Eastern District of Virginia

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to six years in prison for aggravated identity theft and conspiring to defraud over 20 financial institutions.

According to court documents, Chea S. Yarl, 31, was the leader of a conspiracy to defraud 20 banks located throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia for at least seven years. From 2013 through 2019, Yarl organized a card-cracking scheme in which he and at least four other individuals deposited counterfeit checks and other worthless financial instruments into hundreds of bank accounts and then quickly made cash withdrawals or purchased money orders with debit cards associated with the accounts. Yarl and his co-conspirators recruited hundreds of accountholders of different financial institutions to provide their debit cards and PINs in exchange for payment. Yarl then created counterfeit checks purportedly issued by 20 different financial institutions, which he and others acting at his direction then deposited into the accounts. These deposits fraudulently induced the targeted financial institutions to credit thousands of dollars to those accounts, which Yarl and others immediately withdrew. Between 2013 and 2019, Yarl and others deposited over 300 worthless checks and money orders totaling more than $1 million into over 200 compromised accounts and successfully withdrew at least $316,000 of the credited proceeds.

During the same period, Yarl used various other techniques to defraud individuals and companies of hundreds of thousands of dollars. In April 2019, Yarl and an unknown conspirator fraudulently accessed a retirement account belonging to a U.S. Postal Service employee and caused $108,000 to be transferred to a bank account controlled by Yarl. In November 2019, Yarl organized a business e-mail compromise scam to fraudulently induce a company to wire over $87,000 to a bank account controlled by Yarl and his co-conspirators and then successfully withdrew $60,000 of those funds.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael C. Tucker prosecuted the case.

This case was investigated by the FBI WFO's Transnational Organized Crime Task Force which is composed of FBI Agents, along with task force officers from local, state, and federal partners. This task force is charged with identifying and investigating the most egregious organized crime syndicates operating in Northern Virginia.  Significant investigative assistance was provided by the USPIS and Virginia State Police.

The FBI’s Cleveland Field Office provided significant assistance to this investigation.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-49.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Nigerian man was sentenced today to over five years in prison for trafficking more than 30 kilograms of heroin intended for importation into the United States.

According to court documents, Edwin Anyaoku, 54, was a heroin trafficker residing in Johannesburg, South Africa. In that part of the world, heroin typically originates in Pakistan or Afghanistan, then transits the southern part of Africa before being smuggled elsewhere. In December 2017, a law enforcement confidential source (CS) negotiated to buy one kilogram of heroin from Anyaoku in exchange for $15,000. Anyaoku understood that the CS would be distributing the heroin for profit in the United States.

The one kilogram, however, was merely a test run for a larger load. And in June 2018, Anyaoku negotiated another deal with the CS, this time for a load of 29 kilograms of heroin, at a cost of $14,000 per kilogram. Anyaoku understood that the heroin would be sold in New York for more than $60,000 per kilogram. On June 19, 2018, Anyaoku and one of his associates arrived at a hotel in Johannesburg with the 29 kilograms of heroin hidden in a duffel bag and a rolling suitcase. Anyaoku was then arrested by South African authorities and detained pending extradition proceedings.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh prosecuted the case.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) provided significant assistance in the investigation of this case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-270.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An illegal alien and admitted MS-13 gang member was sentenced today to 28 months in prison for serving as a getaway driver for three men associated with MS-13 who had just committed an armed robbery.

“This case is a prime example of our need for strong borders,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “After previously being deported, this admitted MS-13 gang member again illegally crossed our southern border to get back into the United States. Then, as we’ve seen so often, once back here in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area he continued his criminal activity and participation in MS-13. My thanks to the dedicated anti-gang task force agents for their outstanding work on this important case.”

According to court documents, William Alexis Benavides Pena, 27, is in the United States illegally and is a member of MS-13’s Pinos Locos Salvatruchos (PLS) clique. On the morning of Aug. 18, 2017, several PLS members and associates travelled from Maryland to Herndon at the direction of the clique’s then-leader in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Some of those individuals, wearing masks and brandishing firearms, proceeded to rob a store in the 1100 block of Elden Street of approximately $19,500. Those men then entered a neighboring restaurant and kept its patrons and staff on the floor for several minutes before fleeing through the rear exit. Benavides Pena, knowing that a robbery had been committed, drove three of the armed robbers away from the scene and back to Maryland.

"This prosecution and sentencing demonstrates the combined efforts of local, state and federal agencies in disrupting and dismantling the MS13 threat in our communities," said Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division.

The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Blue Heat. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Washington Field Office's Northern Virginia Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force which is composed of FBI agents, along with Task Force Officers from local, state, and federal partners throughout Northern Virginia.  The task force is charged with identifying and investigating the most egregious and violent gangs in Northern Virginia, to include MS13.  Significant investigative assistance in this case was provided by the Herndon PD and Northern Virginia Gang Task Force.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Maggie A. DeBoard, Town of Herndon Police Chief, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge  Liam O'Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Blanchard prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-123.

RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury has convicted a Mathews County man of charges of conspiracy to produce child pornography, production of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a child.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, William Wellington Hooper, Jr., 53, conspired with Jennifer Hutchens, 53, of Gloucester, to produce images of child sexual abuse of Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2. During the months of April and May 2019, Hooper and Hutchens coerced Jane Doe #1 to engage in sexually explicit conduct in Gloucester County and Mathews County. Hutchens, at the request of Hooper, recruited other minor girls to participate in what Hooper called “teen modeling”. He promised these children, whose families were struggling financially, that they would be compensated. Hooper also sexually abused Jane Doe #1.

Hutchens previously pleaded guilty to producing child pornography and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13.

Hooper was convicted on Friday and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison when sentenced on Feb. 9, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; L. Mark Barrick, Mathews County Sheriff; Darrell W. Warren, Jr., Gloucester County Sheriff; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel, Howard J. Zlotnick and Brittany M. Fisher are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-18.

An indictment was unsealed today charging three computer hackers, all of whom were residents and nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), with engaging in a coordinated campaign of identity theft and hacking on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in order to steal critical information related to U.S. aerospace and satellite technology and resources.

“For the third time in three days, the Department has charged Iranian hackers,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “This case highlights the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ efforts to infiltrate the networks of American companies in search of valuable commercial information and intellectual property.  It is yet another effort by a rogue foreign nation to steal the fruits of this country’s hard work and expertise.”

“We will relentlessly pursue and expose those who seek to harm American companies and individuals wherever they reside in the world,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The use of malware, the theft of commercial data and intellectual property, and the use of social engineering to steal the identities of U.S. citizens to accomplish unlawful acts will not be tolerated. Along with our incredible and steadfast law enforcement partners, the Eastern District of Virginia continues to lead efforts to combat serious cybercrime globally and the charges outlined in the indictment exposing IRGC linked hacking operations in the United States are just another example of the fruits of our seamless teamwork.”

“Today’s charges are yet another example of the FBI’s dedication to investigating those who target and attempt to steal data and proprietary information from the U.S.,” said James A. Dawson, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “Today’s charges allege that these individuals conspired in a coordinated campaign with known IRGC members and acted at their direction. The defendants targeted thousands of individuals in an attempt to steal critical information related to U.S. aerospace and satellite technology. The FBI remains dedicated to protecting the U.S., and we continue to impose risk and consequences on cyber adversaries through our unique authorities, world-class capabilities, and enduring partnerships.” 

As alleged in the indictment, the defendants’ hacking campaign, which targeted numerous companies and organizations in the United States and abroad, began in approximately July 2015 and continued until at least February 2019.  According to the indictment, the defendants at one time possessed a target list of over 1,800 online accounts, including accounts belonging to organizations and companies involved in aerospace or satellite technology and international government organizations in Australia, Israel, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

To facilitate their victimization of these targets, the defendants engaged in a coordinated campaign of social engineering to identify real U.S. citizens working in the satellite and aerospace fields whose identities the defendants could assume online.  The defendants then impersonated those individuals and used their stolen identities to register email addresses and fraudulently purchase domains and hacking tools for use in the scheme.  The defendants then created customized spear phishing emails that purported to be from the individuals whose identities the defendants had stolen, in an attempt to entice the recipients to click on malicious links embedded in the emails.  Once a recipient clicked on a malicious link, malware would be downloaded to the individual’s computer, giving the defendants unauthorized access to the recipient’s computer and network.  The defendants then used additional hacking tools to maintain unauthorized access, escalate their privileges, and steal data sought by the IRGC.  Using these methods, the defendants successfully compromised multiple victim networks, resulting in the theft of sensitive commercial information, intellectual property, and personal data from victim companies, including a satellite-tracking company and a satellite voice and data communication company.

Charged in the indictment are defendants Said Pourkarim Arabi, 34, Mohammad Reza Espargham, age unknown, and Mohammad Bayati, 34.  The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has issued warrants for their arrest.

Arabi, who was a member of the IRGC, is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, intentional damage to protected computers, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  

Esphargham is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, intentional damage to protected computers, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

Bayati is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel Smith III, Jay V. Prabhu, and Danya Atiyeh, and Trial Attorney Evan Turgeon of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting this case.

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

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An indictment was unsealed today charging three computer hackers, all of whom were residents and nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), with engaging in a coordinated campaign of identity theft and hacking on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in order to steal critical information related to United States aerospace and satellite technology and resources.

“We will relentlessly pursue and expose those who seek to harm American companies and individuals wherever they reside in the world,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The use of malware, the theft of commercial data and intellectual property, and the use of social engineering to steal the identities of United States citizens to accomplish unlawful acts will not be tolerated. Along with our incredible and steadfast law enforcement partners, the Eastern District of Virginia continues to lead efforts to combat serious cybercrime globally and the charges outlined in the indictment exposing IRGC linked hacking operations in the United States are just another example of the fruits of our seamless teamwork.”

Charged in the indictment are defendants Said Pourkarim Arabi, 34, Mohammad Reza Espargham, 25, and Mohammad Bayati, 34, all Iranian nationals residing in Iran.

“For the third time in three days, the Department has charged Iranian hackers,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “This case highlights the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ efforts to infiltrate the networks of American companies in search of valuable commercial information and intellectual property. It is yet another effort by a rogue foreign nation to steal the fruits of this country’s hard work and expertise.”

According to allegations in the indictment, the defendants’ hacking campaign, which targeted numerous companies and organizations in the United States and abroad, began in approximately July 2015 and continued until at least February 2019. The defendants at one time possessed a target list of over 1,800 online accounts, including accounts belonging to organizations and companies involved in aerospace or satellite technology and international government organizations in Australia, Israel, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

“Today’s charges are yet another example of the FBI’s dedication to investigating those who target and attempt to steal data and proprietary information from the United States,” said James A. Dawson, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “Today’s charges allege that these individuals conspired in a coordinated campaign with known IRGC members and acted at their direction. The defendants targeted thousands of individuals in an attempt to steal critical information related to United States aerospace and satellite technology. The FBI remains dedicated to protecting the United States, and we continue to impose risk and consequences on cyber adversaries through our unique authorities, world-class capabilities, and enduring partnerships.”

