million) will provide specialized training for juvenile and family court judges on serving families affected by opioids.

•          The Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative ($15 million) will support mentoring programs that address the issues experienced by youth affected by opioids.

•          The Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime Program ($6 million) will support research on criminal investigation, prosecution, drug intelligence and community surveillance to reduce violent and other crimes related to fentanyl and its analogues.

•          The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program ($17 million) is being made available to address the impact of the opioid crisis on forensic laboratory operations.

In Oklahoma, the following partners will receive funding:

Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program

Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs: $2 million

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program

Oklahoma City, County Health Department: $249,543

Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims

Comanche Nation: $749,985

Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma: $500,000

Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse $569,100 and $313,800

Family Drug Court Program

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse $646,951

Coverdell Competitive Grant Program

Oklahoma District Attorney’s Council: $250,000

The more than $333 million in awards will be distributed to jurisdictions throughout the U.S. in order to maximize the effectiveness of the funding. Information about the programs and awards announced today is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.

In addition to providing unprecedented funding to combat the opioid crisis, the Trump Administration also created the Stop Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand Initiative, which prevents over-prescription, reduces the demand for drugs through education and awareness and cuts off the flow of illicit drugs across our borders. President Trump also signed the bipartisan Substance Use – Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, or the SUPPORT Act, the largest legislative effort ever to address a single drug crisis in our nation’s history. This law expands access to evidence-based treatment, protects communities from drugs, invests more in sustained recovery, brings those in treatment and recovery back into the workforce and raises awareness of the dangers of illicitly imported synthetic opioids.

The Department of Justice recently announced that it has awarded more than $376 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal law enforcement operations and reinforce public safety efforts in jurisdictions across the United States.

Of that funding, $993,366 will support public safety activities in the Northern District of Oklahoma. In total, state and local partners in Oklahoma will received $7,265,727 to support public safety. The awards were made by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP). 

“Crime and violence hold families, friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”

The awards announced support an array of crime-fighting initiatives, including the quarter-billion dollar Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program, which funds public safety efforts in 929 state, local and tribal jurisdictions. Funding also supports sex offender registration and notification, law enforcement-based victim services, the testing of sexual assault kits, and programs designed to address youth with sexual behavioral problems. Other awards will focus on wrongful convictions, intellectual property enforcement, innovative prosecution strategies and the safety and effectiveness of corrections systems.

“Programs that support law enforcement, investigations, early prevention and victim services are so critical to building healthy neighborhoods for all Oklahomans,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “The more than $7 million in public safety grants will be put to good use in communities across the state, including the cities of Fairland, Tulsa, and Broken Arrow in the Northern District of Oklahoma.”

     The following grants were awarded in the Northern District of Oklahoma

OVC Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program

• City of Fairland- $179,508
• City of Tulsa- $439,676

Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program

• City of Tulsa/Tulsa County- $361,702
• City of Broken Arrow- $12,480

Other Oklahoma cities also receiving funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program include:

• City of Ardmore/Carter County- $18,002
• City of Lawton- $70,518
• City of Muskogee- $35,839
• City of Norman/Cleveland County- $21,509
• City of Oklahoma City- $449,229
• Ponca City- $ 15,131
• City of Shawnee- $25,816

Other funding awarded included:

Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program- state awards

• Oklahoma District Attorneys Council- $2,720,423

BJA National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

• State of Oklahoma Office of Attorney General- $2,398,302

OJJDP Supporting Effective Interventions for Adolescent Sex Offenders and Youth with Sexual Behavioral Problems Program

• The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center- $517,592: Training and Technical Assistance

Information about the programs and awards announced is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment this month charging a man from Quapaw with sexually abusing a child under the age of 12, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. The indictment was unsealed Monday.

Wilkie Bill Burtrum, 60, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country and with abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 in Indian Country. The indictment alleges that from Aug 2018 to October 2019, Burtrum knowingly touched the child sexually on multiple occasions. At a hearing held today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul J. Cleary ordered the defendant to be detained pending trial.

“We’ve made an effort to focus on crimes involving child victims this year, including in Indian Country. Sadly, there seems to be no end to the number of child predators we encounter. But law enforcement and child advocates remain undeterred,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “It takes courage for any victim – especially child victims – to come forward to disclose sexual abuse. We are proud to stand with victims to pursue justice in the courtroom to hold accountable their abusers.”

Burtrum was previously convicted of aggravated sexual abuse with children committed within Indian Country in 1993.

The Quapaw Tribal Marshals Service and Miami Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni is prosecuting the case.

As part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, four men pleaded guilty or were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

The initiative combats the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse and was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

“The Project Safe Childhood initiative unites law enforcement and U.S. Attorney’s Offices in common cause- to pursue justice for child victims,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Whether coercion and enticement of a minor, production or possession of child pornography, or failure to register as a sex offender, we will work doggedly to hold accountable these predatory criminals.”

Brian Douglas Cook, 29, of Claremore, was sentenced Dec. 12, 2019, for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Cook to 24 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Eagan further ordered Cook to pay $9,000 in restitution and $5,100 in special monetary assessments. Cook pleaded guilty on July 21, 2019. In his written plea agreement, he admitted that he possessed more than 600 images of child pornography at his residence in Claremore. He further stated that he accessed the images knowing the images involved minors, some under 12-years-old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.

Casey Adam Parker, 39, of Afton, pleaded guilty Dec. 11, 2019, to attempted receipt of child pornography.  On July 2, 2019, Parker used a social media app to engage with an individual he believed to be a minor. In actuality, he was speaking to a law enforcement officer. Parker knowingly attempted to persuade the minor to engage in sexual activity and to send him sexually explicit pictures. Parker was arrested July 2, as part of Operation Independence Day, a month-long operation led by the FBI to apprehend child predators and recover victims of child exploitation and sex trafficking.  U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2020. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case.

Kacey J. Hamilton, 28, of Tulsa, aka Brandon Bickford, pleaded guilty Dec. 11, 2019, to failure to register as a sex offender. Hamilton resided in Oklahoma since August 2018, and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as a sex offender.  U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2020. The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case.

Bryan Michael Spidell, 30, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty Dec. 9, 2019, to failure to register as a sex offender. Spidell entered and resided in Indian Country, specifically Cherokee Heights, and knowingly failed to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan scheduled sentencing for March. 10, 2020. The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Proctor is prosecuting the case.

Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today the results of the December 2019 Federal Grand Jury B extended.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Maria Isabel Gonzalez and Jorge Alberto Moreno. Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 1); Distribution of Methamphetamine (Counts 2-9); Drug Conspiracy (Count 10); Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute (Count 11); Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute (Count 12).  (superseding) In this superseding indictment, three additional counts of distribution of methamphetamine have been added as well as possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Gonzalez, 49, of Commerce, is charged with maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using methamphetamine. Gonzalez is further charged with knowingly distributing methamphetamine on Aug. 23, 2018; she is charged with knowingly distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on Aug. 5, 2019; and she is charged with knowingly distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on Sept. 12, 2019. Gonzalez is also charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Sept. 16, 2019.

Moreno, 39, of Commerce, is charged with knowingly distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 21, 2019; he is also charged with knowingly distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 27, 2019; he is charged with knowingly distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on April 22, 2019; and he is also charged with knowingly distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Sept. 16, 2019. Moreno is also charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. Finally, both Gonzalez and Moreno are charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distributing methamphetamine. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and the Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies. 

Enrique Beltran Prado. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 3); Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony (Counts 4-41). (superseding) Prado, 32, of Commerce, is charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine from October to November 2017. He is further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on Dec. 20, 2017, and with knowingly maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using methamphetamine. In this superseding indictment Prado is also charged with using a telephone when committing, causing and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and the Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies.

Two men have pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to child sex crimes charges,  announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

The two defendants were arrested as part of Operation Independence Day, a month-long operation led by the FBI to apprehend child predators and recover victims of child exploitation and sex trafficking. The operation was executed during the month of July.

“There is no more righteous cause than protecting our children from sex predators. Investigators and prosecutors are ever vigilant and act with urgency to bring these predators to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Operation Independence Day was a success because of the men and women of law enforcement who came together in a common cause and mission.”

Carnell Lovette Matthews, 43, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2019, to receipt of child pornography. In his plea agreement, Matthews admitted that from April 30, 2019, to May 2, 2019, he used his smart phone to persuade and entice a minor to send him sexually explicit photographs. He also tried to persuade the minor victim to meet with him to engage in sexual activity. Matthews stated that he knew the victim was under 18 years of age. Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2020. The Broken Arrow Police Department, Tulsa Police Department, and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.

JJason Ray Smith, 40, of Sapulpa, pleaded guilty Dec. 10, 2019, to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Smith admitted to using a social media app to communicate with a person he believed to be 14 years of age but who was an undercover officer. He arranged to meet the “girl” in Tulsa with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with her.  Smith was arrested on July 3, 2019. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2020. The Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.

Operation Independence Day is part of the broader Project Safe Childhood initiative. PSC combats the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse and was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

A Broken Arrow man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for possessing a firearm in furtherance of cocaine distribution crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Neville David Ewell, 45, of Broken Arrow, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. In a signed plea agreement, Ewell admitted that on March 8, 2019, he knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine with intent to distribute and maintained a premises for the purpose of drug trafficking. He further admitted to possessing a Beretta, 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol to further his drug trafficking crimes.

Officers from the Tulsa Police Department’s Organized Gang Unit executed a search warrant based on probable cause that Ewell was storing proceeds from illegal drug sales at a Tulsa address. While officers attempted to gain entry, Ewell tried to destroy evidence. Upon entry, officers discovered a plastic baggie containing 5 grams of cocaine base, other empty plastic baggies, a digital scale, and other evidence of drug trafficking. Officers further discovered the loaded Beretta semi-automatic pistol.

“Drugs and guns are a lethal combination that often lead to violence. Together, they oppress our community by spreading addiction, fear and pain. They cause harm to families, businesses and neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Oklahomans deserve better, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will do its part to keep our neighborhoods safe and our business districts thriving.”

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan set sentencing for March 11, 2020. Ewell faces a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, a maximum of five years supervised release and a fine not to exceed $250,000.

The Tulsa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe is prosecuting the case.

“Chief Chuck Jordan’s legacy is one of service, courage, and accomplishment. He exemplifies the selfless police ethic of ‘protect and serve.’ There is no better friend to the cause of justice than Chief Jordan. Time and again, he displayed a remarkable balance of prudence and courage when faced with challenging circumstances and consequential decisions. Chief Jordan's reverence for the special responsibility placed in a police chief is as inspiring as it is unwavering. He knew that he had been entrusted to command the men and women who wore the uniform of the Tulsa Police Department; that his guidance and leadership could determine whether his officers made it home to their families. The City of Tulsa is a stronger and safer city because of Chief Chuck Jordan. As we have worked closely together over these last two years, I am also proud to be able call him my friend. Thank you for your service, Chief."

