Western District of Washington

            The Lummi Nation’s Crime Victims Unit and Lummi Police Detective Kelley Long were recognized this week by U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan for their outstanding work with crime victims.  The Lummi Victims of Crime Unit was established 23 years ago and has 14 staff members working to assist those who have suffered domestic violence, abuse, assault or other victimization.  U.S. Attorney Durkan made the presentation Tuesday June 4, 2013 at a meeting of the Lummi Nation Tribal Council.

            “Nothing is more important than the care we provide to those who have been touched by crime and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan.  “The staff of the Lummi Victims of Crime Office dedicates their services to helping families who are at their lowest point – often coping with terrible loss.  On behalf of all the attorneys and the victim/witness coordinators in my office, I want to thank the Lummi staff and the tribe for all they do to help the victims heal and to help us hold the perpetrators accountable.”

            The presentation was a surprise for the Victims of Crime staff members including Victim Advocates Winona Boxberger, Irenee Owings, Olivia Solomon, Charlene Casimir-George, and Terrence “TJ” Adams.  Two attorneys who assist tribal members in contested family law matters: Michelle Hull and Ben Pratt, and their legal assistant Malcolm Owings.  And four staff members who work at the Lummi shelter were recognized: Lorayne Dennis, Tanya McCutchen, Tracy Douglas, and Patty John.  Office staff Misty Cisimir and Andrea Johnson were also recognized.

            Nikki Finkbonner, the Program Coordinator for the Victims of Crime Office accepted the certificate on behalf of her staff.  The Lummi Victims of Crime Office provides comprehensive victim services including: domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, teen dating violence, stalking, and emergency shelter.  The Lummi Victims of Crime Department provides direct services including crisis counseling, follow-up contacts, therapy counseling, group treatment, legal assistance, personal advocacy, compensation claims, transportation, transitional housing, emergency shelter, and death notifications with Law Enforcement.

            U.S. Attorney Durkan also applauded the excellent work of Lummi Tribal Detective Kelley Long who has worked closely with the FBI to investigate crimes that are forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The Lummi Tribal Police Department has approximately 20 commissioned officers.

            The Lummi Nation is a self-governing, federally recognized Indian Tribe.  The Lummis are the third largest tribe in Washington State, serving over 5,000 members whose median age is 29 years old.

            Two men, who reside in Western Washington, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to child pornography related offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  Both men, 53-year-old CHARLES GLENN PERKINS of Burien and 29-year-old CONOR RYAN KELLY BRODERICK, of Anacortes, have prior convictions for sex offenses.  PERKINS will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez for receipt of child pornography on September 12, 2013.  BRODERICK will be sentenced for possession of child pornography by U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly on September 12, 2013.  Both men remain in custody.

            According to records filed in the case, BRODERICK was arrested November 3, 2012 by Anacortes Police after a stalking incident.  The stalking followed a report to police by two different women claiming BRODERICK was threatening to post nude pictures of them on the internet unless they sent him additional pictures.  While incarcerated, BRODERICK called an acquaintance and told the person to remove a memory card from his computer.  Investigators who had been monitoring the jail calls, obtained a search warrant and ultimately determined the memory card and other media storage devices contained more than 100 images of child pornography.  Later, while released on bail, BRODERICK entered into a “sexting” relationship with a girl in Kentucky who identified herself as a 14-years-old.  BRODERICK has these prior convictions: Rape of a Child in the Third Degree (three counts), in Skagit County (2007) and Dealing in Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Activity (two counts), in Skagit County (2007).  BRODERICK faces a mandatory minimum ten years in prison.

            In the second child pornography case, PERKINS was identified by law enforcement in the current case when he tried to enter Canada on December 29, 2012 and was denied entry due to his prior convictions for sex offenses.  PERKINS is a registered sex offender in Washington State having previously been convicted of child molestation offenses in Kitsap County in 1987 and 1990.  The Canadian Border agents sent PERKINS’s laptop for screening and investigators noted two pictures of nude children.  Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations obtained a search warrant for PERKINS’s Burien residence.  A review of his digital media revealed that he had received and possessed approximately 610 images and 10 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Because of his prior convictions PERKINS faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison.

            Both men were prosecuted 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.projectsafechildhood.gov 

            Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerrod Patterson.  Mr. Patterson serves as the Project Safe Childhood coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Investigators from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Anacortes Police Department investigated these cases.

            An enrolled member of the Nooksack Tribe pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to second degree murder, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  LEVI EUGENE CHARLES, 26, admitted that he killed Sauk-Suiattle Tribal member Kenneth Joseph by striking him in the head and face with an ax.  The murder occurred when 68-year-old Joseph awoke while CHARLES was burglarizing Joseph’s home on the Lummi reservation.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, both sides will recommend a sentence between 22 and 27 years in prison when CHARLES is sentenced on August 2, 2013.  U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence up to the maximum allowed by law: a life prison term.

            According to the plea agreement, CHARLES went to Joseph’s home the night of October 23, 2012.  CHARLES knew Joseph and had been in the home.  He admits he planned to break in and steal items to sell for cash.  CHARLES picked up a miniature baseball bat outside the residence and carried it inside.  Joseph heard the intruder and confronted him.  CHARLES hit Joseph with the mini baseball bat multiple times and then grabbed an ax from near the front door of the house and hit the victim with that in the head and face.  After killing Joseph, CHARLES threw a blanket over the body and hung blankets over the windows to conceal the crime scene.  CHARLES stole an ATM card from Joseph’s wallet, and took a TV and other items from the house.  CHARLES threw the small bat away in the woods and discarded the TV and other items at the end of the driveway.  He used the ATM card a few hours later to take $420 from Joseph’s bank account.

            CHARLES was arrested October 29, 2012 and was indicted December 19, 2012.

            The case was investigated by the Lummi Police Department and the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

            A repeat offender who was arrested twice by Tacoma Police officers with baggies of crack cocaine was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison following his convictions at trial for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack), four counts of possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness tampering, announced U. S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  TITUS DION PETERSON, 34, has a lengthy criminal history including multiple convictions for drug dealing, assault, resisting arrest, and bank robbery.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said his primary concern was protecting the public, saying to PETERSON, “The Court has no confidence … that you’re at a point mentally to make a change in your life.”

            According to records filed in the case, Tacoma Police officers stopped PETERSON January 13, 2010, for jaywalking and determined that he had attempted to toss two baggies containing a total of about an ounce of crack cocaine after noticing the officers in the area.  PETERSON was arrested, and failed to appear in court on the charges.  After a warrant was issued on that case, PETERSON was located a second time by Tacoma Police Officers on October 31, 2011.  Following a traffic stop, officers found another ounce of crack cocaine in a baggy in the vehicle PETERSON was driving.  Following that arrest, members of the FBI’s South Sound Gang Task Force went to PETERSON’s apartment and a storage unit he controlled.  In the storage unit officers found an additional nine ounces of crack and powder cocaine, $23,000 in cash, and two firearms.  One was a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with 13 rounds, the other was a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol loaded with 15 rounds.  While incarcerated awaiting trial, PETERSON made numerous phone calls to friends and family members attempting to thwart the investigation and prosecution.  Those calls resulted in the witness tampering conviction.  PETERSON was convicted on October 5, 2012 following a three day bench trial (after waiving his right to a jury trial).

            The case was investigated by the FBI’s South Sound Gang Task Force, which also includes officers from the Tacoma Police Department, the Washington Department of Corrections and State Patrol, the Lakewood Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory A. Gruber.

            Six people were arrested over the weekend following the return of two indictments charging them with conspiracy to violate the Arms Control Export Act and attempting to violate the Arms Control Export Act, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  The defendants, two of whom are brothers, were arrested in SeaTac, Bellevue, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Berkeley, California.  Brothers NARES LEKHAKUL, 36, a lawful permanent resident of Bellevue, Washington, and NARIS LEKHAKUL, 42, a Thai citizen arrested at SeaTac, will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:30 today.

            According to the indictment, between 2011 and 2013, the defendants conspired to export restricted firearms parts from the U.S. to Thailand.  The co-conspirators did not obtain appropriate licenses to make the shipments.  The co-conspirators would use fake names and fake invoices to try to avoid detection, and they packed various firearms parts in specific ways to try to avoid detection by x-ray scanners.  Members of the group shipped various firearms parts with false labels.  For example, in one instance they shipped magazines for .45 caliber handguns, while labeling them “Vented steel case for electronic components” or “replacement springs and metal caps for bottling machine.”  Other shipments were labeled as “hobby parts,” or “glow in the dark marker sets.”  In all, the group is believed to be responsible for more than 240 shipments of restricted firearms components.  The defendants did not ship any assembled firearms or entire firearms disassembled.

            In addition to the LEKHAKUL brothers, these additional defendants are also indicted: WITT SITTIKORNWANISH, 24, a U.S. citizen residing in the Los Angeles area; WIMOL BRUMME, 41, a Thai citizen residing in Las Vegas; SANGSIT MOWANNA, 35, a U.S. citizen residing in the Los Angeles area; and
SUPANEE SAENGUTHAI, 35, a Thai citizen residing in Berkeley, California.

           The Department of State promulgates the United States Munitions List, which consists of categories of defense articles and services that cannot be exported without a license issued by the Department of State.  The U.S. Munitions List includes the firearms’ parts and components shipped in this case.  As a result, the export of firearms components requires an export license.

            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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Thomas Woods with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.

            A former Amanda Park, Washington resident who operated a shingle mill as a cover for distributing methamphetamine was sentenced today to ten years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  JOSE NAUR SANCHEZ, 35, was arrested in June 2012, following a lengthy investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Tahoma Narcotic Enforcement Team, the Grays Harbor Drug Taskforce, and the Quinault Tribal Police.  NAUR SANCHEZ pleaded guilty in March 2013.  At sentencing, United States District Judge Benjamin Settle described the methamphetamine that the defendant possessed as “poison” which quickly leads to addiction.

            “These defendants, who have ties to Mexican cartels, sought to spread their poison and influence on tribal land and in our rural areas,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “I am grateful for the good work of the Quinault Nation Narcotics Enforcement Team and Grays Harbor Drug Task Force who were key partners with federal law enforcement in this prosecution.”

According to records filed in the case, in the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized multiple pounds of methamphetamine.  Two members of the smuggling ring were arrested and indicted following their arrest in May 2012, with six kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in the spare tire of their car.  The men were tracked to a drug lab in Stockton, California, and were arrested by police on their return trip to Washington.  When law enforcement raided the Stockton drug lab they seized more than 66 pounds of crystal meth, 88 pounds of liquid slush methamphetamine and disassembled assault rifles packaged for transport to Mexico.  When NAUR SANCHEZ was arrested, investigators found four pounds of methamphetamine in a car associated with him.  The meth was wrapped in cellophane and coated with grease in an attempt to hide it from police.

In asking for significant prison time, prosecutors noted that “Even after being deported following his fourth drug conviction and a three year sentence, the defendant returned to the United States and became involved in this conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.”

This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.Multiple local and federal law enforcement officers were involved in this DEA led investigation: Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET), Grays Harbor Drug Task Force (composed of the Hoquiam and Aberdeen Police Department and the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Department), Lakewood Police Department, Quinault Nation Narcotics Enforcement Team, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and FBI. Additionally, these agencies contributed: DEA Special Operations Division, DEA Modesto, Sacramento and Stanislaus, Clark-Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Centralia Police Department and Customs and Border Patrol.

            A Seattle man, who was prosecuted as a juvenile in connection with the high profile beating death of a street musician, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  WILLIAM CHAMBERS, 20, also known as ‘Billy Chambers’, was arrested in October 2012, barely two weeks after he had been released from serving a 21 month prison sentence for attempted assault.  CHAMBERS was arrested following a car prowl in Burien, Washington, where he and his co-conspirators stole a Bushmaster assault rifle.  CHAMBERS, who is prohibited from possessing firearms, had the gun in the trunk of his car when he was stopped.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik urged CHAMBERS to use the prison time and the federal supervision to turn his life around and be an example for other young people.  “This is your last best chance.  Please take advantage of it,” the Judge said.