To facilitate their victimization of these targets, the defendants engaged in a coordinated campaign of social engineering to identify real United States citizens working in the satellite and aerospace fields whose identities the defendants could assume online. The defendants then impersonated those individuals and used their stolen identities to register email addresses and fraudulently purchase domains and hacking tools for use in the scheme. The defendants then created customized spear phishing emails that purported to be from the individuals whose identities the defendants had stolen, in an attempt to entice the recipients to click on malicious links embedded in the emails. Once a recipient clicked on a malicious link, malware would be downloaded to the individual’s computer, giving the defendants unauthorized access to the recipient’s computer and network.  The defendants then used additional hacking tools to maintain unauthorized access, escalate their privileges, and steal data sought by the IRGC. Using these methods, the defendants successfully compromised multiple victim networks, resulting in the theft of sensitive commercial information, intellectual property, and personal data from victim companies, including a satellite-tracking company and a satellite voice and data communication company.

Arabi is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers, intentional damage to protected computers, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Arabi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Esphargham is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers, intentional damage to protected computers, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Esphargham faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Bayati is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Bayati faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel Smith III, Jay V. Prabhu, and Danya Atiyeh are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Evan Turgeon of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-217.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Oregon man was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for his role in a $4 million bribery and fraud scheme related to a number of Department of Defense contracts to provide support services for the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded military veterans.

“Brodie Thomson’s greed caused him to put his own financial interests above the well-being of the wounded warriors,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “After receiving over $4 million in illegal kickbacks, Thomson admitted to attempting to obstruct the government’s investigation by creating fake business plans to make the kickback payments look like legitimate payments. Throughout the course of this investigation, Thomson made several poor and illegal decisions in an attempt to avoid being held accountable for his criminal conduct.”

According to court documents, Thomson, 45, of Redmond, a former executive for an Arlington company (referred to as Company A) solicited commercial bribes and kickbacks from an Oregon-based company (referred to as Company B), in exchange for influencing Company A to give favorable treatment to Company B in connection with the award of certain Defense Department subcontracts. From 2012 through 2015, Company A paid Company B over $16 million on labor that Company B performed for Company A in connection with running various athletic camps, clinics and games for wounded warriors around the United States. Thomson demanded that Company B pay him varying percentages of Company B’s profits on work received from Company A resulting in the payment of approximately $4.1 million in kickbacks during this three-year period. As part of the scheme to defraud Company A, Thomson directed employees of Company B how to mark up their invoices for labor when billing Company A for particular services Company B performed. Thomson did not disclose to Company A his receipt of the kickback payments from Company B for his own personal use. 

“The illegal manipulation of Federal government contracts costs the taxpayer and warfighter alike,” said Robert E. Craig Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to detect and deter fraud and bring those to justice that criminally exploit the contracting process.”

“Mr. Thomson’s scheme to defraud the Department of Defense and wounded military veterans threatened the integrity of our military’s acquisition process and wasted taxpayer money,” said John Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Washington Field Office. “This sentencing emphasizes how important it is for our military personnel and family members to remain vigilant and always report suspected fraud. It also serves as a warning that crimes targeting our military family will be fully investigated and the criminals brought to justice.”

“The defendant thought he could outsmart the system, he was mistaken,” said Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “This investigation is yet another example of our agents and our law enforcement partners working together to uncover corruption, protect the DoD and hold unscrupulous businesses accountable.”

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Craig Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office; John Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Washington Field Office; and Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU), made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heidi B. Gesch, Kimberly R. Pedersen, and Jack Hanly prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-67.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A citizen of El Salvador with a previous felony conviction for Carnal Knowledge of a Child, pleaded guilty today to illegal reentering the United States for a fourth time.

According to court documents, Giovanni Omar Medrano-Urrutia, 41, reentered the United States after having been removed on four prior occasions. First, in June 2005 in Harlingen, Texas; again in November 2006 in Houston, Texas; again in March 2010 in Houston; and again in October 2018 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Medrano-Urrutia’s criminal history spans two decades in the United States, and notably includes a felony conviction for Carnal Knowledge of a Child in January 2000, in the Circuit Court for Fairfax County.

Medrano-Urrutia pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after removal subsequent to a conviction for an aggravated felony. Medrano-Urrutia faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 15. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew Munroe, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Viviana Vasiu is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-179.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced nearly $50 million in school safety funding through its School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). SVPP provides up to 75 percent funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds. As part of this grant announcement, $500,000 was awarded to the Alexandria City Public Schools and $500,000 was awarded to the Chesterfield County Public Schools.

“These awarded grants will provide a necessary resource to schools during these unprecedented times,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Schools should be a welcoming place where students shouldn’t have to live in fear, and these grants will help to ensure that. I want to thank DOJ for their continued commitment to prioritize the safety of our communities, from our youngest children to our oldest citizens.”

The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The 160 awards can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security.

“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said Phil Keith, Director of the COPS Office. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”

In addition to the school safety grants, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified ten essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation’s schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.

The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. In addition to providing financial support for hiring, CHP provides funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics. In a changing economic climate, CHP funding helps law enforcement agencies maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to promote safe communities. Funding through this program had been on hold since the spring of 2018 due to a nationwide injunction that was lifted earlier this year.

The full list of SVPP awards can be found here. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit cops.usdoj.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal district court judge convicted an Alexandria man today on the charge of possession of child pornography.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Sean Michael McLaughlin, 32, was found after law enforcement downloaded videos containing child pornography from an internet protocol address assigned to the defendant’s home. These videos included prepubescent children engaging in sexual activity, with some children being sexually assaulted by adults or restrained with bondage. Law enforcement subsequently interviewed the defendant, and during his interview, McLaughlin admitted to repeatedly searching for, downloading, viewing, and possessing child pornography. A forensic examination of McLaughlin’s electronics revealed that he possessed child pornography from 2016 to 2018.

McLaughlin faces a maximum punishment of ten years in prison when sentenced on January 20, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga announced the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendelynn Bills are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-367.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Victoria Transcultural Clinical Center, VTCC, LLC (“VTCC”), located in Fairfax, has agreed to pay $263,280 to settle a federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) case pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. VTCC provides mental health services and behavioral therapy to children and adolescents in northern Virginia who are Medicaid recipients.

On June 15, 2020, the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia filed a Complaint under the FCA and the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act alleging that VTCC engaged in a scheme to obtain payments from the Virginia Medicaid Program by inflating bills for services rendered, by billing for services not rendered, and by failing to take steps to repay overpayments within 60 days after VTCC identified these claims. According to the allegations in the Complaint, three Qualified Mental Health Professionals and VTCC’s Director of Operations knowingly inflated hours they spent providing services to children and adolescents in need of intensive in-home and behavioral therapy services, including by billing time for services provided while the minor patients were out of the country or no longer receiving treatment from VTCC. The Government also alleged that VTCC’s management was aware of a general breakdown of VTCC’s clinical supervision policy and protocols and of specific instances of billing for services not rendered, and that VTCC failed to take action to repay the Virginia Medicaid Program in a timely manner.

The settlement announced today resolves a lawsuit originally filed under the whistleblower provisions of the FCA and the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act by a former employee of VTCC. A whistleblower suit or qui tam action under the FCA is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The FCA provides the whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery.

Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of Medicare or Medicaid funds can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit within the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ilene Albala and Krista Anderson investigated the matter and prosecuted the case with Assistant Attorneys General Caitlyn Huffstutter, Megan Winfield, and Katherine Wright of the Virginia Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The civil claims settled by this FCA agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are available on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cv-68. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger was recently honored at the 24th Annual Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Awards ceremony with the Director’s Award, the ATF’s most prestigious award.

“It is my distinct privilege to present this award to U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger,” said ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “The core of ATF’s mission is reducing gun violence in our communities. Committed partners, like U.S. Attorney Terwilliger, are essential to leading change in our neighborhoods and across the nation. U.S. Attorney Terwilliger is an indispensable member of ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board, and a steadfast partner with our Washington Field Division in prosecuting cases in the Eastern District of Virginia. In addition, U.S. Attorney Terwilliger was instrumental in crafting nationwide policy for Project Guardian and promoting the use of crime gun intelligence in enforcing federal firearms laws and coordinating prosecution. It gives me great pleasure to thank him for his stalwart efforts in protecting the public and those we serve.”

The Director’s Award recognizes outstanding and exceptionally significant service in the public interest. To be eligible to receive the Director’s Award, one must have demonstrated leadership, skill or ability in administration or in the performance of duty that was of great value to ATF’s mission; and/or provided ATF with outstanding assistance and/or cooperation through advisory services or the allocation of human or material resources that effectively assisted in accomplishing ATF’s mission.

“The women and men of ATF were some of the first law enforcement agents with whom I ever had the pleasure of working with as a team to investigate and prosecute criminal activity,” said Terwilliger. “As my career evolved, one constant has been a close working relationship with ATF. From my time as a line prosecutor, judiciary committee staffer, Associate Deputy Attorney General, NIBIN board member, and now U.S. Attorney, I can state with certainty that ATF lives its mantra of “Being no Better Partner.” At each of those positions, it just so happened that I worked closely with ATF at a variety of levels. Further, it is ironic and telling that the first friend I made when moving back to Washington, D.C. at the age of 10, and remains one of my closest friends to this day, was the son of an ATF Assistant Director at the time and is currently an ATF Supervisory Special Agent. Finally, for at least the past 40 months, here in the Eastern District and across the United States, ATF has answered the call each and every time they have been asked to provide critical support to combat violent crime around the nation. Having literally grown up personally and professionally with the brave and dedicated men and women of ATF, I am incredibly humbled and proud to receive this award.”

Most recently, Terwilliger joined Ashan Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, in announcing the establishment of a new ATF satellite office in Newport News. The new office gives ATF a permanent presence on the Hampton Roads Peninsula, where drugs, gangs, and guns are a very serious problem. In addition to ATF Special Agents, the Newport News facility will house a task force consisting of officers from the Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Division, and the Newport News Sheriff’s Office.

In April 2019, Terwilliger joined law enforcement leaders from around the country on ATF’s National Crime Gun Intelligence Board. Established in 2016, the board uses the collective experience of federal, state, and local experts in the fields of forensics, law enforcement, and criminal law to ensure ATF receives valuable input on national programs related to Crime Gun Intelligence. Members of the 23-member board serve 3-year terms and are eligible for re-appointment. It meets biannually in different cities across the United States.