United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today the results of the December 2019 Federal Grand Jury B.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Christopher V. Moses, Kay Speir, and Melisa D. Million. Drug Conspiracy; Distribution of Oxycodone, and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of Fentanyl, and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of Carisoprodol, and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death; Distribution of Hydrocodone, and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of Fentanyl and Hydrocodone Resulting in Death; Distribution of Clonazepam, and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of Morphine Sulfate, and Aiding and Abetting; Distribution of Oxycodone Resulting in Death; Distribution of Tramadol, and Aiding and Abetting; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. (superseding indictment). Moses, 66, Speir, 54, and Million, 49, were originally charged with drug conspiracy and aiding and abetting one another to illegally distribute prescription opioids, including Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Carisoprodol, Clonazepam, Morphine Sulfate, Hydrocodone, and Tramadol. The defendants allegedly distributed the prescriptions from January 2010 to January 2018 at the Southside Medical Clinic in Tulsa, which is now closed. According to the indictment, Dr. Moses prescribed highly addictive and often abused opioids to his patients without valid medical purpose or for reasons outside of his scope of practice. The indictment alleges that Moses and Speir also illegally made pre-signed prescriptions for the medications available to patients when Moses was absent. The defendants are further charged with maintaining a drug involved premises.

In this superseding indictment, the defendants are also charged with the deaths of three patients resulting from the medically unnecessary prescriptions. On Feb. 9, 2017, a patient died of acute fentanyl toxicity. On March 7, 2016, a patient died as a result of acute morphine and oxycodone toxicity, and on Aug. 30, 2013, a patient died as a result of acute fentanyl and hydrocodone toxicity. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency

Jesus Castillo-Hernandez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Castillo-Hernandez, 28, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Sept. 9, 2011, at or near Del Rio, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

James Clayton Cholewinski-Boyd. Abusive Sexual Contact in the Special Aircraft Jurisdiction of the United States. Cholewinski-Boyd, 32, of Murray, Utah, is charged with engaging in abusive sexual contact when he grabbed the victim in a sexually inappropriate way without her permission. Law enforcement officials with the FBI, Tulsa International Airport and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration’s Federal Air Marshals conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) Prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Hillary Victoria Ginn. Theft of Mail and Attempted Theft of Mail (6 counts); Destruction of Letter Boxes and Mail (6 counts); Financial Institution Fraud (1 count); and Possession of and Uttering a Forged Security (1 count) (superseding indictment). Additional charges were filed against Ginn, 42, of Tulsa. Previously, Ginn was charged with theft and attempted theft of mail and with destroying post office boxes at a U.S. Post Office station located in south Tulsa. Ginn is charged in the superseding indictment with two additional offenses: financial institution fraud and uttering forged securities. The additional counts allege Ginn caused five forged and stolen checks from other financial institutions to be deposited into an account at Western Sun Federal Credit Union in Broken Arrow. Before Ginn was able to withdraw any of the $34,000 worth of fraudulent funds from the account, Western Sun determined that the checks had been stolen and forged. The checks were originally taken from the post office boxes. The Tulsa Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are the investigative agencies.

Gil Herrera-Mejia. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Herrera-Mejia, 37, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported March 10, 2008, at or near Nogales, Arizona. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Christopher Joseph Kiss. Felon in Possession of Firearm. Kiss, 29, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Phoenix Arms, .25 auto caliber pistol. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency.

Michael Jawan Lucas. Felon in possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Lucas, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Heckler & Koch (H&K) .45 caliber pistol and associated ammunition. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies.

Elmer Orozco-Perez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Orozco-Perez, 35, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Jan. 11, 2007, at or near Atlanta, Georgia. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Jose Ruben Rodriguez-Parra. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodriguez-Parra, 50, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported April 8, 2015, at or near Del Rio, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Luis Alfonso Ruvalcaba-Romo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ruvalcaba-Romo, 29, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Dec. 8, 2011, at or near Hidalgo, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

William Osmir Alvarado Salguero. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. William Osmir Alvarado Salguero, 30, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported June 3, 2008, at or near Harlingen, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Joshua Deron Smith. Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.  Smith, 29, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of HS Products (IM Metal) 9 mm caliber pistol and associated ammunition. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies.

Simon Soto-Cruz. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Soto-Cruz, 35, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Sept. 9, 2015, at or near Del Rio, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Victor Edwardo Trinidad. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Victor Edwardo Trinidad, 30, is charged with reentry of a removed alien, having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported Oct. 9, 2019, at or near Laredo, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Amber Michelle Watson. Wire Fraud Conspiracy. Watson, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with conspiring with others to commit wire fraud from January 2017 to August 2019. Watson and her co-conspirators presented themselves to cashiers at various Walmart stores throughout the Northern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, pretending to be Walmart representatives. The conspirators allegedly presented false vouchers to cashiers bearing the designations of “Rapid Reload Cash Voucher,” “Prepaid Debit Cash Travel Voucher” and “Walmart Corporate Cash Travel Voucher.”  Watson and her co-conspirators then requested that the cashiers credit Rapid Reload transaction cards in the amounts of approximately $500 each time. According to the indictment, the conspirators made purchases with the Rapid Reload cards and obtained cash. In total, it is alleged that Watson and her co-conspirators caused a loss of more than $100,000 to Walmart. The U.S. Secret Service is the investigative Agency.

Jacob Welch and Krystal Magee. Felon in Possession of Firearms; and Possession of Stolen Firearms. Welch, 29, of Ruston, Louisiana, is charged with being a felon in possession of an HS Produkt (IM Metal), 9 mm pistol; a Springfield Armory, .380 caliber pistol; an Israel Weapon IND-IWI, 9 mm pistol; an Anderson Manufacturing, 5.56 caliber rifle; and a Freedom Ordnance Manufacturing, 9 mm pistol. Also, Welch and Magee, 35, of Ruston, Louisiana, are both charged with being in possession of five stolen firearms.

Two Sapulpa sisters were sentenced today in U.S. District Court for illegally taking more than $350,000 in Social Security and military retirement benefits that were meant for their mother, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Patricia Lee Kendall, 66, and Peggy Lee Larue, 63, both of Sapulpa, to six months in federal prison to be followed by three years on supervised release.

“It is disgraceful that these two sisters fraudulently stole Social Security death benefits and military retirement benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Their fraud was ongoing for nearly 20 years. In addition to serving time in federal prison, they will be required to make payments to compensate these federal programs for the more than $350,000 in stolen funds.”

Kendall and Larue pleaded guilty to two-counts of aiding and abetting each other to illegally take and conceal government property in the form of money from both the Social Security Administration and the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund. The women admitted in court that they failed to notify authorities of their mother’s death in December 2000. Previously, their mother had received the death benefit payments as a result of her husband’s military service.  After their mother passed away, the payments should have ceased.

Kendall and Larue illegally took money from the Social Security Administration in the aggregate value of $224,237 in Social Security income as well as money from the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund in the aggregate value of $129,765 in military retirement funds. During sentencing, Judge Frizzell further ordered the two sisters to repay the $354,002.

The Social Security Administration- Office of Inspector General and Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Proctor and Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.

In November, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Crystal Lynne Clark, 54, of Skiatook, with 14 counts of aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.  

Clark allegedly used credit card information from multiple victims to purchase gift cards. She then provided her associates with the gift card information. Clark also allegedly used the victims’ credit cards to make numerous personal purchases.

"Money mules facilitate fraud schemes by receiving funds from victims and forwarding that money to co-conspirators," said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. "Identity theft and fraud schemes can be financially crippling to their victims. That's why I am proud of the excellent investigative work done by the Postal Inspector and Skiatook Police Department."

Recruiters of money mules lure their candidates in many different ways. This year, cases involving romance scams were reported on the rise, with criminals increasingly recruiting money mules on online dating sites and grooming their victims over time to convince them to open bank accounts under the guise of sending or receiving funds.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Skiatook Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the opening of the grant solicitation period for comprehensive funding to tribal communities to support crime prevention, victim services, and coordinated community responses to violence against native women.

The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the opening of the grant solicitation period for comprehensive funding to tribal communities to support crime prevention, victim services, and coordinated community responses to violence against native women.

The Department’s FY 2020 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, or CTAS, posts today online at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations. The solicitation contains details about available grants and describes how federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and tribal consortia can apply for funding to aid in developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety and victimization.

“Increasing public safety, reducing violent crime and servicing crime victims — especially women and children — across American Indian and Alaska Native communities is a top priority for the Justice Department,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We will continue to provide funding to tribes and villages to bolster law enforcement, protect citizens and provide justice.”

“Let there be no doubt that Attorney General William Barr is deeply committed to improving public safety in Indian Country,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “United States Attorneys and victim advocates around the country see firsthand the detrimental impact of violent crime, especially against Native American women. I applaud the Justice Department’s historic commitment of grants to tribal communities and encourage all our tribal partners to apply.”

The funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) can be used for a variety of public safety and justice-related projects and services. Funds can be used to enhance law enforcement; bolster adult and juvenile justice systems; prevent and control juvenile delinquency; serve native victims of crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder abuse; improve responses to violence against native women; and support other efforts to combat crime.

Applications for CTAS are submitted online through the Department’s Grants Management System, or “GMS.” Applicants must register with GMS prior to submitting an application. The application deadline is 9 p.m. EST, Feb. 25, 2020. Applicants will submit a single application and select from any or all of the eight competitive grant programs, referred to as purpose areas. This approach allows the Department’s grant-making components to consider the totality of a tribal nation’s overall public safety needs.  

The eight purpose areas are:

• COPS Office’s Public Safety and Community Policing
• Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning
• BJA’s Tribal Justice Systems Program
• BJA’s Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program
• OVW’s Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program
• OVC’s Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities
• OJJDP’s Juvenile Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts
• OJJDP’s Tribal Youth Program

The Department of Justice has incorporated feedback from tribal meetings, listening sessions, consultations and other methods into this year’s solicitation. Accordingly, the Department has streamlined the application process to reduce requirements for repetitive input from applicants. For example, the application’s required question and answer templates have been refined across the purpose areas to ensure greater clarify and reduce duplication. Also, previously required documents such as the tribal authority to apply have been eliminated (except for tribal designees) to reduce the burden on applicants.

To address tribal feedback about long-term sustained funding, the Justice Department is making changes to award lengths. For Fiscal Year 2020, awards under the following Purpose Areas will be made for 60 months for:

• COPS Office’s Public Safety and Community Policing (hiring officers)
• Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning
• BJA’s Tribal Justice Systems Program
• BJA’s Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program
• OJJDP’s Juvenile Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts
• OJJDP’s Tribal Youth Program

Also new to Fiscal Year 2020 is a change to OVW’s Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program. Awards will be made for up to $900,000 for 36 months. At the end of the 36-month period, grantees may be eligible to receive 24 months of additional noncompetitive funding up to $600,000 to continue their projects.

Additionally, the scope of BJA’s Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program (Purpose Area 4) has been expanded to fund support of physical infrastructure projects related to domestic violence shelters, safe homes, transitional living facilities, and advocacy programs. Purpose Area 4 will also include funding for adding associated capacity, equipment, and infrastructure to support staff training, fitness and wellness.

