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18 April 2024
Dauphin County Man Indicted for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jaquan Ardrey, age 30, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for methamphetamine trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Ardrey with two counts of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties.
The charges resulted from an investigation by the FBI Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg City Police, and Cumberland County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Under federal law, Ardrey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, a term of supervised release, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Crow Agency man sentenced to more than five years in prison for sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man convicted by a federal jury of sexually abusing two girls on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
After a two-day trial, the jury on Dec. 12, 2023, found Edwin Ivan Don’tMix, 60, guilty of abusive sexual contact of a child and abusive sexual contact of a minor.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in January 2015, Jane Doe 2 disclosed to the FBI that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes while she was sledding. Jane Doe 2 was 13 years old at the time. Jane Doe 2 also disclosed in the same interview, that in 2012 or 2013, she was asleep and awoke to Don’tMix touching her vaginal area over her clothes. The touching occurred at a Crow Agency residence. In October 2021, another child, Jane Doe 1, disclosed to a school counselor that Don’tMix touched her vaginal area over her clothes when she was either 6, 7 or 8 years old and that the touching happened three or four times at a Crow Agency residence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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Court Sentences Clarke County Man to 110 Months Imprisonment in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On March 14, 2024, United States District Court Judge, Terry F. Moorer sentenced Eriskey Lashon Crowell to 110 months imprisonment for his role in a multi-defendant drug trafficking conspiracy.
Documents filed with the Court established that on January 7, 2020, a co-defendant in the case, Justin Bonard Douglas, was observed on a camera and by officers conducting live surveillance, making a hand to hand sale of drugs to Crowell in Prichard, Alabama. After Crowell left the location a Creola Police Department officer attempted to stop Crowell for speeding. Crowell fled from the officer and was observed throwing five bags out the window of his vehicle. After a pursuit Crowell was eventually stopped and arrested. Officers recovered three of the five bags observed to be thrown by Crowell. The three bags recovered contained a total of approximately 68.41 grams of cocaine.
Further investigation revealed that Crowell had purchased cocaine from Douglas for four or more months, obtaining cocaine normally twice a week, and obtaining two to five ounces of cocaine at a time. Crowell’s two previous felony convictions triggered the career offender provisions under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation and prosecution of this case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mobile Police Department and the Creola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Court Sentenced Dominican Drug Smuggler Caught with Approximately 443 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
On March 14, 2024, United States District Court Judge, Terry F. Moorer, sentenced Joel Vargas Mendez-Bienvivenido, a Dominican national, to 87 months imprisonment for smuggling 443 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea. Mendez-Bienvivenido had previously plead guilty to the drug smuggling offense, which is charged under Title 46, United States Code, Section 70506 (b).
Documents filed with the Court established that on September 13, 2023, during a routine patrol in the Caribbean, a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) located a Go-Fast Vessel (GFV) on a northerly path with a speed of 18 knots and two persons on board. The vessel was outfitted with one engine and visible suspected drug packages on the deck of the vessel.
United States Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (USCGC VALIANT) launched it’s Over the Horizon (OTH) boat with a boarding team (BT). The OTH and BT arrived on scene and gained positive control of the vessel approximately 161 nautical miles South of Isla Beta, Dominican Republic. This location is in international waters. The BT recovered 13 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 443 kilograms. The government of the Dominican Republic denied any claim to nationality of the GFV, and the vessel was thus subsequently treated as one without nationality, giving the United States jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the case under Title 46. The vessel was deemed a danger to navigation due to no suitable tow points and its distance from land. Consequently, the vessel was sunk upon completion of law enforcement activities.
Title 46 United States Code, § 70501 states: Congress finds and declares that (1) trafficking in controlled substances aboard vessels is a serious international problem, is universally condemned, and presents a specific threat to the security and societal well-being of the United States and (2) operating or embarking in a submersible vessel or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage is a serious international problem, facilitates transnational crime, including drug trafficking, and terrorism, and presents a specific threat to the safety of maritime navigation and the security of the United States. Title 46 further provides that such offenses may be prosecuted in any United States federal district court.
United States Attorney Sean P. Costello praised the outstanding work of the United States Coast Guard and federal investigators in interdicting and bringing these international drug smugglers to justice. Costello stated that the wholesale value of the cocaine seized in this case is conservatively valued at approximately 13.3 million dollars.The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced April 11, 2024, to 27 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon, following a guilty plea.
According to public court documents, Keshawn C. Houtz-Mayfield, 21, was found to be in possession of a firearm during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Houtz-Mayfield was a convicted felon at the time of the search warrant and knew he could not possess firearms.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Houtz-Mayfield will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Convicted Felon Is Sentenced to 19+ Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Illegal Firearms Possession in Burke CountyRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jessie Alan Clark, 42, of Burke County, was sentenced today to 235 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Sheriff Banks Hinceman of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, in February 2022, investigators with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the DEA determined that Clark was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine in the area. On February 15, 2022, law enforcement observed a truck attempting to evade detection by law enforcement and began to follow the vehicle. While they followed the vehicle, law enforcement observed a backpack being tossed out of the passenger side of the truck and proceeded to pull over the vehicle. Clark was the driver of the truck, and another individual was a passenger. Over the course of the traffic stop, law enforcement searched Clark, the passenger, the truck, and the backpack that had been tossed from the vehicle, and seized $1,915 in U.S. currency, two gallon-sized bags containing methamphetamine, and a loaded Taurus .38 caliber revolver with six rounds of ammunition. Clark is a convicted felon, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On August 21, 2023, Clark pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Clark will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Companies pay $92,000 to settle allegations related to false statement in COVID-19 funding applicationsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Buffalo Transportation Inc., Ontario Bus Inc., and several other businesses owned by Igor Finkelshtein, have agreed to pay $91,838 to resolve allegations arising under the False Claims Act. The defendants obtained grants and loans under the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), administered by the Small Business Administration, after submitting applications that falsely certified their eligibility to receive the grants and loans.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell, who handled the case, stated that applicants for EIDL funding are required to disclose the criminal history of owners of entities applying for funds. The government alleges that these defendants failed to disclose that Igor Finkelshtein had a prior felony conviction, and therefore the companies were ineligible to receive grants and loans through the COVID-19 EIDL program.
“Emergency funding programs, including the COVID-19 EIDL program, were critical to helping businesses stay afloat during the pandemic,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “My office will continue to work towards holding accountable those who took advantage of the COVID-19 programs by obtaining funds that they were not eligible to receive.”
“Providing fraudulent information to acquire access to federal relief funds is a theft of hard-earned taxpayer money,” said Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and apprehend those who seek to personally profit and defraud government assistance programs.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Aidan Forsyth. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Forsyth v. Buffalo Transportation Inc., et al., 22-cv-846-JLS (W.D.N.Y.). Mr. Forsyth will receive a share of the settlement.
The case was investigated jointly by the United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the United States Secret Service, Buffalo Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey P. Burr, as well as with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of Inspector General.
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Colorado Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Possession with the Intent to Deliver MarijuanaRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Commerce City, Colorado man was sentenced on April 11, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Hong Dinh Nguyen, 42, was arrested in in Council Bluffs on April 22, 2023, following a traffic stop on Interstate 80. Nguyen’s vehicle had a strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside. Located in the trunk of his vehicle, in heat sealed bags, were 34,424 grams of marijuana. Nguyen stated that he agreed to transport and deliver the marijuana to another person in Minnesota and in return would be paid $6,300.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Nguyen will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Division of Narcotics Enforcement of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Iowa State Patrol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Chicago-Area Tax Preparer Indicted for False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
An Illinois man made his initial appearance today on an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Chicago charging him with 21 counts of preparing false tax returns for others.
