Western District of Washington

Seattle – A Tacoma couple who had large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA in their home were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for being armed drug traffickers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Jaymes Arthur Gallagher, 34, was sentenced to 7 years in prison and Brittany Nicole Chipman, 28, was sentenced to 5-and-a-half years in prison.  U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle ordered both to be on four years of supervised release following their prison terms. “The quantity of methamphetamine in this case is staggering… and it is not just addicts that are suffering, it is their families too,” Judge Settle said at the Chipman sentencing hearing.

According to records filed in the case, Gallagher came to the attention of law enforcement as a significant distributor of methamphetamine in the Thurston County and Tacoma areas.  After some undercover purchases in August 2019, law enforcement obtained a court authorized search warrant for the home Gallagher and Chipman shared.  In the home, officers seized 6 pounds of MDMA, more than a pound of cocaine, and more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine.  In a detached garage on the property, officers located another 19 pounds of methamphetamine.  There was $76,000 in cash in the house as well as a shotgun and a pistol that the couple admit were used to protect their drug operation.  Gallagher admitted to officers that he purchased 20-30 pounds of methamphetamine from a California source every week or so, and would then distribute the meth in Western Washington.

The couple was indicted in October 2019, and each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in March 2020.

In her sentencing memo, Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams noted that Gallagher “has introduced hundreds of thousands of doses of harmful narcotics into Western Washington. He made a profit. He purchased firearms and kept them loaded to protect his business. He turned a blind eye to the harm he was doing to the community…. His drug distribution has undoubtedly affected many lives.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.

Seattle – The former President & CEO of Northwest Territorial Mint, a now-bankrupt company dealing in precious metals, was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of 14 federal felonies resulting from a Ponzi-like scheme that defrauded customers of millions of dollars, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  After more than three weeks of testimony and evidence, the jury deliberated about two days before convicting Bernard Ross Hansen, 60, aka Ross B. Hansen of multiple counts of wire and mail fraud.  The jury also convicted Vault Manager Diane Renee Erdmann, 48, of 13 counts of wire fraud and mail fraud following the trial.  Sentencing for both Mr. Hansen and Ms. Erdmann is scheduled for October 29, 2021.

Northwest Territorial Mint (NWTM) operated both a custom business that involved the manufacturing of medallions and other awards, and a bullion business that involved the selling, buying, exchanging, storing, and leasing of gold, silver, and other precious metals.  The company had offices in Federal Way and Auburn, Washington, but declared bankruptcy on April 1, 2016.

 According to records in the case and testimony at trial, Hansen and Erdmann defrauded NWTM customers in a variety of ways. The evidence at trial showed that Hansen and Erdmann lied about shipping times for bullion, used customer money to expand the business to other states, and used customer money to pay their own personal expenses.  In this way the company lacked enough assets to fulfill customer orders and used new customer money to pay off older customers in a Ponzi-like scheme.  In total, over 2500 customers paid for orders, or made bullion sales or exchanges, that were either never fulfilled or never refunded.  The total loss to these customers was more than $25,000,000.  

In closing arguments, Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Diggs told the jury “They tried to make this company look solid – like the metals they sold – but in fact it was a house of cards.”

In addition to the bullion customer fraud, the evidence at trial demonstrated that Hansen and Erdmann defrauded customers who paid NWTM to safely and securely store bullion in the NWTM vaults.  Evidence and testimony at trial showed that Hansen and Erdmann used this bullion that was supposed to be in secure storage to fulfill other orders.  In April 2016, the NWTM vaults were inventoried and all or part of the stored bullion for more than 50 customers was missing.  The missing bullion was worth more than $4.9 million.   

Each of the counts of conviction are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.  U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Werner and Benjamin Diggs.

Tacoma – A 52-year-old Tacoma man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to second degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Bobbie Anson Pease admits that in September 2018, he used a baseball bat and gun to murder a 34-year-old woman on federal land, part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).   Prosecutors and defense attorneys have agreed to recommend a 26-year prison term when Pease is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan on October 22, 2021.

According to the plea agreement, Pease was sharing a house with the victim, her daughter, co-defendant Jeremy Warren and others in August and September 2018.  On September 4, 2018, the victim asked Pease and Warren for a ride to a Spanaway convenience store.  The men had a pistol and an aluminum baseball bat in the car.  After going to the store, Pease drove the victim and Warren to a wooded area nearby, claiming he wanted to do some target shooting.  At the wooded area, which was an undeveloped plot of federal land outside the fenced boundaries of JBLM, the men confronted the victims about items they accused her of stealing – a drug pipe and pocket-knife.  The men beat the victim with the bat causing significant head injuries and broken bones.  Then Pease took the pistol and fired three shots into the victim’s head, killing her instantly.  The men left the body in the wooded area and disposed of the bat and the gun at various locations in the Tacoma and Spanaway area.  The gun was ultimately recovered from the Puyallup River. The two made calls to the police attempting to mislead them during the investigation by claiming the victim has left the convenience store with someone else and moved out of state.  On September 13, 2018, the victim’s body was discovered by railroad workers.  Pease and Warren were arrested in late October 2018 after they had relocated to Forks, Washington, to avoid authorities.

Pease has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1991 in Washington State including: Assault and attempting to elude (Pierce County 2013); Escape (Jefferson County 2003); robbery with a deadly weapon enhancement (Pierce County 2003); witness tampering (Thurston County 2003); theft and attempting to elude (Pierce County 1999); car theft (Thurston County 1999); burglary (Pierce County 1992) and possession of stolen property (Pierce County 1991).  The convictions mean Pease could not legally possess a firearm.

The investigation is being led by the FBI with assistance from the Tacoma Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Grady Leupold.

Tacoma – A former Air Force Special Agent was arrested today on a grand jury indictment charging him with five counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Joshua Carl Harrod, 42, of Spanaway, Washington, will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:30 today.

According to the indictment, between October 2017 and April 2018, Harrod sexually molested a young child left in his care.  The conduct occurred in the location where he resided on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction.  Harrod separated from the Air Force in 2018 and currently serves as a recruiter for the Army National Guard in Lakewood, Washington.

Sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 is punishable by a mandatory minimum 30 years in prison and up to life in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Joint Base Lewis-McChord Military Police Investigations, the Lakewood Police Department and the Washington State Patrol.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster.

Seattle – The Clark County Jail in Vancouver, Washington and the U.S. Department of Justice today reached a settlement agreement to ensure equal access to services at the jail for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The investigation and settlement resulted from the complaint of a Clark County woman who is deaf and was denied auxiliary aids or services while incarcerated at the jail for two days.  The settlement agreement calls for substantial updates to the policies and procedures at the jail.  The complainant will be paid $25,000 by the Clark County Jail.

“When a person with communication disabilities has their liberty restrained by incarceration, the ability to effectively communicate is of critical importance. They must be able to provide and receive information about medical care, legal rights, and their basic human needs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “This settlement will help ensure that every person who is deaf or hard of hearing has the ability to effectively communicate and have equal access to services in their encounter with the Clark County corrections system.”

Following earlier lawsuits regarding services for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing, the Clark County Jail obtained assistive devices and services to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Nevertheless, over the two days that the complainant, who is deaf, was in custody, the jail failed to provide any of those devices or other interpreter services to the complainant.  Instead, during the complainant’s booking into CCJ on December 10, 2019, jail booking staff attempted to communicate using written notes, gestures, and typing on a computer screen.  These less effective forms of communication were used during such critical information gathering as taking medical history and informing complainant about her basic rights, rules, and resources at the jail.  The assistive devices that were purchased after prior lawsuits were never offered or provided.

The investigation also determined that jail staff are not trained in how to assess an inmate’s communication needs, despite the fact that the jail deals with many detainees who have hearing impairments.  Since 2014 there have been multiple lawsuits against the Clark County Jail alleging discrimination against detainees with hearing impairments.

Under the terms of the settlement, within 60 days the jail will provide the U.S. Attorney’s Office with policies to improve effective communication with persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.  Such policies will include the appointment of an Effective Communication Coordinator (ECC) who will be responsible for ensuring that the jail meets the requirements of the ADA. The policies will also require jail staff to use a communications assessment tool at the time of booking to ensure an inmate’s needs are met and require staff to take steps to ensure that inmate communication needs are reassessed throughout their incarceration.  Under the terms of the settlement, the jail will log all requests for communication assistive devices and how the jail met those requests. 

The settlement calls for the Clark County Jail to provide interpreter services in person or via video link for a variety of important interactions including but not limited to: medical appointments; educational classes; classification reviews; and religious services.  The jail will also ensure that any emergency alerts at the facility are communicated in an effective visual form for inmates who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Additionally, the jail will prominently display information on assistive services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The jail will provide a video orientation with closed captioning for deaf and hard of hearing inmates. Finally, the jail will ensure inmates who are deaf or hard of hearing have access to videophones to communicate with legal counsel or family members.

The settlement also calls for the jail to modify its restraint and handcuffing policy so that inmates who are deaf or hard of hearing can communicate using American Sign Language or in writing by having their hands in front of their bodies, when safety permits.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the Clark County Jail’s compliance with the settlement for the next three years.  The jail will report to the U.S. Attorney’s Office on training of jail staff, the logs regarding request and use of assistive services and any complaints regarding compliance with the ADA.  The reports are due every six months.

The matter is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christina Fogg. Ms. Fogg serves as the Civil Rights Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.  Learn more about our civil rights program here.

Seattle – A 35-year-old Pennsylvania man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle t0 54 months in prison for distributing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl in the Western District of Washington, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.   Jesse S. Dittmar sent multiple envelopes containing the drug to his former girlfriend who had moved to her brother’s home in Seattle.  The former girlfriend was found dead on January 29, 2019, less than 24 hours after she texted Dittmar that she had done some of the drugs that arrived in the mail, and that she was feeling unwell. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez noted the “recklessness” of sending powerful fentanyl through the mail. Chief Judge Martinez told Dittmar “This is a sad case from every possible aspect…. You are responsible for the direct actions you took that led to the victim’s death.”

“Sending deadly fentanyl through the mail, disguised in colorful greeting cards, was incredibly dangerous – for postal workers and for the children and adults who may have opened the cards in their Seattle home,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Fentanyl is claiming far too many lives in our area with overdose deaths up 38% in 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020.”

According to records filed in the case, the 32-year-old victim broke up with Dittmar and moved to her brother’s home in Seattle in the fall of 2018.    Despite Dittmar’s repeated attempts to text the victim, the victim cut off contact with Dittmar until December 2018.  During December 2018 and January 2019, Dittmar and the victim were in contact and the texts make clear he was sending her drugs enclosed in greeting cards.   Dittmar repeatedly threatened suicide or exposure of the victim’s drug use if she did not continue the relationship.  On the day she died, the victim texted Dittmar that she had taken some of the drugs and did not feel well.  Dittmar texted the victim 25 times over the next few hours but did not get any response.  He did not call her family or alert 9-1-1 that she might have overdosed.  She was discovered dead the next day. Following the victim’s death, multiple greeting cards and packaging materials for drugs were found in the victim’s bedroom.  The King County Medical Examiner determined the victim died from acute drug intoxication including fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) with assistance from the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Fire Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyndsie Schmalz.

Tacoma — The lead defendant in a scheme to steal maple wood that resulted in a massive 2018 forest fire on the Olympic Peninsula was convicted July 8, 2021, in U.S. District Court in Tacoma following a 6-day jury trial, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  The jury deliberated about 7 hours before convicting Justin Andrew Wilke, 39, of conspiracy, theft of public property, depredation of public property, trafficking in unlawfully harvested timber, and attempting to traffic in unlawfully harvested timber.  U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle scheduled sentencing for October 18, 2021.

“When people steal trees from our public lands, they are stealing a beautiful and irreplaceable resource from all of us and from future generations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “That theft, coupled with the sheer destruction of the forest fire that resulted from this activity, warrants federal criminal prosecution.  I commend the various branches of the U.S. Forest Service who worked diligently to investigate and hold this defendant accountable.”

According to records filed in the case, between April and August 2018, Justin Andrew Wilke conducted an illegal logging operation in the Elk Lake area of the Olympic National Forest, near Hood Canal.  In July 2018, just days after his release from state prison, another defendant, Shawn Edward Williams, 49, joined the conspiracy, helping Wilke remove maple from the National Forest and transporting it with Wilke to a mill in Tumwater, Washington.  The type of maple harvested by the defendants is highly prized and used to produce musical instruments. 