This year’s solicitation will not include two purpose areas included in previous years: OVC’s Tribal Victim Services Program (Purpose Area 7) and BJA’s Addressing Violent Crime in Native Communities (Purpose Area 10). OVC’s Victims Services Program will be offered via a stand-alone solicitation separate from CTAS.  Resources to support tribes’ efforts to address investigations and prosecutions of violent crime in native communities will be managed through a separate, targeted process. More details on this program to reduce violent crime in tribal communities will be announced separately.

Fact sheets and other relevant information regarding this year’s CTAS can be found online at: https://www.justice.gov/tribal/grants. The Department will also facilitate a series of webinars to guide applicants through the CTAS application requirements. Details, including how to register for these webinars, will be made available online in coming weeks at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations.

Additionally, tribes and tribal consortia may also be eligible for non-tribal federal grant programs and are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities, which may be found at DOJ’s Tribal Justice and Safety website at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations or the www.grants.gov website.

In FY 2019, the Department funded 149 tribes with 236 awards totaling more than $273.4 million in grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

CTAS is administered by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and Office on Violence Against Women.

Today’s announcement is part of the DOJ’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.

Attorney General William P. Barr and law enforcement partners today announced a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to halt money mule activity.  Money mules assist fraud schemes by receiving money from victims, many of them elderly, and forwarding proceeds to foreign-based perpetrators.  During the two-month initiative announced today, U.S. law enforcement disrupted mule networks that spanned from Hawaii to Florida and from Alaska to Maine.  Actions were taken to halt the conduct of over 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules last year.  The Department of Justice also tripled the number of criminal prosecutions brought against money mules as compared to last year’s initiative. 

Attorney General Barr thanked the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch for coordinating the effort.  The coordinators recruited a broad coalition of law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Office of the Attorneys General for the States of Indiana and Wyoming.  The U.S. initiative coincided with the European Money Mule Action (EMMA), https://www.europol.europa.eu/activities-services/public-awareness-and-prevention-guides/money-muling, a simultaneous global effort to halt money mule activity announced by Europol today.

U.S. federal and state law enforcement activity included the following:

• Actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 money mules, spanning over 85 federal districts.
• Actions addressed a variety of elder fraud scheme types, including grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, veteran and social security benefit redirection scams, and technical-support scams.
• Law enforcement interviewed more than 550 individuals and served over 500 warning letters on individuals who recently served as money mules for fraud schemes.  The letters informed recipients that they could be prosecuted if they continue aiding and abetting fraud schemes.
• More than 30 individuals were criminally charged, in part, for their roles in receiving victim payments and providing the fraud proceeds to accomplices.
• Search warrants were executed to secure evidence from money mules who knowingly aided and abetted fraud schemes, including a number of transnational elder fraud schemes.

“Protecting our senior citizens from criminals who target them is one of the Trump Administration’s highest priorities,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Money mules –wittingly and unwittingly – supply the lifeblood of transnational elder fraud schemes. This landmark initiative has significantly impaired certain ways criminals steal from its elderly victims. The Department of Justice and its federal, state, and international partners are committed to shutting down these despicable enterprises that exploit the most vulnerable in our society.”

"Identity theft and fraud schemes can be financially devastating to victims, especially the elderly,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “I am proud of the excellent investigative work done by our federal and Oklahoma law enforcement partners to disrupt these illegal operations and hold fraudsters accountable for their crimes.”

 “The Money Mule initiative highlights the importance of partnership to stop fraud schemes, and it sends a message to all who are engaged in money mule activity that they will be caught and prosecuted,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “I want to thank our state and local partners for all their efforts to protect the American people from these threats.”

As part of the money mule initiative, members of the Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force—which the Attorney General established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes—brought criminal cases alleging that defendants knowingly funneled fraud proceeds to perpetrators including:

• On Nov. 27, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced an indictment against Nnamdi MgBodile for his alleged role in a romance scam and business email compromise fraud; 
• On Nov. 25, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced an indictment against alleged perpetrators of a veteran and social security benefit redirection scam, which involved extensive use of money mules; and 
• On Nov. 14, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch announced the indictment of six individuals for an alleged mass mailing fraud scheme in which a co-conspirator was charged with knowingly receiving payments from elderly victims and supplying them to scheme leaders; and
• On Nov. 13, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma announced an indictment against 10 individuals charged with conspiring to launder illegal proceeds that were obtained as a result of Nigerian romance scam operations.

      Additional criminal cases were brought as part of the two-month money mule initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Texas, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of Arizona, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Southern District of New York, the District of Puerto Rico, the Eastern District of Missouri, the District of Delaware, and the District of Rhode Island.

The above charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“Since Congress passed the Mail Fraud Statute over 100 years ago, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has protected citizens from fraud schemes,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  “Deceptive solicitations take advantage of the American public with promises of easy money, when in reality, the scammers are the only ones making money. Postal Inspectors are working hard to protect the American public and ensure their confidence in the U.S. mail.”  

Attorney General Barr thanked the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for its support of the money mule initiative.  Financial analysis and data supplied by FinCEN allowed law enforcement to identify and prevent money mule activity and elder fraud schemes, as highlighted by a report FinCEN issued today.  Attorney General Barr also expressed appreciation for financial institutions across the nation that identify suspicious activity and report it to FinCEN, enabling federal, state, and local law enforcement to take rapid action against ongoing schemes.

Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors.  In particular, this past March the Department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 260 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep.  The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of EAPPA.  In October, the Department also partnered with the Oak Ridge Boys and AARP in issuing a public service announcement to raise awareness about the grave financial threat posed by elder fraud.

The Department of Justice has an interactive tool for elders who have been financially exploited to help determine to which agency they should report their incident, and also a senior scam alert website.

Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr and Justice Department leadership today announced the recipients of the Third Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, recognizing the exceptional work of 19 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country.

Officer Jesse Guardiola of the Tulsa Police Department was recognized for his community policing work.  Guardiola developed a comprehensive outreach program to build relationships between the Tulsa Police Department and the Hispanic community. The program provides survival Spanish language training for officers and educates law enforcement and the community on the immigrant Hispanic culture. The program has received national recognition and is being promoted as a national model for Hispanic community outreach. Through his efforts, Officer Guardiola is building bridges and making a difference in Tulsa.

“Honoring and supporting the work of law enforcement of­ficers and deputies is a top priority for the Trump Administration, and today is an opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude and commitment to those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Attorney General Barr. “The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing honors exceptional police officers and the vital public service they provide. The brave men and women in law enforcement are engaged in an unrelenting and often unacknowledged fight to keep our communities safe each and every day. It is an honor to thank them for their service.”

“Officer Guardiola is truly one of Tulsa’s finest. His Hispanic Outreach Program is a national model for community policing,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “His extraordinary passion to improve the status quo is most admirable. I’m thankful for the selfless service of Tulsa Police Officer Guardiola.”

President Donald J. Trump established clear directives for the Department of Justice – with three Executive Orders – demonstrating his strong support of the law enforcement community. These Executive Orders commit the Department to working in tandem with state and local law enforcement to restore the rule of law, reduce violent crime, dismantle criminal gangs, and combat the growing drug epidemic. Today the Department of Justice continues to support the President’s directive to honor law enforcement officers by announcing the third annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.

The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. The Department received 199 nominations for 414 individuals ranging from state police departments, to local police, to campus public safety agencies. This award highlights the work that troopers, officers and deputies do to prevent, intervene in, and respond to crime and public safety issues. The individuals recognized today also include:

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Detective William Maldonado of the Suffolk County Police Department, New York:

Detective William Maldonado is being recognized posthumously for his effort in leading the criminal investigation into the violent trans­national street gang MS-13. Detective Maldonado was assigned to assist in the investigation of the disappearance of a young man. Intelligence gathered by Detective Maldonado indicated the missing boy was a murder victim of MS-13. Without the detective’s work, along with his team, the murder spree would no doubt have continued. Instead, several dozen people were arrested, charged with 17 murders, the Suffolk County MS-13 Sailor Clique was eliminated, and several other cliques were disrupted. Maldonado accomplished this while battling cancer, and rarely missed work. He succumbed to his illness in 2018, but not before arrests were made in the cases.

Detectives George Duarte and Jeffrey Richards of the Providence Police Department, Rhode Island:

Detectives George Duarte and Jeffrey Richards are being recognized for their extraordinary investigative work in solving an abduction and sexual assault case of a 14-year-old girl. Their investigation not only solved that case, but also led to solving several other cases of sexual assault by the same suspect. Because of their work, the detectives were able to have this vicious predator removed from the community, victims of unreported crimes were helped, and justice was brought to a number of other victims.

Detectives Sandra Marquez and Kenneth Sealy of the Aventura Police Department, Florida:

Detectives Kenneth Sealy and Sandra Marquez are being recognized for their investigative work in solving several high-dollar fraud schemes targeting multiple businesses and retail stores. During an intense investigation involving a large credit card fraud ring operating in south Florida, the detectives identified approximately $194,000 in fraudulent transactions and seized another $218,000.  Another case involved money laundering and widespread credit card fraud committed in multiple states, which included a loss of almost $4 million over three years. The detectives are continuing this important work in coordination with several federal agencies.

FIELD OPERATIONS

Officers Evan Jurgensen, Nicholas Kelly, Rachel Mynier, and John Yenchak of the Prince William County Police Department, Virginia:

In November 2018, the Prince William County Police Department received a call reporting an active shooter. Within minutes of responding to the scene, Officers Jurgensen, Kelly, Mynier and Yenchak had to take cover from gunfire. Officer Mynier noticed movement on the roof of a residence and transmitted a warning to incoming units, and in doing so saved lives. After the shooter ignored officers’ commands, he was eventually struck and fell to the ground. Although officers feared a possible second shooter, they exposed themselves to harm once again to extract the shooter for medical treatment, and also pulled an occupant from the residence to safety. The heroism demonstrated by each officer represents true courage.

Deputy Richard Hassna of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, California:

Deputy Richard Hassna is being recognized for his innovative use of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for public safety operations. In 2018, during the deadly Camp Fire in Butte County, Deputy Hassna led more than 16 unmanned aerial vehicle teams, and conducted 517 flights in two days, taking more than 70,000 images. These images were stitched into a map that allowed residents to see the damage to their property, without being exposed to danger. This was likely the largest response of small UAS’s to a disaster scene in U.S. history. Deputy Hassna has also developed tactics and training for this technology that has redefined high-risk tactical operations and air support as we know it.

Deputy Ross Jessop of the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Montana:

Deputy Jessop is being recognized for his action and dedication to duty in saving the life of a kidnapped baby. In July 2018, the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a man with a gun, who had fled in a vehicle with his girlfriend’s infant son. One hour later the suspect appeared back on the scene without the baby. The suspect said he killed and buried the baby; but his irrational statements led investigators to search for the missing child.  During Deputy Jessop’s search in more than a million acres of forest, he heard a faint whimper, and found a baby boy lying face down. To his surprise, the baby was alive and uninjured. There is no question Deputy Jessop’s  instincts, perseverance, and dedication saved the child’s life.