            “We must work to end the street culture that thrives on guns.  Too many lives have been harmed,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “Getting guns out of the hands of felons and other prohibited persons is a top priority for our office.”

According to records filed in the case, CHAMBERS pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on February 28, 2013.  He is prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous convictions as a juvenile and an adult.  CHAMBERS was convicted of manslaughter as a juvenile for the October 2008 death of Edward McMichael known as the “Tuba Man”.  Chambers was sentenced to 15 to 36 weeks of incarceration.  In 2010, CHAMBERS was sentenced to eight months in prison for robbing a man in downtown Seattle using a fake gun.  In October 2011, CHAMBERS intentionally ran another driver off the road and pleaded guilty to attempted assault and hit and run.  He was sentenced to 21 months in prison and was released just 15 days before he was arrested in this case for illegal firearms possession.  CHAMBERS was taken into custody about 20 minutes after a neighbor reported seeing the men stealing an item from the trunk of a car in her neighbor’s driveway.  CHAMBERS admitted to police that the house and car were targeted because he believed the residents had guns.  The Bushmaster .223 caliber assault rifle that CHAMBERS possessed had an extended magazine containing 30 rounds and is a particularly deadly and dangerous weapon.  The firearm had been reported stolen in a burglary in July 2010.

The case was investigated by the King County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs.  Mr. Hobbs is a Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute firearms cases in federal court.

            A former pediatric intensive care nurse from Portland’s Oregon Health & Science University, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to seven years in prison and ten years of supervised release for distribution and receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  BRYAN W. CORBITT, 44, of Washougal, Washington, was arrested on February 16, 2012, following an investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  CORBITT had been sharing sexually explicit images of children over the Internet via a file-sharing program on his computer.  Two of the people he chose to share images with were undercover law enforcement agents, each of whom observed thousands of images of child pornography available for sharing on CORBITT’s computer.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton said, “These are serious crimes.  These children are victimized, and in your spare time, you persisted in victimizing them in your own way.  That’s reprehensible.”

            “This defendant betrayed the trust of the medical profession and the children and families he cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “He tried unsuccessfully to hide his crime from law enforcement and from his own family.  It is fully appropriate that as part of his supervised release he will have to undergo sex offender treatment.”

According to records filed in the case, CORBITT had used “wiping” software on his computer in an effort to hide his interest in child pornography.  Nevertheless, a forensic examination of the computer found 65 image files of child pornography from the allocated space of Defendant’s computer, and another 400 or so images of child pornography from the unallocated space.  The forensic examination also revealed that CORBITT used a separate media storage device to store additional images and videos of child pornography.  That device has not been located.  CORBITT had images of young boys with catheters inserted into their penises mixed in among his collection of child pornography, images that were clearly taken in a hospital setting like the one where he worked for ten years.  Many of the parents who contacted the case agent after news of CORBITT’s arrest were grieving their children’s deaths; many were parents of severely disabled children.  To learn that CORBITT had been arrested and charged with crimes involving the sexual exploitation of innocent victims caused additional anguish.

“It's always disheartening when we arrest someone who was in a position of trust for possession of child pornography,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of HSI Seattle. “This case is particularly egregious because the defendant, as a pediatric nurse, had a fundamental duty to protect children, but instead he chose to exploit them through his consumption of Internet child pornography.  Every day, HSI special agents work tirelessly to seek justice on behalf of child sex abuse victims by tracking down consumers and producers of child pornography.”

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marci Ellsworth.

            Two men, who previously resided in Pierce County, Washington were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for their illegal actions associated with a militant anti-government group, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  KENNETH WAYNE LEAMING, 57, of Spanaway, Washington, was sentenced to eight years in prison for three counts of filing false liens against federal officials, and one count of harboring federal fugitives and being a felon in possession of firearms.  His co-conspirator, former Tacoma resident DAVID CARROLL STEPHENSON, 57, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a single count of filing false liens against a federal official.  STEPHENSON is already serving an eight year prison sentence for tax fraud.  Both men were convicted at trial in March 2013.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton said Leaming had earned “every day” of the prison term.  Leaming “flaunts authority, he harasses law abiding people who have an obligation to the people to serve.”

Judge Leighton imposed a ten year sentence, above the guidelines range, on STEPHENSON saying he, “cannot, will not live his life without doing harm to others.  He is the master manipulator, the puppeteer... He is in my mind a very dangerous man.”

“These defendants tried to mask their crimes with the cloak of free speech and beliefs,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “They thought they were immune from the law or the justice system, but now their frauds aimed at taxpayers and public servants need to come to an end.  A lengthy prison term is the best way to protect the public from their schemes.”

When investigators served a search warrant at LEAMING’s Spanaway home on November 21, 2011, they found six firearms.  LEAMING was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction of operating an aircraft without a pilot’s license.  Additionally, investigators determined that two wanted federal fugitives from Arkansas had been living with LEAMING in his home.  Finally, the search revealed that LEAMING and STEPHENSON, who was an inmate at the time in an Arizona federal prison, had been conspiring to file liens against various federal officials including the Arizona prison warden and the head of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The men identify themselves as members of the ‘Sovereign Citizen’ movement.  ‘Sovereign Citizens’ profess a belief that both state and federal government entities are illegitimate.  Members of this group often engaged in so-called “freedom driving,” i.e., driving about without state-required licenses, either for their vehicles or themselves.  When contacted by local law enforcement, members of the group often bombard local officials (from the officer, to local judges, to mayors and other members of local government) with frivolous liens, false claims, and sometimes threats of violence.  Many members of this same group had previously come to the attention of federal law enforcement for engaging in various fraudulent tax schemes, wire fraud schemes, and (occasionally) inappropriate communications with various members of federal law enforcement and the judiciary.

In asking for a ten year sentence for both men, prosecutors wrote to the court that only a long prison term would protect the public.  About STEPHENSON they wrote, “This is not the case of a defendant who continues to run afoul of the law because of a substance abuse addiction or a history of childhood abuse.  Rather, this is a defendant who simply chooses to remain defiant, despite court after court telling him that he must stop, and despite multiple stints in prison.  At this point, removal from society is the only way in which the public can be kept safe from the defendant’s crimes.”

As for LEAMING, prosecutors provided information to the court about his repeatedly holding himself out to victims as a lawyer who could solve their problems, when in fact his actions may have damaged their case. About the crimes from the March 2013 conviction prosecutors wrote: “Defendant’s possession of firearms is particularly disturbing in light of several facts.  First is obviously his disdain for government.  Second is his possession of various items of police equipment, including numerous badges, light bars, and a Crown Victoria sedan modified to appear to be a police vehicle.  Last but not least is Defendant’s repeated invocation of the shooting of government officials in Southern California by a disgruntled former police officer - which again appeared to be a veiled threat to engage in violence himself if he is prevented from pursuing his “‘petitions for redress,’” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

Two other defendants active in the Sovereign Citizen movement have already been sentenced to prison for their criminal conduct.  David Russell Myrland was sentenced in 2011 to 40 months in prison for making threats against elected officials in Kirkland, Washington.  And in 2012 Timothy Garrison was sentenced to 42 months in prison for assisting in the filing of false tax returns.

The cases were investigated by the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), ATF, the Federal Protective Service and the U.S. Marshal Service.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Thomas Woods.

A 58-year-old Mill Creek, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 22 years in prison and lifetime supervised release for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  PHILLIP STEVEN ALLEN pleaded guilty December 21, 2012.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones told him, “You grossly violated the trust” of these young victims.  Judge Jones noted that ALLEN “permanently placed in the stream of commerce the images of these young children.”

“This defendant molested young relatives, and then victimized them again by distributing sexually explicit images of them to others via the internet,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “It is hard to imagine more depraved conduct, which will haunt these young children for years to come.  This defendant has fully earned this 22 year prison term.”

According to records filed in the case, ALLEN came to the attention of law enforcement in 2010, when they served a search warrant on a residence in Bloomington, Indiana.  The occupant of the home was being investigated for distribution of child pornography.  Investigators determined that the Indiana resident had sent child pornography to an email address in Mill Creek.  Further investigation linked the address to ALLEN.  In July 2011 agents served a search warrant at ALLEN’s address.  A computer and two external hard drives were analyzed.  Law enforcement found pornographic pictures on the devices of young children who are related to ALLEN.  The images have been found in three separate investigations of possession of child pornography across the country.

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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was investigated by the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerrod C. Patterson.  Mr. Patterson is the Project Safe Childhood coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

            A 37-year-old Bellingham woman who was a key player in a Whatcom County drug distribution ring was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to nine years in prison and four years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  ROSIE CASTANEDA was arrested in December 2011, following a lengthy investigation of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and heroin throughout Whatcom County.  CASTANEDA was at once a supplier, a customer and a distributor of drugs for a criminal group headed by co-defendant Todd Hamilton.  CASTANEDA pleaded guilty in March 2012.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour noted CASTANEDA’s extensive criminal history and her “lack of remorse” as indicated on recorded telephone calls she made from the Federal Detention Center.

            “This criminal organization prospered by poisoning the communities of Whatcom County,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “My thanks to the leaders of local law enforcement in Bellingham and Whatcom County who worked closely with federal law enforcement partners on this prosecution.  They truly make a difference for our community.”

            According to records filed in the case, CASTANEDA was responsible for distributing both heroin and meth, and had been involved in using and distributing drugs in the Bellingham area for 20 years.  CASTANEDA has a lengthy criminal history and was on Department of Corrections supervision for earlier convictions when she was arrested in this case.  CASTANEDA used male friends and boyfriends to threaten others and to make sure she got paid for the drugs she sold them.

            In asking for a lengthy prison sentence, prosecutors told the court that CASTANEDA was part of “a core group of criminals (which) was singlehandedly running the heroin and methamphetamine trade in Whatcom County.  Defendant was one of those criminals whose name constantly resurfaced as a large part of the problem.  Her sale of methamphetamine and heroin, while on DOC supervision, to numerous addicts in the Bellingham area only further destroyed the lives of those addicts and their families.”

            Hamilton pleaded guilty in April and is scheduled for sentencing July 9, 2013.

            This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved, and was investigated and prosecuted pursuant to the United States Attorney’s Northwest Washington Hot Spot Initiative.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force.  In addition, the Bellingham Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and multitude of other local jurisdictions provided support, resources, and officers to assist in this year-long investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Otake and Roger Rogoff.

A 25 year-old Vancouver, Washington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to conspiracy to traffick in counterfeit goods, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  VITALIY YAREMKIV, was arrested April 2, 2013 after being indicted by a grand jury in Seattle.  In his plea agreement YAREMKIV admits that between June 2011 and June 2012, he sold more than 900 counterfeit vehicle airbags he had purchased from a source in China.  Under the terms of the plea agreement both sides will recommend a sentence of ten months in prison, but U.S. District Ronald B. Leighton is free to impose any sentence up to the ten year maximum allowed by law.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2013.

According to the statement of facts in the plea agreement, YAREMKIV operated a business, Vital Auto Parts and Sales, out of his Vancouver home.  He allegedly imported counterfeit Honda, Subaru and Toyota airbags from sources in China and elsewhere, and sold them over the internet representing them as the genuine product.  YAREMKIV sold at least 964 of the counterfeit airbags via eBay with a sales total of $137,243.  YAREMKIV sold individual Honda airbags for an asking price of $110.  Investigators believe that many of the airbags are sold to independent garages who install them in vehicles believing they have purchased a genuine airbag.  YAREMKIV has agreed to pay restitution of $137,243 to Honda Motors Corporation and Toyota Motors Corporation.

Information for consumers regarding counterfeit airbags is available here: http://www.safercar.gov/.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman Barbosa.

