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28 August 2023
Tulare County Man Sentenced to 5.5 Years in Prison for Possessing CocaineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Angulo, 34, of Woodlake, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, a long-term investigation uncovered a scheme involving the trade of illegal drugs sourced in Mexico and California for firearms sourced in Texas. In 2021, a team of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers partnered in an investigation into the Tulare County Surenos Street Gang. Part of the investigation focused on Angulo and his associates, who were involved in shipping illegal drugs and firearms across state lines.
On Oct. 26, 2021, Angulo and his associate were stopped by law enforcement after picking up narcotics from a source of supply in Los Angeles. Officers located more than 9 kilograms of cocaine and a firearm in Angulo’s car.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County Area Regencies Gun Enforcement Team, the Visalia Police Department, the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol’s Special Operations Unit, and the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Troy Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced the sentencing of Jesse Morgan Hinson, 36, formerly of Troy, Alabama, to 51 months in prison for mail fraud. Hinson previously pleaded guilty to the charge in April of this year. The Alabama Securities Commission provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
According to court documents, over a six-month period in 2022, Hinson engaged in two episodes of fraud during which he falsely represented himself as being wealthy. He claimed to have access to real estate opportunities and stated that he needed upfront funding to pursue those ventures. In reality, Hinson had no significant assets and ultimately took the victims' money, approximately $190,000, for his own use. During the August 25, 2023, sentencing hearing, a federal judge also ordered that Hinson pay $124,028.80 in restitution to his victims.
The United States Secret Service and the Alabama Securities Commission investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen K. Moulton and J. Patrick Lamb, along with Special Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew O. Schiff and Amanda Senn of the Alabama Securities Commission prosecuted the case.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession and Sale of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Springfield, Ill. – A Springfield, Ill., man, Dalton Smith, 29, has been sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for three years to be followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and selling a stolen Colt AR-15 style rifle
During the sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that the defendant, a convicted felon, sold a AR-15 he knew to be stolen for $450. The semi-automatic firearm contained a high-capacity magazine, capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition. The AR-15 was one of a number of firearms and firearm parts stolen from a Springfield residence in January of 2023. Smith was previously convicted in North Carolina of felony breaking and entering.
Smith pleaded guilty on April 25, 2023, and has been detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest on March 16, 2023.
The statutory penalty for possessing a firearm as a felon is up to 15 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $250,000 fine. The statutory penalty for knowingly possessing and selling a stolen weapon is up to 10 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government in the prosecution.
Shelby County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge recently delivered sentencing in the case of a Shelby County man convicted of drug and firearm charges. Devin Wiseman, 37, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris also ordered Wiseman to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on October 18, 2021, Memphis Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze bearing fraudulent temporary tags. Officers discovered that Wiseman, who was operating the vehicle, had a revoked driver’s license. Wiseman and a female passenger admitted they were smoking marijuana in the car. In addition, officers discovered a loaded black 9mm pistol tucked underneath the passenger seat and an extended magazine loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition in the driver’s side door pocket. Wiseman admitted ownership of the firearm and was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
In May 2023, a federal jury determined that Wiseman’s three prior violent felony convictions were committed on occasions different from one another. This led to an enhanced sentence for Wiseman under the Armed Career Criminal Act. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Naya Bedini, who prosecuted this case, as well as law enforcement partners who investigated 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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Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material after Downloading Hundreds of ImagesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, in April 2023, a Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit learned that a computer at an IP address belonging to Mark A. Burns, 60, had shared a sexually explicit image of a child under the age of 6. Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a search warrant at Burns’ residence where Burns admitted that he had downloaded child sexual abuse material. A preliminary search of his tablet revealed that it contained hundreds of videos and images of children with ages ranging from infants to young teens engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Burns was convicted in 2016 in a court of the State of Maine for possessing sexually explicit material involving a child under the age of 12. As a result of that prior conviction, Burns now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: 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’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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 4 ½ Years for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing child sexual abuse material.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Richard T. Rich Jr., 55, to 54 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Rich pleaded guilty on October 24, 2022.
According to court records, in May 2022, the Maine State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit relayed to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that it was investigating Richard T. Rich Jr. for using the website Quora to solicit child sexual abuse material. After learning that Rich was a registered sex offender with prior convictions in New Jersey for aggravated sexual assault, possessing/viewing sexually explicit material and other offenses, an MSP detective and Rich’s Maine State Probation Officer visited the defendant’s Portland home and recovered numerous electronic devices that Rich was not authorized to possess. A subsequent analysis of those devices by HSI revealed child sexual abuse material.
During sentencing, Judge Torresen noted that while the defendant himself had not sexually abused the children depicted in the images, the continuing sexual abuse of the children “is fueled by your desire to see these images.”
The Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer re-victimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org/ or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: 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’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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Stephen Skeirik, 39, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2023, Skeirik pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Feb. 27, 2020, Skeirik and another individual were observed engaging in a suspected drug transaction. When law enforcement approached Skeirik, he ran and threw a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol into a neighbor’s yard. During a search of his home, a stolen Ruger 9mm pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition was recovered along with tools for drug distribution, cutting agents and drugs.
Due to a previous conviction for felony drug distribution, Skeirik is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Lawrence Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit 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.
Posey County Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Gabrial Isaac Appel, 28, of Cynthiana, Indiana, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Gabrial Appel trafficked methamphetamine in the southwest Indiana area from November 2019 through 2020. On October 20, 2020, Appel orchestrated the shipment of over 1.4 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from California to his parents’ house in Cynthiana, Indiana. Law enforcement officers intercepted the methamphetamine before delivering the package to the home. Appel’s mother received the package and informed officers that she was getting it for her son, who sent him text messages inquiring about the delivery. Appel also tracked the status of the package using his cellular phone.
The investigation revealed that Appel had shipped multiple packages containing methamphetamine to the same residence over the past year.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
“Drug traffickers like this defendant seek to make easy money by bringing poisons from across the country to harm all of our communities, including smaller towns right here in southwest Indiana,” said U.S. Attorney, Zachary A. Myers. “Methamphetamine and other deadly drugs have devastating impacts on the lives of families in every community. I am grateful for the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and our federal prosecutor to disrupt this drug trafficker and hold him accountable.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Appel be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.
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Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A Firearm and DrugsRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Raeqwon Munnerlyn (27, Ocala) to 18 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Munnerlyn had pleaded guilty on May 5, 2023.
According to documents and information presented in court, on July 12, 2022, Munnerlyn was the passenger in a vehicle that led police on a high-speed chase on U.S. 441 in Marion County. After the vehicle crashed, Munnerlyn fled on foot, and was apprehended after a short pursuit. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. Munnerlyn also had approximately $12,000 in cash on his person. DNA and fingerprint analysis confirmed Munnerlyn had possessed both the firearm and the drugs. Munnerlyn has multiple prior state felony convictions, including robbery and attempted kidnapping. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.
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.
New Haven Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on August 25, 2023, JOSE L. GERENA, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine through the U.S. Mail. Gerena was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The package contained $102,450 in cash. The investigation revealed that Gerena led an extensive drug trafficking organization and supervised the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to Puerto Rico. Gerena was responsible for trafficking more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.
During the investigation, the organization regularly received cocaine shipments at various addresses in New Haven. In August 2021, investigators intercepted two parcels, each containing a kilogram of cocaine, that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to addresses on Poplar Street and Exchange Street in New Haven. Gerena was arrested on August 10, 2021, after investigators made a controlled delivery of a parcel containing a kilogram of cocaine to the Poplar Street address.