According to the indictment, Byron Taylor, of Homewood, allegedly operated We Are Taxes Inc., a return preparation business. For tax years 2017 through 2020, Taylor allegedly prepared returns for clients that contained false information resulting in the clients claiming refunds to which they were not entitled. The false information allegedly included, among other things, fraudulent business losses and false deductions – including medical and dental expenses, gifts to charity and state and local real estate taxes – and unreimbursed employee expenses.
If convicted, Taylor faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Matthew J. Kluge and Trial Attorney Boris Bourget of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lamar Tyrell Coles, 32, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 23, 2022, a law enforcement officer arrested Coles on an outstanding warrant. Coles advised the officer that he had a firearm in his pocket. The officer recovered a loaded SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistol from Coles’ right sweatpants pocket which was zipped closed, concealing the firearm.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Coles knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for felonious assault on March 31, 2017, burglary on March 17, 2014, and illegal possession of firearm in open air arena on December 12, 2011, all in Columbiana County, Ohio.
Coles is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Francesca C. Rollo is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-96.
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Career offender sentenced after found passed out in vehicleRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 36-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Adolfo Tovar pleaded guilty Dec. 1, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Tovar to serve 200 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Tovar’s serious and significant criminal history, including his attempted robbery and second-degree robbery convictions.
On the late evening of April 10, 2021, a concerned citizen reported a vehicle parked crooked in a parking space with a male driver who appeared to be unconscious at a local gas station.
Authorities approached the driver, later identified as Tovar. They asked him to exit the vehicle and to provide identification. When he did so, Tovar pulled out two blue baggies typically used as packaging for illegal narcotics which fell to the ground.
Further investigation resulted in the discovery of other drug paraphernalia visible inside Tovar’s SUV. Law enforcement searched his vehicle and found meth, scales and baggies in the center console and a firearm under the driver’s seat.
Tovar has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.
Buxton Man Sentenced for Threats Against the Jewish CommunityRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Buxton man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for transmitting a threatening interstate communication.
U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Brian Dennison, 27, to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Dennison was found guilty by a federal jury on December 7, 2023, following a three-day trial.
According to evidence presented during the trial, on September 8, 2021, Dennison posted on Twitter, “I’m going to kill jews with my ar15 tomorrow.” FBI investigators identified Dennison as the likely author of the threat and executed search warrants at his Buxton residence. Among the items seized were approximately 1,700 rounds of ammunition that could be fired from an AR-15-style rifle. Investigators also found evidence that Dennison had a long-standing animus toward Jewish people. In October 2021, investigators executed another search warrant at the property and found an AR-15-style rifle and ammunition in a case that had been hidden in the woods behind the residence.
In imposing sentence, Judge Levy noted that threats like the one Dennison communicated are corrosive and strain the fiber of our country. He also noted that the core liberties enshrined in the Constitution are undermined by threats based on someone’s faith.
“Brian Dennison communicated his violent anti-Semitic threat on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration,” said Darcie McElwee, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine. “Such repugnant threats have no place in any society. I commend the FBI for its excellent investigative work in this case. Under the First Amendment, you have a right to believe hateful things, and to express those hateful beliefs in lawful ways. But when your speech constitutes a true threat to kill or injure others, you will be held accountable.”
“Our Maine Joint Terrorism Task Force is to be highly commended for its rapid response to Brian Dennison’s threat to commit mass murder with an assault rifle, born out of his long-standing hatred for Jewish people,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Hate has no place here in Maine, and the fact that Mr. Dennison had the actual means to carry out his articulated threat is chilling. Protecting human life is our absolute priority, and the FBI stands ready to intervene whenever threatening language crosses the line into illegal activity.”
The FBI and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
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Braxton County Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thomas Jason Drake, 48, of Gassaway, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Drake, a lawyer, admitted that he possessed and pawned a Taurus Model G3C 9mm handgun on December 20, 2021, a Winchester Model Grand European XTR .257-caliber rifle on November 22, 2021, and a Colt Model Single Action .45-caliber revolver on December 7, 2021, at Charleston businesses.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Drake knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for embezzlement in Kanawha County Circuit Court on September 13, 2012.
Drake is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman, Gabriel Price and Nowles Heinrich are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-64.
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Beckley Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Mariah Diane Keffer, 26, of Beckley, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2022, Keffer sold approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at her Robert C. Byrd Drive residence in Beckley. Keffer admitted to this transaction and further admitted to selling a total of approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for a total of $900 during separate transactions on December 22, 2022, and January 9, 2023.
On January 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of Keffer’s residence. Officers seized 71.5 grams of methamphetamine, 20.5 grams of fentanyl and various amounts of marijuana, oxycodone pills, alprazolam pills, suboxone, diazepam pills and psilocybin mushrooms. Officers also seized a Taurus model G2c 9mm pistol, a Ruger LCP .380-caliber pistol, and $2,011. Keffer admitted that she intended to distribute the seized drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-116.
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Bank Employee Admits Stealing Federal Benefits Intended for Deceased CustomerRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former bank employee admitted fraudulently withdrawing more than $105,000 in federal retirement benefits from the bank account of a deceased beneficiary at the same bank where the man was previously employed, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jorge Nova, 35, of Passaic, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court on April 17, 2024, to an indictment charging him with one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2014, Nova was an employee at a commercial bank in Nutley, New Jersey, where a customer received Social Security Administration (SSA) retirement benefits via direct deposit. The Social Security Administration was not notified of the beneficiary’s death and continued to deposit retirement benefits into the beneficiary’s bank account for more than four years, until October 2018. Nova fraudulently obtained funds from the beneficiary’s account by causing debit cards to be issued to himself in the beneficiary’s name, which he then used to drain the retirement benefits from the beneficiary’s bank account. Nova also registered new accounts with a money service provider in the name of the deceased beneficiary and withdrew money from a second bank account held in the beneficiary’s name. Nova fraudulently obtained more than $105,000 intended for the deceased beneficiary.
The count of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2024
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Sharon MacDermott, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Organized Crimes and Gang Unit in Newark.
nova.indictment.pdfAlleged Airline Stowaway Passenger Facing Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging a Texas man for national security crimes after he allegedly took photos of other airline passenger’s tickets and then attempted to take a flight to Texas while hiding in the aircraft’s lavatory.
According to court documents, on March 17, 2024, Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, 26 of Leander, Texas, boarded Delta Airlines flight #1683 from Salt Lake City International Airport to Austin, Texas. After boarding the aircraft, Fleurizard was assisted by a flight attendant to the front lavatory after witnessing him opening the emergency equipment storage door. While others boarded, Fleurizard remained in the lavatory. After boarding was completed, and before the aircraft doors were secured, Fleurizard exited the front lavatory and made his way to the back of the aircraft and entered the back lavatory. After Fleurizard exited the back lavatory, a flight attendant noticed no seats were available and approached Fleurizard. At this time the aircraft doors were secured, and the aircraft started to taxi to the runway. Fleurizard identified a seat as his to the flight attendant, but the flight attendant verified that the passenger in that seat actually purchased the seat.
Flight attendants searched for Fleurizard’s name on their Guest Service Tool but were unable to locate a valid ticket or booking reservation for him. The aircraft returned to the gate and Fleurizard was met by law enforcement upon exiting the aircraft.
As alleged in the complaint, during the investigation by law enforcement, surveillance footage showed Fleurizard in the boarding area taking photos of multiple passenger’s phones and/or boarding passes while they were not looking. Surveillance footage also showed that Fleurizard used his phone as a boarding pass when he boarded the plane.