            Two men investigated as part of a wide ranging international drug conspiracy were convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle on federal charges related to their drug distribution, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  RAUL ANCHONDO, 29, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Conspiracy to Possess Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes & Crimes of Violence, and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.  RICHARD ANTHONY ORTIZ, 33, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute.  The jury deliberated about five hours following the seven day trial.  ANCHONDO faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison and ORTIZ faces a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.  They are to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on September 27, 2013.

            The men were arrested in March 2012, following a lengthy investigation of the drug trafficking ring.  According to records filed in the case, during the investigation, agents seized multiple kilos of heroin, pounds of methamphetamine, and more than a dozen firearms, including military-style assault rifles which were bound for cartel members in Mexico.  During the course of the investigation, federal agents were able to interdict a shipment of a dozen weapons to Mexico, preventing high powered firearms from crossing the border.  In all, 34 people have been charged in the case and the conspiracy leaders in the U.S., Cristian Berrelleza-Verduzco, Victor Berrelleza-Verduzco, and Ivan Berrelleza-Verduzco have all pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in September 2013.

            According to testimony at trial, ANCHONDO ran a stash house for drugs and bulk cash in Arizona, and later became a courier, bringing multi-pound loads of methamphetamine and kilos of heroin up to Western Washington in hidden compartments of various load vehicles.  The compartments would be loaded with cash for the return trip – as much as $100,000 to $300,000 headed back to Mexico.  ANCHONDO helped pack and ship the drugs – the packages were wrapped in a distinctive way with the initials of the drug leaders in Mexico responsible for the load noted on the packaging.  At the direction of the conspiracy leaders, members of the conspiracy slept with firearms at their sides to protect the drugs and the cash.  ANCHONDO also received two high powered weapons for shipment to Mexico, and used other firearms during the course of the conspiracy.  ORTIZ was a kilo quantity distributor of heroin in Western Washington, making calls to arrange drug deliveries even as he was leaving the office of his state community corrections officer.  Nearly 500 telephone calls on cell phones associated with ORTIZ tie him to the Washington leaders of the drug conspiracy.

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 ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lake Stevens Police Department, the Snohomish Police Department, Washington State Patrol, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force and the Seattle Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and John McNeil.

            A drug trafficker who came to the attention of law enforcement after his roommate was shot and killed in November 2012, was convicted today following a three day jury trial, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  JUAN HIDALGO-MENDOZA, 33, of Lakewood, Washington was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition.  The jury deliberated about 5 hours.  HIDALGO-MENDOZA faces a mandatory minimum 15 years to life in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton on August 27, 2013.

            According to records filed in the case, emergency crews responded to the Greenwood Apartments on San Francisco Ave. SW, in Lakewood, just before 10 PM on November 12, 2012.  They found Jaime Diaz-Solis with a fatal gunshot wound on the sidewalk outside the ground floor apartment he shared with HIDALGO-MENDOZA.  According to witnesses, they heard a gunshot and later HIDALGO-MENDOZA dragged Dias-Solis from the apartment yelling for neighbors to call an ambulance.  HIDALGO-MENDOZA said he was in his bedroom when the victim was shot by an intruder.  On the night of the shooting a search of the apartment revealed two bricks of heroin weighing over 3 kilos, wrapped in duct tape, as well as an AK-47 style assault weapon.  Investigators also found a revolver in HIDALGO-MENDOZA’s bedroom closet.  Hidden under the seat of HIDALGO-MENDOZA’s truck, investigators found $37,800 in cash.  HIDALGO-MENDOZA was arrested in November for the drug conspiracy as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He has a prior conviction in California for distributing heroin and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

            Two months after HIDALGO-MENDOZA’s arrest, and after the apartment had been rented to a new tenant, law enforcement learned there were additional drugs hidden in the unit.  In the walls they found eight bricks of heroin wrapped in duct tape, and two bricks of methamphetamine wrapped in green cellophane.  The hidden heroin totaled more than 13 kilos and the methamphetamine was nearly 2 kilos.  The wrapping of the heroin was identical to the two bricks seized in November.

            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 Lakewood Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  The Auburn Police Department assisted with the case.

            A federal grand jury in Seattle today indicted CHRISTINA D. CARLSON, 37, an enrolled member of the Tulalip Tribes with second degree murder and two counts of criminal mistreatment related to the October, 2012 death of her young daughter and the neglect of her second daughter, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  CARLSON will be arraigned on the indictment on May 23, 2013 in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

CARLSON has been in federal custody at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington, since January 11, 2013.  CARLSON was originally charged by a criminal complaint which is the sworn statement of the investigating agent.  To proceed to trial a defendant must be indicted by a grand jury.  That indictment, listing the three charges, was returned today.  The criminal complaint described how on October 8, 2012, emergency crews were called to an address on Marine Drive NE on the Tulalip Tribal Reservation where CARLSON was performing CPR on her 19-month-old daughter who was unresponsive on a blanket on the ground.  The child was unconscious, not breathing and covered in urine and feces.  A second child, a 33-month old girl, was found strapped in her car seat in a nearby vehicle.  The child was pale, unresponsive and covered in urine and feces. The girl was transported to the hospital and later recovered.  The 19-month old child died and the Snohomish County Medical examiner classified the manner of death as homicide by parental neglect.  According to the report the child was malnourished and dehydrated, weighing only 19 pounds.  The child’s skin in the diaper area was excoriated and infested with maggots.  Her hair was infested with lice.

The investigation revealed that CARLSON had been living in the car with the girls on the property since mid-September.  On October 8, 2012 CARLSON had left the girls in the car while she went to use a phone at the residence on the property.  CARLSON was away from the car for more than an hour by some estimates.  About 20 minutes after the neighbors told her to go back to the car and her children, CARLSON returned asking them to call 9-1-1 because the youngest child was unresponsive.

Second Degree Murder is punishable by up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum 30 years in prison for the death of a child.  Criminal mistreatment is punishable by up to ten years 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 Tulalip Tribal Police and the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

A resident of Sekiu, Washington, who had been banned from Makah Tribal lands, was sentenced last week to 12 years in prison for Possession of Oxycodone with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  JAMES G. RODE, 47, was arrested March 2, 2012 following a court authorized search of his residence.  Law enforcement found forty 15mg oxycodone pills hidden in a heating vent in the bathroom.  Nearby, they found three firearms.  RODE pleaded guilty in November 2012, admitting that the firearms were used to further his drug trafficking activity.  On Friday May 10, 2013, U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton ordered RODE to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

According to records in the case, members of the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team were investigating RODE’s drug dealing.  In February 2012 someone working with law enforcement bought oxycodone from RODE on multiple occasions.  RODE had previously been banned from Makah Tribal lands because of criminal activity including burglary and sexual assault.  RODE is a registered sex offender.

In asking for the 12 year sentence prosecutors noted the damage RODE did to the community.  RODE “caused substantial harm to those living on the Makah Indian reservation where he distributed large quantities of Oxycodone pills.  He also has a rather violent and prolific criminal history, which includes home invasion burglaries, as well as a prior conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

The case was investigated by Neah Bay Tribal Police, Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team, and agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.

A Canadian truck driver who was identified as a drug smuggler for a criminal group related to the Hells Angels was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 12 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  JAMES POSTLETHWAITE, 60, of North Vancouver, BC, Canada was convicted following a three day trial in November 2012.  POSTELTHWAITE was a transporter in a criminal organization that was smuggling marijuana south into the U.S. and cocaine north into Canada.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said POSTLETHWAITE “understood the size and scope of the conspiracy,” and was responsible for smuggling vast quantities of marijuana into the United States, as well as smuggling cocaine into Canada.  “Cocaine has had a devastating impact on the streets of Vancouver,” and defendant’s actions contributed directly to that problem, Judge Coughenour said.

The investigation into this international drug trafficking ring began in May 2010.  Using court authorized wire taps, investigators with DEA and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) determined the drug ring was transporting and distributing 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of marijuana and 100 to 200 kilos of cocaine every month.  The marijuana was smuggled into the U.S. from Canada and distributed across the country to California, Illinois, Missouri, Georgia and New Jersey, among other locations.  Proceeds from the marijuana distribution were used to purchase cocaine in Southern California.  The cocaine was transported to British Columbia for distribution.

After identifying the Seattle area warehouse that served as the hub for the marijuana distribution, investigators were able to identify POSTLETHWAITE’s semi-truck that delivered to the warehouse.  After search warrants were served on the warehouse in April 2011, agents learned more about a hidden compartment in POSTLETHWAITE’s semi that allowed him to transport as many as 95 loads of drugs across the border.  Each load was hundreds of pounds of BC Bud – the hidden compartment could hold more than 600 pounds.  POSTLETHWAITE was indicted for his role in the conspiracy and was arrested March 9, 2012 as he tried to drive a different truck into the U.S. from Canada at the Eastport, Idaho, Port of Entry.  The truck with the hidden compartment was later located trying to enter the U.S. with a different driver.  The hidden compartment had a very elaborate access system using a separate battery to access a void in the floor of the trailer.  Testimony in the trial revealed that the marijuana belonged to the Hells Angels organization in BC, Canada.

POSTLETHWAITE has been in custody in the U.S. since March 2012.  Two dozen people in the U.S. and Canada have been charged in the case.  Seven have already been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Other defendants already sentenced in the case include: Jacob Saul Stuart, the U.S. based leader of the ring, was sentenced last year to 15 years in prison; Michael Murphy, a pilot who transported drugs, 12 years in prison; Jacob Burdick, who stored and organized transportation of the drugs, 12 years in prison; John Washington, a drug distributor for the group, 11 years in prison; Glen Stewart, 52, a Custer, Washington based drug courier, 12 years in prison; Mario Joseph Fenianos, a Canadian who obtained and smuggled cocaine for the ring, 13 years in prison, and Michael William Dubois, another Canadian working on the cocaine side of the smuggling was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $2 million and 136 kilograms of cocaine.  On April 28, 2011, the day search warrants were executed, law enforcement seized more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana from locations across the country.

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 DEA Offices – Seattle, Chicago, Las Vegas, Fresno, Los Angeles and New Jersey; ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations - Seattle and Sacramento; Customs and Border Protection – Office of Air & Marine; King County Sheriff’s Department; Seattle Police Department; Washington State Patrol; Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force; and the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (California).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Backhus and Vince Lombardi.

An enrolled member of the Swinomish Indian Tribe was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for second degree murder, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  KEVIN S. O’LEARY, 55, a resident of the Lummi Reservation admitted that on June 7, 2012, he used a pillow to smother his common-law wife, Valerie Jefferson, who was a Lummi tribal member.  O’LEARY then wrapped her body in a blanket and hid it under the bed.  Law enforcement discovered Jefferson’s body five days later.   At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “This was an especially devastating domestic violence murder.  The children lost their mother and grandmother.  And the defendant’s actions after the death showed special callousness to those who loved Valerie Jefferson.”

According to the facts admitted in the plea agreement, O’LEARY and Jefferson had been arguing about an affair O’LEARY had had over a decade ago.  After several hours of arguing, O’LEARY pushed Jefferson onto their bed, grabbed a pillow and held it tightly over her neck and pressed down until her body went limp and her eyes rolled up in her head.  O’LEARY admits he killed Jefferson with malice aforethought, and wrapped the body in a blanket, and hid it under their bed. Both were enrolled tribal members and the murder was on Lummi tribal trust land, giving federal authorities jurisdiction in the case.

Speaking to the court Valerie Jefferson’s eldest daughter said, “We want him to know what he has taken from us.  He’s taken away our mother and our father – he was the only father we knew….. My mom was a beautiful person.  We hurt every day…. We are going to live in her honor the way she would have wanted us to be.”