Gerena has been detained since his arrest. On November 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Christopher David Smith, 31, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced today to 135 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick, after the defendant earlier plead guilty to enticement of a minor. Judge Helmick also ordered Smith to pay a $100 special assessment, an additional $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and be placed on supervised release for 10 years upon release from imprisonment, during which time he will be a registered sex offender.
According to court documents, on April 1, 2021, Smith left his place of employment in Michigan and traveled to Ohio to engage in sex acts with whom he thought was a 10-year-old child. Smith had conversations online with an undercover agent posing as the father of the fictitious 10-yearold before arranging to meet the child. During those online conversations, Smith sent child pornography to the undercover agent, asked for nude photos of the purported 10-year-old, and made statements related to his sexual intentions toward the child. Smith was arrested after he arrived at the prearranged meeting location, a hotel in Perrysburg, Ohio.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, Toledo Resident Agency, with the assistance of an FBI task force officer from the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, and assistance with the arrest from the Perrysburg Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracey Tangeman and Sara Al-Sorghali.
Michigan Animal Dealer Surrenders Exotic Animals Following Alleged Violations of Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department entered a consent decree in federal court with Zachery Keeler, dba Even Keel Exotics LLC, to resolve allegations in a complaint that Keeler violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Animal Welfare Act (AWA). As part of the agreement, Keeler will surrender close to 150 animals including ring-tailed lemurs, kinkajous, wallabies, porcupines, foxes, prairie dogs and ground squirrels. He has also agreed to never buy, sell or otherwise engage in commerce related to animals regulated under AWA, and to not apply for AWA licensing or registration.
The complaint alleges that Keeler violated the ESA by unlawfully and prematurely separating a baby ring-tailed lemur, an endangered species, from its mother to interact with the public, then tried to sell the baby lemur for $3500. Keeler also allegedly violated the AWA by not providing potable water as needed, safe and sanitary conditions and facilities for his animals, or access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspectors so that they could ensure the health and wellbeing of his animals.
Photo of a baby ring-tailed lemur used to promote Even Keel Exotics. Image is from the complaint in United States v. Keeler, no. 2:23-cv-11748.“The Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act are important tools in protecting our most vulnerable species,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Even Keel Exotics violated requirements for minimum care of the animals in its possession, failed to provide required access to inspectors and illegally harmed a baby lemur, a protected endangered species.”
“APHIS is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for animals protected under the Animal Welfare Act,” said Deputy Administrator Dr. Roxanne Mullaney for APHIS’ Animal Care Program. “This includes undertaking aggressive enforcement action against repeat, egregious violators of the law and working closely with APHIS partners to ensure AWA compliance.”
USDA-APHIS investigated the case as well as inspected and removed animals from the Even Keel Exotics facility. The Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife & Marine Resources Section filed the complaint and lodged the consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The case is United States v. Keeler, no. 2:23-cv-11748.
Photo of a baby ring-tailed lemur and its mother used to promote the sale of the baby lemur. Image is from the complaint in United States v. Keeler, no. 2:23-cv-11748.Mexican National Sentenced to Two Years for Illegally Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Joel Gamez-Orozco (43, Mexico) to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation for an aggravated felony. Gamez had been indicted on December 11, 2019. He entered a guilty plea on November 23, 2022.
According to the court records, Gamez is a native and citizen of Mexico. On August 28, 2006, he was convicted of a felony – trafficking in marijuana – and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Following his release from state prison, Gamez was deported to Mexico on August 2, 2008. On September 14, 2019, law enforcement officers from Lake County, who were arresting Gamez on new state criminal charges, discovered Gamez had illegally returned to the United States after he was deported.
This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk and Michael Felicetta.
Mark Ridley-Thomas Sentenced to 3½ Years in Prison for Corruptly Securing Benefits for Son from School via Bribery and Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Mark Ridley-Thomas was sentenced today to 42 months in federal prison for a bribery and fraud scheme in which the longtime politician demanded benefits for his son from a university dean in exchange for Ridley-Thomas’ political support for lucrative Los Angeles County business.
Ridley-Thomas, 68, of Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who also ordered Ridley-Thomas to pay a $30,000 fine.
At today’s hearing, Judge Fischer said Ridley-Thomas engaged in a “shakedown” and that he used his “[political] support as a bargaining chip to get benefits for his son.” Judge Fischer also noted, “There is simply no justification for monetizing a public office.”
At the conclusion of a 16-day trial, a federal jury on March 30 found Ridley-Thomas guilty of one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery, one count of honest services mail fraud, and four counts of honest services wire fraud.
Ridley-Thomas, whose political career spans more than 30 years, was a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors when he participated in the corrupt scheme. Ridley-Thomas subsequently was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, which suspended him after a federal grand jury in October 2021 indicted him in this case, and he was permanently removed from the City Council following the guilty verdicts.
“This case, together with my office’s many other prosecutions of politicians, law enforcement officers, and public officials, shows our commitment to root out corruption and hold responsible those who flout the law and abuse their positions of trust,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our community deserves and demands elected leaders who do not place personal benefit over the good of their constituents."
“Mr. Ridley-Thomas was elected to serve the people of Los Angeles but instead, his deliberate actions served his own interests and those of his family member,” said Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
“The FBI will continue to target the corruption that erodes trust in government so the people of Los Angeles can have faith in their elected officials.”
The jury found that Ridley-Thomas engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Marilyn Louise Flynn, 84, of Los Feliz, formerly the dean of the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work and a tenured professor.
In December 2017, citing health issues, Ridley-Thomas’ son abruptly resigned from the California State Assembly. At the time of his resignation, Ridley-Thomas’ son was the subject of a sexual harassment investigation in the Assembly, a fact not known by USC or the public. Behind the scenes, Ridley-Thomas orchestrated a media and legal campaign, using a public relations team to convince the public his son was ill and a legal team to indefinitely stall the Assembly’s investigation.
Ridley-Thomas sought “landing spots” for his son, prosecutors said, to preserve the Ridley-Thomas family legacy and Ridley-Thomas’ own political brand in advance of a planned run for Los Angeles mayor in 2022. These “spots” included prestigious titles, advanced degrees, and paying jobs to help his son deal with mounting personal debt.
Ridley-Thomas solicited Flynn’s help securing these spots for his son. He knew that Flynn needed his help obtaining county contracts, and he “monetized” his public service by using the power of his elected office as a “bargaining chip” to enrich his family and preserve his political image, prosecutors argued.
During the conspiracy’s course, Flynn ultimately met Ridley-Thomas’ demands by providing his son graduate school admission to pursue a dual master’s degree, a full-tuition scholarship, a paid professorship, and a mechanism for Ridley-Thomas to funnel $100,000 of his campaign funds through the university to a non-profit operated by the son – the Policy, Research & Practice Initiative (PRPI).
By funneling the payment through USC, Ridley-Thomas attempted to disguise the true source of a $100,000 payment to make it appear as though USC, not Ridley-Thomas, was the generous benefactor supporting his son and PRPI.
As part of their scheme, Ridley-Thomas and Flynn defrauded USC and others by concealing their secret arrangement and lying to the university about the purpose of Ridley-Thomas’ $100,000 donation of campaign funds to USC, as well as the reason for Flynn’s request that the university make a $100,000 payment to PRPI. Had USC known about their scheme or the lies both told, USC would not have accepted Ridley-Thomas’ $100,000 donation, nor would it have approved the subsequent $100,000 payment to PRPI.