This was the first use of tree DNA evidence in a federal criminal trial.  Wilke claimed the wood he sold to a Tumwater mill had been harvested from private property with a valid permit.  However, at trial, Richard Cronn, Phd., a Research Geneticist for the USDA Forest Service, testified that the wood Wilke sold was a genetic match to the remains of three poached maple trees investigators had discovered in the Elk Lake area.  The DNA analysis was so precise that it found the probability of the match being coincidental was approximately one in one undecillion (one followed by 36 zeroes).  Based on this evidence, the jury concluded the wood Wilke sold the mill had been stolen.   

On August 3, 2018, the group decided to cut a maple tree that contained a wasp’s nest near the base of the tree.  To remove the nest, the group sprayed insecticide and gasoline on the nest and base of the tree and then lit the nest on fire.  The group failed to extinguish the fire, which developed into a wildfire later named the “Maple Fire.”  The Maple Fire consumed more than 3,300 acres between August and November 2018 and cost approximately $4.2 million to contain.  Some witnesses testified at trial that Wilke was standing next to the nest when it was lit on fire, and therefore appeared to have set the fire.  However, because the fire was set at night, they were not able to see his exact actions.  The jury did not convict Wilke of the two federal counts related to the forest fire: setting timber afire and using fire in furtherance of a felony.

One of those who testified that Wilke set the fire, Shawn Williams, pleaded guilty in December 2019 to theft of public property and setting timber afire.  He was sentenced in September 2020 to 30 months in prison.

Quick and diligent investigative work by a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer and by a U.S. Forest Service Wildland firefighter preserved important evidence in the case.

The counts of conviction are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.  Judge Settle will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Will Dreher.

Seattle – A prolific identity thief who traveled the country using fraud to buy luxury goods and items he could convert to cash and bitcoin, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 3 years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Between February 2017 and December 2018, Aaron Laws, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, traveled through Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Arizona, Georgia, and Minnesota making fraudulent charges on victim credit cards.  Laws had a sophisticated scheme, recruiting others, and using digital wallets, bitcoin and burner phones to try to avoid detection.  At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said Laws “had a very complicated criminal enterprise and nothing seemed to deter him.”

“Motivated by greed, this defendant attempted to use digital advances to hide his old-fashioned fraud,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “At all phases—from accessing the dark web, to loading stolen data onto digital wallets, to acquiring prepaid anonymous phones, to adopting aliases, to laundering money through anonymous cryptocurrency accounts—his operation was sophisticated and difficult to detect.  But ultimately law enforcement stopped him in his tracks.”

According to records filed in the case, Laws purchased credit card information from so-called ‘carding websites’ on the dark web.  The information was loaded onto digital wallets on prepaid phones and was quickly used for fraudulent purchases of electronics, jewelry and other items that could be sold for cash or bitcoin.  In many instances, Laws sent coconspirators into the stores to make the purchases in order to avoid detection.  Nevertheless, Laws profited the most from the scheme – as much as $500,000.

Laws used the stolen credit card information to purchase a Rolex for more than $34,000.  He purchased diamond jewelry including a diamond encrusted pendant in the shape of a bitcoin symbol.  Laws also purchased at least $166,000 in bitcoin during the time period from February 2017 until November 2017, buying the bulk of this bitcoin—$93,000—in a single day, on August 23, 2017.

Despite an arrest in October 2017, Laws continued his fraud spree.  Even after being sentenced to serve jail time on the weekends in Georgia, he was undeterred and continued to commit fraud across the country.

On January 31, 2020, Laws pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.  Following his prison term, Laws will be on supervised release for 5 years.  He was ordered to pay $623,554 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Kirkland Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie Dalton.

 

Tacoma - A registered sex offender from Skamania County was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 251 months in prison for production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Steven Lee McBride, 51, pleaded guilty in August 2020.  At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said “It is not hyperbole to say what happened to this victim is a life sentence. These traumas follow the victim their whole life long.”

“Congress has appropriately mandated some of the lengthiest sentences for those who abuse our vulnerable children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “In this case the defendant, with prior child sex crime convictions, used stealth, deception and ultimately threats to harm and kill loved ones, to force a young child to do his sick bidding.  This lengthy sentence is fully appropriate.”

According to records filed in the case, in 2007, McBride was convicted in Idaho of molesting two children under the age of 16 and was required to register as a sex offender following a state prison term of up to 15-years. Upon release from prison, McBride moved to a residence in Skamania County.  There he moved next door to a distant relative and befriended that neighbor’s child.  Between September 2017 and May 2019, McBride made sexually explicit images of the child by hiding a camera in the bathroom, molesting the child while the child slept and ultimately by posing as a school friend of the child online to demand the child send sexually explicit images.  McBride threatened to kill the child’s family if the child did not continue to provide the photos.

Law enforcement learned of the production of child pornography when investigators in Queensland, Australia became aware of McBride providing sexually explicit images online in their jurisdiction.  An undercover officer contacted McBride and got additional information about the identity of the victim from McBride.  The Vancouver Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations moved quickly to alert the victim’s parent and arrest McBride on June 7, 2019. 

Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams noted in her statements to the court that McBride was a serial child predator.  “His conduct was intentional, malicious, and calculated… He bragged about the abuse.”

Judge Settle said that protecting the community was the top priority in this case.  He ordered McBride to be on lifetime supervised release following his prison term.

McBride was sentenced to 75 months in prison in Skamania County Superior Court for the hands-on molestation. Under the terms of the plea agreement his state and federal sentences will run concurrently.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department and the Queensland Australia Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.

Tacoma - A former guard at the Green Hill School, a juvenile rehabilitation facility in Chehalis, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to extortion under the color of official right, for taking bribes in exchange for delivering contraband, including illegal drugs, into the secure facility.  Julio W. Hayes, 40, was terminated as a staffer in February 2020 following an FBI operation that uncovered HAYES was accepting bribes and smuggling drugs and other contraband.  Hayes will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan on October 1, 2021.

According to records filed in the case, Hayes began working as a guard at Green Hill School in November 2018.  Despite the fact that Hayes had significant training regarding his ethical obligations as an employee of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (which operates Green Hill School), Hayes began accepting bribes from offenders or their family and friends in May 2019 for smuggling marijuana, iPhones, vape pens, and chewing tobacco into the facility.  Hayes was paid in cash and via electronic payments such as Cash App and accepted more than $11,000 before his employment was terminated in February 2020.

Court documents describe various text messages and electronic payments where Hayes essentially took orders from offenders as to the types of contraband they wanted him to bring to the facility.  Hayes and the offenders would set the pricing and payment amounts for his services.  On February 25, 2020, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Hayes on his way to work.  In his possession, Hayes had marijuana packaged for smuggling into the facility, as well as three vape cartridges containing liquid marijuana.

Extortion Under Color of Official Right, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.  Judge Bryan will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Chehalis Police Department and the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) in Lewis County.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Arnold and Michael Dion.

Seattle – Twelve people are in custody today following a second round of arrests in an investigation involving armed drug trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  The indictments and arrests today are a follow-up to the April 7, 2021 takedown involving 24 defendants.  Most of those arrested today will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle and Tacoma this afternoon.

“Even after the arrest of 24 defendants in April, law enforcement pursued the higher-level sources of the drugs that were distributed in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “I am pleased that prosecutors in our office and law enforcement officers continued to work up the chain of this trafficking organization making large drug seizures and taking guns off the street.”

“Over the course of two years, more than 250 FBI employees have contributed to this investigation to fight back against this widespread drug-dealing conspiracy,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office. “I am incredibly proud of the hard work of my office and our partners to remove dozens of firearms and toxic drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine from our communities.”

“The recent rise of violent crime – specifically crimes involving the trafficking of firearms and illegal drugs – is of great concern to the Seattle Police Department, which is why the SPD values its partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies. By working together, we increase our ability to arrest dangerous offenders, get them off our streets, and weapons out of their hands,” said Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz. “Our joint efforts lead to the detention of 24 defendants in April. Today, we’re announcing the arrests of 12 more. Not only are these dozens of suspects off the streets, but so are dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl tablets and the tools to manufacture them. Our communities have been devastated by a recent rise in fentanyl deaths and continue to be devastated by on-going gun violence. The SPD is certain these joint efforts saved lives, and we’re gratified the many months of hard work by our officers and partners paid off.”

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized 84 firearms, including stolen firearms and ghost guns, 16 kilos of cocaine and about 50-thousand fentanyl tainted pills.  In one traffic stop in January 2021 on I-5 they seized 6 kilos of cocaine that defendant Arambula was bringing back from southern California.

In all, law enforcement has seized more than $1 million in cash.  They also seized a pill press used for manufacturing fentanyl tainted pills, three pounds of methamphetamine and some heroin.

Today alone officers seized 48 guns, 2 kilograms of cocaine, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, several thousand fentanyl pills and two illegal marijuana grows.  An additional $120,000 cash was also seized.

Those indicted in this round include:

Cresencio Moreno Aguirre, 41 of Kent, Washington

David William Armer, 41, Spanaway, Washington

Samuel Duarte Avila, 47, of Renton, Washington

Elyas Mohamed Kerow, 27, of Seattle

Brett David Radcliff, 21, of Puyallup, Washington

Sergio Reyes-Pina, 39, of Seattle

Herbert Dean Scott Jr., 49, of Burien, Washington

Rafael Ramirez, 49, Pacific, Washington

Cesar Arambula, 39, of Kent, Washington

Raul Barreto Bejines, 50, of Redmond, Washington

Jorge Aguilar Duran, 42, Issaquah, Washington

Viet Phi Nguyen, 34, of Seattle

Two people were arrested this morning who are being charged separately by criminal complaint.  Two of the indicted defendants are still being sought by law enforcement.

Earlier this month, a 13th defendant was arrested and indicted.  Kendle Hawkins, 31, of Goodyear, Arizona was arrested June 14, 2021 with 50,000 fentanyl tainted pills, five firearms and two silencers.

“This investigation has removed a large number of firearms and narcotics from the hands of violent drug traffickers operating throughout the Seattle Metropolitan area,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarantino.  “The violence spike in our communities is a clear and present danger to public safety and is a top priority for DEA and our law enforcement partners.  For those wreaking havoc in our streets and perpetuating violence, you will be held accountable.”

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

The investigation was led by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force with key participation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Police Gang and Narcotics Units, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Today’s arrests and searches involved teams from FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department, HSI, Pierce County Sheriff's Office, King County Sheriff's Office, Valley SWAT, Kent Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Narcotics/Currency/Firearms K9 support from Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Centralia Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Renton Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, and Tacoma Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin H. Becker and Lyndsie Schmalz.

 

aguirre_et_al_indictment_0.pdf arambula_indictment_0.pdf hawkins_complaint_0.pdf

Seattle – A 22-year-old Mount Vernon, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Defendant Jiovanni Nunez supplied counterfeit oxycodone pills tainted with fentanyl to an associate, who distributed them in Skagit and Whatcom Counties.  The pills are connected to at least two overdoses, including the overdose death of a Bellingham 17-year-old.  Nunez and co-conspirator Rosaliana Lopez-Rodriguez, 23, of Mount Vernon were arrested in late 2019 after an investigation to track down the source of the tainted pills.  Both defendants have been in custody since their arrests.  Lopez-Rodriguez has already pleaded guilty.

According to records filed in the case, a family member found the 17-year-old victim unresponsive on November 9, 2019.  Despite efforts of emergency responders to resuscitate him, the victim died; his cause of death was later determined to be fentanyl overdose.  Investigators found a whole and a partial pill near the 17-year-old victim.  The pills were designed to look like oxycodone 30-milligram pills, with “M” and “30” stamped on them.  But they were fakes tainted with fentanyl.  Similar pills have been linked to other overdose deaths throughout the Puget Sound region.  In fact, a friend of the 17-year-old victim nearly died after smoking one of the pills on November 2, 2019.  Nunez’s co-conspirator knew of that near-fatal overdose when she sold the 17-year-old victim more pills a week later, on November 9, 2019.

During this investigation, law enforcement executed court-authorized search warrants at each defendant’s residence.  At Nunez’s residence, law enforcement found a safe containing more than 900 fake oxycodone pills that matched the appearance of the fentanyl-laced pills linked to the fatal overdose.  Co-conspirator Lopez-Rodriguez admitted that Nunez supplied her with the pills that killed the Bellingham 17-year-old.  She is scheduled for sentencing on August 19, 2021.

Nunez faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to forty years in prison when sentenced by Chief Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on October 1, 2021.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution and defense will each recommend a term of imprisonment for Nunez of between seven and nine years.  Chief Judge Martinez is free to impose any sentence allowed under the statute.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit (SCIDEU), and the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force, which is made up of members of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Department of Corrections, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman.

Seattle – A Nigerian citizen has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Seattle for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and multiple counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Chukwuemeka Onyegbula, a/k/a Phillip Carter, is currently detained in Nigeria.