Fleurizard is charged with being a stowaway on an aircraft, and access device fraud. His initial court appearance on the indictment will take place at a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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wicliffyvesfleurizard.indictment.pdf34 Individuals from Across the United States Indicted on Charges of Criminal Conspiracy Involving Illegal Drugs, Firearms, Money Laundering, Cockfighting and Attempts to Kill WitnessesRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today that 28 people are in state or federal custody following the return of six separate indictments alleging more than two dozen charges against thirty-four separate defendants. Certain of the individuals indicted are not yet in federal custody.
The arrests follow a long-term joint federal and state investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives into La Nuestra Familia (NF), a violent prison gang responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs into our community for the enrichment of their members, which includes leaders of this organization who, in some cases, are serving life sentences in the United States Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado (USP Florence ADMAX). USP Florence ADMAX is one of the Bureau of Prisons’ most secure facilities, providing an even higher level of custody than a regular maximum-security prison.
The arrests are the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that began in approximately 2018 and spanned multiple jurisdictions from various locations in Washington State, to include Yakima County, the Yakama Reservation, Spokane County, and Walla Walla County. The operation also extended into Louisiana, Colorado, and Arkansas.
The conspiracy indictment alleges Robert Patrick Hanrahan, Rigoberto Escobedo Gonzalez, Travis Michael McGuire, and Jose Alfredo Chavez Arredondo, acted as supervisors to dozens of individuals engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise that included possession and distribution of illegal drugs, cockfighting, possession of illegal firearms, illegal use of the U.S. Mail, and attempts to kill those who assisted law enforcement in this investigation. Multiple individuals have also been charged with laundering the proceeds made from these illicit ventures.
Upon release of the conspiracy indictment, which was unsealed earlier today upon the arrest of several suspects, United States Attorney Waldref stated, “I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of so many law enforcement agencies, who simultaneously executed more than twenty search warrants in the Yakima area and across the United States earlier today. More than 350 federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement came together to coordinate the takedown of this alleged drug trafficking operation.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “It is an honor to lead important prosecutions, such as this one, which has removed illegal drugs and firearms from our community and illegal narcotics from the Bureau of Prisons. Our community and our nation are safer and stronger as a result of the incredible work of our law enforcement and prosecution teams.”
During the operation, agents seized approximately 37 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, pound quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as more than 8,000 fentanyl-laced pills. Additionally, the law enforcement team seized more than $20,000 in U.S. currency. Agents also seized hundreds of roosters from locations in Zillah and Outlook, Washington. The roosters were allegedly used in cockfights. Many of the roosters are being turned over to the care of Heartwood Haven Animal Rescue located in Roy, Washington.
According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals have been in connection with ATF’s joint investigation. The United States anticipates bringing additional charges against other individuals identified during the execution of search warrants early today. In addition, the names of others indicted in connection with this investigation will be unsealed upon the arrest of those individuals.
- Fabian Arredondo a/k/a “DV,” 34, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Launder Money.
- Joanna Arredondo, 34, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jose Alfredo Chavez Arredondo a/k/a “Cuyi,” 43, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Distribution of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Launder Money, Unlawful Animal Fighting
- Jose Alfredo Ricardo Arredondo a/k/a “Papaz,” 25, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Distribution of Cocaine, Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun
- Alexa Joann Carras-Blackburn, 35, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Pablo Angel Castellon a/k/a “Sapo,” 40, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Mayda Ivette Castellon, 36, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jacenir Amezcua Dasilva a/k/a “Serio,” 30, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money, Attempt to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness
- Marco Anthony Gomez, Jr. a/k/a “Silky,” 45, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Rigoberto Escobedo Gonzalez a/k/a “Crazy Thugg,” 35, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Robert Patrick Hanrahan a/k/a “Bubba,” 52, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jazmine Renea Hart, 32, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Maria Esperanza Hermoso, 28, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Adrean Kendall Lafollette a/k/a “Hunger,” 33, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Travis Michael Mcguire a/k/a “Slim,” 49, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Unlawfully Use a Communication Facility, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jesus Antonio Mirelez a/k/a “Dizzy,” 34, Conspiracy to Launder Money, Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Felipe Feliciano Ramirez a/k/a “Casper,” 44, charged with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Use a Communications Facility, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Logan Paul Scheck a/k/a “Sin,” 31, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Brian Lee Sellers, 62, charged with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Use a Communications Facility, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Misael Vazquez-Moreno, 26, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl
- Fernando Villegas, 25, charged with Unlawful Animal Fighting
- Thomas Lee Weatherwax a/k/a “Wax,” 25, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Yesika Escobedo Zaragoza, 40, charged with Conspiracy to Money Launder
- Arthur Frank Cardenas a/k/a “Porkchop,” 45, charged with Attempt to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness
- Joshua Isaac Stine a/k/a “Heat,” 39, charged with Attempt to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness
- Hugo Enrique Davadi a/k/a “Flako,” 36, charged with Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl
Certain of the individuals will be arraigned at the Yakima and Spokane Federal Courthouses at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 19.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Prisons, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Gambling Commission, Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Grandview Police Department, Walla Walla Regional Drug Task Force, Selah Police Department, Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys from the Eastern District of Washington are prosecuting the case. Former AUSA Frances Walker was the initial prosecutor on the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
17 April 2024
Wyoming man sentenced, fined $7,500 for role in Billings commercial sex investigation, lying to investigatorsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Wyoming man convicted for his role in arranging for commercial sex in Billings and then lying to federal investigators was sentenced today to one year of probation and fined $7,500, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
On Feb. 20, U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters found the defendant, Mark Jay Albrecht, 66, of Gillette, Wyoming, guilty of use of facility in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering and making a false statement following a one-day bench trial. Judge Watters presided at sentencing.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that on April 21, 2021, law enforcement responded to a report of possible commercial sex activity at a Billings motel. Billings police officers knocked on the door of the suspect room and announced themselves. A woman, identified as Ashley Stella, of Reno, Nevada, Jane Doe 1, who was a minor at the time, and Albrecht emerged. Albrecht was seen buttoning up his shirt as he exited the room. Albrecht initially denied to police and FBI officers that he was in the room for a sexual encounter and offered various stories about why he was there. Ultimately, Albrecht acknowledged going to the room to engage in commercial sex and using a social media website and his cell phone to arrange for commercial sex. Stella acknowledged in interviews that Albrecht was in the room for commercial sex, and that Jane Doe 1 traveled with her for the purpose of commercial sex. Following the events of April 21, 2021, law enforcement began a federal sex trafficking investigation.
As part of the federal investigation, Albrecht arrived for an interview with law enforcement in May 2021 and repeatedly stated that he did not go to the motel for the purpose of commercial sex. Rather, Albrecht offered another story about why he was communicating with Stella. Albrecht never admitted he was soliciting commercial sex during his May 2021 interview, contrary to facts known by law enforcement. Stella was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for conviction of transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, IRS and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Wilton Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Operating Art Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS P. HATCH, 29, of Wilton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling counterfeit works of art.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hatch was the owner of Hatch Estate Services LLC, an estate sales company based in Norwalk. Between approximately April 2020 and January 2022, Hatch used various websites, including Estatesales.org, a website specializing in estate sales and auctions, to offer for sale purported paintings by the artist Peter Max. Hatch, who knew that the paintings were not authentic Peter Max paintings, used multiple aliases when interacting with purchasers through email during the sale process, and he made various representations as to the paintings’ authenticity, including providing certificates of the works’ authenticity.
Through this scheme, Hatch sold 145 fraudulent Peter Max paintings and defrauded 43 purchasers out of a total of $248,600. Judge Nagala ordered Hatch to make full restitution.