In exchange for Flynn’s help funneling the $100,000 in campaign funds through USC to PRPI and his son, Ridley-Thomas supported a lucrative amendment to an existing contract between the county and USC through which the USC Telehealth Clinic provided virtual mental health services to patients referred by the county in exchange for taxpayer dollars. On the face of the contract, the amended terms offered USC more than $500,000 in revenue, although according to evidence at trial, Flynn anticipated an even greater return – potentially up to $8 million in new revenue – with Ridley-Thomas’ assistance.
In addition, while soliciting benefits from Flynn, Ridley-Thomas supported other contracts involving the Social Work School, including contracts to provide services to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the county’s Probation Department. During the conspiracy, Ridley-Thomas voted on three county proposals, including the amended Telehealth contract, that Flynn had sought to shore up her school’s financial situation as it faced a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. Ridley-Thomas also worked to influence key county decisionmakers associated with these approvals and made sure Flynn knew of his efforts while he sought lucrative benefits for his son from Flynn.
Flynn pleaded guilty in September 2022 to one count of bribery. On July 24, Judge Fischer sentenced Flynn to three years of probation, including 18 months of home confinement, and fined her $150,000.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Greer Dotson, Thomas F. Rybarczyk and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.
Man Arrested for Cyberstalking and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A Colorado man was arrested on Aug. 25 and charged with cyberstalking three individuals and obstructing justice.
According to the indictment filed in the District of Hawaii, around May 2022 to August 2022, John B. Hart, 53, of Louisville, while living in Hawaii, allegedly engaged in a cyberstalking campaign to harass and intimidate his former girlfriend, Jane Doe 1; her former partner, John Doe 1; and her then-partner, John Doe 2. Hart allegedly frequently posed as John Doe 1 while he targeted Jane Doe 1 and John Doe 2. To deflect attention away from himself and further falsely implicate John Doe 1, Hart also allegedly repeatedly targeted himself, typically while posing as John Doe 1. Hart allegedly falsely reported to Jane Doe 1, John Doe 1’s employer, local law enforcement, federal law enforcement, and the family courts that John Doe 1 was responsible for the conduct and posed a genuine and serious threat to Hart and others. Hart then allegedly deleted one of his personal e-mail accounts two days after being interviewed by federal investigators.
Hart was arrested in Colorado and charged with three counts of cyberstalking and obstruction of justice. If convicted, Hart faces five years in prison on each count of cyberstalking and 20 years for obstruction.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara D. Ayabe and Aislinn Affinito for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Man Admits Aiding Armed Robbery in St. Louis CountyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man pleaded guilty to federal charges Monday and admitted aiding in the armed robbery of a St. Louis County Boost Mobile store in 2021.
Damonta Bridges, who is a convicted felon, also admitted possessing a firearm in a carjacked vehicle.
Bridges, 31, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to a robbery charge and a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part his plea, Bridges admitted being present at a Boost Mobile store at 12135 Bellefontaine Road on Aug. 9, 2021 when Kadijah McFadden pointed a firearm at a store employee and said, “give me everything out the drawer right now.” McFadden stole about $630 from the register. She and Bridges both stole mobile phones.
Bridges also admitted that on Sept. 5, 2021, he was a passenger in a 2017 Jeep Cherokee that McFadden had carjacked at gunpoint earlier that day. McFadden was driving. After police spotted the stolen vehicle, Bridges threw a Stoeger 9m pistol out of the window. Both McFadden and Bridges were caught by police after McFadden crashed the Jeep.
As part of the plea, both prosecutors and Bridges’ lawyer will recommend a sentence of 137 months in prison at his sentencing hearing, scheduled for November 28.
McFadden, then 29, pleaded guilty in December to carjacking, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Walker is prosecuting the case.
Local woman admits to decades-long use of stolen identityRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 52-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea to passport fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Elizabeth Ann Berbel is also known as Ana Elizabeth Gomez-Garcia, Ana Elizabeth Gomez Garcia, Ana Elizabeth Gomez, Anna Elizabeth Gomez Garcia, Anna Elizabeth Gomez, Elizabeth Berbel, Elizabeth Ann Gomez, Tina Gomez-Manns and Anna Gomez.
On March 22, 2019, Berbel applied for a passport in Laredo. Part of the application required her to include the names of her parents, her place of birth and her Social Security number. However, as part of her plea, she admitted she included information that actually belonged to another person.
Berbel had been using the victim’s Social Security number and other information as early as 2001.
The investigation further revealed that in August 2005, law enforcement had stopped at Berbel at the Laredo Port of Entry. At that time, she was carrying multiple forms of identification, including a Social Security card with the victim’s number. Berbel admitted she was not the person on the identification documents and that she was in fact Ana Elizabeth Gomez Garcia, a citizen and national of Mexico. She also acknowledged having other identification documents hidden in her car. Berbel claimed she waited just a week or two before returning to the United States by using these other documents.
Authorities were also able to locate and identify several of Berbel’s biological family members. The investigation confirmed her true identity and not the one she had been assuming by using the victim’s information.
Part of Berbel’s guilty plea includes an agreement to turn over all identification documents that are in her possession.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Dec. 4. At that time, Berbel faces up to 10 years for the passport fraud. She will also receive a mandatory two years for the aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
Berbel has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Department of State conducted the investigation with assistance from the Social Security Administration and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
Local Leader of Bloods Street Gang Sentenced to over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Antonio Eugene Brutton (36, Ocklawaha) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana. Brutton had pleaded guilty on February 23, 2023.
According to documents and information presented in court, Brutton sold more than 100 grams of methamphetamine to a Drug Enforcement Administration confidential source on two separate occasions in 2021. On a third occasion in October 2022, law enforcement located more than 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of fentanyl, 250 grams of heroin, and approximately 5 kilograms of marijuana during a search of Brutton’s residence. Two firearms were also located within the residence as well as nearly $30,000 in cash. Brutton has multiple prior state felony convictions including the sale of cocaine. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Live Oak Sex Offender Arrested and Charged with Possessing Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Steven Lee Carty (55, Live Oak) with possessing child sex abuse images. If convicted, Carty faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison, a potential life term of supervised release, and payment of restitution to the victims of his offense. Carty has been ordered detained pending trial.
According to the complaint, in July 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating Carty in response to a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that had been provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The CyberTip indicated that child exploitation material had been uploaded to an account with an electronic service provider. Account information was provided for the user, which was connected to Carty. The IP history for the account that had uploaded the material was traced to Carty. FDLE obtained a state search warrant for that account, and it was determined to contain the file from the CyberTip, along with additional files containing child sex abuse material.
HSI learned that there were additional CyberTips connected to Carty indicating that accounts associated with Carty had uploaded child sex abuse material, including within a chat conversation with another user.
During their investigation, law enforcement learned that Carty was listed as an offender on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Sexual Offenders and Predators registry following 2005 federal convictions for receiving, distributing, and possessing child sex abuse material.
This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
It is another case that was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A complaint 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.
Lincare Holdings Agrees to Pay $29 Million to Resolve Claims of Overbilling Medicare for Oxygen Equipment in Largest-Ever Health Care Fraud Settlement in Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, WA – Lincare Holdings, Inc., a Florida-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of German multinational chemical corporation Linde plc, has agreed to pay $29 million and perform extensive corrective actions to resolve allegations that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans for oxygen equipment, announced Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. The settlement announced today is the largest-ever health care fraud settlement in the Eastern District of Washington.