Terwilliger made acquiring National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) machines here in the Eastern District a high priority immediately after taking the reigns as U.S. Attorney in May 2018. Law enforcement in the Eastern District currently has access to three NIBIN machines: one in Beltsville, Maryland, that services law enforcement in Northern Virginia; one in Newport News that is shared by the Newport News Police Department and the Hampton Police Department; and one in the City of Richmond.

“The ATF’s NIBIN technology is a game-changer,” said Terwilliger. “Not only does it help us solve shootings, but it also offers a deterrent effect in that criminals will know every time they fire a gun during a crime of violence, we will use this technology to assist us in matching the casing, tracking the gun, and hunting down the trigger-puller. The ATF’s leadership on this program and commitment to providing law enforcement officers around the country with the tools they need to solve firearms crimes is beyond impressive.”

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A criminal complaint was filed here today charging a Russian national for his alleged role in a conspiracy to use the stolen identities of real U.S. persons to open fraudulent accounts at banking and cryptocurrency exchanges.

“Project Lakhta conspirators used the stolen identities of U.S. persons to further their goals of undermining faith in our democratic institutions and for personal gain,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Artem Mikhaylovich Lifshits is yet another Russian national charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with engaging in a conspiracy that victimized real U.S. persons and institutions. This case demonstrates that federal law enforcement will work aggressively to investigate and hold accountable cyber criminals located in Russia and other countries, which serve as safe-havens for this type of criminal activity.”

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint, Lifshits, 27, of St. Petersburg, Russia, serves as a manager in “Project Lakhta,” a Russia-based effort to engage in political and electoral interference operations. Since at least May 2014, Project Lakhta’s stated goal in the United States has been to disrupt the democratic process and spread distrust towards candidates for political office and the political system in general. Since 2014, Project Lakhta has sought to obscure its conduct by operating through a number of entities, including the Internet Research Agency (IRA). The Translator Department, where Lifshits served as a manager beginning around January 2017, is alleged to be responsible for much of Project Lakhta’s influence operations, which are still ongoing.

“Today’s charges allege that Russian national, Artem Lifshits, conspired with others to steal Americans’ identities and use them to open fraudulent bank and cryptocurrency accounts,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Lifshits participated in this fraud in order to further Project Lakhta’s malign influence goals and for his own personal enrichment. This case provides a clear illustration of how these malicious actors fund their covert foreign influence activities and Russia’s status as a safe-haven for cyber criminals who enrich themselves at others expense.”

According to court documents, Lifshits allegedly conspired with other Project Lakhta members to obtain means of identification of real U.S. persons, which the conspirators then used to open fraudulent accounts at banking and cryptocurrency exchanges in the victims’ names. Lifshits and the conspirators allegedly used these fraudulently opened accounts to both promote Project Lakhta’s influence operations and for personal enrichment.

“According to the complaint, the subject engaged in a wire fraud conspiracy to further Russian foreign influence efforts and to enrich himself and others,” said Alan E. Kohler, Jr., FBI Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI will move aggressively to uncover and disrupt any efforts aimed at undermining our democratic institutions.”

In addition to these criminal charges, today the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Lifshits and two other Project Lakhta actors for sanctions based on the malicious cyber-enabled activity outlined in the complaint.

“These designations are notable accomplishments in the Secret Service’s relentless efforts to safeguard the financial system from transnational cyber-crime,” said Matthew S. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington Field Office. “International cooperation continues to be an essential element in addressing the global challenge of transnational cyber-crime and we greatly appreciate our law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case. The Secret Service will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to bring transnational cyber criminals to justice.”

The criminal complaint does not allege that any U.S. citizens knowingly participated in Project Lakhta’s influence operations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay V. Prabhu and Carina A. Cuellar are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-mj-256.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

A criminal complaint was filed today charging a Russian national for his alleged role in a conspiracy to use the stolen identities of real U.S. persons to open fraudulent accounts at banking and cryptocurrency exchanges.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint, Artem Mikhaylovich Lifshits, 27, of St. Petersburg, Russia, serves as a manager in “Project Lakhta,” a Russia-based effort to engage in political and electoral interference operations.  Since at least May 2014, Project Lakhta’s stated goal in the United States has been to disrupt the democratic process and spread distrust towards candidates for political office and the political system in general.  Since 2014, Project Lakhta has sought to obscure its conduct by operating through a number of entities, including the Internet Research Agency (IRA).  The Translator Department, where Lifshits served as a manager beginning around January 2017, is alleged to be responsible for much of Project Lakhta’s influence operations, which are still ongoing.

Lifshits allegedly conspired with other Project Lakhta members to obtain means of identification of real U.S. persons, which the conspirators then used to open fraudulent accounts at banking and cryptocurrency exchanges in the victims’ names.  Lifshits and the conspirators allegedly used these fraudulently opened accounts to both promote Project Lakhta’s influence operations and for personal enrichment.

“Today’s charges allege that Russian national, Artem Lifshits, conspired with others to steal Americans’ identities and use them to open fraudulent bank and cryptocurrency accounts,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “Lifshits participated in this fraud in order to further Project Lakhta’s malign influence goals and for his own personal enrichment.  This case provides a clear illustration of how these malicious actors fund their covert foreign influence activities and Russia’s status as a safe-haven for cyber criminals who enrich themselves at others expense.”

“Project Lakhta conspirators used the stolen identities of U.S. persons to further their goals of undermining faith in our democratic institutions and for personal gain,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.  “Artem Mikhaylovich Lifshits is yet another Russian national charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with engaging in a conspiracy that victimized real U.S. persons and institutions.  This case demonstrates that federal law enforcement will work aggressively to investigate and hold accountable cyber criminals located in Russia and other countries, which serve as safe-havens for this type of criminal activity.”

"According to the complaint, the subject engaged in a wire fraud conspiracy to further Russian foreign influence efforts and to enrich himself and others," said Alan E. Kohler, Jr. FBI Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division. "The FBI will move aggressively to uncover and disrupt any efforts aimed at undermining our democratic institutions."

“These designations are notable accomplishments in the Secret Service’s relentless efforts to safeguard the financial system from transnational cyber-crime,” said Matthew S. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field office. “International cooperation continues to be an essential element in addressing the global challenge of transnational cyber-crime and we greatly appreciate our law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case.  The Secret Service will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to bring transnational cyber criminals to justice.”

The criminal complaint does not allege that any U.S. citizens knowingly participated in Project Lakhta’s influence operations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay V. Prabhu and Carina A. Cuellar are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

In addition to these criminal charges, today the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Lifshits and two other Project Lakhta actors for sanctions based on the malicious cyber-enabled activity outlined in the complaint.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Salvadoran national pleaded guilty today to failing to update his registration as a sex offender.

“Jose Claros-Lopez is a dangerous sex offender who has demonstrated that he is a threat to community members and has a blatant disregard for America’s laws,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are committed to protecting the vulnerable victims in our community and will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute criminals who threaten them.”

According to court documents, Claros-Lopez, 36, had previously entered the United States unlawfully and was convicted in 2006 of rape, an aggravated felony, in the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, Virginia. After serving 13 years in prison for his conviction, Claros-Lopez was removed from the United States to El Salvador. He unlawfully reentered the country at some point thereafter and took up residence in Herndon, Virginia. He lived in Herndon from at least January 2020 until his arrest in April 2020.

Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Claros-Lopez’s conviction for felony rape required him to register as a sex offender and keep his registration current in any jurisdiction where he resided, worked, or attended school. He knowingly failed to update his registration with the Virginia Sex Offender Registry when he unlawfully reentered the United States.

“I am proud of the Deputy Marshals and our federal partners who worked on this case. Not only did this defendant illegally reenter our country, but when he did so, he further violated our laws by not registering as a sex offender,” said Nick E. Proffitt, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I hope this case will allow the citizens in Eastern Virginia to rest easier tonight, and that it sends a signal to other potential offenders that the men and women of the Marshals Service will work day and night to protect the citizens of this great nation”

Claros-Lopez pleaded guilty to failing to update his registration as a sex offender. Claros-Lopez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, when he is sentenced on January 13, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Claros-Lopez was convicted of a violent and cruel crime, served 13 years, and because he was illegally present, was removed from the United States. He chose to flout the law and return, hiding within our community,” said Matthew Munroe, Acting Washington Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). “Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of our law enforcement partners, he can no longer hide in the shadows.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Matthew Munroe, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C.; and Nick E. Proffitt, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia. made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa L. Chong is prosecuting the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Clayman assisted with the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-138.

NORFOLK, Va. – A Suffolk man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“This case shows the horrific violence that organized criminal gangs threaten our communities with,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Depravity and violence follow gang activity. It’s our innocent by-standing citizens that are put most at-risk by these activities. I would like to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their help in this case and in protecting our community members from the threat of gang violence.”

According to court documents, Tamarrea Deyon Walker, 25, is a member of the Suffolk-based criminal street gang “YNGI.” In April 2019, Walker and a fellow gang member brandished firearms and shot at two rival gang members, who fled to their vehicle and drove away. Walker and four other YNGI members piled into their own car and gave chase. The two groups shot at each other while the cars were moving. The driver of Walker’s car was shot in the chest with a rifle, which caused him to slam on the gas, speed through an intersection, and crash head-on into another vehicle.

“Reckless actions by violent criminals are a dangerous threat to our community,” said Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The only way to defeat this type of gang violence is for law enforcement to work together as one team, and the Tidewater Violent Crimes Task Force represents the commitment of law enforcement partners at every level to target the gangs and criminal enterprises that drive violent crime in Hampton Roads.”

Police officers arrived at the accident scene soon after and saw Walker rummaging around the vehicle and an extended 9mm magazine lying on the ground by his feet. The officers also recovered from the wreckage more than 30 grams of heroin and four firearms, including a Masterpiece Arms 9mm handgun. A photo of Walker holding the Masterpiece Arms handgun, loaded with that same extended magazine, was posted on his Instagram account just days earlier.

“This case serves as a stark reminder of the violence and fear caused by criminal street gangs in our communities,” said Alfred Chandler, Chief of Police for the City of Suffolk. “This conviction is also a reminder of the effectiveness of hard work and relentless investigation and teamwork between federal, state, and local law enforcement.”

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

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

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Alfred Chandler, Chief of Police for the City of Suffolk, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-187.

A Richmond, Virginia, businessman pleaded guilty today to failing to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia.

According to documents and information provided to the court, Rama Gogineni was president and director of Computech Services Inc., a technology consulting services firm in Richmond, Virginia. Gogineni was also responsible for collecting, truthfully accounting for, and paying over to the IRS Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld from his employees’ wages. Beginning as early as 2007 and through 2015, Gogineni did not pay over more than $980,000 in employment taxes to the IRS. During this time, Gogineni entered into three separate installment agreements with the IRS committing to make the payments, but defaulted each time.