According to the indictment and an unsealed criminal complaint sworn June 6, 2021, law enforcement linked an email account belonging to Onyegbula but using the name ‘Phillip Carter’ to at least 253 fraudulent unemployment insurance filings in Washington, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Nevada, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wisconsin.  Nearly $290,000 was paid out in unemployment claims.  Additionally, the indictment alleges Onyegbula and his co-conspirators accessed the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) page on the Small Business Administration’s website and submitted applications for EIDLs using the stolen PII of residents of Washington and other states. Nearly $54,000 was paid out in fraudulent disaster loans.

Onyegbula allegedly used variations of a single e-mail address in a manner intended to evade automatic detection by fraud systems.  By using this practice, Onyegbula made it appear that each claim was connected to a different email account.   The email account used for fraud was linked to Onyegbula by various electronic evidence such as phone numbers and IP addresses.  The email account contained information such as a visa application receipt, banking information and homework assignments by Onyegbula’s son.  The cyber evidence also includes dozens of tax return information for U.S. citizens.

Evidence gathered indicates Onyegbula is employed as an IT engineer with Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to thirty years in prison when the offense relates to benefits paid in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two year sentence to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other counts of conviction.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division provided substantial assistance. The Washington Employment Security Department is cooperating in the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chang and Seth Wilkinson.

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

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

 

Seattle – A Ukrainian national was sentenced today in the Western District of Washington to 7 years in prison for his role in the criminal work of the hacking group FIN7. The defendant was also ordered by the Court to pay restitution in the amount of $2,500,000.  At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “To indiscriminately prey on millions of people… the consequences must be serious.”

According to documents filed in the case, statements made at the sentencing, and public documents, Andrii Kolpakov, 33, who has used a number of different names, served as a high-level hacker, whom the group referred to as a “pen tester,” for FIN7. He was arrested in Lepe, Spain, on June 28, 2018, at the request of U.S. law enforcement and was extradited to the United States on June 1, 2019. In June 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit computer hacking.

“This defendant breached the security of numerous U.S. businesses and managed a team of hackers hunting payment card information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “He was not the leader – but he was an instrumental cog in the wheel – training recruits, developing new hacking techniques, and adding to FIN7’s malware arsenal.  He left millions of victims in his wake and, together with his fellow hackers, caused tremendous harm to U.S. interests, estimated to be in the billions of dollars.”

According to public documents, since at least 2015 members of FIN7 (also referred to as Carbanak Group and the Navigator Group, among other names) engaged in a highly sophisticated malware campaign to attack hundreds of U.S. companies, predominantly in the restaurant, gambling, and hospitality industries. FIN7 hacked into thousands of computer systems and stole millions of customer credit and debit card numbers that were then used or sold for profit. FIN7, through its dozens of members, launched waves of malicious cyberattacks on numerous businesses operating in the United States and abroad. FIN7 carefully crafted email messages that would appear legitimate to a business’s employees and accompanied emails with telephone calls intended to further legitimize the emails. Once an attached file was opened and activated, FIN7 would use an adapted version of the Carbanak malware, in addition to an arsenal of other tools, to access and steal payment card data for the business’s customers. Since 2015, many of the stolen payment card numbers have been offered for sale through online underground marketplaces.

In the United States alone, FIN7 successfully breached the computer networks of businesses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, stealing more than 20 million customer card records from over 6,500 individual point-of-sale terminals at more than 3,600 separate business locations. According to court documents, victims incurred enormous costs that, according to some estimates, exceeded one billion dollars. Additional intrusions occurred abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. Companies that have publicly disclosed hacks attributable to FIN7 include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chili’s, Arby’s, Red Robin, and Jason’s Deli.  

Kolpakov was involved with FIN7 from at least April 2016, until his arrest in June 2018. He also managed other hackers tasked with breaching the security of victims’ computer systems. During the course of the scheme, Kolpakov received compensation for his participation in FIN7, which far exceeded comparable legitimate employment in Ukraine. Moreover, FIN7 members, including Kolpakov, were aware of reported arrests of other FIN7 members, but nevertheless continued to attack U.S. businesses.

“Mr. Kolpakov is an experienced specialist and leader, responsible for directing the activities of others within this criminal organization,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald M. Voiret of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “As the cybersecurity threat evolves and finetunes its techniques, the FBI and our partners continue our pursuit of these hackers to help safeguard American businesses and individuals.”

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Seattle Cyber Task Force of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance, numerous computer security firms and financial institutions, FBI offices across the nation and globe, as well as a number of international agencies provided significant assistance. Spanish law enforcement authorities provided significant assistance by arresting Kolpakov.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Franze-Nakamura and Steven Masada of the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

Tacoma – A 37-year-old Tacoma man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 90 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  This is defendant Brandon Culp’s second conviction involving child exploitation in seven years.  At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “You still are a danger to the public…. These victims, these young victims, will be experiencing a life sentence… many will carry scars and wounds and pain their whole life long.”

According to records filed in the case, Culp was living in Tacoma as a registered sex offender in 2019, when a social media company alerted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an account associated with Culp had shared images of child sexual abuse.  In January 2020, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at Culp’s home.  Forensic examination of Culp’s electronic devices revealed more than 800 files depicting child sexual abuse, including images and videos of adults raping infants and toddlers.

While in the Navy, Culp was prosecuted in military court for using his work computer to access pornography and solicit prostitutes, and for attempted sex trafficking of a minor.  In that case, Culp communicated with someone he believed was a child sex trafficker in Mexico about accessing a child to sexually assault.  In fact, Culp’s contact was an undercover law enforcement officer.  Culp served nearly 5 years in prison in that case.  He was dishonorably discharged from the Navy, stripped of rank and benefits, and required to register as a sex offender.

In the current case, Culp admitted in his plea agreement that after his release from prison in the Navy case, he used digital devices and the Internet to receive, distribute, and possess child-pornography images and videos.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tacoma Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman.

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

Seattle – A registered sex offender, originally from Arkansas, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 10 years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.   Johnathon R. Umphlett, 31, of Arkansas, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to possession of child pornography.  At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour imposed lifetime supervised release to follow prison, noting Umphlett’s history of molesting children.

According to records filed in the case, Umphlett was contacted by Seattle Police in June 2019, when a witness at a restaurant reported Umphlett was viewing what appeared to be child pornography on his smart phone.  Umphlett provided his phone to the Seattle Police Detective for review, and the detective verified a number of images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Forensic analysis of the phone revealed 68 files of images of child rape and abuse.  Umphlett has a 2014 conviction in Arkansas for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy.  He admits to a history of sexual abuse of children including molesting a 6-year-old child in a public restroom at a church.

In asking for the 10-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court “Those who collect and share images and videos of children being raped and tortured further a market that thrives on the sexual abuse of children. The collection of this material drives demand for new material and normalize horrific acts of sexual exploitation. And it subjects victims of child abuse to perpetual re-victimization, knowing that the digital record of their worst moments forever travels the globe to satisfy the sexual appetite of child predators.”

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

The Internet Crimes against Children Task Force led by the Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

Seattle – A 25-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 5 years in prison for arson and possession of a stolen firearm related to his conduct during civil unrest on May 30, 2020, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Tyre Wayne Means, Jr., 25, will serve the sentence concurrent to a sentence in Kitsap County Superior court for burglary.  At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “Your conduct was reckless, destructive and extremely dangerous to those who were there for peaceful protest.”

“The right to peacefully protest and gather in support of social and political causes is one of the dearest and most important rights that we enjoy in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “This defendant is one of a smaller group who chose to abuse the cover of lawful protests to carry out acts of violence.  His actions risked the safety of peaceful protestors and undercut their important messages and causes.” 

According to records filed in the case, just after 4 p.m. on May 30, 2020, Means, Jr., was captured on video lighting a paper towel and placing it in the back of a Seattle Police patrol car parked outside of Nordstrom on Sixth Avenue in downtown.  Other persons in the crowd fed the fire with lighter fluid and other accelerants, and the vehicle was destroyed by fire.  After he lit one patrol car on fire, Means, Jr., is observed on video reaching through the destroyed rear window of a different patrol car and removing a rifle bag.  Means, Jr., opened the bag and looked inside.  Means, Jr., is seen fighting with an unidentified man who tried to retrieve the rifle bag before Means, Jr., ran from the scene.  A subsequent surveillance video on Pine Street, around the corner from where the rifle was stolen, shows Means, Jr., in a fight with another man.  While Means, Jr., and the man are throwing punches, an unidentified man picks up the rifle bag and ultimately walks away.  Later that day, the rifle was anonymously returned to the Seattle Police West Precinct.

Means, Jr., was identified as the suspect in the video by his distinctive clothing, jewelry, tattoos, and association with a female who also had distinctive tattoos and a significant social media presence.  Means, Jr., was arrested in Bremerton, Washington, where he was meeting with his Washington State Department of Corrections probation officer.

Means, Jr., is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two felony convictions in the state of Georgia: serious injury by vehicle and obstructing law enforcement by use of threats or violence.  In Washington, Means, Jr., has a felony conviction for domestic violence that includes a no-contact order–that order also prohibits him from possessing firearms.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the FBI and the Seattle Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

Seattle –The U.S. Department of Justice and Whatcom County have reached agreements to ensure individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing are able to effectively communicate during encounters with the criminal justice system, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Two agreements resolved claims that the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Superior Court failed to ensure effective communication with a defendant who is deaf during the investigation, arrest, and advice of counsel phases of his criminal justice experience. The resolution calls for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office to make a number of changes to the way in which they interact with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, including developing written policies, monitoring and logging interactions, contracting with sign language interpreters and reporting back to DOJ on their compliance with the agreements.

“When a person’s freedom is at stake, protecting rights guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act is paramount,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “I’m pleased the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office are taking these steps to make sure they protect the rights of all area residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

According to the settlement agreement with the Whatcom County Sheriff, a Whatcom County resident filed a complaint that his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were violated when he was questioned and arrested by Sheriff’s deputies after a dispute with his tenant.  The investigation found that the deputies knew the complainant was deaf and communicated via American Sign Language (ASL).  Nevertheless, when investigating a complaint from the man’s tenant, they failed to use an interpreter and instead relied on hand-written notes to communicate.  The complainant was arrested and taken to jail without effective communication with law enforcement and without an ability to tell his side of the story.  As part of the settlement the Sheriff’s Office is paying the complainant $60,000.

Under the terms of the settlement with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), there will be significant improvements in its ADA policies.  The WCSO will hire an ADA coordinator to ensure implementation and monitoring of new policies.  WCSO will train staff on the policies and compile logs on interactions with residents who need auxiliary services such as sign language interpretation.  The WCSO will enter into contracts with ASL service providers so that interpretation services are available at all times.  The WCSO will prominently post information on interpreter services and the contact information for ADA services.  Every six months for a two-year period WCSO will report back to the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the requests for and use of interpreter services.

The agreement also calls for WCSO to modify its handcuffing policy for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Such individuals are to be handcuffed in the front of their body unless there is a reasonable safety risk.  In each instance where a staff member maintains there is such a risk, the interaction must be logged and reported to DOJ in the six-month review.

According to the resolution with the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office, following complainant’s arrest in June 2018, the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office and Whatcom County Superior Court failed to provide the complainant with an interpreter so that he could communicate with his assigned public defender.  The lack of an interpreter meant the complainant had to spend an additional night in jail because there was no interpreter for his initial appearance.  Under the terms of the resolution with Whatcom County, the Public Defender’s Office will ensure that, among other things, there is a contract in place for interpreter services in person or via video to ensure that defendants who are deaf or hard of hearing are able to effectively communicate with their attorneys. 

Both matters were investigated and negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Morehead in conjunction with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Seattle – A 44–year-old member of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of three federal felonies in connection with a February 6, 2019, shooting on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Joseph Sam a/k/a William Earlystar Clark was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a four-day jury trial.  U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2021.

According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Sam participated in a conspiracy to rob the victim of an ounce of heroin.  The co-conspirators’ plan was for one of them to pose as a buyer of the heroin and for Sam to then show up and rob the victim. Sam arrived at a residence where the other two co-conspirators were waiting with the victim.  His face was covered to hide his identity and he had a gun. When the victim fought back, Sam shot him in the back, paralyzing him from the waist down.  Following the robbery and shooting, law enforcement was able to piece together the gunman’s identity by reviewing social media posts and obtaining warrants for Facebook accounts and other electronic information.  Sam was arrested on May 15, 2019 and has been in custody since his arrest.

The jury deliberated about four hours before returning the guilty verdicts.

Conspiracy to commit robbery is punishable by up to five years in prison.  Robbery is punishable by up to fifteen years.  Assault resulting in serious bodily injury is punishable by up to 10 years.  Judge Coughenour will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the Tulalip Tribal Police Department and the FBI. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Cohen and Cecelia Gregson.