Officers Aaron Bates and Alexander Stotik of the Cohasset Police Department, Massachusetts:

Officers Bates and Stotik are being recognized for their courageous actions that saved the life of a woman who was being brutally attacked. The officers were dispatched to a home where neighbors complained of loud noises and a fight.  After investigating, the officers heard a muffled scream, kicked in a locked door, and saw what they described as an “attempted murder in progress.” After a heated struggle, the officers were able to subdue the suspect, place him under arrest, and get medical attention for the victim. The officers exhibited extraordinary valor, bravery, courage, and professionalism in the face of extreme danger that would no doubt have resulted in the murder of the victim.

INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNITY POLICING

Officer Phalon McFate of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Nevada:

Officer McFate developed Project Daybreak, an initiative used to address violent crime-hot spots in downtown Las Vegas neighborhoods. Since it started, Project Daybreak has significantly contributed to decreasing violent crime – down by 50 percent in these neighborhoods.  Through positive police interactions, Officer McFate was able to create transparency and build trust in neighborhoods, where these previously did not exist. The success of Project Daybreak is a direct result of Officer McFate’s passion and commitment to her community.

Detective Anthony Roberson of the Providence Police Department, Rhode Island:

Detective Roberson is being recognized for his use of community policing initiatives that build partnerships between law enforcement and local businesses to support underserved families.  The “Shop with a Cop” program has now served 300 children.  The “Handshake Initiative” has grown from 40 to 200 mentors, and is benefiting families of all backgrounds, across the city. Through these programs, Detective Roberson is giving back to his community, increasing partnerships and building bridges between law enforcement, families and businesses. 

Officer Jonathan Plunkett of the Irving Police Department, Texas:

In August 2016, after the murder of five police officers in Dallas, Officer Plunkett began working on an outreach initiative to bridge the gap between the African-American community and law enforcement. The idea was to connect with the community in places where residents would feel comfortable, and be open to sharing their concerns and engaging in dialogue. Officer Plunkett knew that barbershops would work.  The initiative, which began with one shop, has now increased to 16 shops, and is known as ShopTalk. Through ShopTalk, Officer Plunkett has created a way to build mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and community members who had not been reached with traditional police outreach efforts.

Detective Kathleen Lucero of the Isleta Tribal Police Department, New Mexico:

Detective Lucero is being recognized for community policing initiatives that provide resources to impoverished youth, and build connections between law enforcement and the community.  Through the annual Reaching for A Star initiative, Detective Lucero provides gifts and food to more than 150 children and their families during the holiday season.  Through her Camp Courage program, 60 children participate in a youth camp every summer. Detective Lucero’s on-and off-duty dedication cannot be overstated and has made a true impact on the community. 

Officer Troy Quick of the Conyers Police Department, Georgia:

Officer Quick is making a lasting impact on the youth within his community. As a School Resource Officer at Rockdale County High School, Officer Quick has been able to help a number of students leave gang life. Whether it is though the mentoring sessions he coordinates for students, donating items to families in need, or just taking an interest in student’s daily lives, Officer Quick is a true example of dedication and service.

This week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.  U.S. Attorney Trent Shores, Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, has been appointed to the task force.

The task force will work closely with American Indian and Alaska Native communities to develop protocols, procedures, and best practices to address new and unsolved missing and murdered indigenous persons cases — particularly missing and murdered women and girls. The task force will be co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Interior.

“I am honored that President Trump appointed me to this task force. Tribal leaders from across America have spoken and we have listened,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee. “Now is the time for action. For far too long Native Americans and Alaska Natives, especially women, have experienced unacceptably high rates of violence. I look forward to working with Attorney General Barr and Secretary Bernhardt to address this tragic issue.”

The executive order states that the task force will consult with tribal governments on the scope and nature of the issues regarding missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. Members will address data sharing among the various jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies, how to better leverage existing criminal data bases, and how to improve the way investigators and prosecutors respond to the high volume of cases and to the investigative challenges presented in cases involving female victims. The task force will further establish a multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdiction team, including representatives from tribal law enforcement and the Departments of Justice and Interior, to review cold cases involving the missing and murdered.

The President also charged the task force with addressing the need for greater clarity concerning roles, authorities, and jurisdiction throughout the lifecycle of a case. This includes, in part, developing and publishing best-practices guidance, such as best practices related to communicating with affected families from initiation of an investigation through case resolution; it also includes developing public campaigns to bring awareness to resources needed or available for families who have missing or murdered loved ones.

You can read the Executive Order here.

Members also appointed to the task force are the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, Department of Justice; Director of the Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Department of Health and Human Services; and representatives of other executive departments, agencies, and offices as the co-chairs may, from time to time, designate.

Dr. Ian Reynolds, 71, of Friendswood, Texas, agreed to pay the United States $300,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that he accepted illegal kickback payments from OK Compounding, LLC, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. This is the twelfth kickback settlement involving OK Compounding, LLC, since November 2018.

“Thanks to the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Affirmative Civil Enforcement team, taxpayer dollars that should have gone to fund federal insurance programs have been recovered from a corrupted doctor who wrote prescriptions to a specific pharmacy in exchange for kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Unethical healthcare professionals will be held accountable when they violate rules intended to safeguard the integrity of our federal health care system. Doctors and pharmacists are on notice that there will be consequences if they abandon patient centered care in exchange for kickbacks that line their pockets.”

This civil settlement resulted from an investigation into numerous health care providers writing prescriptions for pain creams compounded and sold by OK Compounding in return for the kickback payments.

From April 2013 through September 2015, Dr. Reynolds prescribed pain creams to his patients, facilitating the sale and distribution of the creams. As compensation for his services, OK Compounding paid Dr. Reynolds what was characterized by the parties as “medical director fees” based upon an hourly rate; however, the payments Dr. Reynolds received from OK Compounding were, in actuality, “kickbacks.”  Because some of the patients were federally insured by Medicare, TRICARE, the Veterans Health Administration and the Federal Employees Compensation Act Program (FECA), the kickbacks were in violation of the False Claims Act.

It is illegal to pay or receive “kickbacks” in conjunction with federal health care insurance.  Prohibitions against kickbacks are crucial to insure that financial motives do not undermine the medical judgment of physicians and other health care providers.  The civil False Claims Act is an important tool used to protect the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs.

To report fraud and abuse against the Federal government in the Northern District of Oklahoma, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 918-382-2700 and speak to a member of the ACE Unit.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Harrington, and is the product of a collaborative investigation by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Labor–Office of Inspector General (OIG), IRS–Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Service–OIG, FBI, Department of Veterans Affairs–OIG and the Department of Health and Human Services–OIG.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

A 32-year-old Tulsa man convicted of methamphetamine distribution and firearms violations has been sentenced today in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Veng Xiong to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. 

On July 30, a jury found Xiong guilty of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a rifle and a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

“Xiong has a lengthy history of trafficking drugs in northern Oklahoma. He actively pursued a criminal lifestyle and now will face 20 years in a federal prison for dealing meth in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Because of the dedicated work performed by investigators and federal prosecutors in this case, Veng Xiong has been brought to justice and Oklahoma’s communities are safer.”

This just result is a direct reflection of excellent work of a multi-agency investigative team and two top-notch federal prosecutors, Ryan Roberts and Chris Nassar.”

During a methamphetamine trafficking investigation, Osage County Sheriff’s Deputies covertly set up a drug deal with an individual who agreed to sell thirty-three pounds of methamphetamine for $500,000. On April 9, 2018, the parties met at a predesignated location in rural Osage County in order to exchange the methamphetamine for cash. Xiong, along with three co-conspirators, arrived in two separate vehicles. At that time, the Osage County and Osage Nation Joint Tactical Response Team conducted a takedown and arrested the four suspects, including Xiong. Upon search of the vehicles, deputies found multiple firearms, including a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus .38 caliber special revolver, a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun with a sawed-off barrel, and a WASR-10, which is an AK-47 style 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle. Both the rifle and the shotgun were found in Xiong’s vehicle. Deputies discovered the handguns and more than five pounds of methamphetamine in the other car.

Xiong was also convicted on two previous occasions in Tulsa County District Court for trafficking in illegal drugs as well as convictions for possessing a firearm while in commission of a felony and for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office; Osage Nation Tribal Police; FBI; Pawhuska Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Ryan M. Roberts prosecuted the case.

Steven Powers, 35, a former probation and parole officer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, was sentenced today in federal court in Tulsa to two years in prison for subjecting two female probationers to unwanted sexual contact.

“Steven Powers violated the public’s trust and the fundamental ethics which guide our justice system. He used his position to prey on women he was entrusted to supervise,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “The U.S. Attorney’s office will guard the constitutional protections afforded to all members of our community and aggressively prosecute corrupt individuals who violate those rights.”

According to court documents, during the course of supervising one victim, from on or about Nov. 3, 2015 through Jan. 19, 2017, Powers engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior, culminating in sexual assault. During the course of supervising the second victim, from on or about Nov. 2, 2015 through April 30, 2017, Powers likewise engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior, culminating in sexual contact against her will. In each of these instances, the defendant admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong and against the law, yet he did so anyway. 

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate probation officers who exploit their authority to sexually assault the individuals they supervise, thinking their actions will go without consequence because of the power they wield,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division.

"As an Oklahoma probation and parole officer, Steven Powers abused the authority and trust bestowed upon him. Powers' actions not only violated the Constitutional rights of his victims, but also undermined the integrity of our judicial system. The FBI remains committed to addressing incidents in which an officer's actions betray the public's trust,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the Oklahoma City Field Office.

According to the plea agreement, in addition to the imposition of a prison sentence, Powers must forfeit his law enforcement certification.

This case is being investigated by the Oklahoma City Field Office of the FBI and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Steven Powers, 35, a former probation and parole officer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections was sentenced today in federal court in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to two years in prison for subjecting two female probationers to unwanted sexual contact.

According to court documents, during the course of supervising one victim, from on or about Nov. 3, 2015 through Jan. 19, 2017, Powers engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior, culminating in sexual assault. During the course of supervising the second victim, from on or about Nov. 2, 2015 through April 30, 2017, Powers likewise engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior, culminating in sexual contact against her will. In each of these instances, the defendant admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong and against the law, yet he did so anyway. 

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate probation officers who exploit their authority to sexually assault the individuals they supervise, thinking their actions will go without consequence because of the power they wield,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division.

“Steven Powers violated the public’s trust and the fundamental ethics which guide our justice system. He used his position to prey on women he was entrusted to supervise,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “The U.S. Attorney’s office will guard the constitutional protections afforded to all members of our community and aggressively prosecute corrupt individuals who violate those rights.”

"As an Oklahoma Probation and Parole Officer, Steven Powers abused the authority and trust bestowed upon him. Powers' actions not only violated the Constitutional rights of his victims, but also undermined the integrity of our judicial system. The FBI remains committed to addressing incidents in which an officer's actions betray the public's trust,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the Oklahoma City Field Office.