Prosecutors noted that O’LEARY had previously caused the death of two other people writing to the court, “The defendant was convicted in 1981 with Negligent Homicide in Skagit County.  In that case, the defendant was driving drunk when he missed a corner, and drove off the highway into a ravine.  Two of his passengers were killed in the accident, including his girlfriend at the time.  He received a 10-year sentence that was suspended, and he was placed on Probation.”  Judge Lasnik noted that under today’s sentencing statutes, O’LEARY would have gotten far more prison time for that crime.

The case was investigated by Lummi Tribal police and the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerrod Patterson.

            A Kent, Washington man and  his stepson were arrested this morning following their indictment on seven criminal counts related to gun sales and controlled substance distribution, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  The indictment alleges that MARK E. BRYANT, 49, and his step-son ANDREW GAGLEY, 30, illegally distributed Demerol.  BRYANT is also charged in four different counts with distributing oxycontin, hydrocodone, and morphine on three different days in September and October 2012.  BRYANT is also charged with selling a firearm to a drug user.  GAGLEY is separately charged with selling a firearm to a felon and illegal alien.  Both men will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle today at 1:30.
           
            BRYANT owns Westside Guns and East Valley Auto Rebuild on South 222nd Street in Kent.  On multiple occasions BRYANT sold guns or drugs to persons working with law enforcement on the property of his Kent gun shop.  GAGLEY also participated in gun and drug sales in and near the business.  On October 26, 2012, GAGLEY allegedly sold a Colt .556 caliber, semi-automatic rifle to a person working with law enforcement.  GAGLEY allegedly made the sale knowing that the person was prohibited from purchasing firearms because the buyer was in the U.S. illegally and was a convicted felon.  Just two days before, on October 24, 2012, BRYANT illegally sold a Firestar .45 pistol handgun to a person he knew to be a drug user.  As a Federal Firearms Licensee, BRYANT is required to file paperwork on gun sales and to maintain acquisition records on all firearms received and transferred to other persons.

            The arrests today are the culmination of an eight month investigation by the South Sound Task Force.  The South Sound Task Force is comprised of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lakewood Police Department (LPD) and the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB); with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Air and Marine.

            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.

            Each of the crimes charged are punishable by up to twenty years in prison and three years of supervised release.

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

            A 35 year-old Tacoma, Washington resident was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release for interstate transportation of an individual for prostitution and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  REGINALD IRVIN pleaded guilty in October 2012, following an investigation by the Tacoma Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and the FBI’s Innocence Lost Task Force.  U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan ordered IRVIN to register as a sex offender as part of his sentence.

            According to records filed in the case, IRVIN exercised violent control over the women who he coerced to work for him as prostitutes.  IRVIN controlled the women with a harsh list of rules including requiring the women to give him all money made from prostitution activities and not being allowed to leave the house on their own.  When victims broke IRVIN’s rules the punishment included beatings, anal rape, being forced to strip naked and stand in the corner, being tied to the bed, as well as psychological and emotional abuse.  Women working for IRVIN witnessed him beating other women, and became fearful of leaving him or disobeying his orders.

            In asking for a 15 year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “Unquestionably Irvin is a predator who has a long history of assaulting and exploiting young women…. (H)e treated the victims herein like chattel, beating and belittling them into servitude. His history and characteristics demonstrate an individual who is a menace and danger to society.”

The case was investigated by the Tacoma Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and the FBI’s Innocence Lost Task Force.  The FBI’s Innocence Lost Task Force provides a rapid and effective investigative response to reported federal crimes involving the victimization of children.  The task force strives to reduce the vulnerability of children to acts of sexual exploitation and abuse and strengthens the capabilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement through training programs and investigative assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney’s Ye-Ting Woo and Bruce Miyake.

            A 35-year-old Renton, Washington, man was arrested today for trafficking in counterfeit goods related to his advertising and sale of artwork attributed to renowned artist Dale Chihuly, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  MICHAEL LITTLE was arrested this morning following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  LITTLE will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court at 1:30 this afternoon.

            According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, in 2011 and 2012, LITTLE offered for sale or sold various pieces of glass art and paintings that he represented were the work of Dale Chihuly.  LITTLE marketed the works via eBay.  The artworks bore a signature that appeared to be Chihuly’s and LITTLE provided paperwork that he said authenticated the pieces as the work of Dale Chihuly.  However, an expert in Chihuly’s work examined the pieces at the request of the purchaser and determined they were fakes.  The papers that were supposed to authenticate the works were also allegedly forged.

            Trafficking in counterfeit goods is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

            The charges contained in the criminal 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.

            The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Diggs.

     A 31- year-old man who robbed a Chase Bank branch in the White Center neighborhood of southwest Seattle at gunpoint last year was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 102 months (8.5 years) in prison and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  BRYAN ALLEN HILL, was convicted of armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence following a jury trial in January 2013.  HILL was arrested a few blocks from the bank on July 25, 2012, with the gun and cash that had been taken in the robbery.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said this is “a very, very serious offense… basically terrorizing the individuals in the bank.”

     According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, HILL entered the bank with a blue bandana pulled up over his face.  He pointed a handgun at the teller’s head and ordered the teller to put all the cash in the bag.  While stuffing money into his bag, the bandana fell off of HILL’s face and the teller was able to see his face.  Other workers in the bank were able to alert law enforcement and one wrote down a description of the robber.  Within minutes of the robber leaving the bank, Seattle Police had a description and were searching the area around the bank for the suspect.

     A Seattle Police officer spotted someone who was similar in appearance to the suspected robber walking quickly from the area.  The officer ordered the man to stop and kneel on the ground.  Witnesses from the bank were brought to the scene and identified the man, HILL, as the bank robber.  When police searched the bag he was carrying they found the gun, cash, and some of the clothing HILL had removed following the bank robbery.

     HILL was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.  Unveiled in May 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to gun law enforcement.  PSN is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America by networking both new and existing local programs that target gun crime and then providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed.  Implementation at the local level -- in this case, in King County-- has fostered close partnerships between federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement.

     The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs and Assistant United States Attorney Ehren Reynolds.  Mr. Hobbs is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute gun cases in federal court.

     A 31- year-old man who robbed a Chase Bank branch in the White Center neighborhood of southwest Seattle at gunpoint last year was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 102 months (8.5 years) in prison and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  BRYAN ALLEN HILL, was convicted of armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence following a jury trial in January 2013.  HILL was arrested a few blocks from the bank on July 25, 2012, with the gun and cash that had been taken in the robbery.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said this is “a very, very serious offense… basically terrorizing the individuals in the bank.”

     According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, HILL entered the bank with a blue bandana pulled up over his face.  He pointed a handgun at the teller’s head and ordered the teller to put all the cash in the bag.  While stuffing money into his bag, the bandana fell off of HILL’s face and the teller was able to see his face.  Other workers in the bank were able to alert law enforcement and one wrote down a description of the robber.  Within minutes of the robber leaving the bank, Seattle Police had a description and were searching the area around the bank for the suspect.

     A Seattle Police officer spotted someone who was similar in appearance to the suspected robber walking quickly from the area.  The officer ordered the man to stop and kneel on the ground.  Witnesses from the bank were brought to the scene and identified the man, HILL, as the bank robber.  When police searched the bag he was carrying they found the gun, cash, and some of the clothing HILL had removed following the bank robbery.

     HILL was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.  Unveiled in May 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to gun law enforcement.  PSN is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America by networking both new and existing local programs that target gun crime and then providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed.  Implementation at the local level -- in this case, in King County-- has fostered close partnerships between federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement.

     The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs and Assistant United States Attorney Ehren Reynolds.  Mr. Hobbs is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute gun cases in federal court.

JEREMY PETER CAPODANNO, 36, was arrested late yesterday following his indictment last week for manufacturing marijuana, and two counts for discharging and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  On December 6, 2012, CAPODANNO shot two people who had broken into the garage of his Puyallup residence – killing both of them.  In the garage loft was a marijuana grow with nearly 200 plants.  When police officers arrived, they found CAPODANNO in possession of a Glock 17, 9mm semiautomatic pistol, which is the gun that police allege CAPODANNO used to kill the two men.  While searching CAPODANNO’S truck, police found other weapons including a Bushmaster XM-15 Rifle; an Intratec Tec-9 9mm pistol; a Benelli 12 gauge shotgun; and a Professional Ordinance MDL Carbon 15.  CAPODANNO will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today at 2:30 PM.

“This defendant chose to enter the illegal drug business, and armed himself to protect his trade, not his home,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “His conduct brought thieves to his door, put his seven-year-old son at risk, and ended with him taking two lives.”

The indictment charges CAPODANNO with manufacturing marijuana because of the large grow operation found in the loft of his garage.  He is charged with carrying the Glock and firing it in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime and is charged in the third count for possessing the four other weapons.  The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which means the government will seek to forfeit property that the Grand Jury has alleged was used in commission of the crimes or was purchased with marijuana proceeds.  These properties include the defendant’s house in Puyallup, where the where the shooting occurred, as well as a second house in Kent, Washington, along with a 2008 Mercedes and a 2008 Toyota pickup truck. The government is also seeking to forfeit the guns used in the crime.

“As you can see, freedom without responsibility results in violence and bloodshed,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Matthew G. Barnes.  “I commend United States Attorney Jenny Durkan and our state and local partners for standing together against drug trafficking and gun related violence.”

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.

Manufacturing marijuana is punishable by five to 40 years in prison.  If convicted of all charges, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Matthew Thomas.

            A Seattle man who had a home loaded with drugs, guns and cash, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to nine years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. BERNARD AMIN MUSTAFA III, 37, was arrested April 19, 2012, when agents with a search warrant found multiple drugs, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, BZP, oxycodone and ecstasy at his Seattle home.  Investigators also found more than $300,000 in cash and three firearms.  One of the guns, a high powered rifle, was set in a tripod and aimed out at the front window of the home toward the street.  At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said MUSTAFA “was a sophisticated drug dealer with deadly drugs and dangerous weapons.”

            According to records filed in the case, the investigation of MUSTAFA began in early 2012 with the arrest of a street level dealer of fentanyl.  MUSTAFA was identified as the dealer’s source of supply.  When agents searched MUSTAFA’s home they found enough fentanyl for $200,000 worth of street sales.  Fentanyl is very powerful, with users requiring only a few nanograms of the drug.  Because it is usually diluted with a cutting agent before it is sold, and because those mixtures are generally inconsistent, it is a very dangerous drug on the street. Unless the product distributor competently and completely mixes the “cut” with the active ingredient, an unbalanced mixture can result, leading to overdose and death.  According to DEA, the Community Epidemiology Work Group in King County reported 10 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2011.

            In addition to the drugs in his home, MUSTAFA, a convicted felon, illegally possessed three firearms and body armor to protect the drugs and cash: a Remington brand .308 caliber rifle found near a safe containing money and drugs; an FNAR-brand 7.62 mm caliber rifle in the tripod on the table; and a Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol found in the living room of the residence, next to a couch.

            While MUSTAFA was incarcerated on these charges, his girlfriend was found dead from a drug overdose – fentanyl was one of the drugs in her system.  The death is still being investigated by the Seattle Police.   In asking the court for an 11 year sentence, prosecutors wrote: “Defendant’s criminal past has affected many people, ranging from those to whom he sold drugs, to his friends and to his family.  He also placed the people closest to him in danger each time he had them in his home.   The use, sale and possession of fentanyl undoubtedly contributed to the death of (his girlfriend).”

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seattle Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger Rogoff.

            A 32–year-old Seattle woman who co-owned and operated two “medical marijuana” dispensaries, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to engage in money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  JING JING MO, 32, was a co-owner of Seattle Cannabis Cooperative with locations in the Rainier Valley and Greenwood.  She and her partner, Craig Douglas Dieffenbach, 61, pleaded guilty in August 2012.  Both admitted selling marijuana for profit under the guise of running a cooperative for sick people.  At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman said the defendants “abused the public trust” when they distributed marijuana to people without medical authorizations and in large amounts.  “They did it for greed,” Chief Judge Pechman said.