Lincare provides oxygen equipment to patients with respiratory ailments such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including leasing oxygen tanks and home and portable oxygen concentrators to assist patients to breathe while in the home or traveling. Between 2012 and 2023, traditional Medicare (also known as Medicare Part B) reimbursed providers such as Lincare for the lease payments on oxygen equipment, but after three years of monthly lease payments, providers such as Lincare were required to continue to provide the oxygen equipment to the patient, but were not eligible for additional rental payments because Medicare had already reimbursed the provider for the full purchase price of the equipment. Under Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Beneficiaries may elect to receive their Medicare benefits through a private insurance plan offered by an insurance company, known as a Medicare Advantage Plan or an “MA Plan.” MA Plans are required to provide the same coverage and benefits as traditional Medicare, but they may set their own rules for reimbursement and beneficiary co-pays. Between 2016 and 2023, many Medicare Advantage Plans adopted the same requirement that limited providers like Lincare to three years of rental payments for oxygen equipment. After 3 years of payments, Lincare and other providers were required to continue to provide the equipment for the remainder of its useful life, but were not permitted to charge rental payments to MA Plans, or charge any co-payments to beneficiaries.
In the settlement announced today, Lincare admitted that it improperly billed Medicare, MA Plans, and beneficiaries for oxygen equipment rental payments and co-payments after it had already received 3 years of payments. Lincare admitted that it lacked adequate controls to ensure that MA Plans and beneficiaries were not improperly billed after 3 years of rental payments had already been received. Lincare additionally admitted that for traditional Medicare recipients, it had controls in place to prevent improper billing, but that those controls were not always effective. Finally, Lincare admitted that when Lincare employees raised concerns about Lincare’s billing practices, Lincare officials in its Regional Billing and Collections Office located in Spokane Valley, Washington, and at Lincare’s corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, instructed them that Lincare would continue its billing practices. The settlement announced today resolved claims that Lincare’s conduct violated the False Claims Act.
“One of the most important responsibilities we have is protecting vulnerable members of our community such as the elderly,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Elderly members of our community are among the most likely to be targeted by fraud, false billing scams, and abuse. This is one reason that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners, have made combatting elder fraud and abuse a top priority. I am appalled by Lincare’s admitted past practice of putting profits before its obligations to patients and to the Medicare program, and in particular by Lincare’s admitted improper practice of wrongfully collecting co-pays from elderly beneficiaries on fixed incomes and with limited means. That said, I am heartened that, following our investigation, Lincare stepped up, accepted responsibility, and committed to make things right, not only by refunding overpayments received by Medicare, but by identifying and repaying any beneficiaries from which it improperly collected co-payments. I am also encouraged that Lincare has, as part of our settlement, entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement to take significant corrective actions to ensure this conduct does not recur. As part of those corrective actions, Lincare has agreed to pay for and undertake an independent review of its claims and billing practices. Lincare has also designed and implemented new billing software and other reforms to ensure that Lincare bills appropriately going forward.”
“By billing Medicare Advantage Plans and their beneficiaries beyond the allowed three years, Lincare threatened the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs and prevented valuable resources from reaching their intended recipients,” said Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We are hopeful that with the implementation of a Corporate Integrity Agreement, Lincare will invest in controls to ensure that all plans are billed appropriately. HHS-OIG is committed to protecting federal health care programs from fraudulent and wasteful practices at the hands of providers.”
As part of the settlement, Lincare entered into a 5-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). That Agreement requires, among other things, that Lincare implement a robust compliance and reporting program as well as a number of significant billing reforms and practices. Additionally, the Agreement requires that Lincare retain, at its expense, independent experts to review its claims and billing practices to ensure they are appropriate.
Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter stated that “I want to express special appreciation for the exceptional investigative and analytical work performed by HHS-OIG in this case. This was a complex case with novel issues, and this result would not have been possible without the hard work, investigative skill, and subject matter expertise of our partners with HHS-OIG. I also want to recognize the two whistleblowers who came forward and provided vital information, making this result possible. We will continue to work hand-in-glove with courageous whistleblowers, as well as HHS-OIG and our other law enforcement partners, to protect patients and the community from fraud and abuse that targets the elderly.”
According to court documents, the case began in May 2021, when two whistleblowers, former employees in Lincare’s center in Libby, Montana, filed a qui tam complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. When a whistleblower, or “relator,” files a qui tam complaint, the False Claims Act requires the United States to investigate the allegations and elect whether to intervene and take over the action or to decline to intervene and allow the relator to go forward with the litigation on behalf of the United States. The relator is generally able to then share in any recovery. In this case, according to court documents, the United States intervened in the action in July 2023, and subsequently reached this settlement. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the relator will receive $5,655,000 of the total settlement amount.
The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Tyler H.L. Tornabene, and Frieda K. Zimmerman of the Eastern District of Washington handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
Case No: 2:21-cv-151-TOR (E.D. Wash.)
5._lincare_final_fully_executed_settlement_agreement.pdf 6._fully_executed_final_lincare_cia.pdfLas Vegas Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Salvador Nolasco Romero, age 39, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on August 23, 2023, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Romero was indicted by a federal grand jury in Wyoming and found guilty following a jury trial in June of 2023. According to trial evidence and court documents, on April 2, 2022, a co-conspirator was driving erratically near Buffalo, Wyoming, drawing the attention of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Pursuant to a lawful search of the SUV, troopers found 12 pounds of methamphetamine. The evidence revealed that Romero had rented the SUV in Las Vegas, provided the co-conspirator with 12 pounds of methamphetamine, and instructed the co-conspirator to transport the methamphetamine from Las Vegas to Minnesota for distribution. The trial evidence further showed that Romero had conspired with another individual in Mexico to transport the methamphetamine to Minnesota for distribution.
This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Case No. 22-00120-ABJ
Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to Hold Workshops on the 2023 Draft Merger GuidelinesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will jointly host three public workshops to facilitate public dialogue on the 2023 Draft Merger Guidelines. These workshops will allow for a dynamic discussion about the Draft Guidelines to complement the written public comments now being submitted to the agencies.
The first workshop will take place on Sept. 5 from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. ET. The half-day virtual workshop will feature two panel discussions with former enforcers, academics, economists, and practitioners regarding questions and issues on which public comment will be most useful. The agenda, list of speakers, and instructions to access the livestream will be available on the event page.
Additional information about the forthcoming workshops, including the agendas and panelists, will be available on the event page as it becomes available.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the FTC continue to encourage comments from the public on the Draft Guidelines, which may be submitted online now through Sept. 18, at www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2023-0043. The agencies will use the public comments to evaluate and update the draft before finalizing the Draft Guidelines.
The agencies protect competition through enforcement of the antitrust laws and other federal competition statutes. The Draft Guidelines describe how the agencies review mergers and acquisitions under the federal antitrust laws. Since 1968, the agencies have issued and revised Merger Guidelines to enhance transparency and promote awareness of how the agencies enforce the law with respect to mergers and acquisitions.
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. If you need such an accommodation, please contact the Antitrust Division at Merger.Guidelines.2023@usdoj.gov. Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodations needed and a way to contact you if we need more information.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Kansas Community College to Address Racial Discrimination and HarassmentRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with Highland Community College (HCC) in Kansas to resolve the department’s investigation into allegations that Black students, primarily student-athletes, living on HCC’s main campus experienced discriminatory treatment in many aspects of campus life, including discipline, housing and interactions with campus security officers. The complaints alleged that Black students were targeted for searches and surveillance and disciplined more severely than their white peers, resulting in their unfair removal from campus housing or even expulsion.