According to the plea agreement, in addition to the imposition of a prison sentence, Powers must forfeit his law enforcement certification.

This case is being investigated by the Oklahoma City Field Office of the FBI and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

A Broken Arrow man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to just over seven years in prison for the attempted receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell sentenced Carl Thomas Spaeth, 35, to 87 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Spaeth will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

“Carl Spaeth knowingly engaged in sexually graphic communications and requested child pornography from someone he thought to be a 14-year-old girl. He even arranged an in-person meeting with the purported child,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Rather than finding a teenage girl at the meet spot, Spaeth found himself face-to-face with law enforcement agents from the FBI and Tulsa Police Department. I am so thankful for the work of law enforcement to keep children safe from predators like Mr. Spaeth.”

Spaeth pleaded guilty on Sept. 5. In his plea agreement, Spaeth admitted that between July 5 and July 10, 2019, he used a cell phone app to talk with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. In actuality, he was communicating with a law enforcement officer. During the course of the conversation, Spaeth described sexual acts he wanted to engage in with the “girl.” He further asked for explicit pictures and sent sexually explicit pictures of himself via the app.

This prosecution is the result of Operation Independence Day, a month-long operation led by the FBI to apprehend child predators and recover victims of child exploitation and sex trafficking.  The operation was executed during the month of July.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal prosecuted the case.

Operation Independence Day is part of the broader Project Safe Childhood initiative. PSC combats the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse and was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Attorney General William P. Barr today launched a national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans.  The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative places MMIP coordinators in U.S. Attorney’s offices in 11 states, including Oklahoma, who will develop protocols for a more coordinated law enforcement response to missing cases.  The plan also calls for the deployment of the FBI’s most advanced response capabilities when needed, improved data collection and analysis, and training to support local response efforts. 

“American Indian and Alaska Native people suffer from unacceptable and disproportionately high levels of violence, which can have lasting impacts on families and communities. Native American women face particularly high rates of violence, with at least half suffering sexual or intimate-partner violence in their lifetime.  Too many of these families have experienced the loss of loved ones who went missing or were murdered,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “This important initiative will further strengthen the federal, state, and tribal law enforcement response to these continuing problems.” 

“The FBI recognizes the violence that tribal communities face and is fully committed to working with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to provide support to those impacted by these crimes,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are dedicated to delivering justice and to the FBI’s mission to protect all the people we serve. We reaffirm our focus on allocating resources to serve Native American needs.”

In Oklahoma, the MMIP coordinator will be based at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma but will directly assist all three U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the state.

“Our Pledge of Allegiance ends with the phrase ‘with liberty and justice for all.’ Attorney General Barr’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons plan furthers that ideal,” said Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “I’m proud to see this Justice Department including Native American victims as a crucial part of our violent crime reduction strategy.”

“The joint MMIP coordinator will maximize the collaborative efforts of the three Oklahoma United States Attorney’s Offices as we work toward the shared goal of ensuring appropriate response to missing and murdered indigenous people in Oklahoma,” said Brian J. Kuester, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “Our MMIP coordinator will undoubtedly find great support from our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners and non-governmental service organizations who understand and appreciate that working together we can and will enhance public safety in Indian Country.”

“I am pleased to leverage our great working relationship with our sister U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Oklahoma to address violence in Indian Country,” said Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.  “Together, we will use this new resource to protect Native Americans throughout the state.”

“The Cherokee Nation has held strong partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s offices in the Northern and Eastern Districts, which is essential for the protection of our tribal communities and prevention of missing and murdered Native Americans in Indian Country,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. said. “We know these new efforts to enhance law enforcement coordination will improve data sharing and help reduce the violence against our native people.”

“The State of Oklahoma welcomes the Department of Justice’s focus on reducing violence in Indian Country,” said Lisa J. Billy, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Native American Affairs. “These resources represent a meaningful investment in ensuring safety for vulnerable members of native communities in our state.  I am grateful to the U.S. Attorneys for their commitment to Indian Country.”

The strategy has three parts.

Establish MMIP coordinators: The Department of Justice is investing an initial $1.5 million to hire 11 MMIP coordinators in 11 states to serve with all U.S. Attorney’s offices in those states, and others who request assistance.  The states are Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Nevada, Minnesota, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington state. MMIP coordinators will work closely with federal, tribal, state and local agencies to develop common protocols and procedure for responding to reports of missing or murdered indigenous people.  The first MMIP coordinator is already on board in Montana. 

Specialized FBI Rapid Deployment Teams: The strategy will bring needed tools and resources to law enforcement.  Upon request by a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency the FBI will provide expert assistance based upon the circumstances of a missing indigenous persons case.  FBI resources and personnel which may be activated to assist with cases include: Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) teams, Cellular Analysis Support Teams, Evidence Response Teams, Cyber Agents for timely analysis of digital evidence/social media, Victim Services Division Response Teams, and others.   MMIP coordinators will assist in developing protocols.

Comprehensive Data Analysis: The department will perform in-depth analysis of federally supported databases and analyze data collection practices to identify opportunities to improve missing persons data and share the results of this analysis with our partners in this effort.

More broadly, the MMIP Initiative will involve a coordinated effort by more than 50 U.S. Attorneys on the Attorney General’s Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS), the FBI, and the Office of Tribal Justice, with support from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).  

Today’s announcement follows the August NAIS meeting in New Mexico and OVW listening session in Michigan, where Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons and violence against women in Indian country were prevalent topics of discussion by U.S. Attorneys, OVW officials, and tribal representatives.

A man illegally residing in the United States was found guilty Wednesday in federal court of attempting to persuade an 11-year-old online to engage in sexual activity. Two years earlier, the defendant had also molested the child while she stayed at a friend’s house.

A jury convicted Agustin Nieto Regalado, 47, of Tulsa, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and for possession of a false lawful permanent resident card.

In April 2019, the victim’s mother grew suspicious of a Facebook message her daughter received from a man she knew as “Marcos Diaz.” The mother conversed with Diaz, pretending to be her daughter. Diaz acknowledged the child’s age and described sexual acts he wanted to engage in with the victim. He further offered to pay for the sex acts, asked for explicit pictures and described how he had previously molested the child. Marcos Diaz, who was really Agustin Nieto Regalado, also took sexually explicit photos of himself and sent them to “the girl.” The mother reported the encounter to authorities.

“The defendant, an illegal alien in our country, chose to proceed to jury trial, a right afforded him in the United States Constitution. Today, a jury delivered justice in the form of guilty verdicts,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Mr. Regalado came into our country illegally and then enticed, coerced and sexually molested children. Despicable.”

“Homeland Security Investigations special agents don’t initiate criminal investigations based on someone’s citizenship, we do so because of the alleged criminal activity and we will never relent in our efforts to protect children from anyone that attempts to exploit them,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI Dallas.  “HSI’s Operation Predator program is designed to target anyone who sexually exploits children.”

“Our ERO officers are specifically trained and dedicated to locating and removing criminal aliens in the United States,” said Marc J. Moore, ERO Dallas field office director.  “Once this convicted criminal completes whatever prison sentence is imposed, we will ensure he’s removed to his country of origin.”

During the trial, Lieutenant Jeremy Noland of the Tulsa Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit explained that detectives took over the girl’s Facebook account once the mother reported Regalado. He described how Regalado continued to message the girl, not knowing that he was actually messaging detectives. A meeting location was set by the parties. When Regalado arrived at the location, he was taken into custody by detectives. The defendant was found in possession of a forged permanent resident card with the alias of Marcos Diaz and immigration documents with the name Agustin Nieto Regalado.

During the trial, testimony was heard that Regalado was also caught several times engaging in suspicious activity with other children.

In closing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Nassar shared with the jury how the victim and her family, who are immigrants, came to the United States in search of opportunities and a better life. He described a country that promises justice for all who come. He asked the jury to deliver justice for the victim and find Regalado guilty of all charges.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 24. Regalado faces 10 years to life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the enticement charge. 

The Tulsa Police Department’s Cyber Crimes and Child Crisis Units and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and  Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Nassar and Edward Snow prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted 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, 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 www.justice.gov/psc.

A Tulsa man was sentenced in federal court for stealing $368,329.61 from his employer, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell sentenced Ernest Everette Howard, 49, of Tulsa, to 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud.  The court further ordered Howard to pay $368,329.61 in restitution.

“White collar crime corrupts the economic welfare of businesses and communities. Mr. Howard’s embezzlement scheme undermined the mission of his employer as he abused his position of trust. Now, he is headed to federal prison to account for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Howard was employed as a controller at the Tulsa offices of an international company from 2017 to his termination in January 2019.  As such, he oversaw the payroll process and, from January 2018 until his termination, fraudulently padded his own paychecks with unauthorized bonuses and automobile allowances.  In an effort to disguise his thefts, Howard attributed the illegal payments to cost of goods sold.  Howard used the funds for his personal benefit.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture Section has secured assets from Howard in the approximate amount of $130,000, to be applied to the restitution owed to the victim company, and the Office’s Financial Litigation Unit will pursue the remaining restitution owed.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Leitch prosecuted the case.

On Wednesday, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.

Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.

“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”

“Attorney General Barr’s Project Guardian plan will result in a reduction of gun related violent crime. Americans will be safer as a result of this initiative, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “My office will continue its close work with the Tulsa Police Department and ATF to focus on gun possession violations involving persons with domestic violence convictions and mental health adjudications.”

Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.” 

Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:

1. Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
2. Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.

Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.

1. Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.
2. Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety. 

Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.

1. Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.

Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.  

For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.

Ten men have been charged with conspiring to launder illegal proceeds that were obtained as a result of Nigerian romance scam operations.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma, Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in October and unsealed today after seven suspects were apprehended in early morning operations executed by the FBI in three states. Five defendants were arrested in Norman, Oklahoma, one defendant was arrested in Brooklyn, New York, and one defendant was arrested in Long Beach, California. Three other defendants remain at large.

“Everyone is vulnerable to phone and internet scams, but seeing a romance scam and money laundering conspiracy that resulted in the exploitation of elder Americans is just shameful,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “United States Attorneys across the nation are working diligently to empower victims of fraud to speak out so that online scammers can be brought to justice.”

"These individuals used a conspiracy involving romance scams to prey on dozens of victims across the country, many of whom experienced significant financial loss.  Today's arrests demonstrate that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will not allow criminals to defraud innocent Americans," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the Oklahoma City Field Office.

The indictment alleges that since 2017, the co-conspirators concealed the proceeds of romance scam operations by moving money between and among multiple bank accounts that were opened using fraudulent identity documents to obscure the source of the funds and the identities of the co-conspirators.  Investigators identified at least three victims of the alleged romance scams in Seminole, Florida, Centerville, Ohio, and Pryor, Oklahoma.  