            In her plea agreement, Mo admitted offering to sell 25 pounds of marijuana for distribution across the country.  The couple also admitted laundering funds from the sale of marijuana to pay to modify homes for marijuana production.  The pair were also tied in to other drug traffickers including one distributing substantial amounts of ecstasy.  The couple admitted operating the marijuana stores for profit, selling pound quantities of marijuana to people who presented no medical authorization card.

            In asking for a 42 month sentence, prosecutors told the court, “Ms. Mo was not engaged in some selfless attempt to help truly sick people access marijuana for medical purposes.  Instead, she was simply dealing drugs, for profit, in blatant violation of both the letter, and the spirit, of state and federal law.  Calling her operation a medical marijuana dispensary was little more than a cynical attempt to hide her activities behind a fiction of quasi-legality.”

            MO is a citizen of Singapore who likely will be deported following her prison term.

            The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi.

       A felon with a history of domestic violence, burglary and illegal weapons possession, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  PISETH P. MAM, 34, was arrested in August 2012, a few days after a shooting incident at an apartment complex in Tukwila, Washington.  No one was injured in the shooting, but video of the scene showed many adults and children in the area at risk.  At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman said, “Anyone who would fire (a handgun) into a car in a crowded parking lot over a perceived slight is a dangerous person.”

     According to records filed in the case, on August 12, 2012, police in Tukwila responded to a report of shots fired at the Ridge Springs Apartments.  Witnesses described the driver of a white Honda firing gunshots in the parking lot before speeding away.  A witness who was standing near the car when the driver started firing, was able to identify the shooter as MAM.  A few days later, MAM was arrested at the Emerald Queen Casino.  His car was impounded in the parking garage.  When investigators with a court authorized search warrant went through the car, they found a stolen 9mm Beretta Pistol.  MAM was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions for domestic violence assault (Washington 2004), burglary (Washington 2004) and possession of an assault weapon (California 2007).  Also in the car, investigators found dozens of pieces of stolen mail.  The investigation determined that MAM had used a credit card stolen from the mail to illegally make purchases at Home Depot.  The conviction for aggravated identity theft means MAM faces a mandatory minimum of two year sentence to run consecutive with the sentence for the gun crime.

     In asking for a significant sentence, prosecutors noted the danger of firing the gun in an apartment parking lot.  “The video shows several people, many who were small children, in the area of the shooting,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.         

     The case was investigated by the Tukwila Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs.  Mr. Hobbs is a Senior Deputy King County Prosecuting Attorney specially designated to prosecute gun crimes in federal court.

            An Everett, Washington man who was part of a drug and gun smuggling ring with ties to a crime group in Mexico, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to five years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  GEORGE ELLIOTT CHAVIS, 53,  acquired guns for the group, some of which were smuggled into Mexico for use by a violent drug trafficking cartel.  At sentencing U.S. District Court Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “This was a very serious and dangerous crime – putting this kind of powerful firearms in the hands of drug traffickers.”

            According to records in the case, CHAVIS acquired firearms for a violent drug trafficking organization, with direct ties to a violent cartel that intended to smuggle them back to Mexico.  CHAVIS used his prior military experience and training to identify weapons for the group.  In one instance, CHAVIS told a cartel leader that an assault weapon could be modified to a fully automatic machine gun.  During the course of the investigation of the drug trafficking organization, investigators seized 20 pounds of heroin, in excess of 30 pounds of methamphetamine, over $400,000 in cash, body armor, and 18 firearms, including at least 10 assault-style rifles.  CHAVIS was introduced to the drug traffickers by his daughter, Micalia Valenzuela, who was sentenced last month to five years in prison for her role in the crime group.

            In January 2013, CHAVIS pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime/Crime of Violence.  All 34 defendants have been indicted in the case.  Some have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison terms ranging from one year to nine years in prison.  Trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled for May 6, 2013.

            In asking for a six year sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that CHAVIS “was intimately involved in a violent drug organization’s efforts to acquire military-style assault rifles, to be smuggled back into Mexico - with predictably deadly results.”

           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 ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Snohomish Police Department, the Washington State Patrol, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force and the Seattle Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi, John McNeil and J. Tate London.

            One of four people indicted for scheming to fraudulently claim more than $145,000 in tax refunds using the names and Social Security numbers of inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary at Walla Walla, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  RICHARD SHANE WRIGHT, 43, was sentenced to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to defraud the government.  The alleged leader of the conspiracy, Kenneth Randle Door, is scheduled for trial later this year.  At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle ordered WRIGHT to pay $71,885 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Treasury and remarked, “the United States Treasury is not the real victim” of this serious offense; rather, “the real victims are the millions of people who will be filing their tax returns later this month. . . .  Our system relies upon folks who pay their taxes to fund the operation of what is still the greatest country on Earth  ̶  perhaps the greatest country that has ever existed.”

According to records filed in the case, WRIGHT joined the scheme in late March 2009, which was responsible for filing at least 31 fraudulent tax returns for tax years 2007 and 2008.  Door provided the names and Social Security numbers of his fellow inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary, which WRIGHT and others used to create and file fake W-2 forms and federal income tax returns, all claiming tax refunds due.  In order to fabricate employment and wage data, the conspirators identified companies that had declared bankruptcy and had recently closed. WRIGHT created fake W-2 forms indicating wages paid and taxes withheld from the individuals whose identities they used.  The refunds were typically directed to one of several bank accounts controlled by WRIGHT or another associate.  In all, the conspirators tried to obtain more than $145,000 in tax refunds, and nearly $72,000 was paid out.  Co-schemers Lucy Anne Hyder, aka Lucy Bailey, 53, was sentenced in February to eight months in prison, and Ruth Louise Branstetter, aka Ruth Bishop, 48, was sentenced last month to almost 7 months in prison.

“Stopping refund fraud remains a priority for IRS CI because when people steal from the U.S. Treasury the real victim is every honest taxpayer in America,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth J. Hines, of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, in Seattle.  “These crimes are a threat to our nation’s ability to fund programs and services for our communities, and Special Agents of IRS CI will continue to work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to detect these frauds, shut them down, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Masada.

I have worked closely with Chief John Diaz for many years.  He has been a key partner in addressing gun violence, dismantling criminal organizations, and combatting terrorist threats.  He oversaw the first steps of the implementation of reforms within the Seattle Police Department.  I am grateful for his partnership and service, and wish him well.

This is a critical time for SPD and our community.  Jim Pugel has shown before that he can step up and lead.  To move us forward, he will need to help guide and implement the full range of reforms and set clear expectations and direction for every officer.  The next several months are very important for reform and public accountability.  SPD will be drafting and adopting new policies and developing new training around use of force, bias-free policing, and stops.  Getting reform right requires everyone moving in the same direction.  Chief Pugel's leadership will be essential.

SEATTLE – A former Los Angeles resident was sentenced today to 17 years in prison in connection with the June 2011 plot to attack a military installation in Seattle, U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced.  Walli Mujahidh, 34, pleaded guilty in December 2011 to conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Mujahidh plotted with lead defendant Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif of Seattle in a plan to use grenades and machine guns to attack recruits at the Military Entrance Processing Center in a federal office complex in south Seattle.  U.S. District Judge James L. Robart imposed 10 years of supervised release following the prison term.

“This defendant was a cold hearted, enthusiastic partner in this murderous scheme.  He talked at length in recorded conversations about the innocent people he planned to gun down,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “Even after his arrest he boldly tried to justify his plot.  I am thankful this plot was disrupted, and again thank the FBI and Seattle Police Department.”

The other defendant in the case, Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, of Seattle, was sentenced to 18 years in prison last month.

Law enforcement first became aware of the plot when a citizen alerted them that he/she had been approached by Abdul-Latif about participating in the attack and supplying firearms to the conspirators.  The person then agreed to work with law enforcement, which began monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh.  Beginning in early June 2011, the conspirators were captured on audio and videotape discussing a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).  The MEPS is where each branch of the military screens and processes enlistees.  In addition to housing many civilian and military employees, the building houses a federal daycare center.

In his plea agreement, Mujahidh admitted that he agreed to carry out the planned attack and that he traveled to Seattle from Los Angeles to participate in the attack. Mujahidh arrived in Seattle on June 21, 2011.  On that same day, during a meeting between Abdul-Latif, Mujahidh, and a person who was working with law enforcement, Abdul-Latif outlined the plan of attacking the MEPS with machine guns and grenades, and took steps to purchase weapons and further the plot. In accordance with the defendants’ plan, the next day the person working with police brought three machine guns to a meeting with Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh.  The men were arrested after they took possession of the weapons, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement.

In their sentencing memo, prosecutors describe multiple times where Mujahidh described his enthusiasm for the attack and his terrorist motivations.  “During the planning sessions for the attack, Mujahidh made clear that he was eager to kill his intended victims, and as many as possible.  He made numerous statements along these lines while he and Abdul-Latif planned out the play-by-play movements of the attackers using the map of the Federal Center South building,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has investigators from federal, state and local law enforcement, and the Seattle Police Department.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) contributed significant expertise to this investigation.

            A 33-year-old nurse from Anacortes, Washington pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to tampering with consumer products and acquiring a controlled substance by fraud or misrepresentation, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  ERIN LINVOG, a former nurse at Fidalgo Care Center & Rosario Assisted Living, faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on July 12, 2013.

            According to the facts admitted in the plea agreement, in June 2010, LINVOG began working at the Rosario Assisted Living Center, an elder care facility in Anacortes, Washington, that offers skilled nursing and hospice care to terminally ill patients.  LINVOG became credentialed as a registered nurse in November 2011.  Sometime in late 2011, LINVOG began stealing narcotics from the facility for her own use.  Using her position and authority as a nurse, she requested and received orders for morphine from pharmacies on behalf of Rosario patients, but then diverted entire bottles of narcotics rather than properly logging them into the assigned medicine carts.  Moreover, in multiple instances admitted in the plea agreement, LINVOG removed liquid morphine from medicine bottles for her own use, and replaced the missing morphine with tap water, before returning the tampered bottles back to the facility’s medicine carts, where they could have been, and at times were, administered to patients.

The morphine was intended to alleviate the pain of various elderly patients in end-of-life care.  LINVOG’s conduct meant that patients near the end of their life were receiving inadequate amounts of medicine to treat their pain and discomfort, and that medical staff did not have a clear picture of the appropriate dosage – since the morphine on hand was diluted.  The conduct created the risk that patients could be overdosed if treated with non-diluted medicine, as well as the risk they would suffer needlessly in their final days.  LINVOG’s conduct was discovered by the facility in February 2012, which led to her termination shortly thereafter.

            The case was investigated by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Anacortes Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Masada and Jerrod Patterson.

A 25 year-old Vancouver, Washington man was arrested earlier this week on a four count indictment charging him with trafficking in counterfeit goods, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  VITALIY YAREMKIV, was arrested April 2, 2013 and will have a detention hearing today at 3:15 PM in U.S. District Court in Tacoma.  Prosecutors allege that between June 2011 and June 2012, YAREMKIV sold more than 900 counterfeit vehicle airbags he had purchased from a source in China.  If convicted, YAREMKIV faces up to ten years in prison and a $2 million fine.  Trial in the case is scheduled for May 28, 2013 in front of U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton.

            “Counterfeit airbags shred the safety systems built into our cars, which could cause catastrophic results.  Counterfeit airbags may fail to deploy in crashes, or deploy in a ball of fire,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “I commend the investigation by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations to stem the flow of these counterfeits to get them out of our cars and marketplace.”

            According to the indictment, YAREMKIV operated a business, Vital Auto Parts and Sales, out of his Vancouver home.  He allegedly imported counterfeit Honda, Subaru and Toyota airbags from sources in China and elsewhere, and sold them over the internet representing them as the genuine product.  YAREMKIV sold at least 964 of the counterfeit airbags via eBay with a sales total of $137,243.  YAREMKIV sold individual Honda airbags for an asking price of $110.  Investigators believe that many of the airbags are sold to independent garages who install them in vehicles believing they have purchased a genuine airbag.