Seattle - A 37-year-old Bothell, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 26 months in prison for securities fraud due to his insider trading activity, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Viky Bohra pleaded guilty in November 2020, admitting that between 2016 and 2018, he used Amazon inside information he obtained from his wife, an Amazon finance employee, to place trades in Amazon stock–making a profit of $1,428,264.  At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that Bohra had turned his wife and father into criminals and added “I firmly believe white collar crime deserves equal treatment to what we call street crime.”

“This defendant and his wife were earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary and bonuses from their jobs in tech – but he was not content with that – greedily scheming to illegally profit by trading Amazon stock,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “This case should stand as a warning to those who try to game the markets with insider trading: there is a heavy price to pay with a felony conviction and prison sentence.”

According to records filed in the case, Bohra’s wife had access to confidential information regarding Amazon revenue and expenses.  Because of that work, Bohra and his wife were subject to blackout periods during which no Amazon stock could be traded.  Bohra’s wife was advised of insider trading policies making it clear the responsibility to safeguard confidential financial information.  Despite those warnings, Bohra obtained his wife’s confidential information and traded in Amazon stock and options in accounts tied to him and his father.  Trades occurred during blackout periods and, from 2016 to 2018, relied in part on information from his wife to make successful trades in advance of Amazon earnings announcements.

“Mr. Bohra knew exactly what he was doing and was driven solely by greed,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office. “With his nearly unlimited access and knowledge of securities trading, he undermined public trust in our financial markets.”

In asking for a 33-month sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “over two and a half years, Bohra, using information provided by his wife, made over $1.4 million by making illegal stock and options trades. Bohra’s conduct was not an isolated incident, limited to trading before one Amazon earning’s statement. Rather, Bohra engaged in illegal insider trading in advance of 11 straight earnings announcements.”

On September 28, 2020, Bohra was charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a civil insider trading case.  He and his family members have paid $2,652,899 in disgorgement, interest and penalties.  Based upon these payments, the United States is not seeking forfeiture in this case. 

As part of the plea agreement, Bohra’s wife will not face criminal charges.  Bohra’s wife is no longer employed at Amazon.

The case was investigated by the FBI.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Arnold.

Seattle – A former Seattle resident, who prior to his arrest resided in Tacoma, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to arson for setting fire to the outside of the Seattle Police East Precinct during the occupied protest known as ‘CHOP’, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Isaiah Thomas Willoughby, 36, faces up to five years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on October 4, 2021.

According to the plea agreement, in the early morning hours of June 12, 2020, Willoughby was wearing distinctive clothing when he was captured on surveillance video near debris piled next to the wall of the Seattle Police East Precinct.  Willoughby admits he used a small gas can, to pour gasoline on the debris.  Willoughby steps away from the debris pile for a moment, then reappears with something that he lights on fire and tosses on the debris pile.  The pile begins to burn, and Willoughby is seen walking away.  The fire scorched the side of the building, but was extinguished by those nearby using fire extinguishers, and pulling the flaming debris away from the building. 

After the Seattle Police Department released pictures of the arson suspect, various people recognized Willoughby and noted that the distinctive sweatshirt came from a clothing line he represents.  Relatives of Willoughby reported to police that he was in Seattle in the Capitol Hill Organized Protest Zone (CHOP) at the time of the fire.  Following the fire, Willoughby took steps to remove posts from his social media accounts that may have linked him to the arson.  However, at least some of his Facebook posts remain, noting his anger at police and his knowledge of the East Precinct building. 

Willoughby has been in custody at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest on July 14, 2020.

Under the terms of the plea agreement the government will recommend a 3-year prison term.  The defense is free to recommend any sentence allowed by law.  Judge Coughenour is not bound by any recommendation and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the FBI and the Seattle Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

 

Tacoma – Two Tacoma residents pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court to drug-distribution charges that carry mandatory-minimum sentences, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Tyson Lloyd, 32, faces a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.  Cole Hornbeck, 24, faces a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison and up to 40 years in prison.  The penalties are driven by the drug quantities in the case.  In addition, both men illegally possessed firearms in connection with their drug activity.  Sentencing by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle is scheduled for August 30, 2021.

According to the plea agreements, Lloyd supervised Hornbeck as a distributor in his drug-trafficking network.  In April 2020, the defendants engaged in various sales of methamphetamine to a person working with law enforcement.  One sale occurred in the parking lot of a Target store, another in a McDonald’s parking lot.  Ultimately, the defendants and the person who was a source of supply for the drugs were arrested during a drug deal for a large quantity of methamphetamine in Auburn, Washington.  When law enforcement searched Lloyd and Hornbeck’s shared residence, investigators seized more methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax and steroids that the defendants planned to distribute.  Law enforcement also found two firearms in the residence: a shotgun and a stolen .45‑caliber pistol. 

In addition to the drug conspiracy, Lloyd pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a felon; he has multiple Washington State felony convictions for crimes such as burglary, car theft, and identity theft.  Hornbeck pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as an unlawful user of controlled substances.  These firearm offenses are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Lloyd and Hornbeck have been in custody at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since their arrests on April 29, 2020.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tacoma Resident Office, the Lewis County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), and the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force (GHDTF).

 

Seattle – A 68-year old SeaTac, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 10 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possession of images of child rape and abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Michael David Mathisen pleaded guilty in October 2020. At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Richard A. Jones noted that people such as Mathisen create the market for child pornography, and that the creation of the images damages the most vulnerable among us.  “These young victims do a life sentence,” Judge Jones said.

Mathisen was contacted by law enforcement in October 2019, following a referral from Microsoft to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that the account, later linked to Mathisen, was uploading images and searching on the internet for images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The King County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations obtained Mathisen’s electronic devices.  A search of the electronic devices revealed nineteen files with images of children being sexually molested and abused. Mathisen has convictions in 1984 and 1994 for sexually molesting children under the age of nine.

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

The Internet Crimes against Children Task Force led by the Seattle Police Department coordinated the investigation.  The King County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations completed the Mathisen investigation. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

Seattle – A former manager of a Snoqualmie, Washington medical device company was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 14 months in prison for his scheme to defraud his employer of nearly $800,000 in used equipment sales, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Arunkumar Singal, 42, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on January 3, 2020.  At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones told Singal, “You put everything at risk for one thing: to add to your wealth….. You stopped because you were caught by law enforcement, but you continued to lie and deceive.”

According to records filed in the case, in 2014 Singal was the Director of Global Product Support at Spacelabs Healthcare Inc.   The company was established in the 1950’s to make medical monitoring devices to astronauts and then expanded their business to include medical monitoring devices for hospitals and clinics.  Singal was put in charge of a new initiative to resell used equipment.  But instead of selling the equipment to the highest bidder as he was supposed to do, Singal devised a scheme to have a Texas company bid on the equipment at a very low price, and then used a shell company Singal himself created to purchase the equipment for a ten percent increase in profit to the Texas company.  Singal then turned around and sold the equipment at a much higher price to a Minnesota company.  Through this fraudulent scheme Singal made a profit of more than $780,000.  Singal used the ill-gotten gain to pay down the mortgage on his luxury Mercer Island home and to buy a Tesla, among other expenditures.  The scheme unraveled when tech support workers doing regular maintenance on Singal’s company cell phone reported messages that appeared to indicate side deals not authorized by the company.  The company fired Singal and reported potential fraud to the Snoqualmie Police Department who alerted the FBI.

As part of the plea deal, Singal sold the Mercer Island home and paid restitution to Spacelabs of $780,163.  However, the harm to the company went beyond the lost income on the sales of the equipment.  At the time Singal was stealing from the company, Spacelabs was having to tighten its spending and lay-off staffers.  Had it received the true value of the used equipment the financial constraints would not have been so severe.

In asking for a three-year prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “Singal abused his position of trust and responsibility... When he was placed in a position of increased responsibility, he promptly abused the trust he had been given, devising the scheme to resell Spacelabs’ property for his own personal gain… Singal literally lost no opportunity to wring every ounce of profit from his criminal scheme.”

 

“People tend to spend lavishly when it's not their money,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Seattle.  “In this case, Mr. Singal's greed cost him not only his reputation, but also his home as well as restitution of hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Perhaps most costly however, his selfishness may ultimately cost him his right to remain in the United States.”

Singal is a citizen of India and will likely be deported following his prison term.

The case was investigated by the Snoqualmie Police Department and the FBI.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs.

Seattle – A Seattle man was arrested on Friday, May 28, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on criminal charges related to his alleged efforts to join Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in order to engage in violent acts of terrorism in the Middle East or the United States.

According to court documents, Elvin Hunter Bgorn Williams, 20, of Seattle, was arrested as he prepared to board an international flight following a lengthy investigation into his efforts to join ISIS.

“As alleged, Williams was determined to support ISIS either by traveling overseas to join and fight with the terrorist organization, or by conducting an attack here in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The FBI was just as determined to stop him, and he was intercepted as he tried to make his way abroad. The threat of terrorism at home and abroad remains, and the National Security Division is committed to holding accountable those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this case.”

“This defendant proved persistent in his efforts to join ISIS – speaking with enthusiasm about acts of horrific bloodshed in the Middle East and here at home,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. “I want to commend those citizens who contacted law enforcement – including his family and faith community - expressing concerns about the defendant’s radicalization. Their courage to speak up and work with law enforcement was important to ensure public safety.”

“This individual self-radicalized, pledged loyalty to ISIS, and became consumed with activities to join the cause overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald M. Voiret of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “We are grateful for the concerned citizens and family members who reported his behavior on multiple occasions and all of the law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly on this case. These combined efforts no doubt saved lives.”

In November 2020, a member of a Seattle-area mosque contacted the FBI with concerns about Williams. The mosque had attempted to provide support and guidance to Williams, but members became aware he was deeply involved in ISIS propaganda. Williams was using mosque-provided electronic devices to engage in online chats with ISIS radicals and to view ISIS propaganda videos of beheadings and other acts of violence. In November 2020, Williams allegedly swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS.

Using confidential sources close to Williams, the FBI monitored his activity and became aware of his efforts to travel to the Middle East and join ISIS. Williams expressed to his associates that if he could not travel overseas, he would commit an attack in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS. Williams began communicating with those he believed were ISIS recruiters who could get him to an ISIS terror cell in the Middle East or other parts of the world.

In early May 2021, Williams booked airline travel from Seattle to Amsterdam and on to Egypt to join ISIS. On Friday May 28, 2021, he went to Sea-Tac Airport to catch the first leg of his international flight. Williams was arrested at the departure gate.

Williams is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Seattle with assistance from the King County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Air Marshals; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; U.S Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Transportation Security Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Seattle Police Department; Bellevue Police Department; and Port of Seattle Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg of the Western District of Washington’s Violent Crimes and Terrorism Unit, and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

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

williams_complaint_0.pdf

A Washington man was arrested on Friday, May 28, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on criminal charges related to his alleged efforts to join Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in order to engage in violent acts of terrorism in the Middle East or the United States.

According to court documents, Elvin Hunter Bgorn Williams, 20, of Seattle, was arrested as he prepared to board an international flight following a lengthy investigation into his efforts to join ISIS.

“As alleged, Williams was determined to support ISIS either by traveling overseas to join and fight with the terrorist organization, or by conducting an attack here in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The FBI was just as determined to stop him, and he was intercepted as he tried to make his way abroad. The threat of terrorism at home and abroad remains, and the National Security Division is committed to holding accountable those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this case.”

“This defendant proved persistent in his efforts to join ISIS – speaking with enthusiasm about acts of horrific bloodshed in the Middle East and here at home,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. “I want to commend those citizens who contacted law enforcement – including his family and faith community - expressing concerns about the defendant’s radicalization. Their courage to speak up and work with law enforcement was important to ensure public safety.”

“This individual self-radicalized, pledged loyalty to ISIS, and became consumed with activities to join the cause overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald M. Voiret of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “We are grateful for the concerned citizens and family members who reported his behavior on multiple occasions and all of the law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly on this case. These combined efforts no doubt saved lives.”

“Today’s announcement should serve as a warning that the FBI is determined to see justice served upon those who would attempt to support terrorist organizations and acts of violence against the United States at home and abroad,” stated Acting Assistant Director Patrick Reddan Jr. of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “This individual’s efforts to travel overseas to join ISIS and engage in violent terrorist activities has now been thwarted due to the relentless work of the FBI and its law enforcement partners. This announcement should also serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by foreign terrorist organizations to the Homeland. Combatting terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority. The men and women of the FBI are committed to working with our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners to protect the communities we serve.”

In November 2020, a member of a Seattle-area mosque contacted the FBI with concerns about Williams. The mosque had attempted to provide support and guidance to Williams, but members became aware he was deeply involved in ISIS propaganda. Williams was using mosque-provided electronic devices to engage in online chats with ISIS radicals and to view ISIS propaganda videos of beheadings and other acts of violence. In November 2020, Williams allegedly swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS.