The indictment alleges the co-conspirators coordinated with unknown individuals overseas who had assumed false identities on online dating websites and social media platforms with the intent to defraud victims.  The individual told the victims they were U.S. residents working abroad.  In fact, the investigation revealed that these individuals were located in Nigeria.  At the early stages of the “romance,” victims would receive requests for relatively small gifts, such as iTunes gift cards and cell phones. As the relationships continued, the requests would develop into increasingly larger sums of money, with the claimed purpose that the funds were needed to complete overseas projects or to return to the United States. The victims were directed by the online romance scammers to send funds to the defendants’ bank accounts, among other things, assuring the victims that they would allocate the money as needed. The indictment alleges that once the victims sent the funds, the defendants funneled the money to accounts that they operated.  These accounts were allegedly opened under various aliases in order to obscure the source of the fraudulently obtained funds. In a further attempt to conceal the source of the money, the co-conspirators also purchased salvaged vehicles and car parts to export overseas, usually to Nigeria, the indictment alleges.

The following individuals have been charged in the case:

• Afeez Olajide Adebara, 34, U.S. citizen residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
• Oluwaseun John Ogundele, 30, U.S. citizen residing in Norman, Oklahoma, and Brooklyn, New York;
• Joshua Nnandom Ditep, 25, Nigerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
• Paul Usoro, 25, Nigerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
• Chibuzo Godwin Obiefuna Jr, 26, U.S. citizen residing in Norman, Oklahoma, and Long Beach, California;
• Jamiu Ibukun Adedeji, 23, citizen of Nigeria, residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
• Tobiloba Kehinde, 27, citizen of Nigeria residing in Norman Oklahoma;
• First and last name unknown #1, maintained an address in Brooklyn, New York;
• First and last name unknown #2, maintained an address in Dallas, Texas, and
• First and last name unknown #3, maintained an address in Dallas, Texas.

This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based out of Nigeria that target U.S. citizens. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI’s San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York Field Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Nassar of the Northern District of Oklahoma, Assistant Chief Tracee Plowell and Trial Attorneys Michelle Pascucci and David Stier of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

Ten men have been charged with conspiring to launder illegal proceeds that were fraudulently obtained as a result of Nigerian romance scam operation targeting multiple victims.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in October and unsealed today after seven suspects were apprehended in early morning operations executed by the FBI in three states. Five defendants were arrested in Norman, Oklahoma, one defendant was arrested in Brooklyn, New York, and one defendant was arrested in Long Beach, California. Three other defendants remain at large.

The indictment alleges that since 2017, the co-conspirators concealed the proceeds of romance scam operations by moving money between and among multiple bank accounts that were opened using fraudulent identity documents to obscure the source of the funds and the identities of the co-conspirators.  Investigators identified at least three victims of the alleged romance scams in Seminole, Florida, Centerville, Ohio, and Pryor, Oklahoma.  

The indictment alleges the co-conspirators coordinated with unknown individuals overseas who had assumed false identities on online dating websites and social media platforms with the intent to defraud victims.  The individual told the victims they were U.S. residents working abroad.  In fact, the investigation revealed that these individuals were located in Nigeria.  At the early stages of the “romance,” victims would receive requests for relatively small gifts, such as iTunes gift cards and cell phones.  As the relationships continued, the requests would develop into increasingly larger sums of money, with the claimed purpose that the funds were needed to complete overseas projects or to return to the United States.  The victims were directed by the online romance scammers to send funds to the defendants’ bank accounts, among other things, assuring the victims that they would allocate the money as needed.  The indictment alleges that, once the victims sent funds, the defendants funneled the money to accounts that they operated.  These accounts were allegedly opened under various aliases in order to obscure the source of the fraudulently obtained funds.  In a further attempt to conceal the source of the money, the co-conspirators also purchased salvaged vehicles and car parts to export overseas, usually to Nigeria, the indictment alleges.

The following individuals have been charged in the case:

• Afeez Olajide Adebara, 34, U.S. citizen residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
   
• Oluwaseun John Ogundele, 30, U.S. citizen residing in Norman, Oklahoma, and Brooklyn, New York;
   
• Joshua Nnandom Ditep, 25, Nigerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
   
• Paul Usoro, 25, Nigerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
   
• Chibuzo Godwin Obiefuna Jr, 26, U.S. citizen residing in Norman, Oklahoma, and Long Beach, California;
   
• Jamiu Ibukun Adedeji, 23, citizen of Nigeria, residing in Norman, Oklahoma;
   
• Tobiloba Kehinde, 27, citizen of Nigeria residing in Norman Oklahoma;
   
• First and last name unknown #1, maintained an address in Brooklyn, New York;
   
• First and last name unknown #2, maintained an address in Dallas, Texas, and
   
• First and last name unknown #3, maintained an address in Dallas, Texas.

This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based out of Nigeria that target U.S. citizens.  The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI’s San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles Field Offices.  Assistant Chief Tracee Plowell and Trial Attorneys Michelle Pascucci and David Stier of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Nassar of the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.

Hongjin Tan, a 35 year old Chinese national and U.S. legal permanent resident, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to committing theft of trade secrets from his employer, a U.S. petroleum company.

Tan pleaded guilty to theft of a trade secret, unauthorized transmission of a trade secret, and unauthorized possession of a trade secret. The defendant stole the information from a U.S.-based petroleum company regarding the manufacture of a “research and development downstream energy market product” that is worth more than $1 billion.

“China’s economic aggression poses a threat to America’s emerging high-technology industries. Industrial spies like Hongjin Tan engage in espionage to steal American trade secrets and intellectual property born out of the innovation that is innate in our free market system,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Thanks to a vigilant company and the investigative efforts of the FBI, Hongjin Tan was caught red handed and prosecuted. American ingenuity and know-how are the envy of the international market, and the U.S. Attorneys community will work to protect our economic infrastructure.”

“Tan’s guilty plea continues to fill in the picture of China’s theft of American intellectual property,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The Department launched its China Initiative to battle precisely the type of behavior reflected in today’s plea—illegal behavior that costs Americans their jobs--and we will continue to do so.”  

"Trade secret theft is a serious crime which hurts American businesses and taxpayers. The FBI will continue to protect our country's industries from adversaries who attempt to steal valuable research and technology," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the Oklahoma City Field Office.

Tan was employed as an associate scientist for the U.S. petroleum company starting in June 2017 until December 2018. The defendant was assigned to work within a group at the company with the goal of developing next generation battery technologies for stationary energy storage, specifically flow batteries. In his plea agreement, Tan admitted to intentionally copying and downloading research and development materials without authorization from his employer.

On Dec. 11, 2018, Tan used a thumb drive to copy hundreds of files. He subsequently turned in his resignation and was escorted from the premises on Dec. 12, 2018. Later that day, he returned the thumb drive, claiming that he had forgotten to do so before leaving his employer’s property. Upon examination, it was discovered that there was unallocated space on the thumb drive, indicating five documents had previously been deleted. Investigators with the FBI searched Tan’s premises and found an external hard drive. They discovered that the same five missing files from the thumb drive had been downloaded to the hard drive. Tan maintained the files on a hard drive so he could access the data at a later date. Further accessing the material would have been financially advantageous for Tan but caused significant financial damage to his Oklahoma employer.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the plea hearing and set sentencing for Feb. 12, 2020.

The FBI conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES) are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Matthew R. Walczewski and Assistant Deputy Chief Brian J. Resler of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

Hongjin Tan, a 35 year old Chinese national and U.S. legal permanent resident, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to committing theft of trade secrets from his employer, a U.S. petroleum company.

Tan pleaded guilty to theft of a trade secret, unauthorized transmission of a trade secret, and unauthorized possession of a trade secret. The defendant stole the information from a U.S.-based petroleum company regarding the manufacture of a “research and development downstream energy market product” that is worth more than $1 billion.

“Tan’s guilty plea continues to fill in the picture of China’s theft of American intellectual property,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The Department launched its China Initiative to battle precisely the type of behavior reflected in today’s plea —illegal behavior that costs Americans their jobs — and we will continue to do so.”  

“China’s economic aggression poses a threat to America’s emerging high-technology industries. Industrial spies like Hongjin Tan engage in espionage to steal American trade secrets and intellectual property born out of the innovation that is innate in our free market system,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Thanks to a vigilant company and the investigative efforts of the FBI, Hongjin Tan was caught red handed and prosecuted. American ingenuity and know-how are the envy of the international market, and the U.S. Attorneys community will work to protect our economic infrastructure.”

"Trade secret theft is a serious crime which hurts American businesses and taxpayers. The FBI will continue to protect our country's industries from adversaries who attempt to steal valuable research and technology," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the Oklahoma City Field Office.

Tan was employed as an associate scientist for the U.S. petroleum company starting in June 2017 until his arrest in December 2018. The defendant was assigned to work within a group at the company with the goal of developing next generation battery technologies for stationary energy storage, specifically flow batteries. In his plea agreement, Tan admitted to intentionally copying and downloading research and development materials without authorization from his employer.

On Dec. 11, 2018, Tan used a thumb drive to copy hundreds of files. He subsequently turned in his resignation and was escorted from the premises on Dec. 12, 2018. Later that day, he returned the thumb drive, claiming that he had forgotten to do so before leaving his employer’s property. Upon examination, it was discovered that there was unallocated space on the thumb drive, indicating five documents had previously been deleted. Investigators with the FBI searched Tan’s premises and found an external hard drive. They discovered that the same five missing files from the thumb drive had been downloaded to the hard drive. Tan maintained the files on a hard drive so he could access the data at a later date. Further accessing the material would have been financially advantageous for Tan but caused significant financial damage to his Oklahoma employer.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the plea hearing and set sentencing for Feb. 12, 2020.

The FBI conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES) are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Matthew R. Walczewski and Assistant Deputy Chief Brian J. Resler of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

A Broken Arrow man pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to extorting a woman by threatening to post nude photographs of her online, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Ivan David Arroyo III, 27, pleaded guilty to interstate communication with intent to extort. In March 2018, Arroyo sent messages from three Instagram accounts containing nude photographs of the victim. In the messages, he told the victim to send more suggestive photographs of herself or he would post the nudes publicly, thus harming her reputation. The woman refused.

“Disturbingly, sextortion is becoming increasingly more frequent,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Sexual predators extort, manipulate and taunt their victims online hoping the supposed anonymity of the internet will help conceal their identity and their sick crimes. But thanks to brave victims who come forward and the excellent work of law enforcement officials, we are able to follow the digital footprint of these sextortionists and hold them accountable.”

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan set sentencing for Feb. 10, 2020.

The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni is prosecuting the case.

A man who caused an American Airlines’ flight to be diverted to Tulsa on Tuesday night was charged today in federal court for engaging in unwanted sexual contact with a female passenger, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

“This week, American flight 807, traveling from North Carolina to Utah, was diverted to Tulsa due to the alleged conduct of passenger James Clayton Cholewinski-Boy. Today, the United States Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges as a result of Mr. Cholewinski-Boy’s alleged actions on the plane,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “The public should know these allegations pertain to criminal sexual misconduct by Mr. Cholewinski-Boy against a female passenger, not a threat to the plane or air travel. The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with Tulsa International Airport law enforcement officers responded swiftly and professionally to this situation as soon as the plane touched down in Tulsa. The FBI will investigate this matter moving forward. I am thankful for the men and women of law enforcement who work to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public.”