U.S. District Judge David Novak scheduled the sentencing for Feb. 10, 2021. At sentencing, Gogineni faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Terwilliger thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant Chief Todd Ellinwood and Trial Attorney William Montague of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David McGuire, who are prosecuting the case.

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

RICHMOND, Va. – A Guatemalan man was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for illegal reentry of an immigrant after a felony conviction.

“Over the past 22 years, Diego Tino-Calvo has illegally entered the United States at least 14 times, and has been convicted of multiple drunk driving offenses,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This recidivist behavior reflects a blatant disregard for our nation’s laws and borders, and represents a clear threat to public safety. The Department of Justice is committed to prioritizing criminal immigration enforcement, and this case reflects that continuing commitment.”

According to court documents, Diego Tino-Calvo, 45, first illegally entered the United States more than 20 years ago in 1998. Since then, Tino-Calvo illegally reentered the country at least 14 times. He has twice been convicted of illegal reentry of an immigrant in two separate federal courts. First, here in the Eastern District in 2011, and then later, in the District of Arizona in 2017. While in the United States, Tino-Calvo was convicted of multiple other crimes including several instances of Driving While Intoxicated. Tino-Calvo most recently came to the attention of immigration officials after he was arrested in November 2019 for Driving While Intoxicated in Richmond.

“Tino-Calvo is an illegal alien who has proven that he’s a public safety threat to communities across the country, as he repeatedly got behind the wheel while intoxicated,” said Matthew Munroe, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. “ICE will reinstate his prior order of removal and return him to his home country upon completion of his prison sentence.”

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew Munroe, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lee Martin prosecuted the case

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-1.

NORFOLK, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, in January 2018, witnesses allegedly saw Japree Lortez Brooks, 36, Ahoskie, shoot two people, killing one, outside a club in Gates, North Carolina. Brooks, who is a Bloods gang leader, fled the state and was arrested on a fugitive warrant hiding out in Hampton Roads in possession of a handgun that he had traded for the murder weapon. Brooks is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. During his arrest, Brooks attempted to bribe several of the arresting officers, offering $100,000 to cut him loose. The bribe was recorded on one of the arresting officer’s body-worn cameras.

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

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-139.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – CDM Smith Inc., headquartered in Boston, and CDM Federal Programs Corporation, located in Fairfax, have agreed to pay approximately $5.6 million to settle False Claims Act allegations and other civil claims related to inaccurate certified cost or pricing data submitted to the U.S. Navy.

The United States alleged that CDM Smith and CDM Federal submitted inaccurate cost and labor hour estimates and related certifications in connection with certain task orders on a federal contract to supply architect-engineering services to Navy bases. The alleged conduct would violate the Truth in Negotiations Act, which requires contractors who are negotiating certain government contracts to submit cost and pricing data to the federal government that is truthful, accurate, and complete.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by a former CDM employee under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act. A whistleblower suit or qui tam action under the False Claims Act is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and other evidence to the local U.S. Attorney. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides the whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery.

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

This matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Krista Anderson. The civil claims settled by this agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit are on PACER by searching for Case No. 18-cv-01522.A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment late yesterday charging two citizens of Iran and two citizens of Indonesia with 19 counts related to exporting U.S. aircraft parts to Iran, in violation of U.S. export laws and sanctions against Iran.

“The transshipment to Iran of desired United States goods facilitates our adversary’s ability to engage in malicious and dangerous activity against the United States,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The charges against these four individuals represent the dismantling of an entire procurement network, from the brokers to the true end user. We will not tolerate individuals or business organizations that seek to harm our national security, no matter their role or where they are located in the world.”   

According to the indictment, Sahebali Moulaei, 56, Mohsen Faghihi, 54, Arnold Kaunang, 26, and Alfrets Kaunang, 55, conspired to export United States-origin airplane parts to a state-owned enterprise in Iran, without receiving a license from the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The indictment also charges the four men with smuggling goods from the United States to Iran.

“As the true end-user of this dual-use U.S. technology, Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics sought to undermine the national security of the United States by furthering their military and civilian capabilities,” said Raymond Duda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “The indictment of these four individuals highlights the FBI's efforts to identify and neutralize blatant attempts to circumvent U.S. sanctions against Iran at all stages of the procurement process.”

According to the indictment, since August 2015, in order to evade United States sanctions against Iran, the defendants used third countries and front companies to hide the true end user of their purchases of aircraft parts from United States companies. Faghihi, a procurement agent for Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Company, sent purchase orders for aircraft parts of United States origin to Moulaei, the managing director of an Iranian procurement company. Moulaei solicited the Kaunangs, located in Indonesia, to supply the parts. Alfrets and Arnold Kaunang, a father-son duo who own an Indonesian company that supplies aircraft parts, then placed orders from Indonesia with numerous United States companies for aircraft parts and other goods that neither Faghihi nor Moulaei could have purchased directly. Upon receipt in Indonesia of the aircraft parts from United States companies, the Kaunangs then would arrange for the transshipment of the items to Moulaei in Iran. Moulaei would pay the Kaunangs from a company of his located in Malaysia, and then bill Faghihi in Iran.

The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), nine counts of violations of IEEPA, and nine counts of smuggling goods from the United States. If convicted, each of the four defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the IEEPA violations and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the smuggling offenses. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Raymond Duda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael C. Tucker are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-204.

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to over 12 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to court documents, Demond Mitchell, 32, was selling cocaine and other controlled substances on Grayson Street, in the area of East Ladies Mile Road. After observing Mitchell make a number of hand-to-hand transactions, police officers approached one of the customers, who dropped a small user-quantity of cocaine to the ground. Another police officer went to the area where Mitchell had put down a small black bag that Mitchell was utilizing. In the bag, the officers found over 41 grams of cocaine, including some packaged in little bag corners for distribution. The officers also recovered 2.79 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, a potent and potentially deadly fentanyl analogue.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-161.

A second executive from a federal contracting firm pleaded guilty to a bribery conspiracy involving his business partner and a senior contracting official with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia, Acting Inspector General Nicholas J. Novak of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.

James N. Girardi, 39, of Reston, Virginia, the chief operating officer of a government contracting firm, pleaded guilty to one-count of conspiracy to bribe a public official before U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga of the Eastern District of Virginia.  Previously, on May 4, 2020, Jeffrey B. Donahue, the PBGC’s former Director of Procurement, and Nadeem Ansari, the president and chief executive officer of Girardi’s firm, pleaded guilty to similar offenses.  Sentencing for Donahue and Ansari is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2020; sentencing for Girardi is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2021.

According to court documents, Donahue served as a supervisory contract administrator with PBGC and then as director of the Procurement Department from March 2014 to February 2020.  From at least 2015 through August 2017, Donahue solicited and received cash payments and other things of value, including the promise of a job valued at $1 million, from Ansari and with Girardi’s knowledge and agreement.  In exchange, Donahue agreed to steer PBGC contracts to Ansari and Girardi’s company.

In 2015, Donahue approached Ansari and offered to help Ansari and Girardi’s new company win a PBGC contract, worth approximately $55 million, in exchange for a future job with the company.  Among other things, Donahue provided Ansari with sample bid proposals; helped draft, review, and edit the company’s bid proposal; and disclosed labor pricing estimates.  When the company did not win the contract, Donahue helped Ansari draft the company’s bid protest.  Girardi admitted he was aware of Ansari’s arrangement with Donahue.

In 2016, Donahue proposed a second arrangement with Ansari in which Donahue would receive up to $125,000 from Ansari and his company in exchange for steering a contract to Ansari and Girardi’s company.  Girardi was also aware of this arrangement with Donahue.  The PBGC awarded the contract to Ansari and Girardi’s company, which resulted in payments to the company totaling approximately $3.29 million.  Donahue steered the contract by, among other things, providing sensitive, non-public information and work product to Ansari; providing guidance for contract pricing; and adjusting the terms of the contract to align with the qualifications of the company’s personnel.  Donahue received at least $48,000 in cash, plus additional gifts.  Donahue and Ansari also took steps to conceal the scheme and their communications with each other, including using separate, dedicated cellular telephones and e-mail accounts and communicating through encrypted software.

The PBGC Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case.  Trial Attorney Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace L. Hill of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Federal charges were unsealed today in a case involving a Hampton-based business, its owner and employees, and their alleged involvement in an extensive procurement fraud scheme involving millions of dollars in government contracts targeting the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies.

According to allegations in the unsealed indictment, from at least 2011 through at least 2018,  Iris Kim, Inc., (aka I-Tek), owner Beyung S. Kim, 61, of Newport News, and employees Seung Kim, 30, of Newport News, Dongjin Park, 53, of Yorktown, Chang You, 61, of Yorktown, Pyongkon Pak, 53, of Toano, and Li-Ling Tu, 57, of China, engaged in a conspiracy and scheme related to certain government contracts for which I-Tek acted as a supplier of goods, including items for the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Guards of various states, among other agencies.

Based on the invoices submitted related to the contracts in this indictment, the United States paid I-Tek approximately $8.1 million from around January 2012 through about December 2018. The United States paid I-Tek approximately $24 million for the entirety of the contracts I-Tek supplied during this same time period, with over $20 million in revenue resulting from contracts where I-Tek obtained goods from China.

According to the indictment, these government contracts had certain set-aside preferences and source of good requirements. The indictment alleges that the defendants acted to defraud the United States by fraudulently importing goods into the United States that were made in China, in violation of the terms of these contracts.  The defendants then falsely relabeled these goods as if they were made in the United States. The indictment further alleges that the defendants acted through a separate nominee company to conceal the importing of goods from China and installed a nominee officer of I-Tek in order to be able to fraudulently qualify for certain set-aside contracts.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations; Robert E. Craig, Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Gregory Scovel, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Mattis are prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Department of State provided significant assistance to this case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-57.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Ashburn man pleaded guilty today to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal initiative designed to help businesses pay their employees and meet their basic expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During a time of national crisis, the federal government set aside money to help struggling businesses pay their hardworking employees and keep their doors open,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Tarik Jaafar planned and executed a scheme to steal money from this essential program and use it for his own personal benefit. This office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that federal economic assistance provides relief for beleaguered businesses and not profits for devious criminals.”

According to court documents, Tarik Jaafar, 42, conspired with his wife, Monika Magdalena Jaworska, to create four shell companies. These companies conducted no legitimate business and existed solely as a means to execute the scheme to defraud. From April 13 to May 6, Jaafar and Jaworska applied for 18 separate PPP loans in the names of the four shell companies valued at approximately $6.6 million, falsely claiming, among other things, that the businesses had employees and they needed the loans to pay their employees’ salaries. Jaafar and Jaworska fraudulently induced banks to distribute approximately $1.4 million in loans which they intended to use for their personal benefit.