Under the settlement, the college will improve the fairness and transparency of disciplinary proceedings to prevent such discrimination. The agreement will also strengthen policies, procedures and training on campus security to promote consistent, non-discriminatory interactions between security personnel and students. In addition, the agreement requires HCC to strengthen policies, procedures and training to ensure an effective response to students’ complaints of racial discrimination.
“No college student should have their educational experience marred or disrupted by discrimination based on their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Community colleges are an important pathway to four-year institutions and the workforce, and federal law requires that their campuses, programs and activities be equally available to all without regard to race. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the civil rights of college students across the country to pursue a higher education in a safe, welcoming and discrimination-free environment.”
“The U.S. Department of Justice is tasked to serve as a defender of the U.S. Constitution, and the Fourteenth Amendment entitles all persons to equal protection under the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “When educational institutions are making decisions about student discipline, race and ethnicity are never relevant factors. Colleges and universities play a powerful role in shaping the development of young people, so it’s imperative that they help set the standard for creating environments where all students are treated with the same level of respect and fairness.”
The department opened its investigation in January 2022 under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The college cooperated fully throughout the investigation and expressed a desire before the investigation was concluded to make positive changes for its students by revising its policies and practices, training employees and expanding student engagement to improve campus climate. Under the agreement, Highland Community College will:
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Reform policies on discipline, campus security, housing and racial harassment;
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Revise policies and procedures for responding to students’ complaints of racial discrimination and ensure that complaints are handled by trained employees who understand their responsibilities;
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Ensure that the disciplinary process is fair and equitable, including by analyzing discipline data to ensure nondiscrimination;
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Train campus security and other staff on effective de-escalation techniques and non-coercive methods of gathering information;
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Survey and improve the climate and culture of HCC’s main campus and cultivate safe and welcoming spaces for Black students; and
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Ensure students’ equitable access to HCC’s educational programs and activities regardless of race.
Protecting students from harassment and other discrimination is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section.
Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
View a copy of the settlement agreement here.
Settlement Agreement-
Justice Department Secures Agreement with American Bank of Oklahoma to Resolve Lending Discrimination ClaimsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced a settlement agreement today to resolve allegations that American Bank of Oklahoma engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The affected area includes the historically Black neighborhoods that were the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This resolution is part of the department’s nationwide Combating Redlining Initiative launched by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in October 2021.
Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color or national origin of the residents in those communities.
“Providing equal access to credit is essential in every community, but the painful history of Tulsa makes this agreement particularly poignant because the redlined areas include historically Black neighborhoods that have endured the legacy of racial violence and the continuing effects of segregation and discrimination,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement will help expand investment in Black communities and communities of color in Tulsa and increase opportunities for homeownership and financial stability. Remedial provisions in the agreement will open up opportunities for building generational wealth while focusing on neighborhoods that bear the scars of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The Justice Department will continue to combat redlining and ensure equal access to credit for all Americans.”
“American Bank of Oklahoma engaged in the illegal practice of redlining and failed to serve the diverse members of our Tulsa community as they attempted to purchase homes,” said U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “These practices are often hard to identify and prosecute and I want to thank the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division for taking measures to correct these abhorrent business practices.”
The complaint filed in federal court today alleges that, from 2017 through at least 2021, American Bank of Oklahoma failed to provide mortgage lending services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Tulsa metropolitan area. Specifically, the department alleges that all of American Bank of Oklahoma’s branches and loan production offices were located in majority-white neighborhoods, that the bank designated a service area that excluded all majority-Black and Hispanic-census tracts in the metropolitan area and that the bank failed to appropriately monitor and address fair lending risk.
As a result, the bank’s loan officers did not serve the credit needs of Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in and around Tulsa, and the bank’s actions reinforced and perpetuated segregated housing patterns because of race, color, or national origin. The complaint also alleges that bank employees, including executives and loan officers, sent and received emails on their work email accounts containing racial slurs and racist content.
Under the proposed consent order, which is subject to court approval, American Bank of Oklahoma has agreed to invest over $1.15 million to increase credit opportunities in neighborhoods of color in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The bank will invest at least $950,000 in a loan subsidy fund for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Tulsa area; $100,000 for advertising, outreach and consumer education; and $100,000 for development of community partnerships to provide services that increase access to residential mortgage credit. The bank will also open a new community-oriented loan production office in the historically Black area of Tulsa; ensure at least two mortgage loan officers are dedicated to serving majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in and around Tulsa; host at least six consumer financial education seminars per year, with translation and interpretation services in Spanish; and will employ a full-time director of community lending, who will oversee the continued development of lending in neighborhoods of color in the Tulsa area.
The department opened its investigation into American Bank of Oklahoma’s lending practices after receiving a referral from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The bank cooperated with the department’s investigation and worked with the department to resolve these allegations.
In October 2021, the department launched its Combating Redlining Initiative as a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since the initiative was launched, the department has announced eight redlining cases and settlements and secured $89 million in relief for communities of color that have been victims of lending discrimination across the country.
More information about the department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/fair-lending-program. Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online.
Complaint
Consent OrderJustice Department Secures Agreement with American Bank of Oklahoma to Resolve Lending Discrimination ClaimsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – – The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement to resolve allegations that American Bank of Oklahoma engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The affected area includes the historically Black neighborhoods that were the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
This resolution is part of the department’s nationwide Combating Redlining Initiative launched by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in October 2021.
Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of the residents in those communities.
“Providing equal access to credit is essential in every community, but the painful history of Tulsa makes this agreement particularly poignant because the redlined areas include historically Black neighborhoods that have endured the legacy of racial violence and the continuing effects of segregation and discrimination,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement will help expand investment in Black communities and communities of color in Tulsa and increase opportunities for homeownership and financial stability. Remedial provisions in the agreement will open opportunities for building generational wealth while focusing on neighborhoods that bear the scars of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The Justice Department will continue to combat redlining and ensure equal access to credit for all Americans.”
“American Bank of Oklahoma engaged in the illegal practice of redlining and failed to serve the diverse members of our Tulsa community as they attempted to purchase homes,” said U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “These practices are often hard to identify and prosecute and I want to thank the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division for taking measures to correct these abhorrent business practices.”
The complaint filed in federal court today alleges that, from 2017 through at least 2021, American Bank of Oklahoma failed to provide mortgage lending services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Tulsa metropolitan area. Specifically, the department alleges that all American Bank of Oklahoma’s branches and loan production offices were located in majority-white neighborhoods, that the bank designated a service area that excluded all majority-Black and Hispanic-census tracts in the metropolitan area, and that the bank failed to appropriately monitor and address fair lending risk.
As a result, the bank’s loan officers did not serve the credit needs of Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in and around Tulsa, and the bank’s actions reinforced and perpetuated segregated housing patterns because of race, color, or national origin. The complaint also alleges that bank employees, including executives and loan officers, sent and received emails on their work email accounts containing racial slurs and racist content.
Under the proposed consent order, which is subject to court approval, American Bank of Oklahoma has agreed to invest over $1.15 million to increase credit opportunities in neighborhoods of color in the Tulsa metropolitan area. The bank will invest at least $950,000 in a loan subsidy fund for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Tulsa area; $100,000 for advertising, outreach, and consumer education; and $100,000 for development of community partnerships to provide services that increase access to residential mortgage credit. The bank will also open a new community-oriented loan production office in the historically Black area of Tulsa; ensure at least two mortgage loan officers are dedicated to serving majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in and around Tulsa; host at least six consumer financial education seminars per year, with translation and interpretation services in Spanish; and will employ a full-time director of community lending, who will oversee the continued development of lending in neighborhoods of color in the Tulsa area.