Hatch was arrested on a criminal complaint on May 9, 2023. On August 7, 2023, he pleaded guilty to mail fraud.
Hatch, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on June 17.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Webster Groves Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a man who recorded his sexual abuse of one pre-teen girl and sexually abused two other children to 35 years in prison.
Aaron Pratt, 38, of Webster Groves, Missouri, pleaded guilty in January to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. He admitted that he sexually abused a girl for approximately two years when she was between the ages of 10 and 12 and recorded the abuse on his cell phone. Pratt admitted sexually abusing two other juveniles, ages 7 and 11, at their home in another state.
Pratt also admitted possessing over 28,000 images and videos of other minors on various electronic devices.
The Webster Groves Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the FBI and the Hamilton Township (Ohio) Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Violent drug dealer off the streets for possessing 250 grams of meth and pistolRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for drug charges and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Lauro Gonzalez Jr. pleaded guilty April 24, 2023.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Gonzalez to serve a total of 12 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Gonzalez had been dealing various narcotics within the community for years and was proud that he had historically been able to avoid apprehension. Judge Crane heard additional evidence of the dangers of meth due to the low cost and its addictiveness. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Gonzalez’s lengthy criminal history which includes extensive drug use and distribution.
On Oct. 13, 2021, law enforcement arrived on the scene of a vehicle accident where witnesses reported the driver of a blue BMW had rear ended another vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Authorities identified the driver as Gonzalez and arrested him for fleeing the accident.
In a subsequent search of Gonzalez’s vehicle, law enforcement located 250 grams of meth, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, cash, a digital scale and a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine. Gonzalez admitted to selling the drugs found in the vehicle and bragged about usually being able to evade law enforcement. Gonzalez also stated he would have shot at authorities if he was not able to get away and had his gun.
Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case.
Vallejo Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Jose Navarro Mendoza has been sentenced to 120 months in prison following his conviction for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was imposed on April 12, 2024, by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, Senior United States District Judge.
Navarro Mendoza, 45, a resident of Vallejo, California, pleaded guilty in May 2023 to one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). He was originally indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022.
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, the defendant possessed more than 1,500 images and videos of child pornography on his electronic devices, including nearly 100 files depicting sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. Additional evidence found on the defendant’s electronic devices suggested he used social media and/or messaging apps to participate in chat groups where users posted and exchanged child pornography, the government said in its sentencing submission.
The government further argued in its sentencing papers that the defendant groomed and sexually abused several members of his extended family when they were 6 to 11 years old. These victims included two minors who told investigators that the defendant had rubbed their bodies, including their genitalia.
In addition to sentencing Navarro Mendoza to prison, Judge Breyer ordered the defendant to serve five years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.
Assistant United States Attorney Jared Buszin is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Christine Tian. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
U. S. Attorney Handberg Announces $418,000 in Justice Department Grants to Support Youth SuccessRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL ― U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg today announced a grant award of $418,000 to help support youth success in the Middle District of Florida. The grant was awarded to the City of Orlando Continuum of Care Project to Support Youth Success by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) “Building Local Continuums of Care to Support Youth Success” initiative and is part of more than $17 million going to communities nationwide.
“Effective prevention and intervention strategies are critical in reducing violence and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “Providing youth with opportunities to succeed and realize their potential is essential in developing our future leaders. This initiative is an investment in both.”
The Continuum of Care framework supports a network of services and opportunities to foster positive youth development and prioritizes community safety and effective program outcomes. This new OJJDP investment leverages decades of evidence-based learning to prevent youth from entering or deepening their involvement in the juvenile justice system and steer them on a path to success. At its core, the continuum of care approach is community-driven, leverages local insights, and addresses youth needs through mentoring, after-school programs, and other prosocial activities.
More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and victimization. The Office helps states, localities, and Tribes develop effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that create safer communities and empower youth to lead productive lives.
Two-Year Anniversary of Whole-of-Law Enforcement Approach to Combatting Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves joined Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai, of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Saul of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), to update the public on the process they put in place two years ago to review every firearms arrest in the District of Columbia, looking at data about the person arrested and data about the firearm they possessed to determine whether they should be prosecuted in U.S. District Court or in D.C. Superior Court.
The office and our partners refer to this effort as, “Project Safe Neighborhood” (PSN). In the two years since this PSN process was put in place, the office has accepted 127 firearms cases for federal prosecution.
Among the cases accepted as part of PSN:
- the average age of the defendant was 30 years old;
- 38% had gang or crew affiliations;
- 21% had a previous homicide arrest;
- 54% had a previous robbery arrest;
- 52% were suspects in previous shootings;
- 22% were arrested with a machine gun conversion device;
- 13% were arrested with a privately made firearm;
These cases continue to make their way through the criminal justice system, with over 50 defendants having already been sentenced or found guilty after either a trial or a guilty plea.
“The work we have done between this Project Safe Neighborhood effort and our other efforts have collectively taken hundreds of drivers of violence out of our community over the last couple years,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “This group of law enforcement partners has spent a substantial amount of time identifying those driving violence within our community and developing investigations designed to hold them accountable so we can remove them from our community. Removing this many drivers of violence has an impact on community safety.”
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is one of our most valued partnerships to date. The program frequently offers an immediate solution to swiftly removing prohibited possessors of firearms from our communities.” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kailimai, “If a prohibited person is encountered by ATF or one of our partnering agencies and happens to meet the agreed upon criteria, the violators will be recommended for federal prosecution.”
“Echoing the words of United States Attorney Graves and my colleagues, DEA works diligently to protect the American public by conducting daily investigations and operations to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and criminals that pose a threat to our communities and endanger our citizens,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Forget. “A key strategy to halt this violence is our collaboration with state, local, and federal partners. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an example of our collaborative approach to violence prevention, aimed at protecting the well-being of Washingtonians and beyond.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in the District through targeted strategies like Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Saul. “Seizing firearms linked to previously convicted felons allows us to promptly remove drivers of gun violence from our communities and prosecute them for their crimes.”
“As our officers work hard day in and day out to remove guns from our communities, collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners is vital to making sure we can hold offenders accountable,” said MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith. “Project Safe Neighborhood is doing just that. Collectively the work of this program and many other initiatives we have with our federal partners and the US Attorney’s Office allow us to make our communities safer by removing the people that are driving gun violence and fear into our neighborhoods.”
Two sentenced for trafficking firearms destined for MexicoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two people residing in Laredo have been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to sell pistols, rifles and ammunition via social media, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Joccelyn Jasmin Recio, 30, Laredo, and Mexican national Victor Martin Serrano Carrillo, 20, pleaded guilty Sept. 12, 2023, and May 11, 2023, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Recio and Carrillo to serve respective sentences of 78 and 63 months. Recio must also serve three years of supervised release, while Carillo, not a U.S. citizen, is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard about Recio’s prior conviction for alien smuggling in 2016. In imposing the sentence, Judge Saldaña noted the drug war in Mexico in which Recio and Carrillo made a choice to become involved and how their involvement in the conspiracy operated as a well-oiled machine that resulted in the sale of an immeasurable number of firearms.
“Recio and Carillo potentially put lives at risk for their own personal gain - intending to profit by selling firearms and ammunition to be illegally smuggled out of the United States,” said Hamdani. “We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat this international issue. Try to take guns to Mexico through our district and pay for it with your freedom.”
As part of the conspiracy, Carrillo contacted sellers on WhatsApp to purchase firearms for Recio via private sales. Carrillo would then transport Recio and the firearms to the meeting places. Recio would use WhatsApp and other social media messaging to communicate with the buyers and then pay Carrillo a fee for each firearm following the sale.