            “Counterfeit air bags are untested, unregulated, and extremely unsafe,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle.  “While law enforcement is working to stem the flow of these dangerous products into the U.S., it’s important that consumers are aware of this danger.  Automobile safety experts say it’s critical that vehicle owners work with their automotive dealers and repair professionals to ensure they use the appropriate, original equipment parts in the event they need to replace their air bag.”

“Every day, people entrust their lives to safety devices because they have been thoroughly researched, rigorously tested, and carefully constructed,” said FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Carlos L. Mojica.  “Counterfeit devices do not carry that same guarantee, threatening the lives of unknowing users and violating their trust.  The FBI and its partners will continue to seek and stop those like Mr. Yaremkiv, who irresponsibly put innocent lives at risk for their personal, financial gain.”

Information for consumers regarding counterfeit airbags is available here: http://www.safercar.gov/

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 was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman Barbosa.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Seattle has indicted Jamie Larson, 49, on a federal hate crime charge relating to a racially-motivated assault of a 50-year-old Sikh man.

“Attacks such as this one, based on prejudice and racial hate, are contrary to who we are and violate the law,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “Protecting the civil rights of all the members of our community is a top priority for our office.”

Jamie Larson has been charged with one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act that was enacted in October 2009.  The indictment alleges that on Oct. 17, 2012, the subject assaulted the victim, based upon the victim’s actual and perceived race, color and national origin, which included Middle Eastern and Arab descent.  The defendant was arrested at the scene of the attack after a witness called 911.

Larson will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:30 today.

The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison.

The Shepard-Byrd law criminalizes acts of physical violence causing bodily injury motivated by any person’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.

The matter is being investigated by the Seattle Division of the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce F. Miyake of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Nicholas Durham of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the subject is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

            A 35-year-old Auburn, Washington man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release for being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession and distribution of cocaine base.  MICHAEL PAUL GRADNEY, was identified and prosecuted as part of the 2011 ‘Hot Spot’ initiative designed to combat street crime in the White Center area of King County.  GRADNEY was convicted in December 2012 after a five day jury trial.  At sentencing today U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that GRADNEY lied when he testified during the trial and had “flagrant disregard for the law.”

            According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, GRADNEY sold cocaine to people working with law enforcement on two different occasions in September 2011.  In October 2011, law enforcement witnessed GRADNEY making what appeared to be multiple hand to hand drug sales at a gas station and various bars in the White Center neighborhood.  On October 13, 2011, officers searched GRADNEY’s Auburn residence and seized a Glock 10 mm pistol, a North American Arms 22 caliber revolver, ammunition for three different firearms, more than $25,000 in cash as well as cocaine and a scale with cocaine residue.  GRADNEY is prohibited from possessing firearms because of his lengthy criminal history including five prior felony convictions for drug offenses.

The White Center ‘Hot Spot’ initiative targeted law enforcement resources in the White Center area from July to October 2011.  The operation focused on illegal gun sales and drug dealing both on the street and in area businesses.  In all approximately 50 people were arrested and law enforcement seized 68 guns, 51 lbs of methamphetamine, 2 lbs of crack cocaine and more than 10 lbs of powder cocaine.

This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.  The investigation was a coordinated joint effort by ATF, the King County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the Seattle Police Department, the King County Metro Transit Police, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Liquor Control Board and the Eastside Narcotics Task Force.

            The leader of a Whatcom County based drug distribution ring, who corrupted a state prison worker, pleaded guilty to gun and drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  TODD HAMILTON, 35, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The drug crime carries a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, and the firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum five years in prison to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug crime.  Prosecutors and HAMILTON’s attorneys have agreed to recommend a sentence between 16 and 21 years in prison when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on June 11, 2013.

            According to the plea agreement and other records filed in the case, upon his January 2011 release from Washington State prison, HAMILTON began running a heroin and methamphetamine distribution ring operating in Whatcom County.  During a court authorized wiretap investigation, law enforcement learned HAMILTON purchased significant quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from his Olympia, Washington based supplier and had it transported to the Bellingham area for further distribution.  When HAMILTON’s home was searched in December 2011, investigators found meth and heroin, drug ledgers and packaging Materials.  They also found a loaded Cobra Enterprise, Inc. .45 caliber pistol. 

During the investigation, DEA agents learned that HAMILTON purchased several pounds of methamphetamine and heroin each week, spending tens of thousands of dollars to redistribute the drugs in his community for profit.  The investigation also revealed that HAMILTON had recruited an employee of the Department of Corrections (DOC) to assist him with his drug trafficking.  The employee, also charged and convicted in this conspiracy, used his access to a Department of Corrections computer to determine whether law enforcement was investigating HAMILTON.  He no longer works for the DOC.

            In all, 14 defendants have pleaded guilty in this conspiracy.  Those who have been sentenced so far have received five to eight years in prison.

            This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved, and was investigated and prosecuted pursuant to the United States Attorney’s Northwest Washington Hot Spot Initiative.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington State Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force.

            The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Otake and Roger Rogoff.

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            The former Office Manager of the Lake Forest Park Water District is being arraigned today on an indictment charging fifteen counts of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  JACKEE BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST, 40, is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:30 today.  The indictment alleges that BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST used a variety of schemes to embezzle more than $350,000 from the small water district between 2004 and 2011.

            According to the indictment, BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST was responsible for submitting bills to King County for reimbursement from water district funds.  BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST was supposed to prepare the vouchers and supporting documents for the water district commissioners to review and approve.  The approved vouchers then went to King County for payment.  Ms. BORMANN-ZWEEKHORT is alleged to have committed fraud through a variety of means.  On multiple occasions BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST falsified time cards so that her children were paid for work never performed for the water district.  The amount of money claimed via the falsified time cards was in excess of $100,000.  The second aspect of the scheme involved the use of the water district credit card.  BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST used the card to pay for personal items and then caused the payment of water district funds to pay the bill.  Some of the expenses she billed to the water district card included college tuition for her child, hot tub parts and service, boating and automotive equipment, fishing gear and rental car expenses.  The amount of fraud on the water district credit card exceeded $90,000.  The final aspect of fraud was having the water district pay for personal items purchased with her American Express card and for other personal expenses, by claiming the expenses were work-related, when in fact, they were not.  Many of the receipts submitted for reimbursement were fabricated to support purchases that never occurred.  BORMANN-ZWEEKHORST sought reimbursement for more than $70,000 in personal items and for items never purchased through this aspect of the fraud. 

            Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 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 the FBI and the Lake Forest Park Police Department.  Significant assistance is being provided by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Diggs.

A repeat offender with a history of assault and drug crimes was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 11 years in prison and three years of supervised release for two crimes in early April 2012 involving guns and explosives, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  SHANE STEPHEN ANELLO, 37, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful possession of a destructive device.  The first charge stems from a car chase on April 3, 2012 where ANELLO started following and then shot at a car full of strangers.  The second charge relates to the April 1, 2012, firebombing of a vehicle at the ‘Nickelsville’ homeless encampment in Seattle.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones told him, “These were two crimes of violence, two crimes that caused horrific fear in the victims.”

            “The random and dangerous actions of this defendant could have resulted in tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “He targeted strangers and the homeless.  We need him off our streets for a significant period, with careful monitoring by Federal Probation on his release.”

According to documents filed in the case, just after midnight on April 3, 2012, three people were stopped at a red light at the Columbian Way exit from southbound Interstate 5.  A man, later identified as ANELLO, pulled up next to the victim’s car at the light.  ANELLO was driving a white Ford Escort.  ANELLO made eye contact with the victims in the car.  The victims had never encountered ANELLO before.  When the light turned green, ANELLO began following the victims’ car.  ANELLO turned off his car’s headlights and followed the victims at a high rate of speed.  ANELLO attempted to ram the victims’ car, and ANELLO fired at least one shot at the victim car as he chased it.  The victims saw the muzzle flash and heard the sound of a gunshot.  Fortunately, they were able to get away from ANELLO.  Seattle Police responded to their 9-1-1 call, and started canvassing the Georgetown area for the car.  Police spotted the vehicle driving with its lights out, and cornered it in a parking lot.  ANELLO was arrested and a Colt Python .38 caliber revolver and ammunition were found in the car.

After ANELLO was arrested and identified in the chase and shooting, Seattle Police linked him to the firebombing of a vehicle in the parking lot of the ‘Nickelsville’ homeless camp in South Seattle.  ANELLO threw a ‘Molotov cocktail’ at the car belonging to the person who had barred him from returning to the homeless camp.  The gas filled bottle caught the vehicle on fire, but fortunately the gas tank of the car did not explode – had that happened those nearby could have been badly injured or killed.

ANELLO is prohibited from possessing firearms because of these prior felony convictions in King County Superior Court: assault, 2003; delivery of cocaine, 2004; conspiracy to deliver cocaine, 2006; possession of cocaine, 2006, 2007, 2010; and assault and attempting to elude a police vehicle, 2008.

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

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

            Two federal defendants prosecuted as part of “Operation Oliver’s Twist” were sentenced today to significant prison terms, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  The men were arrested in 2012 following the successful law enforcement operation where members of the Seattle Police Department, ATF and FBI operated a storefront purchasing drugs and stolen property, including firearms.  The defendants sentenced today will serve their federal time in addition to state sentences.

            “Every gun in the hands of a criminal presents a danger to the community.  This operation took stolen firearms off the street and uncovered drug networks pumping oxycodone into our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “I commend the good work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, as well as our counterparts in the King County Prosecutors Office who have held 34 defendants accountable.”

            One of the defendants sentenced today, PATRICK KELLY ANKROM, 48, of Snohomish, Washington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez sentenced ANKROM to five years in prison and three years of supervised release.  The federal sentence will be served consecutive to an additional 17 month sentence in Snohomish County.  ANKROM sold oxycodone to undercover officers on multiple occasions in March and April 2011.  On April 4, 2011, ANKROM sold officers three firearms that had been stolen in burglaries: a loaded Ruger .44 revolver; a Rock Island Armory .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; and a GSG .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle.  ANKROM was indicted February 29, 2012 and pleaded guilty July 27, 2012.

            In the second case concluded today, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones sentenced SHAD BEACH, 38, of Seattle, to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms.  In April and May 2011, BEACH sold numerous stolen items, including vehicles and computers, to the undercover law enforcement officers who were operating the storefront.  On May 2, 2011, BEACH sold the undercover officers numerous firearms he had stolen in burglaries.  The firearms included:  a Rohm .22 caliber revolver; a Ruger .22 caliber rifle; a Remington .243 caliber rifle; a Mossberg 410-gauge shotgun; a Remington .22 caliber rifle; and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun.  BEACH was indicted on February 29, 2012 and pleaded guilty on November 19, 2012.  BEACH has a number of criminal convictions that preclude him from possessing firearms including: burglary, methamphetamine possession, attempted assault, eluding police, possession of stolen property, trafficking in stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and residential burglary and theft of a firearm.

“This investigation uncovered over 100 participants, but today we see two of the most brazen face justice for their actions,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Laura M. Laughlin of the FBI Seattle office.  “Mr. Ankrom and Mr. Beach did not just sell stolen weapons and contraband, but they did so again and again.  Without the joint SPD, ATF, and FBI effort on an inventive undercover operation, high-powered firearms could have ended up in the hands of violent criminals.”

            “This was one of the most elaborate undercover operations our Department has conducted in over 33 years.  Our detectives developed great cases on these two suspects and brought them to justice.  Our communities can rest a little easier knowing these dangerous men, their illegal drugs and illegally-possessed guns have been removed from the streets of Seattle. This is just another example of the incredible work that the men and women of the Seattle Police Department perform each and every day,” said Chief John Diaz.