Using confidential sources close to Williams, the FBI monitored his activity and became aware of his efforts to travel to the Middle East and join ISIS. Williams expressed to his associates that if he could not travel overseas, he would commit an attack in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS. Williams began communicating with those he believed were ISIS recruiters who could get him to an ISIS terror cell in the Middle East or other parts of the world.

In early May 2021, Williams booked airline travel from Seattle to Amsterdam and on to Egypt to join ISIS. On Friday May 28, 2021, he went to Sea-Tac Airport to catch the first leg of his international flight. Williams was arrested at the departure gate.

Williams is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Seattle with assistance from the King County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Air Marshals; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; U.S Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Transportation Security Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Seattle Police Department; Bellevue Police Department; and Port of Seattle Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg of the Western District of Washington’s Violent Crimes and Terrorism Unit, and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

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

Seattle –  A Nigerian citizen arrested May 14, 2021 at JFK Airport in New York, is now indicted for conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for his scheme to steal over $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Abidemi Rufai, aka Sandy Tang, 42, of Lekki, Nigeria, remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.  Prosecutors have asked U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle to order Rufai detained and transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment on the indictment.  

Rufai is now charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft.

The indictment alleges that Rufai used the stolen identities of more than 100 Washington residents to file fraudulent claims with ESD for pandemic-related unemployment benefits.  Rufai also filed fraudulent unemployment claims with Hawaii, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania.  Rufai used variations of a single e-mail address in a manner intended to evade automatic detection by fraud systems.  By using this practice, Rufai made it appear that each claim was connected with a different email account. 

Rufai caused the fraud proceeds to be paid out to online payment accounts such as ‘Green Dot’ accounts, or wired to bank accounts controlled by “money mules.”  Some of the proceeds were then mailed to the Jamaica, New York address of Rufai’s brother.  Rufai was residing at his brother’s home during part of the period of the fraud.  Law enforcement determined more than $288,000 was deposited into an American bank account controlled by Rufai between March and August 2020.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to thirty years in prison when the offense relates to benefits paid in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two year sentence to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other counts of conviction.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).  The fraud on ESD is being investigated cooperatively by the FBI, DOL-OIG, Social Security Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  The Washington Employment Security Department is cooperating in the investigation.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson, Cindy Chang, and Benjamin Diggs of the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Jane Lee of DOJ’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

rufai_indictment.pdf

Seattle – A 31-year-old ‘dark web’ heroin dealer was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 5 years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Zachary Madding of Mill Creek, Washington, was arrested at a long-stay hotel in Mukilteo, Washington after a horrific assault on his estranged girlfriend. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said, “The person who is before me is not a good person.  He is a common criminal who is engaged in the most serious behavior…. On the dark web you have no idea who you are dealing with… Because of your actions, there are 1,600 families out there who are going through the pain of addiction.”

“This defendant put thousands of people at risk of death by anonymously sending his potent heroin to all corners of the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “He knew all too well the destruction his drugs inflicted, having critically injured two young pedestrians while driving under the influence of narcotics.  Dealing on the dark web spreads the destruction from heroin abuse to a far larger geographic area with callous disregard for how communities and addicts are damaged.”

According to records filed in the case, Madding first came to the attention of law enforcement in May 2018, when he attacked his estranged girlfriend by forcing Xanax down her throat and forcibly spraying a fentanyl up her nose.  Fortunately, medics were able to use Narcan to revive the victim.  Madding was arrested.  In his hotel room, law enforcement discovered false identification documents, shipping labels, drug ledgers, crushed Xanax tables and the fentanyl spray.  An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations revealed that from as early as 2016 Madding was selling heroin on dark web websites – these are an extensive network of computers that conceal the true Internet Protocol (“IP”) address of computing devices.  Even as different marketplace sites were seized by law enforcement and shut down, Madding moved on to different sites.  He took care to avoid detection by being paid in bitcoin, encrypting communications, and shipping his drugs in such a way to avoid detection by drug detecting canines.

In all, Madding made more than 1,600 sales on the dark web and pocketed $72,000 in bitcoin.

“Madding’s rein of violence and drug dealing is over,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “The law enforcement partnerships we have in Washington are stronger than criminals who hide behind computer screens peddling poison in our communities.”

“Without question this is a major step in shutting down large scale Dark web drug dealers.  Madding alone was responsible for over 1600 shipments of illegal and deadly narcotics to communities around the country.  The sentencing of a vendor like him disrupts a truly deadly supply chain and his removal from the community will undoubtedly save lives,” said Inspector-in-Charge Anthony Galetti, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is tasked with investigating any criminal use of the U.S. Mail, and the shipment of illegal narcotics remains one of our highest priorities.  We thank Mukilteo Police Department and HSI for their assistance in bringing Madding to justice.”

Madding’s dark web dealing accelerated after he was released from a state prison sentence for vehicular assault.  In that case, in August 2014, Madding drove under the influence of heroin and struck two teen-agers as they walked on the side of the road. Both were badly injured, and one suffered a critical and life-altering brain injury.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Mukilteo Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie Dalton.

Seattle – A 51-year-old Seattle man was convicted late Friday, May 21, in U.S. District Court in Seattle of drug and gun crimes following a five-day jury trial, announced Acting United States Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  The conviction of Clyde McKnight resulted from a 6-month investigation in 2017 by the Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration, of significant drug trafficking in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.  The jury deliberated for a day before finding him guilty of Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute.  U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly scheduled sentencing for McKnight for August 26, 2021.

According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Clyde McKnight was arrested outside a Portland, Oregon motel in January 2018.  The arrest followed the seizure of 2.6 kilos of cocaine, 1.5 kilos of heroin, 607 grams of crack cocaine, 42 grams of methamphetamine and 180 grams of fentanyl from McKnight’s vehicle in Seattle.  At the time of his arrest, MCKNIGHT had $39,000 and a handgun with him.   

McKnight had been observed by law enforcement using a Chrysler 300 sedan as a storage location for drugs – crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.  McKnight parked the vehicle in various locations in the Mount Baker neighborhood.  On the night of January 2, 2018, the Seattle Police Department impounded the car and obtained a search warrant.  In the early morning of January 3, 2018, McKnight made numerous panicked calls to 9-1-1 to report the vehicle stolen.  Ultimately, he was informed the vehicle had been impounded and was in the police evidence yard.  McKnight immediately tried to flee the state, traveling to Portland, Oregon where he was arrested.

A search of McKnight’s apartment in downtown Seattle turned up another firearm – a loaded Glock.  McKnight is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions – including one for attempted murder.  The jury reached separate verdicts following the drug conviction, finding that McKnight was also guilty of being a felon in possession of the two firearms.

Four other conspirators were charged, convicted, and sentenced as part of the case:

Patrick Tables, 56, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Jonathon Rushing, 42, was sentenced to 8 and a half years in prison.

Michael Turner, 52, was sentenced to 5 years in prison

Marvin Traylor, 52, was sentenced to one year in prison.

After multiple requests by the defendant for delays in the trial, McKnight’s trial was scheduled for April 2020.  The pandemic closure of the U.S. District Courthouse to in-person appearances delayed the trial further.  The case was the first one scheduled for trial as the courthouse returned to limited jury trials. 

This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.

The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Port of Seattle Police Department and the FBI crime lab at Quantico, VA.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Casey Conzatti.

Seattle –  A 20-year-old Alaska man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 20 months in prison for conspiracy to commit arson in connection with the fire he set Monday, August 24, 2020, at the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Desmond David-Pitts was arrested shortly after the fire.  At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour noted the serious danger the fire posed to Seattle Police Officers who could have been trapped inside the building.

“A handful of people bent on destruction, by committing arson and threatening the safety of our community, also drowned out the important message of those who peacefully protest injustice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “This defendant joined with others to put Seattle Police Officers at risk.  It is wholly appropriate that he spend time in prison as a consequence of his criminal acts.”

According to records filed in the case, David-Pitts had arrived in Seattle from Alaska just three days before the arson.  After marching with the group of protestors in downtown Seattle, David-Pitts is seen on surveillance video piling up trash against the sally-port door at the Seattle Police East Precinct.  Over an eleven-minute period, the surveillance video captures David-Pitts not only piling up the trash, but repeatedly lighting it on fire and feeding the flames with more trash.  While David-Pitts was lighting the fire, other people who appeared on the surveillance were attempting to use crowbars and cement-like materials to try to disable the door next to the sally-port to prevent officers from exiting the building.  At various times, David-Pitts was communicating with the black-clad individuals who were attempting to disable the door and light other fires around the building.  Despite efforts to disable the door, officers were able to get outside and extinguish the flames.  David-Pitts was seen on surveillance working with the others to cut through a chain-link fence that was a barrier around the building.  All the fires were extinguished by Seattle Police Officers and members of the Seattle Fire Department.

 

David-Pitts was identified less than an hour later in the crowd outside the precinct because of the distinctive pink camouflage trousers he was wearing.  He was arrested without incident.

David-Pitts has agreed to pay restitution to the Seattle Police Department for damage to the building. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Seattle Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

Tacoma – A 34-year-old resident of Puyallup, Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to possession of heroin and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Defendant Jeremy Gongas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on September 13, 2021.

According to the plea agreement, on June 23 and 24, 2020, Gongas sold heroin to a person who was working with law enforcement.  Gongas was arrested in July 2020, and a law enforcement search of his residence turned up dealer-sized quantities of heroin, fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine, plus more than $24,000 cash.  Less than a month later, investigators observed Gongas meeting with another suspected drug trafficker who was under law enforcement surveillance.

On August 20, 2020, Gongas and the suspected trafficker met at a convenience store in Des Moines, Washington.  Law enforcement stopped Gongas as he drove away from the meeting.  A drug-sniffing dog soon found heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl pills near Gongas’s stopped car.  Gongas ultimately admitted that he tossed the drugs out the car window when he realized law enforcement was closing in.

Gongas was charged federally on August 21, 2020, and has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since then.

Due to the drug quantities involved, Gongas faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and a maximum prison sentence of up to life.  Both the government and the defense have agreed to recommend a 10-year prison sentence.  The district court is not bound by that recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tacoma Resident Office, the Puyallup Police Department Crime Suppression Unit, the Lewis County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), and the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force (GHDTF).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman.

Tacoma – A 36-year-old Kent, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to sexual abuse for an August 2020 sexual assault on a 14-year-old child, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Defendant Christopher James Kuna was at a gathering with family and close friends in Olympic National Park when he provided alcohol to the victim and committed the sexual assault.   Kuna is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on August 17, 2021.

According to the plea agreement, Kuna was a trusted family friend of the victim and the victim’s family.  During the evening hours of August 24 and early morning of the 25th, Kuna plied the victim with alcohol causing intoxication to such an extent that the victim vomited.  Kuna then sexually assaulted the victim.  Because he was more than 20-years older and much larger than the victim, the victim was fearful of resisting Kuna.  Kuna told the victim he had been thinking about the assault for a long time.  

A trusted family friend assisted the family in making a report to local law enforcement. Upon realizing jurisdiction lay within a national park, local law enforcement referred the matter to the National Park Service Investigative Division who took over the investigation.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, the government will not recommend a sentence above 87 months in prison.  Judge Settle is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law.  The maximum penalty is life in prison.

Kuna will be required to register as a sex offender following any prison term.

The case was investigated by the National Park Service and the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Angelica Williams, Jonas Lerman, and Hilary Stuart.

Tacoma – A 52-year-old Tacoma resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 6 years in prison for distribution of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Gail Lynn Burnworth, 53, and her boyfriend Michael Kellar, 59, were arrested in August 2017, after an alert passenger on a July 31, 2017, flight to San Jose, California, noticed disturbing texts between Kellar, who was on the plane, and Burnworth, who was in Tacoma.  The investigation revealed the two had produced and shared sexually explicit images of children placed in Burnworth’s care.  At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “You exercised your free will and ultimately put your needs ahead of the needs of children.”

“This defendant committed unspeakable acts, claiming to be under the evil influence of her boyfriend,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “The harm she inflicted to those left in her care is deserving of prison and supervision that keeps her away from children.”

According to records filed in the case, after the witness reported her concerns to the airline flight attendants, the flight crew arranged for law enforcement to meet the plane.  Kellar was questioned by police and ultimately arrested.  A review of his electronic devices showed graphic explicit exchanges with Burnworth discussing drugging and raping the children in her care.

The Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force was alerted and obtained a Court-authorized search warrant for Burnworth’s residence and electronic devices.  Investigators found sexually explicit images on Burnworth’s devices and found several hundred images of child pornography on Kellar’s laptop.