“The Paycheck Protection Program was developed to aide small businesses during these challenging times,” said Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the Small Business Administration. “Our office will remain relentless in the pursuit of bad actors who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

“Tarik Jaafar pleaded guilty to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program while millions of Americans are suffering, physically and financially, and using the money to his own benefit,” said Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division. “The FBI will not tolerate anyone who schemes and steals government funds designed to provide much-needed relief to American business owners. The FBI is committed to tackling COVID-related fraud head on with our local and federal partners.”

On June 20, Jaafar and Jaworska were arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport as they attempted to flee to Poland. The majority of the funds were recovered by the banks and by law enforcement.

Jaafar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on November 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the Small Business Administration (SBA); and Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Shartar and William Fitzpatrick are prosecuting the case.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Financial Institution Fraud squad and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, who work identify, investigate, and prosecute egregious misuses of the Payroll Protection Plan. Tips regarding financial and government fraud schemes can be reported to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-185.

RICHMOND, Va. – A previously convicted felon pleaded guilty today to a charge related to his possession of an assault rifle, handgun, ballistic vest, and eight magazines of ammunition after leaving the Robert E. Lee Monument during civil unrest on June 12 in Richmond.

“Project Guardian is the Department’s signature anti-gun violence program,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “One of the key cornerstones of Guardian is holding those accountable who have forfeited their Second Amendment rights due to their status as a felon, drug user, or domestic abuser—amongst other prohibitors. This defendant, due to his own previous felonious conduct and conviction, was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition, and chose to openly flout state and federal law by unlawfully possessing multiple firearms and eight magazines of ammunition.”

According to court documents, on June 12, Matthew Lee Frezza, 37, of Chesterfield, possessed an assault rifle and handgun during the course of a traffic stop during civil unrest. The incident started when Richmond Police Department (RPD) officers observed a caravan of three trucks driving recklessly in the vicinity of the Robert E. Lee Monument. Based on this reckless driving, RPD officers executed a traffic stop on one of the pickup trucks at the intersection of Old Mill Road and Boatwright Road in the city of Richmond. Upon approaching the truck, RPD officers observed three occupants inside, with an individual later identified as Frezza in the front passenger seat of the truck.  RPD officers further observed all three occupants of the truck armed with firearms, including assault rifles.

“Firearms in the possession of a convicted felon are always a public safety concern, but especially so when multiple weapons are recovered during a potentially volatile situation, such as civil unrest,” said Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Washington Field Division. “This defendant’s guilty plea confirms that the unlawful possession of a firearm is a serious offense and we are grateful to U.S. Attorney Terwilliger and our law enforcement partners in Richmond for this successful outcome.”

Based on the firearms and the vehicles prior presence at the Robert E. Lee Monument, RPD Officers requested the three occupants step out of the truck. As Frezza exited the truck, RPD officers took an assault rifle from his possession, removed a handgun and two clips from a holster on his thigh, and removed a ballistic vest from his body that contained six rifle magazines with ammunition. On the scene, RPD Officers determined that Frezza was a convicted felon and placed him under arrest. The firearm possessed by Frezza was a Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol. The assault rifle possessed by Frezza was later determined to be a homemade rifle without a serial number, which contained a loaded, high-capacity magazine.

Frezza pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on December 10. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-78.

A Gainesville, Virginia, man was arrested today for conspiring with Russian intelligence operatives to provide them with United States national defense information.

According to court documents, from December 1996 to January 2011, Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, 45, a former member of the U.S. Army, allegedly conspired with agents of a Russian intelligence service.  During that time, Debbins periodically visited Russia and met with Russian intelligence agents.  In 1997, Debbins was assigned a code name by Russian intelligence agents and signed a statement attesting that he wanted to serve Russia.

“Two espionage arrests in the past week — Ma in Hawaii and now Debbins in Virginia — demonstrate that we must remain vigilant against espionage from our two most malicious adversaries — Russia and China,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.  “Debbins violated his oath as a U.S. Army officer, betrayed the Special Forces and endangered our country’s national security by revealing classified information to Russian intelligence officers, providing details of his unit, and identifying Special Forces team members for Russian intelligence to try to recruit as a spy.  Our country put its highest trust in this defendant, and he took that trust and weaponized it against the United States.”

“Our military is tasked with the awesome responsibility of protecting our nation from its adversaries, and its service members make incredible sacrifices in service of that duty,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.  “When service members collude to provide classified information to our foreign adversaries, they betray the oaths they swore to their country and their fellow service members.  As this indictment reflects, we will be steadfast and dogged in holding such individuals accountable.”

"The facts alleged in this case are a shocking betrayal by a former Army officer of his fellow soldiers and  his country," said Alan E. Kohler, Jr.,  FBI Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division.  "Debbins is accused of giving Russian intelligence officers sensitive information about the units in which he once served and also providing the names of other service members so Russia could try to recruit them.  These actions cannot stand and the FBI will aggressively pursue such cases."

“According to the allegations, Mr. Debbins knowingly provided information to self-proclaimed members of Russia's Intelligence Service, the GRU,” said James A. Dawson, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the American people and his fellow service men and women should have been able to trust Debbins with secrets and information.  Debbins allegedly fell very short of that and exploited his role in the military and his fellow service members to benefit one of our top adversaries for years. Today’s charges are another example of the dedicated and unrelenting efforts of the FBI and our partners, domestic and international, to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who violate this sacred trust and place our national security at risk.”

Over the course of the conspiracy, Debbins allegedly provided the Russian intelligence agents with information that he obtained as a member of the U.S. Army, including information about his chemical and Special Forces units.  In 2008, after leaving active duty service, Debbins disclosed to the Russian intelligence agents classified information about his previous activities while deployed with the Special Forces.  Debbins also provided the Russian intelligence agents with the names of, and information about, his former Special Forces team members so that the agents could evaluate whether to approach the team members to see if they would cooperate with the Russian intelligence service.

Debbins is charged with conspiring to provide United States national defense information to agents of a foreign government.  If convicted, Debbins faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James A. Dawson, Acting Assistant Director of FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas W. Traxler and James L. Trump, and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Terwilliger greatly appreciate the assistance of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office, and Army Counterintelligence, along with the United Kingdom's Metropolitan Police and MI5.

An indictment is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Army Green Beret was arrested today for allegedly conspiring with Russian intelligence operatives to provide them with United States national defense information.

According to court documents, from December 1996 to January 2011, Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, 45, of Gainesville, a former member of the U.S. Army, allegedly conspired with agents of a Russian intelligence service. During that time, Debbins periodically visited Russia and met with Russian intelligence agents. In 1997, Debbins was assigned a code name by Russian intelligence agents and signed a statement attesting that he wanted to serve Russia.

“Our military is tasked with the awesome responsibility of protecting our nation from its adversaries, and its service members make incredible sacrifices in service of that duty,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “When service members collude to provide classified information to our foreign adversaries, they betray the oaths they swore to their country and their fellow service members. As this indictment reflects, we will be steadfast and dogged in holding such individuals accountable.”

From 1998 to 2005, Debbins served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army, serving in chemical units before being selected for the U.S. Army Special Forces. The Russian intelligence agents allegedly encouraged him to join and pursue a career in the Special Forces, which he did, where he served at the rank of Captain.

“Two espionage arrests in the past week – Ma in Hawaii and now Debbins in Virginia – demonstrate that we must remain vigilant against espionage from our two most malicious adversaries – Russia and China,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “Debbins violated his oath as a U.S. Army officer, betrayed the Special Forces and endangered our country’s national security by revealing classified information to Russian intelligence officers, providing details of his unit, and identifying Special Forces team members for Russian intelligence to try to recruit as a spy. Our country put its highest trust in this defendant, and he took that trust and weaponized it against the United States.”

Over the course of the conspiracy, Debbins allegedly provided the Russian intelligence agents with information that he obtained as a member of the U.S. Army, including information about his chemical and Special Forces units. In 2008, after leaving active duty service, Debbins disclosed to the Russian intelligence agents classified information about his previous activities while deployed with the Special Forces. Debbins also provided the Russian intelligence agents with the names of, and information about, a number of his former Special Forces team members so that the agents could evaluate whether to approach the team members to see if they would cooperate with the Russian intelligence service.

“According to the allegations, Mr. Debbins knowingly provided information to self-proclaimed members of Russia's Intelligence Service, the GRU,” said James A. Dawson, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the American people and his fellow service men and women should have been able to trust Debbins with secrets and information. Debbins allegedly fell very short of that and exploited his role in the military and his fellow service members to benefit one of our top adversaries for years. Today’s charges are another example of the dedicated and unrelenting efforts of the FBI and our partners, domestic and international, to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who violate this sacred trust and place our national security at risk.”

 “The facts alleged in this case are a shocking betrayal by a former Army officer of his fellow soldiers and his country,” said Alan E. Kohler, Jr., FBI Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division. “Debbins is accused of giving Russian intelligence officers sensitive information about the units in which he once served and also providing the names of other service members so Russia could try to recruit them. These actions cannot stand and the FBI will aggressively pursue such cases.”

Debbins is charged with conspiring to provide United States national defense information to agents of a foreign government. If convicted, Debbins faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas W. Traxler and James L. Trump, and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Terwilliger and Assistant Attorney General Demers greatly appreciate the assistance of Army Counterintelligence, the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office, the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police Service, and MI5.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-193.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Sterling man was arrested today on charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and for inducing aliens to come to the United States using fraudulently obtained H-1B visas.

According to court documents, Ashish Sawhney, 48, allegedly used four corporations to orchestrate the improper submission of fraudulent applications for H-1B specialty-occupation work visas. The six-count indictment identifies Sawhney as the director or registered agent for Value Consulting, LLC, Value Software Products, Inc. (formerly known as Value Consulting, Inc.), Business Pointers, Inc., and E-Train ERP, Inc., each of which had offices located in the Eastern District of Virginia and purported to provide information technology staffing and software development services for commercial clients in the United States. Sawhney submitted or caused to be submitted H-1B visa application materials stating that the foreign workers named in the applications would fulfill a specific job, where in fact, no such job existed at the time of filing. The indictment alleges that through Sawhney’s ownership and direction of the scheme, his companies generated gross profits from 2011 to 2016 of approximately $21 million. The indictment further alleges that Sawhney, who is an Indian national, attempted to naturalize as a United States citizen by submitting an application containing false statements.

Sawhney is charged with two counts of conspiracy, three counts of inducing an alien to come to and reside in the United States for commercial advantage or private financial gain, and one count of attempted naturalization fraud. If convicted, Sawhney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, which is comprised of multiple agencies including the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security that coordinate investigations into fraudulent immigration documents. 