The flight was en route to Salt Lake City, Utah, from Charlotte, North Carolina, when the incident occurred.

Law enforcement officials with the FBI, Tulsa International Airport and U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) Prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma.

A Kentucky doctor joined a growing list of medical professionals implicated in an illegal kickback scheme involving OK Compounding. This is the eleventh kickback settlement since November 2018.  

Jonathan Moore, 50, a licensed doctor of podiatry, agreed to pay the government $65,404 for allegedly accepting illegal kickback payments from OK Compounding, LLC, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

“Eleven kickback settlements and counting. The manipulation of our federal health insurance programs cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “There are clearly defined laws and standards that must be followed when prescribing compounding medications. Greedy doctors and marketers who have conveniently ignored those laws for their own personal enrichment will be held accountable. I appreciate the diligent work of my Affirmative Civil Enforcement team. They have an important mission and role within my office. They use civil litigation tools to ensure corrupt medical professionals cannot defraud the federal health care system and American taxpayers.”

This civil settlement resulted from an investigation into numerous health care providers writing prescriptions for pain creams compounded and sold by OK Compounding in return for payments.

Beginning in 2013, Dr. Moore prescribed pain creams for his patients, facilitating the sale and distribution of the creams.  As compensation for his services, OK Compounding paid Dr. Moore what was characterized by the parties as “medical director fees” based upon an hourly rate.  However, the payments Dr. Moore received from the company were, in actuality, “kickbacks.”  Because some of the patients were insured by Medicare and TRICARE, federal health insurance programs, the kickbacks were in violation of the False Claims Act. 

It is illegal to pay or receive “kickbacks” in conjunction with federal health care insurance.  Prohibitions against kickbacks are crucial to insure that financial motives do not undermine the medical judgment of physicians and other health care providers.  The civil False Claims Act is an important tool used to protect the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs.

To report fraud and abuse against the Federal government in the Northern District of Oklahoma, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 918-382-2700 and speak to a member of the ACE Unit.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marianne Hardcastle, and is the product of a collaborative investigation by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Labor–Office of Inspector General (OIG), IRS–Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Service–OIG, FBI, Department of Veterans Affairs–OIG and the Department of Health and Human Services–OIG. 

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. 

On Friday, the U.S. Marshals’ Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force finalized a five-day operation targeting fugitives wanted for violent criminal offenses in Creek County, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. As part of the operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office provided legal guidance to the task force as needed and reviewed cases of federal interest.

The task force was divided into three teams to serve the warrants throughout the county during the week. The task force, which includes deputies from the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, cleared 41warrants, arrested 34 violent offenders, and seized five firearms during Operation Fallback. Many of the violent offenders had arrest warrants issued resulting from domestic battery charges. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were also found during the operation.

“Today, 34 violent offenders have been apprehended as a result of Operation Fallback,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Violent crime continues to be a priority for my office and the Department of Justice. Our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative leverages the law enforcement resources in our district to get the most violent criminals off the streets. I appreciate the brave work performed by the U.S. Marshals Service and the local, state, tribal and federal task force officers who serve on the Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to keeping Oklahomans safe.”

“This was a joint effort with the Creek County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service to provide assistance in apprehending the county’s most violent criminals and making the community a safer place,” said Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. Marshal Clayton Johnson.

“The sheriff’s office was happy to be part of an operation that allows us to find and arrest the people that plague our county with crime. I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Trent Shores and the U.S. Marshals for working diligently to help bring these people to justice,” said Creek County Sheriff Bret Bowling.

The U.S. Marshals’ Mobile Command Center (MCC) was deployed to the county this week to assist in the operation. Mobile Command Centers are response vehicles that facilitate the U.S. Marshals’ ability to expand command and control capabilities to a remote locations in national emergencies or for other operations. The vehicles were built to be easy to operate in order to allow for quick deployment with minimum personnel. Full interoperable communications are a standard for these vehicles.

The U.S. Marshals Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force is comprised of members from multiple agencies across the Northern District of Oklahoma. Members are from the Creek County Sheriff’s Office; Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Arrow Police Department, Owasso Police Department, Quapaw Tribal Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Customs and Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Operation Fallout was part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a nationwide federal program designed to disrupt gun violence strategically and comprehensively, using all available enforcement and prosecutive tools. The initiative involves a partnership of federal, state, and local authorities, uniting their efforts and leveraging existing and new resources. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners tailor their efforts to meet their own district’s unique needs, helping ensure the safety of communities in the Northern District of Oklahoma.

United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today the results of the November 2019 Federal Grand Jury B.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Jamie Alberto Cuevas-Casanova. Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Cuevas-Casanova, 54, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported on December 30, 2009, from Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies

Crystal Lynne Clark. Aggravated Identity Theft (14 counts). Clark, 54, of Skiatook, is charged with aggravated identity theft for using other individuals’ identities while committing wire fraud. She allegedly used the individuals’ credit cards to make numerous purchases. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Skiatook Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Bryan Randall Daniel. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Daniel, 36, of Bartlesville, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun and associated ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bartlesville Police Department and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.

Derek Dean Darity. Bank Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon; Using, Carrying and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  Darity, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with robbing an Arvest Bank with a firearm. He is charged with using, carrying and discharging a flare gun loaded with a 20-gauge shotgun shell during the robbery. He is further charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, namely the flare gun loaded with the shotgun shell. The Tulsa Police Department; FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Florida Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies.

Julio Cesar Gonzalez and Sochil Aguilar. Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute. Gonzalez, 32, of Commerce, and Aguilar, 28, of Commerce, are charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies.

Kacey J. Hamilton. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Hamilton, 28, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly failing to register as a sex offender when he moved to the Northern District of Oklahoma on or about Aug. 24, 2018. The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies.

Lisandro Herrera Dimas. Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Herrera, 30, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported on July 20, 2007, from El Paso, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Jose Ramirez-Garcia. Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. Ramirez-Garcia, 31, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported on Jan. 11, 2007, from San Antonio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies.

Bryan Michael Spidell. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender; Assimilated Crime of Breaking and Entering into a Dwelling (Misdemeanor). Spidell, 30, of Pryor, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender when he moved to and resided in Indian Country from Oct. 3 through Oct. 22, 2019. Spidell, a non-Indian, is also charged with breaking and entering into a dwelling of an Indian person. The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Mayes Country Sheriff’s Office, Glendale Police Department (Arizona), FBI and U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies.

Two men pleaded guilty Monday to selling fraudulent social security and permanent resident cards to individuals unlawfully living in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Cristian Alvarado Morales, 30, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transfer identification documents; three counts of aggravated identity theft; possession with intent to use and transfer five or more documents and authentication features; and unlawful reentry of a removed alien. Alvarado was previously removed from the United States on March 25, 2008, from Laredo, Texas. Anderson Garces Lopez, 29, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transfer identification documents.

In their plea agreements, Alvarado and Garces both admitted to conspiring to sell the fraudulent social security and permanent resident cards for personal profit. The two stated that they possessed and sold more than 100 false or fraudulent identification documents. The pair used the identities of individuals both living and deceased.

“Motivated by greed, Alvarado and Garces enabled countless illegal aliens to flout our nation’s immigration laws by selling phony identification documents for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Working and living in the United States is a privilege understandably desired by many, but there are laws governing admission and citizenship into our nation. This U.S. Attorney’s Office will uphold federal immigration laws enacted by Congress and vigorously prosecute those who facilitate unlawful entry into our country.”

“Protecting our Homeland takes many forms, but enforcing the integrity of U.S. identity documents is a critical element,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of the Dallas Office of Homeland Security Investigations, which includes Oklahoma.  “The HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud Task Forces nationwide investigate the individuals and organizations who try to reap illegal profits by producing and distributing fraudulent documents.”

U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell set sentencing for Feb. 10, 2020.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case.

A man pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to robbing five Tulsa area businesses, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

John Michael McIntosh, 22, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to five counts of obstructing, delaying and affecting commerce by robbery and three counts of carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

“Armed and dangerous criminals like John McIntosh threaten the prosperity and safety of our community. Conscientious, hard-working Oklahomans go to work every day to support their families, and they should not have to go to work with the fear of having a gun pointed in their faces,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Through the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, we prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders, like John McIntosh, so that our neighborhoods and business community can prosper.”

In his plea agreement, McIntosh admitted that he robbed a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Sand Springs on Feb. 17; a Waters Liquor Store in Tulsa on Feb. 19; and a Liquor Mart in Tulsa on Feb. 21. He further admitted to robbing two QuikTrips, located in Tulsa and in Sand Springs, on Feb. 23. In all the robberies, McIntosh threatened employees while brandishing a handgun.

The Sand Springs Police Department, Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark R. Morgan and Robert T. Raley are prosecuting the case.

Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and John Scott, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Oklahoma, announced the results of the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The event was created to help Americans dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs in order to help prevent addiction and overdose deaths.

Oklahomans living in Tulsa, Pawnee, Osage, Creek, Washington, Nowata, Rogers, Craig, Mayes, Ottawa, and Delaware Counties turned in 1,788 pounds of pharmaceuticals, vaping devices, and cartridges to 17 different sites within the District. In all of Oklahoma, the DEA, along with federal, state, local and tribal partners collected a total of 122 boxes weighing approximately 2,194 pounds.  The DEA accepted the vaping devices and cartridges for the first time his year.

“DEA’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day saves lives. Preventive efforts, like disposing of unused prescriptions or restricting access to medications, help to protect our loved ones and friends,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I am thankful to DEA Oklahoma for their hard work in setting up this event and to community members in northern Oklahoma who turned in their outdated and unused prescriptions.”

“It is no secret that Oklahoma’s youth who are abusing prescription drugs are getting these drugs primarily from their parents’ medicine cabinet or from a friend who most likely got the drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinet,” said John Scott, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Oklahoma. “The collection and destruction of over 2,000 pounds of potentially deadly drugs will no doubt help keep Oklahoma’s youth safer. It should be noted that if you happened to miss the nationwide takeback event, you can go to www.ok.gov/obndd  and search for an Rx Disposal Box near you.  These boxes are conveniently located all over the state of Oklahoma for individuals to dispose of their unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are concerning, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In an effort to remind individuals to lock up or dispose of unwanted prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Shores created a Public Service Announcement providing tips for community members to protect loved ones, reminding them to “help save a life.” You can access the Public Service Announcement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87_ohtgOvfM.

During October’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 5,000 partner law enforcement agencies operated 5,725 collection sites nationwide, including 140 Bureau of Indian Affairs sites. In the Northern District of Oklahoma, sites were operated by the DEA’s Tulsa Resident Office, Bartlesville Police and Fire Departments, Eastern Shawnee Tribal Police Department, Pryor Police Department, Tulsa Country Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Sapulpa Police Department, Quapaw Nation, Wyandotte Nation, Miami Nation, Miami Agency and the Pawhuska Police Department.

DEA began putting on Take Back Day events when the public had no other way to appropriately dispose of their leftover painkillers and other potentially dangerous drugs. These Take Back events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. Since DEA launched this program over 10 years ago, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and others have installed permanent prescription drug drop boxes on-site, making drug disposal even more convenient.