Writing to the court, prosecutors noted that Burnworth’s claims that she acted under the sick control of Kellar does not mean she should be returned to the community. Burnworth “is no different than a loaded firearm sitting on a counter: in the wrong hands, something terrible could happen. And like that firearm, Burnworth lacks both the ability and the fortitude to intercede to prevent that harm. Just as the safest place for a loaded weapon is a locked safe, the safest place for Burnworth is a prison,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

“Protecting children is one of the FBI's most noble missions. In this case, the mission included local partners as well as a vigilant private citizen which led to the rescue of two children from unspeakable abuse.  Thanks to this work, Ms. Burnworth will be able to reflect on her choices from behind bars,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Seattle Field Division.

On September 25, 2019, Kellar pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography and access with intent to view child pornography.  In February 2020, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Following his prison term, he will be on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Burnworth will be on 10 years of supervised release following her prison term and will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Both defendants have been in custody since their arrests in August 2017.

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the San Jose, California, Sheriff’s Office and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC).

 The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Hampton and Marie Dalton.

Seattle – A Nigerian citizen was arrested Friday evening at JFK Airport in New York on a criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud for his scheme to steal over $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Abidemi Rufai, aka Sandy Tang, 42, of Lekki, Nigeria, made his initial appearance Saturday May 15, 2021 in New York.  He is scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday.  

“Since the first fraud reports to our office in April 2020, we have worked diligently with a federal law enforcement team to track down the criminals who stole funds designated for pandemic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “This is the first, but will not be the last, significant arrest in our ongoing investigation of ESD fraud.”

The criminal complaint alleges that Rufai used the stolen identities of more than 100 Washington residents to file fraudulent claims with ESD for pandemic-related unemployment benefits.  Rufai also filed fraudulent unemployment claims with Hawaii, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania.  Rufai used variations of a single e-mail address in a manner intended to evade automatic detection by fraud systems.  By using this practice, Rufai made it appear that each claim was connected with a different email account. 

Rufai caused the fraud proceeds to be paid out to online payment accounts such as ‘Green Dot’ accounts, or wired to bank accounts controlled by “money mules.”  Some of the proceeds were then mailed to the Jamaica, New York address of Rufai’s relative.  Law enforcement determined more than $288,000 was deposited into an American bank account controlled by Rufai between March and August 2020.

“Greed is a powerful motivator.  Unfortunately, the greed alleged to this defendant affects all taxpayers,” said Donald Voiret, Special Agent in Charge FBI Seattle. “The FBI and our partners will not stand idly by while individuals attempt to defraud programs meant to assist American workers and families suffering the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.”  

Wire fraud is punishable by up to thirty years in prison when it relates to benefits paid in connection with a presidentially-declared disaster or emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).  The fraud on ESD is being investigated cooperatively by the FBI, DOL-OIG, Social Security Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  The Washington Employment Security Department is cooperating in the investigation.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson, Cindy Chang, and Benjamin Diggs of the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Jane Lee of DOJ’s Cyber Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

Seattle – A 24-year-old Seattle man was arrested Friday May 14, 2021 on an indictment for making false statements to purchase firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Quandre Reshawn Cranshaw is charged with two counts of making false statements on a firearms transaction record and one count of making a materially false statement during a firearms purchase.  Cranshaw made his initial appearance on the indictment today in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

“The background check system is based on the principle that the person who passes the background check is the actual buyer of the firearm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “It is a federal felony to pretend that you are buying a firearm for yourself when you are really buying the firearm for someone else who cannot pass a background check.  The Department of Justice is committed to stopping ‘straw buyers’ from purchasing firearms for felons who cannot buy firearms legally.”

According to the indictment, on three different days in March 2021, Cranshaw made false statements on forms he filled out at a federally licensed firearms dealer to purchase guns.  On March 10 and March 30, 2021, he provided a false address when he filled out paperwork to purchase handguns.  On March 19, 2021, Cranshaw purchased 11 guns and falsely stated that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when he was actually purchasing firearms for other people.  Three of the firearms that he purchased were seized less than 12 hours after the purchase, during a traffic stop of a convicted felon.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Making false statements on a firearms transaction records punishable by up to five years in prison.  Making a materially false statement during a firearms purchase is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca.

Seattle – A federal grand jury today charged three southwest Washington residents and two corporations with a conspiracy that involved removing federally-required pollution control hardware from diesel pick-up trucks and tampering with the trucks’ emissions monitoring systems, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  The owners and general manager of Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest and a related Woodland, Washington, company, RPM Motors and Sales NW, will appear in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on May 25, 2020.

The indictment charges company owners Sean Coiteux, 47, and his wife, Tracy Coiteux, 43, the service manager, Nick Akerill, 41, and the corporate entities they controlled with conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and eleven specific violations of the Clean Air Act for tampering with the emissions-monitoring system on vehicles when removing pollution control equipment between January 2018 and November 2020.

“By removing required pollution control devices, the defendants caused their customers’ diesel trucks to spew pollutants into the air at a rate of up to 300 times the pollution caused by compliant trucks,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “These defendants increased toxins in our environment that are linked to cancer, as well as pulmonary, neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system damage.  And they collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for doing so.”

According to the indictment, between January 2018 and January 2021, the defendants charged their customers fees of about $2,000 per truck to remove emissions control systems required by federal law.  They then modified legally-required software that works to ensure the vehicle’s pollution remains within legal limits.  RPM Motors and Sales sometimes offered, as part of the sale of a truck, to remove the emissions control system after the customer purchased a truck.  Email and other electronic records document the conspirators’ purchase of equipment and software kits to remove the pollution control and reprogram the monitoring systems.  These modifications, which are known as “tunes” and “deletes,” are marketed to truck owners as improving vehicle power and performance. 

Over the three years described in the indictment, the defendants took in more than $500,000 for the modifications that violate the Clean Air Act.

“The defendants intentionally violated the Clean Air Act by installing emissions defeat equipment in passenger vehicles, resulting in increased air pollution,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in the Pacific Northwest.  “EPA and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus efforts on stopping the sale of these illegal devices.” 

Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison.  Each violation of the Clean Air Act is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson and Environmental Protection Agency Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Gebel Perrin. 

Seattle – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

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

“This year, Washington State has eight names being added to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “In such a difficult time for all of us, our law enforcement officers are on the front lines–at risk of contracting COVID-19, on top of the other risks inherent in law enforcement.  We hold these fallen officers in our hearts as we thank their colleagues who continue to protect and serve each and every day.”

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

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

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.

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

The Washington State law enforcement officers whose names will be added to the wall are:

Kurtis James Enget, Bainbridge Island Police Department

Jonathan Paul Shoop, Bothell Police Department

Jon Michael Melvin, Grant County Sheriff’s Office

Berisford Anthony Morse, Washington State Department of Corrections

Justin Robert Schaffer, Washington State Patrol

S. Renee Padgett, Washington State Patrol

Daniel Glenn Oaks, Yakima County Department of Corrections

Charlie Joe Cortez, Tulalip Police Department

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

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

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

Tacoma – A repeat offender, who laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds for a Mexican drug cartel using bitcoin, was sentenced today to 58 months in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Gregory David Werber, 58, of Manhattan Beach, California, laundered drug proceeds for a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in Western Washington.  At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan told him, “There is no way to judge how many people have been hurt by this drug cartel and all of the people who suffered from drug addiction… You were helping violent people do violent things.” 

“Drug traffickers are in it for the money–and those who collect the cash and send it over international borders to drug suppliers are key players in feeding the addictions that damage our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “This defendant lived the good life on the beach, with first class travel to collect drug money.  But it was a lifestyle gained at the expense of those struggling with addiction to heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.”

During an 18-month investigation in 2017 and 2018, law enforcement identified Werber as the key money launderer for a drug distribution network.  In Western Washington, the group distributed heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills in Pierce, Kitsap, King, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills tainted with fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid.  Following one seizure from a vehicle, Washington State Patrol troopers were treated for their accidental exposure.

The investigation began with the Bremerton Police Department’s controlled buys of heroin through Facebook.  On August 31, 2018, detectives and DEA agents seized more than 3,000 fentanyl-laced imitation oxycodone pills, nearly a kilogram of heroin, and more than $100,000 in cash from an apartment in South King County.  On November 28, 2018, law enforcement seized more than 13 pounds of heroin from the engine compartment of a semi-truck driven by a frequent smuggler for the ring.  In addition to coded cell phone conversations, many of the members of the ring also communicated via Facebook messenger.  On December 6, 2018, law enforcement seized thousands of fentanyl-laced pills, more than 7.5 kilograms of heroin, and 3 kilograms of cocaine, dozens of firearms, and over $325,000 in cash.  Nearly 50 defendants have been prosecuted in connection with the drug trafficking ring.

Werber originally used his own bank account to deposit drug cash and convert it to bitcoin to be transferred to drug conspirators in Mexico.  Following one seizure of more than $100,000 by law enforcement in a traffic stop, Werber started using fake names to move the cash via FedEx.  When an undercover agent contacted Werber and indicated he wanted to launder illegal proceeds, Werber described how he could handle the laundering of large amounts of cash and help the undercover agent avoid detection by the government.

Werber has prior federal convictions for credit card fraud, transporting stolen goods, smuggling, and passport fraud, and prior state convictions for drug trafficking, fraud, grand theft, and escape.  His criminal conduct in this case began within months of his 2017 release from state prison following a nine-year sentence for a drug distribution conviction in Ohio.  In fact, Werber has been in custody almost continuously since 1997.

Werber is forfeiting $69,000 in cash to the government.  Following prison, he will be on three years of supervised release.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA Tacoma Resident Office and the Bremerton Police Department, with significant assistance from the Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET); DEA Special Operations Division, Chantilly, Virginia; and Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).         

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marci Ellsworth and Karyn Johnson. 

Tacoma – A Yelm, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Daniel Ague Masters, 51, kept a substantial arsenal at both an underground bunker and in a garage on a property in Rainer, Thurston County.  At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said distributing methamphetamine “is trafficking in poison.  Methamphetamine is a dangerous substance… it destroys people’s lives.  When one is engaged in distributing methamphetamine there is harm being done.”

According to records filed in the case, Masters was known in the Thurston County community as a dealer of methamphetamine who amassed a collection of firearms.  Sources told law enforcement that Masters traded meth for stolen firearms.  A Court-authorized search warrant served on Masters’ homes, underground bunker, and a detached garage he controlled turned up two dozen firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.  Many of the firearms had been reported stolen.  One of the guns was a submachine gun, and another was a rifle with a high-capacity magazine.  Masters is prohibited from possessing firearms due to felony convictions in Thurston County for methamphetamine trafficking, bail jumping, and attempt to elude. 

Masters has been in federal custody since January 2019.  He pleaded guilty in August 2019.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) and the Lewis County Joint Narcotic Enforcement Task Force and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ye-Ting Woo.

Seattle – A Seattle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three federal felonies connected to his creation and possession of sexually explicit images of children, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Cameron Bennett Scott, 53, pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography.  He faces a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on July 30, 2021.

According to the plea agreement, Scott came to the attention of law enforcement in December 2018 when an internet service provider reported an internet address to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for uploading suspected images of child pornography.  An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force traced the images to Scott.  The investigation revealed that he had been communicating with a woman in British Columbia, Canada, about sexually molesting her children—both under the age of ten and he received files depicting their abuse. 

Law enforcement served a search warrant at Scott’s residence in August 2019, seizing two computers and his mobile devices.  An examination of his mobile device revealed that he had taken sexually explicit photos of a minor child in his residence in July 2019.

The woman in British Columbia is being prosecuted in Canada for the sexual abuse and exploitation of two minor children, as a result of the Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security investigation. 

Enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.  Receipt of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to twenty years in prison.  Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

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

Seattle – A Seattle man who stole tens of thousands of dollars from a woman in her 70’s while she lay dying in the hospital, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 65 months in prison for ten federal felonies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Dwayne Brooks, 38, was convicted following a four-day trial in February 2020 of six counts of bank fraud and attempted bank fraud, two counts of use of unauthorized access devices, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.  At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted Brooks victimized the elderly.  “This was a population that was extremely vulnerable … He was relentless to go out and steal from these people,” the judge said.

“This defendant is a financial predator who ruthlessly exploited anyone he could, including the elderly, infirm, or even medically incapacitated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “He was relentless in his efforts to open credit accounts, cash stolen checks, and steal from bank and retirement accounts.  His victims are still sorting out the damage he did to their financial lives.”