            Two men with a quarter century history of robbing banks, were found guilty late yesterday of a string of bank robberies in the Seattle area, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  The two men, 66-year-old JACK P. SEXTON and 65-year-old RONALD C. KETTELLS were convicted of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, three armed bank robberies and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The jury deliberated for about a day before finding the men guilty following a seven day trial.  Both men face a mandatory minimum 57 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on June 21, 2013.

            According to testimony at trial and records filed in the case, the two men were linked to three bank robberies in the Seattle area between August and October 2011.  On August 8, 2011 the two men robbed a Key Bank branch on Holman Road in north Seattle.  In that case the men used a bandana and a t-shirt to disguise their faces.  They pointed a handgun at the tellers and threatened to kill them if they did not lie down on the floor.

            They next robbed the Wells Fargo bank branch on Greenwood Avenue in Shoreline on September 12, 2011.  The men wore masks: one of an elderly man, the other of President Richard Nixon.  The men were armed with a pistol grip shotgun and a handgun.

            Finally, on October 20, 2011, the men robbed a Washington Federal Bank branch in West Seattle.  One wore a Hillary Clinton mask, the other the same “elderly man” mask as in the previous robbery.  Again they pointed the pistol grip shotgun and handgun at the tellers and demanded money.

            Key information in the case came from an alert neighbor at one of the robberies who noted the license plate number of the get-away car.  The car was ultimately linked to SEXTON and the person who had sold him the vehicle knew where SEXTON and KETTELLS were living.  Both had recently been released from prison.  A search of their vehicles and residence turned up bags used in the robberies as well as four firearms – including the ones used in the robberies.  Investigators also found the masks used in the robbery, and DNA on the inside of the masks linked them to both men.

            Both men have numerous prior convictions.  KETTELLS has convictions dating back to 1963 for assault, burglary and bank robbery.  Similarly, SEXTON has convictions dating back to the 1960s for burglary, forgery, and armed bank robbery.

            The case was investigated by the FBI’s Seattle Safe Streets Task Force, which includes investigators from the Seattle Police Department, as well as the King County Sheriff’s Office

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Francis Franze-Nakamura.

An enrolled member of the Lummi Tribe was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 97 months in prison for Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of his six month old daughter, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. LAWRENCE V. TOM, JR., 23, pleaded guilty in November 2012.  In addition, Chief U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman imposed three years of supervised release.

According to the plea agreement, on May 10, 2012, TOM was home alone with his infant daughter as well as his 18-month-old daughter when he became frustrated with the infant’s crying. TOM squeezed the infant’s head between his right bicep and forearm, causing a traumatic brain injury.  Early on May 13, TOM asked neighbors to call 9-1-1 saying his infant daughter had stopped breathing. The child died from skull fractures and brain bleeding.

In asking for a ten year sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court the infant “suffered greatly in her home for several days before Defendant sought medical care for her.  When first confronted about his daughter’s injuries, Defendant lied in an attempt to cover up his violent act against his daughter.  In short, the nature and circumstances of Defendant’s conduct, the seriousness of the offense, and the goals of general and specific deterrence warrant the imposition of a 120-month custodial sentence.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Lummi Tribal Police Department.  The Lummi Nation is a self-governing, federally recognized Indian Tribe.  The Lummis are the third largest tribe in Washington State, serving over 5,000 members whose median age is 29 years old.  The Lummi Tribal Police Department has approximately 20 commissioned officers and is recognized for its responsive law enforcement services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.  Mr. London has served as the Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

SEATTLE – A Seattle man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison in connection with the June 2011 plot to attack a military installation in Seattle, U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced.  Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif, aka Joseph Anthony Davis, 35, pleaded guilty in December 2012 to conspiracy to murder officers and agents of the United States and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.  Abdul-Latif planned to use grenades and machine guns to attack recruits at the Military Entrance Processing Center in a federal office complex in south Seattle.  U.S. District Judge James L. Robart imposed ten years of supervised release saying this plot “could have done incredible harm if it had gone forward.”

“This defendant planned to attack a military center when there would be the largest possible gathering of new recruits and their families.  He targeted young men and women solely because they wanted to serve our country.  His goal: to inspire others with a message of hate,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “His plot was disrupted by vigilance in our community and good work by law enforcement.  I commend the Seattle Police, and the FBI for their work, and thank the leaders of our Muslim communities who work tirelessly to ensure the acts of extremists are not used to condemn their faith.”

“Countless innocent people targeted by Mr. Abdul-Latif are safe thanks to the vigilance of Seattle’s Muslim community and the dedicated work of law enforcement partners,” said Laura M. Laughlin, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Seattle office.  “The plot may have been thwarted, but its mere existence and the extremist thinking behind it are despicable.  I hope that Mr. Abdul-Latif uses his years in prison to reflect on what it means to be a true member of an American community, built on respect for all.”

“I am pleased with the outcome of this very important joint agency investigation.  With support from the Muslim community and the diligent work of Seattle Police Detectives and our federal partners, a dangerous man will spend a long time behind bars and our community will be safer for it,” said Seattle Police Chief John Diaz.

The other defendant in the case, Walli Mujahidh, 33, of Los Angeles, is scheduled for sentencing on April 8, 2013.

Law enforcement first became aware of the plot when a citizen alerted them that he/she had been approached by Abdul-Latif about participating in the attack and supplying firearms to the conspirators.  The person then agreed to work with law enforcement, which began monitoring Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh.  Beginning in early June 2011, the conspirators were captured on audio and videotape discussing a violent assault on the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).  The MEPS is where each branch of the military screens and processes enlistees.  In addition to housing many civilian and military employees, the building houses a federal daycare center.

In his plea agreement, Abdul-Latif admits that he agreed to carry out the planned attack and that he made plans for Mujahidh to travel to Seattle from Los Angeles to participate in the attack.  Mujahidh arrived in Seattle on June 21, 2011.  On that same day, during a meeting between Abdul-Latif, Mujahidh, and a person who was working with law enforcement, Abdul-Latif outlined the plan of attacking the MEPS with machine guns and grenades, and took steps to purchase weapons and further the plot.  In accordance with the defendants’ plan, the next day the person working with police brought three machine guns to a meeting with Abdul-Latif and Mujahidh.  The men were arrested after they took possession of the weapons, which had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement.

Prosecutors noted that a lengthy term was necessary to protect the public, and urged future monitoring by Federal Probation.  “Abdul-Latif undertook his plot in furtherance of his long-standing and deeply felt radical beliefs.  To this day, he has not disavowed the radical ideology that inspired his attack plot, nor has he expressed any meaningful remorse for his conduct,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

Owner of Salvage Company was Informed of Oil on Barge and Failed to Act before Salvage; then Ignored Leaks, failing to Report them to Authorities

            The Ellensburg, Washington man responsible for a $22 million oil clean up and salvage operation on the Columbia River was sentenced today  to four months in prison, eight months of home detention, 100 hours of community service and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  BRET A. SIMPSON, 53, the owner of Principle Metals, LLC, pleaded guilty in July 2012 to two criminal violations of the Clean Water Act; failing to report a discharge of oil, and unlawfully discharging oil into the Columbia River near Camas, Washington.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle told him, “it has to be known that when you undertake a responsibility that has the potential to ruin an ecosystem you’re going to bear the consequences.”

            “This defendant’s singular focus on maximizing his profits, at the expense of even minimal environmental safeguards, cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “Mr. Simpson exhibited no regard for the likelihood that his misguided salvage efforts could, and in fact did, lead to an environmental emergency that was only partially averted by a massive federal and state response.”

With his guilty plea SIMPSON admitted that he was informed about oil left on the ‘Davy Crockett’ barge before salvage operations began.  However, SIMPSON failed to have the oil removed before workers started cutting up the metal barge.  When the first oil spill occurred in early December 2010, SIMPSON failed to notify authorities and failed to take adequate steps to monitor the vessel or protect it from natural forces and further structural damage.  Subsequent spills in January 2011 led U.S. Coast Guard investigators to identify the ‘Davy Crockett’ as the source and initiate a federally funded cleanup effort.   Ultimately the U.S. Coast Guard and state authorities spent eight months and approximately $22 million to clean up the spill and remove the derelict barge from the river.

“Today Mr. Simpson is being held accountable for his criminal acts,” said Rear Adm. Keith A. Taylor, Commander of the 13th Coast Guard District.  “The next step is holding him accountable for the more than $22 million spent from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund during the extensive, Coast Guard led, multi-agency cleanup.  We continue to work closely with the Department of Justice on all aspects of this case.  The Coast Guard is committed to protecting the maritime environment of the Pacific Northwest and our nation.  Actions like Mr. Simpson's will not be tolerated.”

“Paying a serious price for environmental crime is unfortunately not new for Defendant Simpson,” said Tyler Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge for the U.S. EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Seattle.  “His negligence degraded the Columbia River, created a hazard to navigation and cost more than $22 million to clean up.  His sentencing today should serve as notice to irresponsible vessel owners who doubt our resolve to vigorously pursue and prosecute environmental crimes.”

            The M/V Davy Crockett is a former U.S. Navy ship that had been converted to a flat deck barge.  SIMPSON’s company planned to cut the barge apart and sell the metal for scrap.  SIMPSON assembled a crew to begin dismantling the M/V Davy Crockett at its place of moorage in the Columbia River in October 2010.  He made no arrangements to remove the fuel oil and diesel fuel from the vessel before the scrapping operation began.  On December 1, 2010, a member of the scrapping crew cut into a structural beam of the barge, and the ship began breaking apart and leaking oil.  Neither SIMPSON nor anyone else with Principle Metals LLC notified authorities about the leak.  The scrapping operation was halted.

            SIMPSON initially addressed the oil release by ceasing all scrapping operations, procuring a boom to limit the release of oil into the Columbia River, and directing an employee to monitor vessel conditions.  The employee monitored vessel conditions for approximately one week following the initial release before being relieved of his employment.  SIMPSON took no further steps to monitor the ship, or the boom, and took no steps to protect the barge from further structural damage.  On January 19, 2011, an accumulation of debris next to the barge forced it to move, and additional oil was released.  The Coast Guard responded to the additional movement of the barge, and issued an administrative order for SIMPSON to remove any remaining visible oil from machinery spaces and deck tubes together with other salvage debris from the vessel.  SIMPSON complied and authorities believed the barge no longer posed an environmental danger.  However on January 27, 2011, additional oil was released from the vessel and state and federal authorities immediately responded in an effort to limit environmental damage.

Detailed timeline of the clean up and material removed from the water is available here:  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/DavyCrockett/DavyCrockett.html

            The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James Oesterle and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lieutenant Commander Marianne Gelakoska of the U.S. Coast Guard.  Mr. Oesterle heads the U.S. Attorney’s Office working group on environmental crimes.

           An Algona, Washington man with a history of molesting young boys, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 18 years in prison and lifetime supervised release for distribution and possession of child pornography.  MICHAEL ALLEN DREYER, 59, was convicted of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography following a four day jury trial in September 2012.  DREYER has a May 2000 conviction for possession of child pornography and therefore faced a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison.  At sentencing Chief U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman said, “People who create the market for child pornography are as guilty as those who took the photos, posed the children, and engaged in their physical abuse.”

            According to records filed in the case, DREYER most recently came to the attention of law enforcement during an investigation of child pornography distribution utilizing peer-to-peer file sharing software.  In April 2011, a federal investigator operating online was able to observe the files DREYER was sharing over the peer-to-peer network and saw images and videos of child pornography.  Investigators traced the internet protocol address to DREYER’s Algona, Washington home.  In July 2011, law enforcement served a search warrant at DREYER’s home, seizing a computer and other media storage devices.  DREYER has been in federal custody since April 2012.  DREYER was indicted by the grand jury in May 2012.  The forensic examination of his computer revealed that it contained more than 20 video files of child pornography and over 1,300 image files of child pornography.