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Edwin Guard, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Diplomatic Security Service’s Washington Field Office; Derek Pickle, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Washington, DC Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Ron M. Rosenberg, District Director, District S2, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raizza K. Ty and Ronald L. Walutes, Jr. are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-192.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging seven alleged members of the Reccless Tigers street gang with various crimes including racketeering conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

The superseding indictment includes allegations of two murders committed by members of the Reccless Tigers. The first occurred on April 24, 2016, at a house party hosted by the Reccless Tigers. During the party, one of the guests, Ho Lee, got into an argument with someone in the gang. The argument turned into a brawl, during which Lee was attacked by numerous gang members. Lee was stabbed in the chest during the fight, and later left the party with friends unaware that his injuries were life-threatening. Lee died later that night at home.

The second alleged murder occurred on Feb. 1, 2019. The victim, Brandon White, allegedly owed defendant Young Yoo approximately $10,000 for marijuana he had obtained in 2015-2016. In August 2018, White was severely beaten by a Reccless Tigers gang member, David Nguyen, because of this debt. Nguyen was arrested by Fairfax County Police and charged with robbery and malicious wounding. The gang was allegedly aware that Brandon White had been subpoenaed to testify against David Nguyen at a preliminary hearing and allegedly attempted to pay him if he would refuse to testify. White was allegedly warned, however, that he would be killed if he testified. White refused the gang's offer, and he testified against Nguyen on Nov. 19, 2018.

On Jan. 31, 2019, and continuing into the early morning hours of February 1, White was abducted at a shopping mall in Fairfax County and then killed two hours later in a wooded area of Richmond. The superseding indictment alleges that White was killed by defendants Peter Le, Young Yoo, and Joseph Lamborn. Defendant Sascha Carlisle allegedly participated in the abduction of White.

Below is information related to each defendant charged in the superseding indictment.

Name, Age

Hometown

Charges

Peter Le, 23

California

Counts 1, 3-13, 16, 21

Anthony Nguyen Thanh Le, 27

Woodbridge

Counts 6, 11, 12

Joseph Duk-Hyun Lamborn, 26

Centreville

Counts 1, 3-7, 13, 17, 20

Tony Minh Le, 26

California

Counts 1, 6, 14, 15

Sang Thanh Huynh, 30

Washington, D.C.

Counts 1, 2, 6, 18, 22-37

Young Yoo, 24

Centreville

Counts 1-7, 13, 19

Sascha Amadeus Carlisle, 26

Westminster, California

Counts 1, 4, 6

 

Six of the seven defendants are in custody (Anthony Thanh Le is a fugitive). Arraignment is scheduled for September 1.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James L. Trump, Carina A. Cuellar, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael C. Tucker are prosecuting the case.

This investigation was conducted by FBI Washington Field Office’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force. This task force, composed of FBI Special Agents, along with Agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division, and local and state law enforcement agencies, investigate and disrupt the most egregious organized crime enterprises operating within the Capital Region. 

Investigative assistance was provided by ATF Washington Field Division, FBI Richmond, FBI Los Angeles, FBI Sacramento, U.S. Marshals, Prince William County Police, City of Richmond Police, Montgomery County (MD) Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Falls Church Police, City of Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax County Fire Marshal, Prince William County Fire Marshal, Stafford County Fire Marshal, City of Monterey Park (CA) Police, Garden Grove (CA) Police, Anaheim (CA) Police; Trinity County (CA) Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, DEA San Francisco Division – Reading Office, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Department of Food & Agriculture, California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Cannabis Control, U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of California – Sacramento Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California – Santa Ana and Riverside Offices.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-57.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NORFOLK, Va. – A Keswick man pleaded guilty today to his role in producing images of child sexual abuse and attempting to meet a minor for sex.

According to court documents, Bryan Wesley Petitt, 33, engaged in sexually explicit communications with an undercover agent he believed to be a 14-year-old minor. Petitt drove from Charlottesville to military housing in Norfolk in order to engage in sex with the girl. Upon his arrest, law enforcement discovered images of child sexual abuse on his phone. Investigators later learned that Petitt produced one of the images.  

Petitt pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 50 years in prison when sentenced on December 14. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Gregory Scovel, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Heck is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-16.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A previously convicted felon was sentenced yesterday to over four years in prison for his involvement in a gang-related shootout at a recording studio in Alexandria in July 2019.

“A convicted felon in possession of a firearm poses a serious danger to the safety of our communities,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Reginald Tolliver III has an extensive criminal record that includes assault and battery, and the distribution of narcotics. In this case, Tolliver illegally possessed a firearm, which he then utilized to engage in a gang-related shootout in broad daylight. Far too often, especially in recent months, we see the devastating result to communities and families when criminals engage in armed shootouts to settle their disputes. All communities should have the freedom to be outside without fear of being hit by gang cross-fire. We will continue to prosecute cases such as these, which place innocent lives in danger.”

According to court documents, Tolliver, 23, of Woodbridge, unlawfully possessed and fired a SigSauer semi-automatic pistol during a gang-related shootout, on July 2, 2019, at a recording studio in Alexandria. Surveillance video footage captured two masked individuals exit a vehicle and fire at a vehicle occupied by Tolliver and his associates. Video captured Tolliver fire his pistol at the masked individuals before police responded to the scene to find Tolliver and an associate wounded by gunfire.

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

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas U. Murphy II prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-374.

NORFOLK, Va. – A Canadian man pleaded guilty yesterday to orchestrating an online sextortion scheme and producing images of child sexual abuse.

“Marco Viscomi’s criminal conduct is nothing short of horrendous,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Producing images of child sexual abuse is heinous and causes incalculable and unknowable harm to victims. The actions that Viscomi engaged in are one of the most offensive and serious crimes in the entire criminal code. We will continue to shine a light on the darkest areas of the web and protect those that are unable to protect themselves.”

“Let this case serve as notice to online predators. Homeland Security Investigations began this case with the Virginia Beach Police Department more than eight years ago and didn’t relent until justice was served,” said Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. “Individuals who prey on children cannot hide behind their electronic devices and screen names. We will find and arrest you and ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to court documents, Viscomi, 35, of Ontario, was first identified by the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in 2012. In January 2012, a father of two girls, then ages 13 and 17 years old, had reported to the VBPD that his daughters had been extorted by someone they met online. The person online threatened the girls and forced them to engage in sexually explicit conduct and produce images of child sexual abuse. The VBPD and HSI traced the culprit to Ontario and identified Viscomi as the person responsible. Viscomi was a 26-year-old medical student at that time.

Additional investigation uncovered Viscomi had engaged in similar sextortion conduct against dozens of other minor victims around the United States. In July 2012, Viscomi was charged in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia and arrested in Canada. He fought extradition to the United States until December 2019, when the Canadian courts finally ordered him extradited to Norfolk to face the charges.

Viscomi pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. Viscomi faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years per count and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison per count when sentenced on Jan. 14, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Anthony F. Zucaro, Jr., Interim Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi and E. Rebecca Gantt are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:12-cr-312.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A man who previously resided in Leesburg pleaded guilty yesterday to downloading images of child sexual abuse over the internet.

According to court documents, Jason E. Holmes, 49, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a design professional who previously resided in Leesburg prior to moving to West Virginia. Holmes admitted that from October 2016 to April 2018 he intentionally searched for, downloaded, and occasionally paid for access to images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Holmes engaged in this conduct, and discussed these images and videos with others, using the dark web, peer-to-peer software, and password-protected websites on the open internet.

Law enforcement discovered tens of thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children across 13 different electronic devices seized from his home, as well as evidence that Holmes used encryption technology on these devices. Additionally, during the search law enforcement recovered enlarged, printed-out images of child pornography that Holmes admitted to posting to foamboard cutouts and placing around his home. 

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form.

Holmes pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 27. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Clayman is prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Fong assisted with the prosecution. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-57.

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 11 1/2 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute an ounce of cocaine and possession of firearm after being convicted of a felony.

“Illicit narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl are ravishing the United States,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “With every gram of cocaine, rock of crack, or package of heroin that he sold, Graham fanned the flames of the opioid epidemic in Virginia. Graham has at least six prior felony convictions, including two involving the illegal possession of a firearm and four drug related convictions. This is precisely the type of defendant worthy of federal prosecution, and today’s sentence should send a strong message to those who choose to peddle poison in our communities.”

According to court documents, Nicholas Gabriel Graham, 29, was arrested on felony drug trafficking warrants as he drove away from his residence. Graham had an ounce of cocaine and $1,263 in his pocket and a loaded semiautomatic pistol in his car. A search of his residence pursuant to a search warrant resulted in the recovery of three more loaded pistols and a loaded AK-47, a quantity of fentanyl, more cocaine, including crack cocaine and items used to traffic narcotics. Graham had been previously convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; and Colonel David R. Hines, Hanover County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia N. Emerson prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-147.

NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake doctor pleaded guilty today to distribution of amphetamine.

According to court documents, Lopito Bugarin, 65, was a medical doctor with a practice in Chesapeake. From 2016 until 2019, Bugarin would write prescriptions without administering a medical exam. Bugarin would also write prescriptions for Adderall and Oxycodone in multiple names and give them to a single patient. For example, Bugarin would write prescriptions for a patient and for a friend or family member of the patient who had not seen Bugarin that day. Bugarin also provided prescriptions to patients for Schedule II controlled substances without ever seeing the patient, even during time periods where Bugarin was out of town.

Bugarin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 2, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; and Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Hudson is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-25.

CASE NAME: United States v. Javaid Perwaiz, Criminal Case No. 2:19-cr-189

COURT: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division

CASE SUMMARY: On June 19, 2020, a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Virginia returned a 62-count superseding indictment charging the defendant, Dr. Javaid Perwaiz, with 26 counts of health care fraud, 33 counts of making false statements relating to healthcare matters, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. The charged conduct is alleged to have occurred between in and about 2010 and November 2019. As detailed in the superseding indictment, Dr. Perwaiz allegedly performed unnecessary surgeries and medical procedures without the proper knowledge or consent of patients at his OB/GYN medical practice, and he allegedly filed false claims regarding those procedures to health care benefit programs.

CASE STATUS: The defendant was arrested and made his initial appearance in court on Nov. 8, 2019. He is currently in custody pending further proceedings in the case. 

VICTIM RESPONSE: To ensure that members of the public, including current and former patients of Dr. Perwaiz, are informed of developments in this ongoing case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has established a page on its website, available at the following link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/united-states-v-javaid-perwaiz. The website currently includes a copy of the superseding indictment summarizing the charges filed against the defendant. The district court has authorized the U.S. Attorney’s Office to use this website as part of its obligations to notify potential victims.

In addition, the website includes the following guidance for current or former patients:

FBI TIPS: Current and former patients should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI or https://www.fbi.gov/tips if they would like to share information.