A computer software development company owner was sentenced Tuesday for failing to account for and pay over employment taxes withheld from his employees’ wages, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma. 

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Earenest J. Grayson Jr. to 24 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Judge Eagan further ordered Grayson to pay restitution in the amount of $904,091, representing the amount Grayson failed to pay over for employment taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office along with our partners at IRS-Criminal Investigation will ensure that our tax system is equitably enforced throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Grayson broke the law and purposely did not pay taxes owed, including Social Security and Medicare withholdings that will be critical when his employees eventually retire. Grayson will now pay over the nearly $1 million in taxes he neglected to pay and deal with the legal ramifications handed down by the Court for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I appreciate the team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and investigators from the IRS who diligently work these white collar cases and hold offenders accountable for the financial losses that are incurred due to their corrupt actions.”

As the owner and operator of Tulsa-based Zealcon Corporation, Grayson was responsible for withholding, accounting for and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) payroll taxes and withholdings due on the wages paid to Zealcon employees. For the period, January 2014 through June of 2016. Grayson caused a total tax loss of approximately $1 million by intentionally not paying to the IRS income, Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from Zealcon employees’ wages and Social Security and Medicare taxes due from Zealcon on those wages.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Shores thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles McLoughlin and Victor Régal, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.  

A computer software development company owner was sentenced to 24 months in prison today for failing to account for and pay over employment taxes withheld from his employees’ wages, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

According to documents and information provided to the Court, as the owner and operator of Tulsa-based Zealcon Corporation, Earenest J. Grayson Jr. was responsible for withholding, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) payroll taxes on the wages paid to Zealcon employees. For the period January 2014 through June of 2016, Grayson caused a tax loss of approximately $1 million by intentionally not paying to the IRS income and social security taxes withheld from Zealcon employees’ wages and the employer portion of social security taxes due from Zealcon on those wages.

In addition to prison, Grayson was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $904,091, and to serve three years of supervised release.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Shores thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles McLoughlin and Victor Regal, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website. 

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has released awards totaling more than $2.3 billion to state victim assistance and compensation programs, funding thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and providing millions in compensation to victims of crime.

Nine cities, tribes, and advocate organizations in the Northern District of Oklahoma were awarded more than $5.6 million to aid victims of crime.

OVC’s flagship formula grant program is supported by the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), which was established under The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The Fund supports a broad array of programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives. In FY18 alone, VOCA grants served over 6.3 million victims (a 24 percent increase over FY17) and paid more than $400 million in compensation claims. The Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders and does not include tax dollars.

“Building on the historic amount of victim assistance and victim compensation funding awarded last year, these new awards have the potential to alter the landscape of the victims’ field, putting services and support within reach of every crime victim in America,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “Backed by Attorney General William Barr, whose commitment to crime victims is second to none, we are proud to make these resources available to help meet the emotional, psychological and financial needs that victims face in the aftermath of crime.”

“These record-breaking grant allocations will provide crucial resources and support to victims of crime and their families who often struggle with the psychological and financial costs associated with long-term recovery,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Law enforcement and prosecutors work hand in hand with many of the organizations receiving funding today. We understand that holistic justice for victims includes both courtroom processes as well as restorative healing and restitution recovery.“

In the Northern District of Oklahoma, the following groups received victim assistance and compensation funding:

• Youth Services of Tulsa, Inc.—  $447,694.00
• City of Tulsa— $439,676.00
• Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma— $613,860.00
• ONE FIRE, Cherokee Nation— $719,994.00
• Delaware Tribe of Indians—$672,192.00
• Lost River Treatment Center, Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma— $500,000.00
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation—$1,250,000.00
• City of Fairland/Ottawa County— $179,508.00
• Family Safety Center Inc.--$785,000.00

The Oklahoma District Attorneys Council received $27,033,125.00 for victim assistance and $1,112,000.000 for victim compensation.

Also receiving funding in Oklahoma are Palomar: Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, Choctaw Nation, Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Comanche Nation, Kaw Nation, Sac and Fox Nation, and Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.

Nationwide, the vast majority of the over $2.3 billion in victim assistance funding goes to approximately 6,000 local direct service programs, including children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, civil legal services, crime victims’ rights enforcement, as well as victim assistance positions in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement departments.

State victim compensation programs will receive over $136 million to supplement the state funds that offset victims’ financial burdens resulting from crime. This compensation is often extremely vital to victims who face enormous financial setbacks from medical fees, lost income, dependent care, funeral expenses, and other costs.

“The services made available by this funding represent a lifeline for tens of thousands of survivors each month, many of whom otherwise would have no place to turn in a moment of profound crisis,” said Darlene Hutchinson, Director of OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime. “These awards will help service providers, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutor offices respond to the many emotional and material challenges that crime victims in our country face every day.”

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. 

For a full database of OVC awardees, visit: https://www.ovc.gov/grants/grant_award_search.html.

The United States Sentencing Commission has reappointed U.S. Attorney Trent Shores this week as the Department of Justice representative for the Tribal Issues Advisory Group (TIAG). The new term will run until Dec. 31, 2022.

“I look forward to serving a second term on the Commission’s Tribal Issues Advisory Group,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This group plays an important role in providing to the Commissioners our views on federal sentencing issues relating to American Indian defendants and victims and to offenses committed in Indian Country. It is critical that justice be implemented equitably, transparently, and with an understanding of Indian Country’s unique considerations.”

The TIAG was formed in February 2015. The group is charged assisting the Commission on carrying out its statutory responsibilities; advising the Commission on sentencing issues related to American Indian defendants, victims, and tribal communities; studying the operation of the sentencing guidelines as they pertain to Indian country, and making recommendations for revisions to the guidelines. The group recommends revisions, in part, based on concerns from tribal communities and courts and any potential disparities in the application of the guidelines to Native American defendants. You may find a more detailed description of the TIAG’s responsibilities here.

A federal jury convicted a Wagoner man Thursday of sexual exploitation of a child and of possession of child pornography.

Rogelio Hernandez Rodriguez, 30, was found guilty of sexually exploiting the minor victim and inducing the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Rodriguez was further found guilty of knowingly possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography. The 524 sexually graphic images and videos depicted the sexual abuse of the prepubescent victim and were stored on hard drives and multiple SD cards. During closing statements, the prosecution reminded the jury of the crimes perpetrated against the victim and of what the child had to endure. They asked the jury to return a verdict of guilty to assure the victim that what happened to him was illegal and it was wrong.

“Crimes against children are reprehensible. I know not what could bring an adult to sexually abuse a child to produce or consume child pornography. But I do know there is something that U.S. Attorneys can and will do about it,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will identify these child predators and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law to ensure that they answer for their vile crimes. That is what happened in this case, and a just result was reached. Thanks to the hard work of dedicated investigators and prosecutors, there is one less predator on the streets.”

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2020. Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release for the sexual exploitation of a child. He further faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.

The Wagoner Police Department and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Cozzoni, Reagan V. Reininger, and Dennis A. Fries are prosecuting the case.

A federal jury found a Tulsa woman guilty Wednesday of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and maintaining a drug involved premises, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

The jury convicted Amy Lee Davis, 38, of Tulsa, for her role as the primary source of supply in the Tulsa methamphetamine distribution operation.

“Amy Davis was charged with moving more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine, and today a jury of her peers found her guilty as charged,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “Methamphetamine continues to be the most widely abused drug in Oklahoma. Ms. Davis spread addiction on the streets of Tulsa. I am proud of the prosecution and investigative teams for their hard work to pursue justice for our community.”

During the investigation, officers with the Tulsa Police Department’s Special Investigations Division discovered that Davis consistently supplied a group of drug dealers with pound quantities of methamphetamine for distribution and was suspected of routinely traveling to Oklahoma City in order to re-up her supply of the drug. Davis was further found to have maintained a commercial property in Tulsa where she regularly stored and sold the drug.

On Nov. 13, 2018, Tulsa police officers executed search warrants at multiple locations routinely visited by Davis. Multiple firearms, methamphetamine, digital scales, and large amounts of cash were discovered in the searches. The same day, officers also stopped Davis and a co-conspirator on a return trip from Oklahoma City for a traffic violation. Officers found drug paraphernalia and seven pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Davis was arrested and detained at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center. After being released on bond, Davis was arrested again in April for failure to appear for preliminary proceedings in Tulsa County District Court. At that time, officers found approximately 3 ounces of methamphetamine in her possession.

During the trial, the United States presented text messages Davis had exchanged with a person she believed to be a methamphetamine customer but turned out to be an undercover Tulsa police officer. In the texts, Davis used coded language that officers testified was consistent with language used by drug traffickers arranging a sale. Officers also testified about jailhouse calls made by Davis while she was housed at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center. The United States showed that Davis contacted her known co-conspirators to collect on debts and to assist with posting bond. Officers explained that it is a common practice for drug conspirators to bond one another out in order to maintain their drug distribution operations and profits associated with their crimes.

In closing, the United States argued that the evidence showed Davis was a “top-tier drug trafficker” who stored drugs and drug proceeds at multiple locations in Tulsa and used a team of individuals to funnel pounds of methamphetamine into Tulsa and surrounding communities. The United States noted that officers had testified to conducting multiple different types of surveillance over the course of several weeks to track Davis’s drug distribution activities before they arrested Davis.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2020.  At sentencing, Davis faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. She also faces maximum fine of $10 million.

The Tulsa Police Department Special Investigations Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel-lyn A. McCormick, Thomas E. Duncombe, and Vani Singhal are prosecuting the case for the United States. AUSA McCormick serves as the lead attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force unit.

A former American Parking employee was sentenced today in U.S. District Court for defrauding BancFirst and his employer of $426,220.36, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Jerry Albert Wiley, 70, of Tulsa, to 24 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Eagan further ordered restitution be paid to American Parking in the amount of $426, 220.32.

“White collar criminals can devastate small business owners who are vital contributors to our local economy,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “In this case, Defendant Wiley fraudulently stole nearly half a million dollars from his employer, American Parking. What he is learning now is that there are serious consequences for his greed fueled criminal acts.”

In his position as controller at American Parking, Wiley directed authorized funds transfers related to business expenses from the company’s corporate checking account at BancFirst. Starting Jan. 5, 2018, Wiley knowingly abused his position by transferring funds from American Parking’s accounts at BancFirst to accounts owned and controlled by one of Wiley’s acquaintances. The defendant claimed that he lost the funds after sharing them with an online acquaintance to pursue a personal investment opportunity. In return for the investment, Wiley had hoped to receive $100,000,000 from the acquaintance’s supposed inheritance.

The United States argued that Mr. Wiley was not a helpless victim but an experienced, well-educated professional motivated by greed. The prosecution contended that Wiley could have obtained the funds to assist his acquaintance through a number of legal means, but instead knowingly bilked American Parking out of nearly half a million dollars in order to eventually receive a greater payout from the promised “inheritance”.

The FBI conducted the investigation; Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella prosecuted the case.