As part of their pleas, both admitted that in February 2023, Recio had delivered a total of six pistols, two rifles and 123 rounds of ammunition along six pistol magazines in exchange for cash. Recio contacted a buyer and sent photos of the various firearms along with the prices for each.
The firearms included one loaded AR-15 type rifle.
Recio and Carrillo have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Laredo Police Department, Webb County Sheriff’s Department and Precinct 2 Webb County Constable’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Two Western Kentucky Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – Two western Kentucky men were sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking yesterday.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Matt Hillbrecht of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
Yesterday, Fabian Thomas, 34, of Mayfield, Kentucky and Puryear, Tennessee, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. On April 4 and April 22, 2022, in McCracken County, Kentucky, Thomas distributed more than 5 grams of grams of methamphetamine. On April 21, 2022, on 2 separate occasions, in McCracken County, Kentucky, Thomas, possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of grams of methamphetamine.
Previously, on March 26, 2024, Ronald McClure, 37, of Paducah, Kentucky and Peachtree City, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 21, 2022, in McCracken County, Kentucky, McClure possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA Paducah Post of Duty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Two Members of Jersey City Gang Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy for Roles in Murder, Shooting, and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two members of the Jersey City gang associated with the Wilkinson neighborhood were charged by indictment with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Kenneth Harrigan, aka “Kenny,” aka “Kenny OGM,” 27, and Darion Canary, aka “Goon,” 31, both of Jersey City, New Jersey, are charged with a racketeering conspiracy that included a murder, a shooting, and narcotics distribution. Harrigan and Canary are both in federal custody on previously filed federal charges. Both had their initial appearances and arraignments on April 16, 2024, before the U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals in Newark federal court and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Harrigan and Canary are both members and associates of the neighborhood street gang associated with the Wilkinson neighborhood. Since 2019, they have committed multiple acts of violence. On July 20, 2019, Harrigan, Canary, and at least one other gang member traveled to the territory of a rival gang in Jersey City and shot three victims, killing one of them.
On Jan. 1, 2024, Canary, along with other gang members, attended a night club in Newark where a rival gang member was performing. At the night club, Canary brandished a firearm and shot a rival gang member before fleeing the nightclub with his fellow gang members and returning to the Wilkinson neighborhood in Jersey City. At this time, Canary was staying at a halfway house as part of his sentencing on a related federal narcotics conviction.
Investigators observed and documented dozens of narcotics transactions in and around the Wilkinson neighborhood during the months-long investigation.
The investigation revealed that Harrigan and Canary were two of the highest ranking members of the Wilkinson neighborhood street gang and that Harrigan was a primary supplier of narcotics to the area.
In December 2021, Harrigan, Canary, and four other members and associates of the Wilkinson neighborhood street gang were charged by criminal complaint on drug trafficking offenses.
Harrigan and Canary face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the racketeering conspiracy, as well as a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited investigators of the Gang Intelligence Unit of the Major Case Division of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; investigators of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Department of Homeland Security (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the District of New Jersey’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
harrigancanary.indictment.pdfThree Individuals Indicted in Multistate COVID-19 Relief Program Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Three individuals were indicted for their roles in fraudulently obtaining approximately $5 million of federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and for laundering the loan proceeds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Eric Rivera, 42, of Norcross, Georgia, is charged with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, three counts of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and eight counts of money laundering. Adrienne Ponzo, 49, of Bear, Delaware, is charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and two counts of money laundering. James Wessels, 54, of Middletown, Delaware, is charged with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, three counts of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. They were charged by complaint in July 2023.
According to the indictment:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The CARES Act also authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses that were experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To obtain a PPP or EIDL loan, a qualifying small business was required to apply and provide information on its operations, including the number of employees and revenues or expenses. Businesses generally had to provide supporting documentation such as tax returns and bank statements.
Rivera conspired with Wessels and others to defraud a participating lender in the PPP program. Rivera submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for two companies he controlled, which included fake bank statements and IRS tax forms. The lender approved the PPP loans and paid Rivera’s companies $285,000. Rivera also recruited individuals who owned businesses with little or no operations and introduced them to a conspirator who prepared fraudulent PPP loan applications for these companies. Most of these PPP loan applications also included fake bank statements and tax forms. After the lender approved the PPP loans, Rivera received payments of 15 percent to 50 percent of the loan proceeds, via wire transfer or check, for his role in orchestrating this scheme. Wessels created fraudulent IRS tax forms for the PPP loan applications for Rivera’s companies and for the other companies for which Rivera was paid. Wessels was paid a fee for each fraudulent tax form he created.
Wessels also conspired with two individuals who received fraudulent PPP loans from the lender to structure the spending of the PPP loan proceeds to conceal that the proceeds actually were being spent on non-payroll expenses. Wessels created fake payroll checks from the companies and the business owners distributed the fake payroll checks to friends and family members, who cashed the checks and returned the majority of the cash to the business owners. The lender subsequently forgave these PPP loans based on forgiveness applications that falsely stated that most of the loan proceeds were spent on payroll expenses.
Rivera also conspired with Ponzo and others to defraud the SBA. After the CARES Act was passed, Rivera recruited individuals who owned companies with little or no operations and introduced them to Ponzo, who prepared fraudulent EIDL applications for these businesses and caused them to be electronically submitted to the SBA. Ponzo prepared fraudulent bank statements and tax returns for companies that did not have them. After the SBA approved the EIDL loans, Rivera received payments of 15 to 50 percent of the loan proceeds, via wire transfer or check, for his role in orchestrating this scheme. Rivera, in turn, wired a portion of the loan proceeds to Ponzo for her role in the scheme.
The counts of bank fraud conspiracy and bank fraud are each punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The counts of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The counts of money laundering are each punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Regional Office; special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs in Philadelphia; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Parker; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the Criminal Division in Camden and Jason M. Richardson, Attorney in Charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the charging instrument are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
riveraponzowessels.indictment.pdfTexas Man Sentenced to Statutory Maximum After Jury TrialRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – An Edinburg, Texas man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiring to possess with intent distribute cocaine.
Jose Humberto Gandara, 52, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.
According to Court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2016, Jose Humberto Gandara was stopped in Gulfport while driving a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta contained almost $150,000 hidden in a concealed compartment located under the center console. Gandara initially denied any knowledge of the money. Officers then showed Gandara a pair of shoes, which they located in the hidden compartment. The officers previously cut the shoes to see if they contained a tracker. Gandara asked the officers why they cut his shoes, and when they confronted him with the fact that the shoes came from the hidden compartment, Gandara admitted to moving the money for a percentage. Gandara denied being involved with narcotics, but photographs from his phone appeared to depict bricks of cocaine.
In January of 2015, Gandara bought a different 2012 Volkswagen Jetta that was subsequently stopped at the border of Mexico/Texas. While Gandara was not driving that Jetta, the driver was an individual that Gandara had previously identified as his employee. Border Patrol agents found approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment, which matched the hidden compartment in the vehicle Gandara was driving in Gulfport.
Officers were also able to determine that in September of 2015, Gandara was stopped in Alabama with nearly $360,000. The money was divided into multiple bundles, each of which were wrapped in green plastic wrap and stuffed inside the front seats of the car Gandara was driving. Gandara again denied knowledge of the money, but the money found in the seats matched a bundle of money Gandara claimed from his duffle bag.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the $150,000 seized from Gandara in Gulfport was payment for cocaine that was interdicted in Louisiana, while bound for Moss Point, Mississippi. The evidence and testimony at trial showed that Gandara was acting on behalf of a source of supply, located in Texas, who was importing cocaine directly from Mexico and sending it on to Moss Point, Mississippi.