The department opened its investigation into American Bank of Oklahoma’s lending practices after receiving a referral from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The bank cooperated with the department’s investigation and worked with the department to resolve these allegations.
In October 2021, the department launched its Combating Redlining Initiative as a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since the initiative was launched, the department has announced eight redlining cases and settlements and secured $89 million in relief for communities of color that have been victims of lending discrimination across the country.
More information about the department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/fair-lending-program. Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online.
Complaint & Exhibits
Consent Order
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owner, Manager, and Maintenance Worker of California Rental PropertiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Javier Salazar Jr., Javier Salazar Sr. and Ricardo Covarrubias, a maintenance worker, the manager and the owner, respectively, of rental properties in Bakersfield, California, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that Javier Salazar, Jr., a maintenance worker, sexually harassed a female tenant from December 2018 through March 2019 by repeatedly asking the tenant to engage in sexual acts with him, asking her to be in a relationship with him, describing the sexual acts he wished to engage in with her and persistently commenting on her appearance. According to the complaint, on two occasions, Javier Salazar Jr. touched the tenant’s body without her consent, and surreptitiously took digital photographs of framed print pictures in her home of her and her daughter. The tenant reported Salazar Jr.’s conduct to Salazar Sr., who was both the property manager and Salazar Jr.’s father. After she reported the harassment and threatened to contact a lawyer or the police if it continued, the Salazars refused to fix a leaking gas line in her dwelling, causing her to go without heat for one month and consequently forcing her to move out. The complaint also alleges that Covarrubias, the property owner, is vicariously liable for the Salazars’ conduct because they were his agents when they engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation.
“Sexual harassment in rental housing preys on tenants who are especially vulnerable, including those who rely on their housing provider for critical maintenance services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable any person in the housing sector who sexually harasses, assaults or retaliates against tenants, from the housing owner to the maintenance worker. A home should be a place of refuge and sanctity, not sexual assault and exploitation, and we will continue to use the Fair Housing Act to hold violators accountable.”
“For four months this tenant refused the repeated sexual advances by the maintenance worker at her rental home, and when she reported the sexual harassment, she faced retaliation,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “The actions of Salazar Jr. and the failure or refusal of Salazar Sr. and Covarrubias to act on the tenant’s behalf caused her harm and distress. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable any landlord who enables or engages in sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.”
“Preying on renters who have few housing options is abhorrent and illegal,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria McCain of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD will continue to work with DOJ to enforce the law and protect tenants.”
Today’s lawsuit arose from a complaint that the former tenant filed with HUD. After HUD investigated the complaint, it issued a charge of discrimination, and the matter was referred to the Justice Department. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victim and a court order barring future discrimination.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative in October 2017, the Justice Department has filed 34 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment by Javier Salazar Jr., or at rental dwellings owned or managed by Ricardo Covarrubias or Javier Salazar Sr., or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, should call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submit a report online.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a HUD complaint online.
Salazar complaintJustice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owner, Manager, and Maintenance Worker of Bakersfield Rental PropertiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Javier Salazar Jr., Javier Salazar Sr., both of Bakersfield; and Ricardo Covarrubias, of Van Nuys; a maintenance worker, manager, and owner, respectively, of rental properties in Bakersfield, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that Javier Salazar, Jr., a maintenance worker, sexually harassed a female tenant from December 2018 through March 2019 by repeatedly asking the tenant to engage in sexual acts with him, asking her to be in a relationship with him, describing the sexual acts he wished to engage in with her, and persistently commenting on her appearance. According to the complaint, on two occasions Javier Salazar Jr. touched the tenant’s body without her consent, and surreptitiously took digital photographs of framed print pictures in her home of her and her daughter. The tenant reported Salazar Jr.’s conduct to Salazar Sr., who was both the property manager and is Salazar Jr.’s father. After she reported the harassment and threatened to contact a lawyer or the police if it continued, the Salazars refused to fix a leaking gas line in her dwelling, causing her to go without heat for one month and consequently forcing her to move out. The complaint also alleges that Covarrubias, the property owner, is vicariously liable for the Salazars’ conduct because they were his agents when they engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation.
“For four months this tenant refused the repeated sexual advances by the maintenance worker at her rental home, and when she reported the sexual harassment, she faced retaliation,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “The actions of Salazar Jr. and the failure or refusal of Salazar Sr. and Covarrubias to act on the tenant’s behalf caused her harm and distress. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable any landlord who enables or engages in sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.”
“Sexual harassment in rental housing preys on tenants who are especially vulnerable, including those who rely on their housing provider for critical maintenance services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable any person in the housing sector who sexually harasses, assaults or retaliates against tenants, from the housing owner to the maintenance worker. A home should be a place of refuge and sanctity, not sexual assault and exploitation, and we will continue to use the Fair Housing Act to hold violators accountable.”
“Preying on renters who have few housing options is abhorrent and illegal,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria McCain of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD will continue to work with DOJ to enforce the law and protect tenants.” Today’s lawsuit arose from a complaint that the former tenant filed with the HUD. After HUD investigated the complaint, it issued a charge of discrimination, and the matter was referred to the Justice Department. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victim and a court order barring future discrimination.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the Initiative in October 2017, the Justice Department has filed 34 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment by Javier Salazar Jr., or at rental dwellings owned or managed by Ricardo Covarrubias or Javier Salazar Sr., or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, should call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submit a report online.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a HUD complaint online.
Justice Department Awards over $21 Million in Grants to State of Louisiana to Enhance Crime Victim Services and Compensation PaymentsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that the State of Louisiana has received $21,243,422 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, to enhance crime victim services in the State and to enhance State compensation payments to eligible crime victims. Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) compensation funds provide financial assistance to Federal and State victims of crime. The funds are typically awarded by the State to local community-based organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.
The recipient of this award, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, is a foundation located in Baton Rouge dedicated to improving the operations of the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and to promoting public safety by providing progressive leadership and coordination within the criminal justice community.
For more information about this award, please contact the OJP Office of Communications at 202-307-0703 or OJP.OCOM@ojp.usdoj.gov.
Jury Convicts Two Men of Murder, Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man and a Crowder, Mississippi, man were convicted by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that included two murders.
Shawn Burkhalter, also known as “Deuce,” 34, of Kansas City, and Joshua Nesbitt, also known as “T,” 29, of Crowder, each were found guilty of two counts of murder resulting from the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of murdering a potential witness.
Burkhalter and Nesbitt also each were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, one count of robbery, two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug-trafficking crime, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of being felons in possession of a firearm, one count of conspiracy to commit witness and evidence tampering, and one count of evidence tampering. Additionally, Burkhalter was found guilty of one count of witness and evidence tampering.
Under federal statutes, Burkhalter and Nesbitt are subject to life in federal prison without parole.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Burkhalter and Nesbitt participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana from 2008 to Feb. 20, 2018.
On Sept. 10, 2015, Burkhalter and Nesbitt stole cocaine from Danny Lamont Dean, and in the process of that robbery, shot and killed Dean with a Rock River Arms AR-15, 5:56-caliber semi-automatic rifle.
On Oct. 4, 2015, Nesbitt and others stole marijuana from Anthony Dwayne Johnson, and in the process of that robbery, Nesbitt shot and killed Johnson with the same Rock River Arms AR-15, 5:56-caliber semi-automatic rifle, all of which was at the direction of Burkhalter.