MEDICAL RECORDS: Current or former patients seeking a copy of their medical records should email usavae.perwaiz.medical.records@usdoj.gov with their full name and dates of service. Please Note: FBI only possesses records that were maintained by Dr. Perwaiz’s practice for patients who received services from 2015 through 2019.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Emporia man pleaded guilty today to straw purchasing three firearms.

According to court documents, Corey O’Neal Phipps, Jr., 23, straw purchased three firearms from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) in the Eastern District of Virginia for another individual. In making the purchase, Phipps, Jr. represented himself as the true buyer of the firearms, but immediately after he received the firearms, he transferred them to another individual and was paid for making the purchase.

Phipps, Jr. pleaded guilty to making false statements with respect to the purchase of a firearm. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on Dec. 2. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

 

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael C. Tucker and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia T. Giles are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-108.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Partners Pharmacy of Virginia, LLC (“Partners Pharmacy”), located in Richmond, has agreed to pay $100,000 to settle civil penalty claims stemming from alleged record-keeping violations.

The United States alleged that Partners Pharmacy, a pharmacy that serves long-term care, skilled and assisted living communities, violated the Controlled Substances Act by failing to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances, failing to document transfers of Schedule II controlled substances, and failing to timely notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) of theft or losses of controlled substances.

Under the terms of a parallel administrative resolution, Partners Pharmacy entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA under which the pharmacy has agreed to heightened compliance requirements.

“Ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act is the first step to avoiding drug diversion,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This office is committed to utilizing all remedies available to stop drug diversion and to working closely with our partners at DEA.”

“This settlement sends a clear message to all pharmacies that it is essential to dispense controlled substances in compliance with DEA’s record keeping requirements,” stated Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division. “DEA is dedicated to combatting the prescription drug abuse problem in Virginia and throughout the country and to hold all DEA registrants accountable.”

Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer, or sell controlled substances must comply with inventory and documentation requirements. Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed or otherwise disposed of by the registrant for two years. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting, and distribution of controlled substances.

The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the DEA’s Washington Division, Richmond District Office.

The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ilene Albala and Robert P. McIntosh. The civil claims settled by this Controlled Substances Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man, and seven-time prior convicted felon, pleaded guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Paul Eric Sherrod Parham, 38, was walking in the area of 36th Street and Chestnut Avenue in Newport News on the evening of September 18, 2019. Parham had outstanding warrants at the time for abduction, larceny, assault and battery, and withholding a credit card belonging to another individual. An individual who knew Parham, and who was aware of Parham’s outstanding warrants, notified Newport News Police of Parham’s precise location. When officers encountered Parham, confirmed his identity and felony status, and began to take him into custody, Parham notified the officers that he was unlawfully carrying a loaded SCCY, CPX-1, 9mm semiautomatic handgun.

Parham pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Parham faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on January 4, 2021. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:20-cr-009.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Washington, D.C. man pleaded guilty today to knowingly providing false information to a federal firearm licensee (FFL) in order to purchase multiple firearms.

“Hudson’s criminal conduct perfectly encapsulates the dangerous problem of illegally purchased firearms being trafficked in Virginia,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “In this case, there were two firearms found in the possession of convicted felons who were prohibited from owning a firearm. This created a major risk for our communities. We will continue to bring justice against those who perpetuate this dangerous trafficking and threaten to put our communities in danger.”

According to court documents, Marquette Hudson, 26, purchased eight firearms from or through two FFLs within the Eastern District of Virginia. To purchase these firearms, Hudson was required by law to fill out an ATF Form 4473 truthfully, to include providing his current residential address. However, on each occasion, Hudson listed his current residence as an address in Arlington when he did not live in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Police in Washington, D.C. later recovered six of the firearms purchased by Hudson from the Virginia FFLs, including two firearms recovered from convicted felons.

Hudson pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly making a false statement or representation of information required to be kept by an FFL when purchasing a firearm. Hudson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on Dec. 11. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas U. Murphy, II and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Hallmark are prosecuting the case

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-168.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Five members of a Peninsula-based narcotics operation were sentenced over the last two days to a combined 51 years in prison and ordered to forfeit over $2,000,000 for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base in Hampton Roads.

“Our office will continue to diligently and aggressively prosecute those who distribute these dangerous and deadly substances,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “In addition to seeking the appropriate prison sentence for drug traffickers, our office will ensure that drug traffickers do not get to keep the ill-gotten gains they have made from poisoning the community. I want to thank our fellow federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their coordinated work in Operation Cookout, which has led to apprehending these individuals and stopping the spread of dangerous substances.”

“Thanks to the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations special agents and our law enforcement partners via Operation Cookout, we were able to take down one of the largest heroin and fentanyl trafficking rings in the region,” said Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “I can confidently say that Operation Cookout helped save lives.”

According to court documents, Damarcus Mackie, 44, from Mississippi, acquired heroin and fentanyl in kilogram quantities, but would sell it, often through runners, in quantities as low as grams. Mackie also pressed heroin and fentanyl into pills to resemble pharmaceutical opioids like Oxycodone, and he distributed large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine as well. Five co-conspirators maintained stash houses for Mackie at various times. In addition to those maintaining drug houses for him, Mackie directed at least four other co-conspirators in their drug acquiring and distribution activities. As part of his sentencing, Mackie was ordered to forfeit a money judgment of $1,314,120. Mackie also forfeited a Mercedes sedan as part of this case.

Marcid V. Byrd, 36, of Hampton, acquired cocaine in multi-kilogram quantities and sold cocaine by the ounce, the half-kilogram, and even by the kilogram. Byrd used a residence in Hampton to distribute cocaine to his co-conspirators, at least six of whom he supervised. On one occasion, Byrd demanded that one of his co-conspirators pay his drug debt to Byrd with a Draco firearm. When Byrd’s cocaine source dried up, Byrd tried to pool his money with Damarcus Mackie to obtain cocaine from Mackie’s source. As part of his sentencing, Byrd was ordered to forfeit a monetary judgment of $845,875, real property located in Hampton, as well as a 2016 BMW I8, valued at over $100,000.

Symphoni Wiggins, 39, of Hampton, allowed Damarcus Mackie to use her home as a stash house to store heroin and fentanyl. At Mackie’s direction, Wiggins would mix and prepare heroin and fentanyl with cutting agents and package it for distribution. At times, Wiggins would prepare over fifty grams of heroin/fentanyl a day for distribution through Mackie and his drug runners. Wiggins referred to herself as “the master mixer.”

Clarence Ford, 28, of Hampton, assisted Marcid Byrd with the distribution of cocaine and the collection and remission of drug proceeds. In addition to collecting cocaine proceeds from Byrd’s co-conspirators, Ford would also assist Byrd with his drug trafficking activities by checking for police surveillance.

Jill Hockaday, 54, from New Jersey, bought heroin in gram quantities for both personal use and redistribution. Damarcus Mackie served as the immediate source, and then later as an indirect source, for Hockaday’s heroin.

These sentences are part of a larger case that is focused on cracking down on the illegal distribution of narcotics throughout Virginia. Over 120 law enforcement officers from 30 law enforcement agencies in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, California, and Texas have worked to execute this major operation. To date, 46 defendants have been charged in this case. Of those, 40 have admitted their criminal conduct and pleaded guilty. Six defendants are currently scheduled for trial.

This case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Cookout. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 28 HIDTAs, which include approximately 18 percent of all counties in the United States and 66 percent of the U.S. population.

This case also is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; and Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, made the announcement after sentencings by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter G. Osyf, Kevin P. Hudson, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross prosecuted the cases.

The following law enforcement agencies provided significant assistance during the investigation and arrest operations: U.S. Marshals Service, Newport News Sheriff’s Office, Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Amarillo Police, and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Approximately 30 law enforcement agencies assisted in the arrest operation in Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-47.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger today announced that two victim services providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia received $866,676 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a barbaric criminal enterprise that subjects its victims to unspeakable cruelty and deprives them of the most basic of human needs, none more essential than a safe place to live,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Throughout this Administration, the Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors. These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life.”

The grant, awarded to Survivor Ventures, Inc. and Transitions Family Violence Services, will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grant will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling. Survivor Ventures, Inc. and Transitions Family Violence Services are among 73 organizations receiving more than $35 million in OVC grants to support housing services for human trafficking survivors.

“Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for OJP Principal. “These grants will empower survivors on their path to independence and a life of self-sufficiency and hope.”

Human trafficking offenses are among the most difficult crimes to identify, and the scope of human trafficking victimization may be much greater than the limited data reflect. A new report issued by the National Institute of Justice, another component of the Office of Justice Programs, found that the number of human trafficking cases captured in police reports may represent only a fraction of all such cases. Expanding housing and other services to trafficking victims remains a top Justice Department priority.

The Office for Victims of Crime, for example, hosted listening sessions and roundtable discussions with stakeholders in the field in 2018 and launched the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center. From July 2018 through June 2019, 118 OVC human trafficking grantees reported serving 8,375 total clients including confirmed trafficking victims and individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization.

For a complete list of individual award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/htvictimsfactheet.pdf

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 and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

NORFOLK, Va. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to making a telephonic threat to burn down an African American church in Virginia Beach.

According to court documents, John Malcolm Bareswill, 63, called a Virginia Beach church with a predominantly African American congregation, made racially derogatory remarks, and threatened to set the church on fire. The threatening call was placed on June 7, 2020, several days after one of the church’s leaders took part in a public prayer vigil and peaceful demonstration for George Floyd.

Bareswill pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging a telephonic threat to use fire to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual, or unlawfully to damage or destroy a building. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison when sentenced on Nov. 12. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Anthony F. Zucaro, Jr., Interim Chief of Virginia Beach Police; and David Hutcheson, Chief of the Virginia Beach Fire Department, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Bosse is prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Kathryn Gilbert of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division provided significant assistance on the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-61.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Eleven members or close associates of the MS-13 gang were arrested this week relating to the sexual exploitation and physical abuse of a minor in northern Virginia and Maryland.

“Sex traffickers often prey upon the most vulnerable victims in our society, and when combined with the horrific abuses of a gang like MS-13, the effects can be devastating,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I have personally handled the prosecution of MS-13 members in northern Virginia for over a decade, including for gang-controlled sex trafficking, and I have led meaningful outreach efforts with the Hispanic community in order to raise public awareness of these serious threats. As I’ve noted before, no one suffers more at the hands of MS-13 than other individuals of Central American birth or ancestry, and cases like this are proof of the need for community leaders to step up, acknowledge this reality, and work together to be part of the solution. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for conducting this complex investigation and arrest operation in a diligent and professional manner, and for their sustained commitment to eradicating MS-13 from our communities. These defendants are charged with heinous offenses, but are appropriately presumed innocent unless or until proven otherwise.”