On January 11, 2024, after a trial, a federal jury convicted Jose Humberto Gandara of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Gandara faced a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The DEA, United States Border Patrol, Gulfport Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and Alabama’s 17th Judicial Task Force Team investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Buckner and Hunter McCreight prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor- led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Tennessee Felon Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Lafayette, Tennessee man was sentenced yesterday to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after previously been convicted of a felony.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to court documents, Christopher R. Blankenship, 42, of Lafayette, Tennessee, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Ruger, model P94, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Smith and Wesson, model SD40 VE, .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and ammunition on June 12, 2022, in Allen County, Kentucky. Blankenship was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 31, 2013, in Macon Circuit Court, Macon County, Tennessee, Blankenship was convicted of vehicular homicide-intoxication.
On March 28, 2011, in Macon Circuit Court, Macon County, Tennessee, Blankenship was convicted of aggravated assault.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office with assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II and R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Tax preparer admits to fraud resulting in over half a million in lossesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A local tax business owner has pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false income tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Krystal Wright was the sole owner and only tax preparer at WW2F in Freeport for six years.
Most of Wright’s clients did not have a business nor did they discuss any business income or expenses with her. After Wright completed a tax return, she did not review the completed documents with clients and only provided them with the refund amount and first two pages of the return. This prevented her clients from identifying overstated or false items on their tax returns.
From 2017 through 2020, Wright prepared and filed approximately 83 federal income tax returns that contained false and fraudulent items. Some included qualified solar electric property costs, gifts by cash or check, business expenses, wages, salaries, tips and supplies.
The false and fraudulent filings resulted in a total sustained tax harm of $525,404.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown accepted the plea and set sentencing for June 26. At that time, Wright faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and James Hu are prosecuting the case.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing and Intending to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Javier Bachiller, age 32, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve 10 years in federal prison for his conviction for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Bachiller admitted that on October 19, 2023, he possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in a Syracuse garage he was renting. At the time of his arrest, Bachiller also possessed quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin that he intended to distribute to others.
United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Bachiller to serve a 5-year term of post-release supervision and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sherriff’s Office, and the New York State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
St. Paul Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul felon has been sentenced to 74 months in prison for illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 28, 2022, Bloomington police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Damien Kent Hallmon, 40, for multiple traffic violations and noticed several indicators of marijuana use. The occupants of the vehicle were asked to step out of the vehicle so it could be searched, and officers found a 9mm firearm with a loaded magazine and no serial number in Hallmon’s fiancé’s purse.
Because Hallmon has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The firearm seized in this case, a Polymer 80, is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” or a “privately made firearm” (PMF).
Hallmon was convicted by a federal jury on November 3, 2023, on one count of possessing ammunition as a felon. He was sentenced yesterday by Judge Kate M. Menendez in U.S. District Court.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bloomington Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Lab, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary S. Riverso, Ruth S. Shnider, and Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Man Admits Committing Month-Long Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man on Wednesday admitted committing 12 robberies or attempted robberies that occurred in less than a month in 2021.
James Mayes, 61, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to 10 counts of robbery, two counts of possession, brandishing and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of robbery within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
Mayes admitted committing eight armed robberies and one attempted robbery in St. Louis and three in St. Louis County between Oct. 13, 2021, and Nov. 10, 2021. Among his targets were four cell phone stores and three small markets or convenience stores. Mayes also robbed someone on the grounds of Gateway National Arch Park on Oct. 13, 2021, striking his victim on the shoulder with his gun. The next day, he tried to rob someone in the Laclede’s Landing area. While Mayes and his victim were struggling over his gun, he stabbed the victim and seriously injured him.
In other robberies, he threatened to kill employees of the targeted businesses. He fired his .380-caliber handgun at two different robberies.
St. Louis Robberies
- Oct. 13, 2021: Gateway National Arch Park armed street robbery.
- Oct. 14, 2021: Attempted robbery of a person on Laclede’s Landing.
- Oct. 17, 2021: Armed robbery of the T-Mobile at 4142 S. Grand.
- Oct. 20, 2021: Armed robbery of the Smoothie King at 1211 Pine.
- Oct. 23, 2021: Armed robbery of Kaiser Mart at 5008 S. Grand.
- Oct. 26, 2021: Armed robbery of Crown Food Mart at 300 S. Jefferson.
- Nov. 3, 2021: Armed robbery of Gallery Furniture/Home Accents at 310 N. Sixth Street, the Boost Mobile at 1644 S. Jefferson and Domino’s Pizza at 1428 N. 13th Street.
St. Louis County Robberies
- Oct. 25, 2021: Armed robbery of the Metro PCS at 6731 Page.
- Nov. 5, 2021: Armed robbery of Vapes and Snacks at 8820 Gravois Road.
- Nov. 10, 2021: Armed robbery of the Cricket Wireless store at 1084 Lemay Ferry Road.
A police officer responding to Mayes’ final robbery, at the cell phone store on Lemay Ferry Road, spotted Mayes, who matched the description of the robber. Mayes resisted arrest and bit the officer several times.
Mayes is scheduled to be sentenced on July 23. As part of the plea agreement, both sides have agreed to recommend a 20-year prison term for Mayes.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Pagedale Police Department, the FBI and the National Park Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case.
Serial Burglar Sentenced for 27 Counts of Second-Degree BurglaryRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Scotty Wayne Harjo, 40, of Tulsa, for 27 counts of Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Judge Hill ordered Harjo to serve 72 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
“Scotty Harjo targeted small businesses such as bakeries, breweries, and barber shops,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) spent countless hours investigating Harjo’s burglary spree. I want to thank them for their hard work and assisting federal prosecutors in securing this sentence.”
According to court documents, Harjo was released from federal prison in August of 2021 after serving 60 months for drug conspiracy. Shortly after his release, Harjo broke into 27 different businesses throughout Tulsa in 2022. Harjo targeted small businesses. Harjo told Tulsa Police Officers that “he did not really care because “we” (TPD) can’t do anything about it…”
Harjo is a citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey prosecuted the case.
Second Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Commercial Leasing Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Armando Binelo, 46, of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, pled guilty for his role in a 20-million-dollar leasing fraud scheme. Daniel Raymond, 54, of Mebane, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Binelo faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced.
“Our Assistant U.S. Attorneys are hard at work in unraveling complex financial frauds like this one, where a computer equipment supplier billed financiers for millions in a scheme that lasted years,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The Research Triangle is a hub for tech and innovation. We are ramping up white collar fraud enforcement to ensure fraudsters who take advantage of our booming tech sector are held accountable.”
According to court documents and information presented in court, from March 2016 to January 2022, Binelo and Raymond executed a scheme to defraud financing companies in connection with computer equipment lease deals. The scheme’s targets were financing companies that offered small to medium-sized businesses (“customers”) financing and secured leases for computer servers and equipment. Under these leasing programs, financers paid for and took title to the equipment and then leased it to the customers for a fixed term. Financers entered into agreements with brokers who, for a fee, could bring potential equipment leasing opportunities to the financers for evaluation and approval. As a third-party independent financing source, financers did not manufacture or supply the computer equipment. Instead, the brokers, like Raymond, arranged for the purchase and delivery of the equipment to the customers, who then leased that equipment from the financers.
Raymond targeted financially distressed small business customers throughout the country and offered them leases for computer equipment. Typically, the customers Raymond targeted were seeking a cash infusion for operating expenses and had no immediate need for computer equipment. Nonetheless, Raymond enticed customers by offering lease deals with large cash rebates and long-term payback options. Raymond falsely assured customers that this was a common and legitimate practice and that they could always sell the computer equipment if they chose to. The cash rebates and payback options offered by Raymond were not known to or approved by the financers.