Both of those murders were committed “willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation and malice aforethought, and in the perpetration of, and attempt to perpetrate, a robbery,” as charged in the indictment. The indictment further charged that Johnson’s murder was committed as part of a conspiracy to prevent him from testifying before a federal grand jury or federal court or communicating with a federal law enforcement officer.
The witness tampering conspiracy also included a murder threat against another person, identified in court documents as “Witness #1,” to cause that person to help conceal the AR-15 rifle used to murder Johnson and Dean, so that it could not be used as evidence. Conspirators attempted to hide the murder weapon from federal investigators.
Burkhalter and Nesbitt robbed a Kansas City, Mo., business on Sept. 8, 2015, brandishing the same AR-15 rifle.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for six hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.
Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Co-defendants Sharika Hooker and Autry Hines, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Joslyn Lee, also known as “Bless,” and Nickayla Jones, both of Blue Springs, Mo.; Rachel Ryce of Raytown, Mo.; and Anthony Peltier, also known as “A-1,” of Lawrence, Kansas, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Edwards and David Wagner. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Israeli National in U.S. on Work VISA Sentenced for RapeRead the Press Release
TULSA Okla. – An Israeli national on a work VISA from Denver was sentenced to more than 4 years in federal prison for aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian County announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett sentenced Yakir Yakoz Zofi, 33, to four years and six months followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Starrett further ordered Zofi to pay restitution.
“Zofi is a foreign national who traveled to Bartlesville, while working in another state, and forcibly violated a member of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank the victim for having the strength to pursue justice in this case.”
Zofi had traveled to the victim’s home on November 21, 2021, for a date. On July 8, 2022, Zofi pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault and admitted that he held the victim down and forcibly raped her.
Zofi will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. After serving his sentence, Zofi faces deportation and a permanent ban from re-entry to the United States.
The Bartlesville Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly and Steven Briden prosecuted the case.
Hyde Park Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyde Park woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to her role in a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Erika Prado, 32 pleaded guilty on Aug. 17, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Nov. 28, 2023. In December 2022, Prado was indicted along with three other co-conspirators. Prado pleaded guilty to a Superseding Information.
According to the charging documents, beginning in or around September 2022, Prado began to work for co-defendant Quenty Ogando –initially cleaning Ogando’s Mattapan apartment and allegedly later counting and packaging fentanyl pills that had been made at the apartment using a pill press. It is alleged that the pills, which Prado packaged for shipment, were often picked up at the apartment by other individuals.
On or about Nov. 22, 2022, a search of Ogando’s Mattapan apartment allegedly revealed over 20 kilograms of fentanyl pills in various colors, over 20 kilograms of loose fentanyl powder, numerous packages and mailing labels, three industrial grade pill presses as well as heroin and cocaine.Prado’s co-defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The Boston Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Massachusetts State Police and United States Customs and Border Protection provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Zacks and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Darrail Antoine Pulley, 24, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 17, 2023, Pulley sold approximately 1.39 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in an alley behind a residence on the 1800 block of Ninth Avenue in Huntington.
Pulley is scheduled to be sentenced on November 27, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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. 3:23-cr-41.
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Houma Man Sentenced for failure to Account for and Pay Federal TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RENE CLEMENT (“CLEMENT”), age 76, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 25, 2023 in United States District Court for failing to account for and pay federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, CLEMENT owned a company named Vinyl Products, LLC. Between 2014 and 2018, CLEMENT withheld taxes from employees of Vinyl Products but kept the money instead of paying it to the IRS. In total, CLEMENT failed to pay approximately $750,368.68 in taxes for Vinyl Products.
U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CLEMENT to four years of probation, during which time he must complete seventy-five hours of unpaid community service. CLEMENT was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,809.73. Judge Lemelle also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Gallup Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Ervinson Yazzie pleaded guilty to one count each of distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Yazzie, 34, of Gallup, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, on October 10, 2018, the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip was originally submitted to NCMEC by Facebook. The tip alleged that Yazzie uploaded and sent one file of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to another Facebook user.
During the resulting investigation, agents determined that Yazzie had sent approximately 90 images of CSAM to another Facebook user on September 14, 2018. On December 21, 2020, the FBI conducted an interview of Yazzie at his residence. During the interview, Yazzie indicated he had found and downloaded the CSAM from the internet and possessed more images on a hard drive. On the hard drive, the FBI located 90 images and 28 videos of CSAM.
In the plea agreement, Yazzie admitted that he distributed 96 images of CSAM through Facebook messenger and that he possessed approximately 28 videos and 90 images depicting CSAM on a hard drive.
At sentencing, Yazzie faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to up to lifetime supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensics Lab.
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Franklin County, Missouri Man Indicted on Child Sex ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Franklin County, Missouri has been accused of filming a sex act with a child in June.
Brandon Daniel Espinoza, 19, made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Friday and pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual exploitation of a child. He was indicted August 23.
The indictment accuses Espinoza of filming a sex act with a 5-year-old boy in June.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Warren County Sheriff's Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
Fountain Inn Man Convicted by a Jury and Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Larry Anthony Ladson, Sr., 52, of Fountain Inn, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of federal gun and drug offenses.
Ladson was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, and possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
Evidence presented to the jury and the court showed that in January of 2020, officers with the Fountain Inn Police Department and deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office went to Ladson’s trailer to serve search and arrest warrants in connection with a violent crime. Upon entering the trailer, officers saw drugs in plain view, and after securing a search warrant, deputies found methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, as well as baggies, scales, cash, and other items indicative of drug trafficking. Deputies also discovered a loaded revolver in Ladson’s bedroom, which had previously been reported stolen. Ladson was charged by the state, but after being released on bond, law enforcement learned that he went right back to selling drugs.
Investigators with the Fountain Inn Police Department, the Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted surveillance and observed significant traffic to and from Ladson’s trailer. They also stopped and recovered drugs from several of Ladson’s customers. On September 9, 2020, law enforcement executed another search warrant at Ladson’s home. Once again, they found illegal drugs, cash, baggies, scales, and other tools of the drug trafficking trade. They also discovered a loaded gun hidden under Ladson’s pillow. After a police K9 alerted to an area near Ladson’s bedroom closet, investigators found a safe in a hidden compartment that had been cut into the floor. The safe contained significant amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as thousands of dollars in cash and additional ammunition.
The jury was presented with dozens of exhibits, including drugs, scales, packaging, multiple guns, ammunition, and even a microwave smeared with crack cocaine residue, which was recovered from Ladson’s bathroom. Jurors were also shown text message conversations with drug customers on Ladson’s cell phone and data from a home security system indicating that his front door was often opened over a hundred times a day during the period when investigators observed drug customers coming to and from his home.
After several days of trial, the jury convicted Ladson on all counts.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Ladson to 204 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fountain Inn Police Department, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Schoen and Bill Watkins prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Fort Worth Shooting Suspect Sentenced to 10 Years for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
A Fort Worth man who allegedly shot through the door of a local home, hitting an 82-year-old woman in the chest, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Jonathan R. Howard, 35, was charged in March and pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.
According to court documents, law enforcement responded to a shooting at a home in Fort Worth at 9:40 p.m. on Feb. 23. The 82-year-old victim had already been transported to the hospital.
Officers discovered cartridge casings in the backyard of Mr. Howard’s residence, which was across the alley from the victim’s property.
The following day, officers searched Mr. Howard’s home and car and located three firearms: a Jimenez Arms 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, and a Taurus 9mm pistol. Due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including forgery in 2011 and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance in 2019, Mr. Howard was legally barred from possessing firearms.