According to court documents, in Aug. 2018, a 13-year-old identified as MINOR 2 ran away from a youth home in northern Virginia. Shortly after running away, MINOR 2 was introduced to members of MS-13. Members of the gang beat MINOR 2 26 times with a baseball bat as part of a gang initiation. Gang members then sex trafficked MINOR 2 in Virginia and Maryland using the currency of cash and drugs. While in Virginia, men lined up to have sex with her in a wooded area behind one target’s apartment complex. The men gave her drugs in exchange for sex. She also was harbored in various apartments in northern Virginia where men paid her and her handlers cash for sex.

“MS-13 is known for their violence and intimidation, but the horrific crimes alleged in this case show how their cruelty and depravity know no bounds,” said Robert E. Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division. “The FBI and our community will not stand by while children are beaten, plied with drugs, and trafficked for sex. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt violent gang activity and bring justice on behalf of the innocent victims on whom they prey.”

According to court documents, MINOR 2 was later beaten again with a bat 26 times. After the second bat beating, MINOR 2 was transported to Maryland, where she was sold to numerous gang members and other customers in exchange for cash. Law enforcement recovered photographs and videos of MINOR 2 while being sexually exploited, along with numerous social media messages regarding the trafficking and sexual exploitation of MINOR 2.

“Today’s arrests are a prime example of the commitment and dedication of local police officers and federal agents to safeguard northern Virginia against crime and violence,” said Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Chief of Fairfax County Police. “The Fairfax County police department will continue to use every resource and leverage the full weight of our agency and our federal partners to prevent violence by interdicting organized crime and holding alleged criminal street gangs accountable.”

Below is a list of individuals arrested in this operation:

Name, Age

Hometown

Charges

Moises Orlando Zelaya-Veliz, 25

Woodbridge, VA

Sex trafficking a minor victim under the age of 14 in or effecting interstate commerce (“Sex Trafficking of a Minor”) (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Sioni Alexander Bonilla Gonzalez, 20

Woodbridge, VA

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2) and Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering Activity through assault with a dangerous weapon (“VICAR Assault”) (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Carlos Jose Turicios Villatoro, 22

Woodbridge, VA

VICAR Assault (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)

Jose Eliezar Molina-Veliz, 20

Woodbridge, VA

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Santos Ernesto Gutierrez Castro, 21

Woodbridge, VA

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Luis Alberto Gonzales, 31

Greenbelt, MD

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Reina Elizabeth Hernandez, 48

Hyattsville, MD

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Nelson Ezequiel Caballero Portillo, 24

College Park, MD

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Gilberto Morales, 31

Hyattsville, MD

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Jonathan Rafael Zelaya-Veliz, 24

Hyattsville, MD

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

Orlando Alexis Salmeron Funez, 38

Riverdale, MD

Sex Trafficking of a Minor (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a)(1), (b)(1), (c) and 2)

 

If convicted, each defendant charged with sex trafficking of a minor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, and each defendant charged with VICAR assault faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted of that offense. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.

This case also is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Robert E. Borstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office; Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police; and Jarad L. Phelps, Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen C. Cain and Seth Schlessinger are prosecuting the case.

This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI Agents and Task Force Officers from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the Fairfax County Police, the Arlington County Police, the Alexandria City Police, the Prince William County Police and other surrounding agencies. Investigative and tactical assistance has been provided by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, the FBI Baltimore Field Office, FBI Norfolk Field Office, FBI Richmond Field Office, along with the Prince George’s County Police and the Montgomery County Police.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-mj-215.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Today, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia filed a complaint and a proposed consent decree with the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority.

The proposed consent decree would resolve the United States’ claims alleging unlawful conditions at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, Virginia. Under the proposed consent decree, the jail will develop and implement policies, procedures, and training regarding adequate medical and mental health care and appropriate housing for prisoners with serious mental illness. These measures include appropriate screening and assessment by qualified professionals, adequate treatment planning and suicide prevention practices, specialized mental health housing units, and a quality assurance program. Compliance with the proposed consent decree would be assessed by an independent monitor who will also provide technical assistance to the jail. The court for the Eastern District of Virginia will determine if the proposed consent decree is fair, adequate, reasonable, and necessary.

“This agreement will ensure that prisoners are no longer at risk of serious harm as a result of the Jail’s practices,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, head of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority for its willingness to make changes to ensure that prisoners receive necessary medical and mental health care.”

“We are pleased that the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority has agreed to address the deficiencies our investigation uncovered,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Hampton Roads Regional Jail to ensure that those incarcerated at the Jail receive adequate medical and mental health care, and that prisoners’ rights under the Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act are protected.”

The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia initiated the investigation in December 2016 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which authorizes the department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. The investigation was also initiated pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  In December 2018, the department provided the jail written notice of the alleged unlawful conditions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them. Specifically, the department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the jail fails to provide constitutionally adequate medical and mental health care to prisoners, and places prisoners with serious mental illness in restrictive housing for prolonged periods of time under conditions that violate the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The department also concluded that the jail’s restrictive housing practices discriminate against prisoners with mental health disabilities in violation of the ADA. 

This matter is handled by attorneys with the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at (844) 644-0225 or by email at Community.HamptonRoads@usdoj.gov.

Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.

NORFOLK, Va. – A former inmate of the Chesapeake City Jail was sentenced today to over two years in prison for conspiring to bribe a Chesapeake Sheriff’s Deputy to smuggle contraband, including cocaine and heroin, into the Chesapeake City Jail.

According to court documents, Jermarrieo Stigger, 35, paid Jenis Leroy Plummer to use his official position as Chesapeake Sheriff’s Deputy to smuggle heroin, cocaine, cell phones, e-cigarettes, and other contraband into the Chesapeake City Jail. From July 2017 through December 2018, Stigger knowingly and intentionally conspired with Plummer to engage in this scheme.

On numerous occasions throughout the conspiracy, Stigger arranged for Plummer to meet his girlfriend at various locations in Hampton Roads to pick up the contraband. At these meetings, Stigger’s girlfriend gave Plummer the illicit contraband in blue latex gloves. Plummer then smuggled the contraband into the jail and delivered the items to the inmate. In exchange for using his official position, Stigger’s girlfriend paid Plummer with cash, via CashApp, and via PayPal. Last year, the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Deputy was likewise sentenced to serve 30 months’ incarceration for his role in this scheme.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa E. O’Boyle and Joseph E. DePadilla prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-183.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Department of Justice today announced a proposed consent decree with the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority resolving the United States’ investigation into allegedly unlawful conditions at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail (Jail) in Portsmouth as outlined in the government’s December 2018 Notice.

Under the proposed consent decree, the Jail will develop and implement policies, procedures, and training regarding adequate medical and mental health care and appropriate housing for prisoners with serious mental illness. These measures include appropriate screening and assessment by qualified professionals, adequate treatment planning and suicide prevention practices, specialized mental health housing units, and a quality assurance program. The proposed consent decree would be overseen by an independent monitor to assess compliance and to provide technical assistance to the Jail. The court will determine if the proposed consent decree is fair, adequate, reasonable, and necessary.

“We are pleased that the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority has agreed to address the deficiencies our investigation uncovered,” said U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Hampton Roads Regional Jail to ensure that those incarcerated at the Jail receive adequate medical and mental health care, and that prisoners’ rights under the Constitution and the Americans with Disabilities Act are protected.”

The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia initiated the investigation in December 2016 under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), which authorizes the Department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. The investigation was also initiated pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In December 2018, the Department provided the Jail written notice of the alleged unlawful conditions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them.  Specifically, the Department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that the Jail fails to provide constitutionally adequate medical and mental health care to prisoners, and places prisoners with serious mental illness in restrictive housing for prolonged periods of time under conditions that violate the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The Department also concluded that the Jail’s restrictive housing practices discriminate against prisoners with mental health disabilities in violation of the ADA. 

“This agreement will ensure that prisoners are no longer at risk of serious harm as a result of the Jail’s practices,” said Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority for its willingness to make changes to ensure that prisoners receive necessary medical and mental health care.”

This matter is handled by attorneys with the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department via phone at (844) 644-0225 or by email at: Community.HamptonRoads@usdoj.gov.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Indian national was sentenced today to over a year in prison for his role in defrauding hundreds of people of at least $150,000.

“Anikkhan Yusufkhan Pathan participated in an international fraud scheme that victimized 200 hard-working Americans,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Pathan’s conspirators located in India exploited victims who were trying to pay mortgages and apply for loans. Individuals should not have to be worried about being scammed when trying to complete basic, and essential, financial tasks. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those individuals who commit fraud and seek to profit from the financial hardship they cause their victims.”

According to court documents, Pathan, 29, while in this country on a student visa, conspired with individuals in India to defraud approximately 200 people located throughout the United States. In many cases, the conspirators identified people who had recently applied for a loan from a bank. In other cases, the conspirators learned which mortgage company held the deed to a victim’s home or claimed to represent a company the victim had recently done business with. In every case, the conspirators then tricked their victims into sending money to fictitious identities using money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union. Pathan used at least 67 fake IDs, each bearing the name of a different fictitious identity and his photograph, to collect the victim’s money from money transfer services throughout northern Virginia.

“The Office of the Inspector General continues its commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate criminal schemes aimed at taking advantage of American Taxpayers,” said Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

As part of the scheme, Pathan kept a portion of the victim’s money for himself and deposited the balance into bank accounts of unknown individuals or wire transferred the money to conspirators located in India. From April to September 2017, during the course of over 200 transactions, Pathan collected $150,000 sent by hundreds of victims located around the country.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael C. Tucker and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-20.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for trafficking kilograms of cocaine and laundering narcotics proceeds and payments.

According to court documents, between November 2016 and June 2018, Eberardo Medina, 38, shipped approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine from California to New York for redistribution. A codefendant in New York would then traffic the cocaine to the Virginia region using a courier. The cocaine would often be picked up by a local reseller at Union Station, in Washington, D.C., who would redistribute the narcotics in the area, including in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Medina also utilized numerous individuals to launder narcotics proceeds and payments. Medina instructed individuals in California to either create bank accounts or use their existing accounts in order to launder money. Medina would provide the bank account information of those California-based accounts to his codefendant in New York. The codefendant in New York would then pay workers to deposit certain amounts of money into the California-based bank accounts in a classic structuring scheme meant to evade law enforcement. Once in California, the proceeds would be withdrawn and handed to Medina for a fee. During the conspiracy, Medina laundered at least $780,000 related to narcotics distribution.

The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Gary Hartman, Deputy Director of Washington/Baltimore HIDTA, Northern Virginia Financial Initiative; and M. Jay Farr, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karolina Klyuchnikova prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-51.