Raymond executed the lease agreements with the customers and then submitted the leases and invoices to a financer. If approved, the financer paid Raymond a lump sum payment, which was intended to represent the cost of the computer equipment to be supplied by Raymond, plus a small fee to be retained by Raymond as profit. Once the leases were signed and approved by the financer, Raymond instructed the customers to create false documents that claimed the computer equipment had been delivered, installed, and was operational at their business sites, despite no equipment being delivered or installed. These false declarations enabled the financier to pay Raymond. After Raymond obtained payment from the financers, he wired the cash rebates to the customers from his business checking account. Raymond sometimes did ship computer equipment to the customers. However, whereas the leases called for name-brand computer servers and hardware valued between $30,000 - $100,000, Raymond sent cheap computer equipment and parts.
Raymond was affiliated with the following businesses: Integrity IT Solutions, Inc. (“IITS”), Logos Consulting, LLC (“Logos”), Lendberry Corp. (“Lendberry”), US Server Supply (“USSS”), Online Concepts Inc. (“OC”), Referral Marketing Services (“RMS”), Sandriver Group, Inc. (“Sandriver”), Business Repair Consultants (“BRC”), and Buyback Funders, LLC (“Buyback”).
Binelo joined the scheme as a small business customer who entered fraudulent computer equipment leases with Raymond in exchange for cash rebates. Eventually, Binelo was recruited as a vendor/partner with various lending institutions. Under their arrangement, Raymond secured the fraudulent leases with customers, which Binelo passed off to the victim lenders. Victim lenders wired the proceeds to a bank account controlled by Binelo. Binelo took his portion of the proceeds and wired the remaining funds to Raymond.
Raymond participated in fraudulent lease deals valued at more than 20 million dollars. Binelo participated in fraudulent lease deals valued at more than 6 million dollars. Binelo pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00045-BO-1.
Second Jacksonville Man Arrested on Bank Fraud and Theft of Mail ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo (26, Jacksonville) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit theft of mail, and theft of mail. If convicted, Hidalgo faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, up to 5 years for the theft of mail and conspiracy to commit theft of mail counts, and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendant, Frank Anthony Acanda, defrauded. Federal law enforcement arrested Acanda on December 13, 2023.
According to the indictment, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others drove around areas of Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine and stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes over several months. After opening the mail and stealing checks and money orders, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others acting on their behalf, deposited the items into bank accounts controlled by them and then used ATMs to immediately withdraw cash. In some instances, the co-defendants altered the stolen checks by increasing the amount of the stolen checks to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw from ATMs.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Santo Domingo Woman Sentenced for Assault on Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Santo Domingo woman was sentenced to 17 months and 2 days in prison for assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer during a traffic stop.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2021, an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs executed a traffic stop on a car driven by Henryetta John, 31, for driving 15mph in a 45mph zone on the Pueblo of Santo Domingo. Initially, John sped up before eventually stopping. When the officer approached John, she observed her bloodshot eyes and that she had difficulty producing a driver’s license. John failed a subsequent field sobriety test and admitted to consuming alcohol.
The officer arrested John for driving under the influence. Initially, John complied, however when the officer attempted to place John in handcuffs, she slipped the handcuffs and physically assaulted the officer, causing them to roll down a hillside. The officer sustained multiple injuries as a result of the altercation.
When the officer separated from John, she climbed up the hill to her police vehicle and called for assistance while John fled. A K9 unit and other officers responded and pursued John. They found her hiding under a tree. John refused to respond to commands to come out from under the tree, so they attempted to use the police dog to retrieve her. John struck the police dog in the face. The K9 officer then put a cuff on John, and she tried to pull away and resist, but the officer and the police dog removed John from the tree and arrested her.
After completing her term of imprisonment, John will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Road rage driver sentenced to 7+ years in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 42-year-old King County man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 90 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Robby Lee Robinson was convicted in October 2023 following a four-day jury trial. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin told Robinson, “You turned a car accident into a dangerous situation for all the people around you on that highway.”
“Mr. Robinson grabbed a gun and started shooting at another driver on a busy highway – conduct that could have killed or injured others,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Despite prior convictions for illegally possessing firearms, he continues to get guns and is willing to use them. Then he lies about his conduct to police and on the witness stand. Such conduct merits a lengthy prison term.”
According to records filed in the case, just after 10:00 PM on November 8, 2022, a victim called 9-1-1 reporting that he had been involved in an accident and now the other driver was chasing and shooting at him. The incident occurred on the southbound lanes of Highway 18. After about five minutes, the driver was able to get away from the car Robinson was driving and reported to police that it appeared the car had exited the highway.
King County Sheriff’s deputies were able to locate the car with the shooter and followed it to Maple Valley where the driver, Robinson, finally stopped the vehicle and surrendered. In the car, police found two firearms, ammunition, and shell casings.
At trial, Robinson and his wife claimed the guns belonged to her and that Robinson did not know the guns were in the car. Robinson was alone in the car at the time of the incident. He testified that he felt threatened following the collision, and then described how he chased after the driver and repeatedly fired the gun he found on the floor of the car at the taillights of the other driver. The bullets broke a window on the victim car, and law enforcement recovered bullet fragments in the vehicle.
In asking for a nine-year prison sentence, prosecutors highlighted Robinson’s refusal to respect the law, and that he had committed this new crime while on supervised release. “Despite being convicted of this same offense (illegal firearms possession) and serving a 90-month sentence, Robinson was not deterred. He again possessed firearms and ammunition, and he again used them—this time to shoot at a random person driving on the road. The fact that no one was killed was sheer luck. And once again, Robinson sought to subvert the judicial process by committing perjury while testifying at trial and by suborning perjury by seeking to have his wife lie on his behalf to cover up his criminal conduct,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
“Mr. Robinson knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Yet, he turned to a firearm and used it in an act of violence in this case. We will vigorously investigate all those who are prohibited from possessing firearms and yet still do so, especially when they use firearms in violent acts.”
“The King County Sheriff’s Office is working tirelessly to remove illegal firearms from our streets,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “I’m grateful for the continued support we’ve received from the United States Department of Justice and other local law enforcement agencies to hold these individuals accountable for their dangerous actions. Together, we are working to make our communities and our residents safer.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF), the Washington State Patrol, and King County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Rachel Yemini.
Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Anthony Darnell Deberry, 39, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2023, Deberry sold a controlled substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant at Deberry’s residence in Beckley. Deberry admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling fentanyl to the confidential informant on four other occasions within Raleigh County.
On July 5, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Deberry’s residence and found two 9mm handguns, 9mm ammunition, $2,000 and approximately 76.5 grams of fentanyl. Deberry admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl found during the search.
Deberry is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-28.
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Pittsburgh Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Kenneth Gaines, 33, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on February 15, 2024, Gaines, who has prior felony convictions, possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Ball and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Convicted at Trial for Committing and Conspiring to Commit Violent Home Invasions Targeting Business Owners and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Shaquan Brown, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted Monday by a federal jury in connection with conspiracy to commit armed home invasion robberies targeting the businesses and attached residences of their owners, as well as robbery affecting interstate commerce and attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
From November 2019 through January 3, 2020, Brown and three co-conspirators conspired to carry out a series of robberies that targeted business owners and another individual that they believed would keep cash in their home. The offenders used zip ties, duct tape, and firearms to commit these crimes. Brown researched his victims and their businesses, using a GPS tracking device to learn where the victims lived. The defendant and his co-conspirators targeted victims they believed kept cash in their homes, including business owners who were Asian and other business owners who dealt in cash.