According to records in the case and testimony at trial, between November 2016 and April 2018, Brooks used debit cards, credit cards, checks, and other financial information stolen from mail, cars, and homes to steal money from multiple victims.  One of the victims, a 78-year-old woman, ultimately died in the hospital while Brooks was looting her accounts.  During the scheme, Brooks repeatedly used her information to open credit accounts, drain bank accounts, and even attempted to obtain her power of attorney.  While the woman was in the hospital, surveillance video shows Brooks using keys stolen from her ex-husband’s car to burglarize her condominium, taking bags full of valuables.  A second victim, an 84-year-old Seattle woman, is still trying to untangle the fraud he committed against her accounts, including her retirement investment account.  Finally, Brooks stole and attempted to cash a $34,000 tax refund check.

In all, Brooks’ fraud exceeds $120,000.  Judge Robart ordered restitution of $128,802.

Brooks began his ID theft scheme just months after being released from prison.  He was sentenced to 55 months in prison in 2010 for armed robbery.  Judge Robart noted that the 65-month sentence he handed down is on top of a 15-month sentence Brooks already served for related crimes in state prison.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) with assistance from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Duvall Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, Renton Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Diggs. 

Tacoma – A 35-year-old Federal Way, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 61 months in prison for drug and gun trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Michael G. McPherson was indicted in May 2019 and pleaded guilty in November 2020 to trafficking in stolen firearms, possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle ordered four years of supervised release to follow the prison term.

"Our community, like much of the country, is strugging with an epidemic of gun violence," said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  "This defendant sold guns - some of them stolen - to someone who claimed to be providing the firearms to drug cartel and gang members. Such disregard for community safety requires significant punishment."

According to records filed in the case, McPherson was first on the radar of local law enforcement in September 2018 when a Court-authorized search warrant served at his residence in Bonney Lake resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and multiple firearms.  Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco & Explosives joined the investigation.  An ATF undercover officer arranged to purchase firearms from McPherson.  The men met at a storage unit McPherson owned, and the undercover agent purchase four firearms—three semi-automatic pistols and a revolver.  Two of the guns had been reported stolen.

Within days of the sale, Court-authorized search warrants were issued for McPherson’s residence in Federal Way, the storage unit, and his two vehicles.  Multiple firearms were recovered as well as dealer quantities of methamphetamine and heroin.

McPherson has been in custody since his arrest.

The case was investigated by the Kent Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and the FBI.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory A. Gruber.

Tacoma – A Ridgefield, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to multiple federal felonies for his scheme to entice and pressure young teens into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos.  Joshua Henry Punt, 39, pleaded guilty today to using the messaging apps ‘Kik’ and ‘Snapchat’ to connect with teens while posing as a teenager.  Punt then enticed and pressured young teens to send him sexually explicit photos and videos.  Victims have been identified across the U.S., including New York, Arkansas, California, Texas, Nevada, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

According to records filed in the case, Punt presented himself in his social media accounts as an attractive teenager by using profile pictures of youthful YouTube personalities.  After innocuous preliminary communications with his intended victims, Punt demanded sexually provocative and/or sexually explicit photos and videos.  Unbeknownst to his victims, Punt recorded their videos and images on a second phone.  So, for example, when a victim believed she was sending a “snap,” which would automatically delete or notify the sender if an attempt was made to copy it, Punt surreptitiously recorded the images and videos for future use.  When victims inevitably became uncomfortable with his behavior and attempted to exit the “relationship,” Punt threatened to send the videos/images to members of their local communities–including schools, coaches, and others‑‑if they did not comply with his demands which included production of additional sexually explicit videos and images.  The victims range in age from 12 to 16 years of age.

PUNT was arrested on May 21, 2019, and was originally charged in Clark County Superior Court.  He was charged federally on November 7, 2019.

In a separate investigation, the FBI identified Punt as the administrator of a child pornography distribution group on Kik.  As an administrator, Punt actively patrolled the group – demanding that new members share content and banning those that failed to share child pornography.  An FBI online covert employee followed links posted by Punt leading to a cache of child pornography. 

Punt pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, distribution of child pornography and advertisement of child pornography.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2021 and faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison.  U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than 23 years in prison.  Punt will be required to register as a sex offender following prison.  Both the prosecution and defense will recommend that Punt be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

The case is being investigated by the Vancouver Police Department’s Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations.  The FBI investigated Punt’s activity administering a site for the trading of images of child abuse and molestation.  Law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions are also assisting this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angelica Williams and Cecelia Gregson are prosecuting the case.

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

Seattle – A Brooklyn, New York, man was arrested late yesterday in SeaTac, Washington, on criminal charges related to his alleged plan to travel to Washington State for sexual abuse of a minor.

According to court documents, Rajesh Singh, 28, began communicating with an undercover officer in August 2020 about his desire to travel to Washington State to sexually abuse a child under the age of 12.  The undercover officer was participating in an internet-based chat platform known to be used by individuals interested in child exploitation and child exploitation imagery.  The undercover agent created a fictitious daughter under the age of 12, and Singh communicated extensively about his desire to rape the child and film the sexual assault.  At various times in the chats, Singh indicated he had previously molested children.  Singh was observed in New York getting on a flight to Seattle, arrived at Sea-Tac, and took a shuttle to an area hotel and was arrested there by agents with Homeland Security Investigation.  Singh appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today and remains detained.

Rajesh Singh is charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child Under Twelve, Attempted Production of Child Pornography, and Attempted Enticement of a Minor.  If convicted, Singh faces a mandatory minimum 30 years in prison and up to life in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman of the Western District of Washington and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer made the announcement.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hampton is prosecuting the case.

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

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

Seattle – The U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington has seen a recent increase in phone calls that “spoof,” or fake, the U.S. Attorney’s Office main phone number, so the call appears to originate from the office on the recipient’s caller ID.  Fraudulent callers pose as a “Justice Department investigator.”  The scammers attempt to use a fake name and nonexistent case number to trick the victim.  The fraudsters have demanded money claiming it is “attorney fees” to resolve the case.  In some instances, the scammers appear to have some personally identifiable information on the victim or have reviewed social media posts for information that makes their spiel sound credible.

Law enforcement defines this type of scam as government impersonation fraud, in which criminals impersonate government officials.  The criminals often threaten to extort victims with physical or financial harm.  Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and organized in their approach, are technologically savvy, and often target young persons and the elderly.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office staff will never ask for money or personally identifying information over the phone.

According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), 12,334 people reported being victims of government impersonation scams in 2020, with losses totaling more than $106 million.  In Washington State in 2020, 358 victims reported $2 million in losses.  Since January 1, 2021, 106 victims have already reported $777,045 in losses in Washington State.  To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, be wary of answering phone calls from unrecognized numbers.  Do not send money to anybody that you do not personally know and trust.  Never give out your personal information, including banking information, Social Security number, or other personally identifiable information, over the phone or to individuals you do not know.

Anyone who feels they were the victim of this or any other online scam should report the incident immediately using the IC3 website at www.ic3.gov.  More information about government impersonation schemes and other online fraud schemes can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes.

Seattle – The first high-level manager of the notorious hacking group FIN7 was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa A. Gorman.  Fedir Hladyr, 35, a Ukranian national, served as a high-level manager and systems administrator for FIN7.  He was arrested in Dresden, Germany, in 2018 at the request of U.S. law enforcement and was extradited to Seattle.  In September 2019, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit computer hacking.  At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “Cybercrime has become the greatest threat to American’s financial health, and to citizens around the globe.”

“This criminal organization had more than 70 people organized into business units and teams.  Some were hackers, others developed the malware installed on computers, and still others crafted the malicious emails that duped victims into infecting their company systems,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “This defendant worked at the intersection of all these activities and thus bears heavy responsibility for billions in damage caused to companies and individual consumers.”

According to records filed in the case, since at least 2015, FIN7 members (also referred to as Carbanak Group and the Navigator Group, among other names) engaged in a highly sophisticated malware campaign to attack hundreds of U.S. companies, predominantly in the restaurant, gaming, and hospitality industries.  FIN7 hacked into thousands of computer systems and stole millions of customer credit and debit card numbers which were used or sold for profit. 

FIN7, through its dozens of members, launched numerous waves of malicious cyberattacks on numerous businesses operating in the United States and abroad.  FIN7 carefully crafted email messages that would appear legitimate to a business’s employees and accompanied emails with telephone calls intended to further legitimize the email.  Once an attached file was opened and activated, FIN7 would use an adapted version of the notorious Carbanak malware in addition to an arsenal of other tools ultimately to access and steal payment card data for the business’s customers. Since 2015, many of the stolen payment card numbers have been offered for sale through online underground marketplaces.

In the United States alone, FIN7 successfully breached the computer networks of businesses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, stealing more than 20 million customer card records from over 6,500 individual point-of-sale terminals at more than 3,600 separate business locations.  Additional intrusions occurred abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France.  Companies that have publicly disclosed hacks attributable to FIN7 include such familiar chains as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chili’s, Arby’s, Red Robin, and Jason’s Deli.  

“These cyber thieves orchestrated an elaborate network of hackers and systems to infiltrate businesses and exploit consumers’ personal information,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office.  “Their specialized skills to target certain industries amplified the damage exponentially.  Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement partners both in the U.S. and overseas, these fraudsters are not beyond our reach and cannot hide from the law.”

Hladyr originally joined FIN7 via a front company called Combi Security—a fake cyber security company that had a phony website and no legitimate customers.  Hladyr admitted in his plea agreement that he quickly realized that, far from being a legitimate company, Combi was part of a criminal enterprise.  Hladyr served as FIN7’s systems administrator who, among other things, played a central role in aggregating stolen payment card information, supervising FIN7’s hackers, and maintaining the elaborate network of servers that FIN7 used to attack and control victims’ computers.  Hladyr also controlled the organization’s encrypted channels of communication.

Speaking to the court, Hladyr said he had “ruined years of my life and put [his] family through great risk and struggle.”

Noting that cyber criminals must be deterred by significant sentences, Chief Judge Martinez said he was cognizant of the “ease of sitting at a keyboard and stealing money from people around the globe” and emphasized that would-be cybercriminals “must understand that, once caught, the punishment will be significant.”  The judge also ordered Hladyr to pay $2.5 million in restitution.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Seattle Cyber Task Force of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Office of International Affairs, the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance, numerous computer security firms and financial institutions, FBI offices across the nation and globe, as well as numerous international agencies.  German law enforcement authorities provided significant assistance by arresting Hladyr.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Franze-Nakamura and Steven Masada of the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

A Ukrainian national was sentenced today in the Western District of Washington to 10 years in prison for his high-level role in the criminal work of the hacking group FIN7.

Fedir Hladyr, 35, served as a manager and systems administrator for FIN7. He was arrested in Dresden, Germany, in 2018, at the request of U.S. law enforcement and was extradited to Seattle, Washington. In September 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit computer hacking.

“The defendant and his conspirators compromised millions of financial accounts and caused over a billion dollars in losses to Americans and costs to the U.S. economy,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Protecting businesses – both large and small – online is a top priority for the Department of Justice. The department is committed to working with our international partners to hold such cyber criminals accountable, no matter where they reside or how anonymous they think they are.”

“This criminal organization had more than 70 people organized into business units and teams.  Some were hackers, others developed the malware installed on computers, and still others crafted the malicious emails that duped victims into infecting their company systems,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman of the Western District of Washington. “This defendant worked at the intersection of all these activities and thus bears heavy responsibility for billions in damage caused to companies and individual consumers.”

“These cyber thieves orchestrated an elaborate network of hackers and systems to infiltrate businesses and exploit consumers’ personal information,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald M. Voiret of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “Their specialized skills to target certain industries amplified the damage exponentially. Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement partners both in the U.S. and overseas, these fraudsters are not beyond our reach and cannot hide from the law.”

According to documents filed in the case, since at least 2015, members of FIN7 (also referred to as Carbanak Group and the Navigator Group, among other names) engaged in a highly sophisticated malware campaign to attack hundreds of U.S. companies, predominantly in the restaurant, gambling, and hospitality industries. FIN7 hacked into thousands of computer systems and stole millions of customer credit and debit card numbers that were then used or sold for profit. FIN7, through its dozens of members, launched waves of malicious cyberattacks on numerous businesses operating in the United States and abroad. To execute its scheme, FIN7 carefully crafted email messages that would appear legitimate to a business’ employees, and accompanied emails with telephone calls intended to further legitimize the emails. Once a file attached to a fraudulent email was opened and activated, FIN7 would use an adapted version of the Carbanak malware, in addition to an arsenal of other tools, to access and steal payment card data for the business’s customers. Since 2015, many of the stolen payment card numbers have been offered for sale through online underground marketplaces.

In the United States alone, FIN7 successfully breached the computer networks of businesses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, stealing more than 20 million customer card records from over 6,500 individual point-of-sale terminals at more than 3,600 separate business locations.  According to court documents, victims incurred enormous costs that, according to some estimates, totaled billions of dollars. Additional intrusions occurred abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. Companies that have publicly disclosed hacks attributable to FIN7 include such chains as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chili’s, Arby’s, Red Robin, and Jason’s Deli.  