            In May 2000, DREYER was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possession of child pornography.  DREYER had attempted to order child pornography from an undercover website operated by law enforcement.  When his home was searched, additional child pornography was found.  DREYER also admitted to molesting two young relatives in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and told agents he used child pornography as a release to satisfy his urges to molest children.

            In asking for a 25 year sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that “The distribution and possession of child pornography feeds an industry that causes untold psychological, emotional, and mental trauma to the child victims.  As technology develops, and as use of the Internet to trade images of child pornography becomes increasingly widespread, more and more permanent records of child abuse are created and disseminated around the world, allowing for the continued victimization of the child depicted….  Defendant’s actions contributed to the demand for these horrific images of abuse.  Every participant in the chain--producer, distributor, consumer--sustains the market for these images, and each victim, whether identified or not, suffers not only when an image of him or her is created, but each and every time an image of him or her is viewed.”

            The case was investigated by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

            The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marci Ellsworth and Justin Arnold.

            A drug trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of methamphetamine and heroin from Mexico to Washington State was dismantled today with more than a dozen arrests, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  The criminal organization spanned a large area of the state with operations ranging from Everett to Vancouver, Washington and from Aberdeen on the coast to the Tri-Cities in Eastern Washington.  Over the course of the investigation law enforcement has seized more than 56 pounds of heroin and more than eight pounds of highly pure methamphetamine.

            “This case exemplifies the drug trafficking we see in Western Washington from Mexico based crime groups.  These criminal groups are bringing in heroin, meth and cocaine and poisoning our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “We must stop the flow of these drugs, while also working to reduce demand.  Too many families and communities are being irrevocably damaged by addiction.”

            According to records filed in the case, using court authorized wire taps, law enforcement intercepted hundreds if not thousands of drug trafficking related phone calls and text messages between September 2012 and the present.  The investigation began in October 2011, and identified members of the criminal organization smuggling drugs from Mexico across the border into Texas and California, and then north to Western Washington.  In two notable seizures earlier this year, law enforcement found two kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine that was hidden in paint cans in the back of a truck stopped on Interstate 84 in Oregon.  A second stop in Aberdeen, Washington resulted in the seizure of more than 53 pounds of heroin.  During a search of the vehicle, investigators located an access panel in the rear cargo area of the vehicle that enabled investigators to access the gas tank.  Inside of the gas tank, investigators located and removed the suspected heroin.  Each package of heroin was covered in mustard and red pepper, which is one method used by drug traffickers in an attempt to mask the smell of the heroin from drug detection canines.

            The grand jury has indicted these defendants:

            Antonio Zuniga-Barajas, 29 of Kennewick, Washington
            Javier Zuniga-Ochoa, 50, Kennewick, Washington
            Hector M. Hernandez-Hernandez, 36, of Vancouver, Washington
            Enrique Orozco-Rojas, 37, Kennewick, Washington
            Pedro Barragan-Valdovinos, 39, of Pasco, Washington
            Braulio Zuniga-Cervantes, 30, of Kent, Washington
            Jose Manuel Pardo-Martinez, 32, of Aberdeen, Washington
            Esgardo Daniel Martinez-Pizano, 18, of Aberdeen, Washington
            Victor Carmona-Tapia, 28, of Everett, Washington
            Omar Valencia-Barajas, 24, of Everett, Washington
            Jose Trinidad Cuevas-Mendoza, 32, of Monroe, Washington
            Alberto Bernal-Rodriguez, 43, of Vancouver, Washington
            Omar Huerta-Garcia, 29, of Pasco, Washington

            “Drug trafficking organizations have one priority: financial wealth through addiction,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Matthew G. Barnes.  “Seizures of heroin are on the rise in the Pacific Northwest.  This investigation alone prevented 4 million user doses of heroin from hitting our streets, ruining lives and giving drug dealers over $1 million dollars in profits.  The DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to have an unwavering focus on keeping our communities safe.”

            Today 14 different locations and multiple vehicles were searched state wide.  One additional person was arrested by criminal complaint.  Law enforcement seized two pounds of crystal methamphetamine, heroin, two weapons, six vehicles and over $20,000 in cash.

            The defendants appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:30 today.

            If convicted the defendants face a mandatory minimum ten years in prison because of the quantity of drugs involved.  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 was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with significant investigative contributions from the following agencies:  ICE - Homeland Security Investigations, South Snohomish County Narcotics Task Force, King County Sheriff’s Office, Grays Harbor Drug Task Force, Seattle Police Department, Port of Seattle, Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force, and Washington State Patrol.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Backhus and Sarah Vogel.

            For images associated with the drug seizures please contact Jodie Underwood, DEA Public Affairs Officer at 206-553-1162 or Jodie.Underwood@usdoj.gov

            U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan testified today on behalf of the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, D.C before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.  The topic of the hearing was “Investigating and Prosecuting 21st Century Cyber Threats.”  U.S. Attorney Durkan is Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Subcommittee on Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Enforcement. U.S. Attorney Durkan's testimony is available here.

            A Kelso, Washington resident who was arrested as he left a motel room containing four firearms, while carrying four bags of heroin for distribution, was sentenced to seven years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  ALLEN MARSTON, 35, has prior convictions for drug distribution, domestic violence assault and illegal weapons possession so he is barred from possessing firearms.  U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan imposed three years of supervised release following the prison term.

            According to records filed in the case, the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force (CWNTF) served a court-authorized search warrant on MARSTON’s motel room in Kelso on May 16, 2012.  MARSTON was stopped by police as he left the motel.  In his pockets, law enforcement found four bags containing more than 41 grams of heroin.  A search of the motel room turned up four firearms including an AMT .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Russian SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Kel Tec .223 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Ruger .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  One of the firearms had been reported stolen.  Law enforcement also found scales, packaging material, a grinder, spoons, prescription pills, hypodermic needles, and other drug paraphernalia in the motel room.

            In their request for an 87-month sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that a significant sentence, with a drug treatment component, is important to protect the public. “Marston’s drug problem is not an excuse for his continued, serious, and dangerous criminal conduct in this case, nor for his own spreading of the poison that is heroin in order to financially support his own habit.  Marston’s possession of firearms at the same time he was trafficking in heroin … demonstrates a serious and very real potential for more trouble in the future,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

            The case was investigated by the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory A. Gruber.

            The owner of a South Seattle non-profit “club” that hosted Alcoholics Anonymous meetings was arrested last night for illegal distribution of oxycodone, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  The investigation, initiated by the Seattle Police Department, revealed that the Nomadian Community Resource Center (NCRC) on South Orcas Street in Seattle was a hub for prescription drug dealing.  MICHAEL MARTIN SHEPARD, 64, was arrested last night and will appear this afternoon at 2:30 in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

            According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, in November 2012, a concerned citizen reported to Seattle Police that illegal drug sales were occurring in the Nomadian Community Resource Center.  The complaint alleges that SHEPARD would only deal drugs to those who became a “member” of the NCRC in an attempt to evade detection by law enforcement.  On five different occasions in January and February 2013, SHEPARD sold prescription drugs to a person working with law enforcement. Some of the sales occurred while being monitored or personally witnessed by undercover officers from the Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The sales occurred both before and after the NCRC hosted sanctioned AA meetings for addicts and alcoholics.  Further investigation revealed that SHEPARD was obtaining the pills, in some instances, by purchasing prescriptions from those who had been prescribed the medication.

            SHEPARD was taken into custody without incident by the Seattle Police Department and DEA.  Numerous prescription narcotics and two firearms were seized at the NCRC.

            Distribution of Oxycodone is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million 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 the Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Bates.

            A Milton, Washington man who owned a Federal Way Korean bar where Korean National women were promoted for prostitution was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  CHANG YOUNG KIM, 59, was also ordered to pay $112,050 in restitution and over $1.6 million in back taxes and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.  KIM pleaded guilty in November 2012 to conspiracy to transport individuals for prostitution, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, bribery of a public official and tax evasion.  KIM owned the Blue Moon Korean bar business in Federal Way which utilized Korean National women working illegally as ‘bar girls’ and prostitutes.  KIM was indicted in three separate criminal schemes, some related to the club, and others to fraudulent business dealings.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton said to the defendant, “you were a one-man criminal enterprise . . . [and] the most instrumental of everyone on a host of fronts.”

During 2010 and 2011, KIM owned the Blue Moon using ‘madam’ Miyoung Roberts, 42, of Auburn, Washington to recruit and manage more than two dozen “bar girls” and arranging their transportation from Korea to the U.S.  KIM and his co-defendants arranged apartments for the women to live in and supervised some of the women’s prostitution activities.  During the undercover investigation by law enforcement, KIM offered and paid $15,000 to a Washington State Liquor Control Board investigator believing the investigator was corrupt and that he was getting advance warning of inspections.  The investigator was reporting the bribes as part of the undercover investigation.

In a separate scheme, KIM convinced two clients of his real estate company, Royal Realty, to invest $400,000 in the purchase of a Cle Elum, Washington motel.  However there was no deal to purchase the property and KIM and two co-conspirators used the money for their own expenses.  Finally, KIM attempted to evade more than $1.6 million in income taxes by failing to report income and by putting assets in other people’s names.

In asking for a significant sentence prosecutors wrote to the court that KIM “has spent a good part of his adult life steeped in fraud and deception.  ….In order to commit these crimes, the defendant was willing to use his family members to further his personal objectives, causing them to place themselves in financial and legal jeopardy.  He was willing to violate the law through bribery….. It is as though the defendant had no limits as to how far he would go to lie, cheat, and steal.”

“Kim operated a sex club a few blocks away from homes and schools, degrading the quality of life in the community as well as the women involved,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of HSI Seattle.  “HSI will continue to work closely with its law enforcement partners to attack and dismantle these kinds of enterprises that prey on the vulnerable and often bring other criminal activity into the area.”

“Our communities deserve better than to have human trafficking going on in them,” said Kenneth J. Hines, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in the Pacific Northwest. “IRS Special Agents bring their unique skills in conducting financial investigations, ranging from tax evasion to money laundering, to the team of law enforcement professionals working to erase this type of crime from our region.”

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB), the Federal Way Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

            An Everett resident, who was deeply involved in a conspiracy to distribute drugs from Mexico and obtain guns to take back across the border was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to five years in prison and four years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  During the 2012 investigation, MICALIA VALENZUELA, 32, was captured on court authorized wiretaps discussing drug distribution, obtaining weapons and was reported to advocate violence against targets in Mexico.  VALENZUELA, who split her time between Mexico and Everett during the course of the investigation, was arrested March 29, 2012.  She was indicted along with 34 other members of the drug trafficking ring including her father and other relatives.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik recommended that VALENZUELA get drug treatment while incarcerated.

            According to records filed in the case, during the investigation, agents seized a significant quantity of heroin, methamphetamine, and firearms, including military-style assault rifles and sniper rifles which were bound for Mexico.  VALENZUELA was actively involved in the distribution of the drugs and discussing the weapons the group was trying to obtain to smuggle back to Mexico.  When she was arrested at her apartment investigators found approximately an ounce of heroin, together with smaller amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin; a loaded revolver and ammunition; body armor; and a “shopping list” of firearms, including AK-47s and AR-15 style assault rifles.  In her plea agreement VALENZUELA admits distributing heroin in November 2011.  VALENZUELA served the drug trafficking organization as a drug courier.

            “The same cartels responsible for violence in Mexico have infiltrated Washington communities,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of HSI Seattle. “These are people who resort to violence to protect their criminal enterprise.  HSI is focused on rooting these operatives out of our communities by disrupting every level of their illicit business.”

            Ten members of the conspiracy have pleaded guilty.  Trial for the other defendants is scheduled for May 6, 2013.

            The case was investigated by the ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Snohomish Police Department, Washington State Patrol, the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force and the Seattle Police Department.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi, Jeffrey Backhus and J. Tate London.