On the night of December 31, 2019, Brown and two co-conspirators accosted the owner of a nail salon in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, as the owner returned to the business. The offenders forced the victim inside, and repeatedly demanded money, placing zip ties on the owner’s wrists, covering his mouth with duct tape, and striking his face with their fists and a gun. The men took cash from the business, then forced the owner to his residence, where they encountered his wife, their children, and their nanny. The men zip-tied the wife and all of their children, then continued to beat and injure the owner, and demand money. They ransacked the residence while making statements such as “we have been watching you for weeks.”
On the morning of January 3, 2020, Brown and another individual attempted to break into a residence in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The defendant had planned to commit an armed home invasion robbery of the homeowner, who was a business owner, and his family, to steal the owner’s business proceeds. While attempting to enter the victim’s home, the home security alarm system went off, and the police responded within minutes. The defendant led the police on a foot chase through the woods and into a creek, where he was arrested. The police recovered duct tape, zip ties, and a firearm from the defendant’s backpack.
“Home invasion robberies are terrifying for victims, shattering their sense of security where they once felt most safe” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “It’s unconscionable that running a successful business is enough to make you a target for criminals like Shaquan Brown, who prefer taking other people’s money at gunpoint to earning it for themselves. This verdict not only holds Brown accountable for the harm he’s done, it will keep him behind bars for years, so he can’t hurt anyone else.”
“Everyone should feel safe in their home,” said Charles Doerrer, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Philadelphia Field Division. “The violence that these families suffered is a serious crime, and this conviction will leave Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and homes safer. ATF is committed to working with our partners to prevent such violent crimes and seek justice for its victims.”
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30, 2024. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 84 months in prison and a statutory maximum of life in prison, and up to five years of supervised release.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Carissimi and Assistant United States Attorney J. Jeanette Kang.
Perry County man pleads guilty to federal child exploitation chargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Junction City, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting minors and possessing child pornography.
Since 2018, Clay Thomas Wolfe, 28, obtained child pornography from more than 250 victims via the mobile application Snapchat.
His plea includes a recommended sentence of 18 to 23 years in prison.
Wolfe pretended to be a 15-year-old female on Snapchat and used this persona to solicit child pornography from primarily middle school and high school aged boys. The victims who have been identified thus far reside in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Chillicothe, Ohio, and other various cities in the Southern District of Ohio and across the United States. Wolfe’s Snapchat account also contained sexually explicit photographs and videos of minor males as young as 10 and 11 years old.
The investigation was initiated in April 2022, when law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania learned that a sixth-grade student was sharing a nude photograph of a classmate that he received from Wolfe, who was pretending to be a teenage girl.
As part of his online persona, Wolfe – acting as the username “Ally” on Snapchat – sent the male victims photos and videos of pubescent female’s naked breasts and genitalia that he found on adult pornography sites or public social media accounts. Wolfe would also extort the victims by threatening to send the nude images of his victims to their friends and family unless they sent him additional images.
In total, Wolfe received approximately 850 images and 570 videos depicting child pornography.
Wolfe was arrested and charged federally in June 2023.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Parker and Iatarola commended the cooperation of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Perry County Prosecutor. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch and are representing the United States in this case.
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Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to gun trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian Arroyo Collazo, 28, of New Castle, PA, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to traffic in firearms, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that between July 2022, and March 2023, Collazo transported, or attempted to transport, firearms to the Jamestown, NY, area. These firearms included pistols, AR-style rifles, handguns, revolvers, and high-capacity magazines. Collazo trafficked a total of approximately 40 firearms. Collazo utilized social media to conduct firearm related conversations and effectuate his firearms trafficking activities. During these conversations, Collazo would send photos of firearms to potential buyers.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan DiGirolamo, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Erie, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Spizarny Sr.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Paducah Felon Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah man was sentenced yesterday to 7 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Brian Laird of the Paducah Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Myree Marshall, 51, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a SCCY, model CPX-2, 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol on August 8 and 9, 2020. Marshall was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On February 10, 1995, in McCracken Circuit Court, Marshall was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
On March 25, 2004, in McCracken Circuit Court, Marshall was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
On January 24, 2019, in McCracken Circuit Court, Marshall was convicted of assault under extreme emotional disturbance.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Paducah Police Department and the ATF Paducah Satellite Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Oswego County Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Tyler Ager, age 30, of Oswego County, New York, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
During his change of plea hearing in December 2023, Ager admitted that, in May 2023 and June 2023, he possessed child pornography on his phone and uploaded a child pornography file to a public website where adults chat with other adults. He also admitted that, in April 2021, he was convicted of sexual abuse in the second degree in Parish Town Court. His offense conduct in that case involved him having a 4-year-old minor touch his penis. He received a term of probation for his state offense, which he was serving when he committed the offense for which he was sentenced today. Following his 120-month term of imprisonment, Ager will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Oklahoma Man Arrested for Allegedly Throwing Pipe Bomb at Satanic Temple in Salem, Mass.Read the Press Release
BOSTON – An Oklahoma man was arrested and charged today for allegedly throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass.
Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., was charged in a criminal complaint with using an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. Palmer was arrested this morning and will make an initial appearance in the Western District of Oklahoma on Thursday. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents and TST’s website, TST is a “non-theistic organization” founded in 2013 and headquartered in Salem, Mass. In addition to serving as the organization’s headquarters, TST’s Salem location also functions as a public, TST-themed art gallery.
At approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras outside TST captured a man walking towards TST wearing black pants, and black jacket, a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. According to the charging documents, as the man approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb—a type of improvised explosive device or “IED”—threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. Seconds later, the pipe bomb partially detonated causing minor fire and related damage to TST’s exterior.
According to the charging documents, the pipe bomb appeared to have been constructed from a section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails, which were attached to the pipe with tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with a powder-like substance, preliminarily identified as smokeless gunpowder. A single human hair was allegedly located on the pipe bomb containing a DNA profile from a Caucasian male.
A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to where the pipe bomb was discovered. Among other things, the letter allegedly stated:
DEAR SATANIST
ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
ONE DIES. I OBEY.
Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation identified a black Volvo sedan, allegedly registered to Palmer, driving erratically in the immediate vicinity of TST both before and after the incident.A photograph of Palmer, who is a Caucasian male, posted to a social media website shows him wearing a tan-colored tactical vest like the vest worn by the suspect in the TST surveillance video. Palmer also allegedly comments frequently on a social media website about religious matters and themes similar to those contained in the handwritten note found outside of TST on April 8, 2024.
Finally, the charging document alleges that on April 3, 2024, Palmer purchased PVC pipe and matching PVC end cap—like the pipe and end cap used to construct the pipe bomb—from a home improvement retailer in Oklahoma.
The charge of using fire or an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MALCOM JOHNSON, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on April 16, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, JOHNSON sold $400 worth of heroin to a DEA confidential source in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. He was charged with violating Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Judge Morgan set sentencing for July 23, 2024. JOHNSON faces up to 20 years imprisonment a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ODINE DOMINICK, age 33, of New Orleans, was indicted on March 8, 2024, for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts. The indictment was unsealed on April 15, 2024.
DOMINICK is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). He is charged in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
As to Count 1, DOMINICK faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Murray Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Murray, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Nicky Knight of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Gary Sims, 49, of Murray, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On June 23, August 11, and August 18, 2021, in Calloway County, Kentucky, Sims distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. On August 18, 2022, in Calloway County, Kentucky, Sims possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of grams of methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and DEA Paducah Post of Duty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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