Hladyr originally joined FIN7 via a front company called Combi Security – a fake cyber security company that had a phony website and no legitimate customers. Hladyr admitted in his plea agreement that he soon realized that, rather than a legitimate company, Combi was part of a criminal enterprise. Hladyr served as FIN7’s systems administrator who, among other things, played a central role in aggregating stolen payment card information, supervising FIN7’s hackers, and maintaining the elaborate network of servers that FIN7 used to attack and control victims’ computers. Hladyr also controlled the organization’s encrypted channels of communication.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Seattle Cyber Task Force of the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance, numerous computer security firms and financial institutions, FBI offices across the nation and globe, as well as a number of international agencies provided significant assistance. German law enforcement authorities provided significant assistance by arresting Hladyr.

This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Franze-Nakamura and Steven Masada of the Western District of Washington.

Seattle – The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Family Services (DCYF) will pay $300,000 and make sweeping changes to procedures for providing services to families where a parent or child is deaf or hard of hearing, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman of the Western District of Washington and Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Harrington of the Eastern District of Washington.  The settlement follows an investigation of complaints by two Washington State families about DCYF’s Child Welfare Program (CWP). 

“At every step communication is key to the relationship between a family facing challenges and social workers who are trying to protect and serve children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “It is critical whether in a home assessment, a supervised visit, or a therapeutic service, that a parent who is deaf or hard of hearing be able to understand and communicate with a caseworker.  DCYF has agreed to a path forward that will provide these critical services.”

“No individual should be denied or delayed access to public services because of a disability,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph H. Harrington for the Eastern District of Washington.  “Services provided by the State of Washington whether through DCYF or other important areas of civic life must comply with the ADA and its effective communication requirements.  The ADA for over thirty years has strengthened our society and this settlement should serve as a stark reminder of why this landmark legislation is so important.”

According to the settlement agreement, DOJ found evidence that on more than 100 occasions between 2017 and 2019, the Child Welfare Program failed to provide appropriate auxiliary aids or services, including qualified sign language interpreters, for the complainant families.  The communications included high stakes interviews during investigations regarding the possible termination of parental rights and during court-ordered treatments and counseling required for reunification with children.

The investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington determined that the failure to provide auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters, denied the complainant families equal access to DCYF’s services, programs, and activities.  This failure to provide qualified interpreters in a timely manner, meant that the complainant families were not provided communication that was as effective as the agency’s communications to people without disabilities.  That is the standard set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The investigation concluded that complainant families were frequently unable to participate fully in agency investigations, had unequal access to case resolutions options like mediation, and experienced delays in moving through court-ordered services such as counseling and drug treatment.  DCYF employees also improperly relied on ineffective means of communication such as the use of note-writing for the parents whose primary language was ASL, or the use of family members to interpret instead of qualified interpreters.  There was also evidence that the parents’ status as individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and their legitimate requests for qualified interpreters resulted in caseworkers having a negative view about the willingness of such parents to cooperate in DCYF’s investigation.

DOJ concluded that the delays and barriers to access to DCYF’s services, including resolution of investigations and visitations with their children, caused significant emotional distress to the complainant parents and their children.  The investigation also reflected that these problems were likely not limited to the complainant parents but reflected a more widespread inability to communicate effectively with families with members who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Under the terms of the settlement DCYF Child Welfare Program must devise and implement, with input by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, new policies, practices, and procedures on how it will communicate effectively with constituents who have communication disabilities, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.  The new communications policies will follow the ADA requirements and will ensure there are a variety of resources, including appropriate auxiliary aids and services, for caseworkers to use in communicating with families.  The new policy will prohibit the use of interpreters who are family members and children, as required by the ADA. 

The settlement agreement also calls for DCYF to enter or maintain sufficient contractual arrangements across all the counties of Washington State to meet the expected needs for qualified interpreters.  Video remote interpreting may be used following the ADA’s standards and requirements.

The settlement agreement further calls for publicizing the new communications plan, appointing an ADA coordinator, training employees on the new plan and ADA requirements, and keeping a log of when auxiliary aids and services, including interpreter services, are used.  The log will be part of the information provided to the U.S. Attorney’s Offices to ensure DCYF remains in compliance with the settlement agreement.

Under the terms of the settlement, the $300,000 will be divided between the complainants in Western and Eastern Washington.  Some of the money will be held in trust for two of the children whose reunification with their parents was delayed by a repeated lack of interpreters. 

The Department of Children, Youth and Families cooperated fully in the investigation.

The investigation was conducted by Assistant United States Attorney Christina Fogg who serves as the Civil Rights Program Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, and Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Derrig of the Eastern District of Washington. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Offices (in coordination with the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice) vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws throughout Washington.  These laws prohibit discrimination, protect the constitutional rights of residents, and affirm equal opportunity for all.  Find more information on our civil rights program here.

Seattle – A former Seattle college soccer star, currently serving a nearly 15-year prison sentence for sexual assault in Arizona and on a second sexual assault case in King County, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to an additional year and a day in prison for making false statements on a tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  During a massive tax fraud scheme, 49-year-old Dion L. Earl purchased the Seattle Impact FC franchise, a professional indoor soccer club.  According to the plea agreement, between 2008 and 2014, EARL used false documents to lie about his income, the amount of tax dollars withheld by employers, and his mortgage deductions so that he could attempt to claim tax refunds of more than $1.6 million.  At today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik noted Earl would pay a price by missing critical years with his children, with no way to recapture them. “You’re either there or you’re not,” the judge said.

“This defendant lived a lie in most parts of his life—including his financial life,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “His scheme of phony documents stole more than a million U.S. tax dollars, and another $600,000 from the state of Arizona.  It is appropriate that he serves substantial prison time—nearly 15 years—for the sexual assaults, with the additional year of prison time for the tax fraud.”

In the 1990’s, EARL was a soccer star at Seattle Pacific University.  Between 2008 and 2014, EARL also worked in car sales in Washington State and Arizona and owned Dion Earl’s Total Soccer & Tennis Camps, LLC, d/b/a Total Business Ventures, and the Seattle Impact, FC.  Earl used his association with car dealers, Dion Earl’s Total Soccer & Tennis Camps, and the Seattle Impact to commit tax fraud.

With his guilty plea in January 2021, Earl specifically acknowledged that, on his 2012 Form 1040 tax return, he claimed that (1) he made $1,600,000 working for eight different car dealers, which withheld more than $660,000 of his wages for taxes, and (2) his wife was employed by Dion Earl’s Total Soccer & Tennis Camps, which paid her $240,000 and withheld $51,000 in taxes, and (3) he made $520,000 in mortgage interest payments on four different properties.  All these claims were false.  During 2012, Earl made less than $45,000, from which he did not have any taxes withheld, and he paid limited mortgage interest.  Due to the false claims, Earl obtained a federal tax refund of $414,160. 

Even after the IRS began a civil audit of his taxes in 2013, Earl continued to make false claims and provide false information to the IRS.  For example, Earl admitted that, as late as 2015, he falsely claimed he and his wife made $765,000 from Dion Earl’s Total Soccer & Tennis Camps, LLC, and the Seattle Impact FC, from which the businesses withheld $180,000 in taxes.  In making these false claims, Earl sought a tax refund of $137,554.  That refund was not paid. 

“Tax fraud cheats all honest American taxpayers who are paying their fair share and deprives our communities of crucial resources,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven Slazinik of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).  “Today, Mr. Earl was held accountable for his illicit personal gain at the expense of his friends, neighbors, and community.  IRS-CI will continue to protect the integrity of our tax system and in doing so, safeguard the well-being of our communities.”  

In total, Earl sought $1.6 million in fraudulent tax refunds and was paid $1,093,534 by the IRS.  Earl will owe restitution to the U.S. in that amount, as well as more than $600,000 in restitution to the State of Arizona, as a result of fraudulent tax returns he filed with that state.  Earl also agreed to pay Key Bank approximately $100,000 in restitution for submitting false information in 2008 for a home equity line of credit.   

Through tears, Earl told the Court, “I disappointed Seattle and disappointed my family… I just miss my kids.”    

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arlen Storm.

Seattle –Twenty-one people were arrested today on indictments and criminal complaints charging an extensive drug dealing conspiracy by defendants who often illegally possessed firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Law enforcement teams from FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department, and other public safety organizations executed about 90 search warrants across the Puget Sound region from as far north as Everett and as far south as Spanaway. In addition to 16 of the 19 people named in the indictments, 5 additional defendants were arrested on criminal complaints.  Those arrested will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle and Tacoma over the next few days.

“Too often the intersection of drug dealing and gun possession leads to violence in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  “These defendants enriched themselves by feeding the addictions of the vulnerable and harming community health and safety.  Community safety remains a priority for the Department of Justice.”

Nineteen defendants are charged in 4 related indictments with both drug and gun crimes.  Multiple defendants in today’s takedown have criminal histories that preclude them from legally possessing firearms.  Prior to today’s takedown, 33 firearms were seized from drug traffickers identified in this case.  Today, another 40 firearms were seized by law enforcement.

Those named in the indictments unsealed today include:

Eugene McGee, 54, of Federal Way, Washington

Larry W. Collins, 48, of Seattle, Washington

Johnathan F. Harrington, 43, of Seattle, Washington

Randolph P. Brown, 48 of Federal Way, Washington

Marco Calvert-Majors, 51, of Seattle, Washington

David A. Kelley, 52, of Seattle, Washington

Adam Anderson-Dotson, 41, of Seattle, Washington

Jerrell G. Ingram, 42, of Seattle, Washington

Kefentse Lumumba-Olabisi, 40, of Tacoma, Washington

Kenneth N. Lee, 58, of Tacoma, Washington

Edward Coleman, 65, of Tacoma, Washington

Jimmy J. Carter, 42, of Spanaway, Washington

Kevin L. Gipson, 45, of Seattle, Washington

Curtis G. Snipes, 50, of Tacoma, Washington

Richard D. Lewis, 47, of Seattle, Washington

Yusef H. Parrish, 51, of Seattle, Washington

Terry Cameron, 61, of Federal Way, Washington

Michael L. Hopkins, 51, of Tacoma, Washington

Jamar J. Howard, 48, of Renton, Washington

The defendants are all charged with drug distribution counts involving possession of cocaine and crack cocaine.  Brown, Kelley, Parrish, and Snipes are charged with gun possession crimes, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The 5 defendants arrested on criminal complaints today include:

Craig Jordan, 51, of Seattle

Carlos Daniels, 51, of Bellevue

Devon Evans, 46, of Seattle

Cesar Clemente, 41, of Renton, Washington

Terry Ezell, 54, of Seattle

 

Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized 33 firearms, over 10 kilos of cocaine, more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $160,000 in cash, fentanyl pills and a fentanyl pill manufacturing lab.  Today alone, law enforcement seized an additional 40 firearms, nearly $450,000 in cash and nearly 4 pounds of cocaine.

“The arrests today exemplify the collaboration of agencies at all levels with one common goal, the safety of the citizens we've all sworn to protect,” said Donald M. Voiret, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office.  “The positive impact made by getting these subjects off the streets should be immediately felt by communities where they held sway for far too long.”

“The Seattle Police Department values its partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies because, by working together, we increase the likelihood of arresting violent offenders and taking weapons out of their hands,” said Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz.  “Not only are these suspects and their guns off the streets, but so are dangerous narcotics, including fentanyl tablets and the tools to manufacture them.  Our communities have been devastated by a recent rise in fentanyl deaths.  The SPD is certain this joint effort saved lives, and we’re gratified the months of hard work by our officers and partners paid off.”

“Drug trafficking and violence are often intertwined, leaving communities and families devastated,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.  “This strategic collaborative approach between federal and local law enforcement demonstrates our commitment to not only serve, but also protect the public from these violent criminal networks who terrorize their neighborhoods.”

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

The investigation was led by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force with key participation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Police Gang and Narcotics Units, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Today’s arrests and searches involved teams from FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department, HSI, U.S. Marshal Service, Lakewood Police Department SWAT, Tacoma Police Department SWAT, Pierce County Sheriff's Office, North Sound Metro SWAT, Washington State Patrol SWAT, Valley SWAT, Kent Police Department, Renton Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, WA Liquor & Cannabis Board, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Narcotics/Currency/Firearms K9 support from Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Centralia Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Snoqualmie Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Stillaguamish Police Department, Bothell Police Department, Anacortes Police Department, Puyallup Police Department, King County Sheriff's Office, and Tacoma Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin H. Becker and Lyndsie Schmalz.

firearms seized