Mr. Howard has also been charged by the state with aggravated assault in connection with the shooting. Those charges remain pending; he is considered innocent in that case until proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division – Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith prosecuted the case.
Fort Washakie Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Felony Child AbuseRead the Press Release
Denver Lee John, Sr., 44, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing his children and stepchildren. The sentence was imposed on August 21, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson.
According to the evidence and court documents, defendant John physically and mentally abused his children and the children of his now ex-wife over several years. The abuse included punching, pulling hair, throwing children against the wall, throwing tools and other objects at the children, and striking a child so hard that the child could not sit for days. On one occasion, the defendant severely burned a child’s hand by holding it on a stovetop burner. On another occasion, the defendant threw a screwdriver at a child which lodged in the child’s head. Defendant John also threatened to separate a child from the family if that child told anyone what John was doing.
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
Case No. 22-00077-ABJ and 23-CR-00084-ABJ
Former trooper admits to lying to FBIRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old Pharr resident has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents during a drug investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Pablo Talavera Jr. was a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper. As part of his plea today, Talavera admitted he lied to FBI agents regarding his knowledge of his family’s involvement in drug trafficking.
“Talavera lied to the FBI during a critical moment - betraying his badge and breaching the public trust,” said Hamdani. “In doing so, Pablo Talavera chose his father’s criminal organization over the people he was sworn to protect. Now, this office will hold him to account for his corruption.”
In 2019, the law enforcement initiated an investigation targeting an organization responsible for the transportation of multi-kilogram quantities of drugs from the Rio Grande Valley to Tennessee. Talavera’s father was the organization’s leader.
The investigation revealed Talavera had used his position as a DPS trooper to assist his father by running license plates of vehicles believed to be that of law enforcement. Talavera originally denied knowledge of his father’s participation in drug trafficking. However, he ultimately admitted this fact and that he had assisted him by running the license plate checks.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez will impose sentencing on Nov. 7. At that time, Talavera faces up to five years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Talavera’s father was previously convicted of drug trafficking and is now serving a 21-year federal sentence.
The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Salazar is prosecuting the case.
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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Ferguson Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl, MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Ferguson, Missouri who was caught in 2021 with fentanyl, methamphetamine and two guns after a police chase was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison.
Derenta Street, 33, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted fleeing from police and throwing out drugs and a gun while doing so.
On Sept. 29, 2021, St. Louis County Police Department officers spotted Street near the intersection of Trask and Crowley Drives in north St. Louis County in a Chevrolet Corvette bearing license plates that belonged to another vehicle. Officers tried to pull Street over, but he sped off. After they used spike strips to deflate his tires, Street threw out a Remington 1911-RlS, .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, baggies containing fentanyl and methamphetamine and capsules containing fentanyl. Once Street stopped and officers arrested him, they found more fentanyl and a Glock 17 9mm pistol equipped with an illegal, aftermarket device that converted it into an automatic weapon, commonly referred to as a “switch,” his plea agreement says.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin prosecuted the case.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm SentencedRead the Press Release
Brandon O’Neil Garrett, 46, of McDavid, Florida had been convicted of a Possession of a Forged Instrument Second Degree, Theft of Property Second Degree, and Promoting Prison Contraband when he illegally possessed .22 caliber rifle. On May 18, 2023, Garrett pled guilty to the charge.
Court documents reflect that Garrett was stopped by an Alabama state trooper in Baldwin County, Alabama operating a truck on U. S. Highway 31. Garrett admitted to the trooper that there was a gun in the back seat of the truck and that he was a felon. Garrett also had several rounds of ammunition in the door pocket that fit the rifle. The firearm was manufactured outside the state of Alabama, so Garrett’s possession of the gun in Alabama affected interstate commerce.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a sentence of 24 months to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after Garrett’s release from imprisonment. Garrett’s supervision includes a set of standard conditions as well as a special condition that the probation office may search his person or property upon a showing of reasonable suspicion that he is in violation of any of the other conditions of his supervision. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered the forfeiture of the firearm. Garrett was ordered to pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Elizabethtown Woman Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – An Elizabethtown, Kentucky woman was sentenced today to 2 years and 9 months in federal prison for charges related to her submission of three fraudulent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act applications.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Vince Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Jones of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Kelly Woods, 43, filed three fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans between May 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, resulting in the theft of $1,318,955. Woods utilized the entities Philips Healthcare LLC and LB Acquisitions LLC. Woods organized LB Acquisitions LLC after the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. She then exaggerated the number of employees and payroll expenses of those entities in the fraudulent applications. Following release from her 2-year and 9-month sentence, Woods was ordered to serve 3 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Woods was also ordered to pay $1,318,988 in restitution and a $15,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the FDIC Office of Inspector General and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Elver and David Weiser prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-
720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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El Dorado County Couple Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — El Dorado Hills couple were sentenced today for their criminal efforts to avoid paying federal income taxes, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Brian Beland, 39, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and a $30,000 fine, and Denae Beland, 40, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine.
After an 8-day trial, a federal jury found Brian Beland guilty of four counts: three for filing false tax returns for 2011, 2012, and 2013, and another count for corruptly impeding the ensuing tax audit. The tax returns illegally claimed both personal expenses and fabricated expenses as tax deductions. The jury also found Denae Beland guilty of corruptly impeding the tax audit.
“The Belands used tax fraud to pay almost no taxes for three years on their approximately $1.1 million income,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “They purposely lied in order to fund their family’s lavish lifestyle when they should have just told the truth and paid their taxes like millions of other Americans. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who fail to comply with their federal tax obligations.”
“Greedy schemes to falsify business expenses in order to evade income tax, such as those utilized by Brian Beland, are unfair to every taxpayer who obeys the law and pays their fair share. The Beland’s flaunted their ill-gotten gains with extravagant vacations, vehicles, home improvement, and other items,” said Darren Lian, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Oakland Field Office. “Today’s sentence affirms the IRS CI will hold individuals accountable to tax laws that they are subject to. Those who fail to do so will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Brian Beland was a mortgage broker for Wells Fargo and then Bank of America from 2011 through 2013. He claimed business expenses in excess of $800,000 for all three years, effectively paying only a 2% tax on the more than $1.1 million he earned. Denae Beland was an attorney licensed by the California State Bar, but she was suspended after this conviction and is currently not eligible to practice law in California. When the IRS began a civil audit of their taxes, Brian and Denae Beland tried to hide their crimes by falsely claiming that personal expenses were business expenses, telling falsehoods to the civil examiner, and obstructing the IRS audit by not providing requested documents.
During the audit the Belands claimed falsely that their business records had been shredded or lost. They then created false spreadsheets for the IRS that listed various personal expenses as business expenses in order to justify their fraudulent deductions, including travel to Europe, the Eiffel Tower, Hawaii, and Cancun; wine racks and a personalized wine bottle in their wine cellar; a California king bed; patio furniture; automated tiki torches; birthday party and baby shower expenses; home gym exercise flooring; and other items. In June 2016, the IRS executed a search warrant at the Belands’ house in El Dorado Hills. In addition to finding many pieces of furniture and household goods that had been claimed as business expenses, agents also found various tax records and receipts from the years in question, despite the Belands’ claims that all records and receipts had been destroyed. In some case those records and receipts were found together with correspondence from the IRS related to the very same audit they were obstructing.
This case was the product of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Veronica M.A. Alegría and Lee S. Bickley prosecuted the case.
District of Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Germaine L. Graham, 41, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud related to a fraud scheme against his former employer located in Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
As part of the fraud scheme, Graham made false payroll entries into the company’s payroll processing system, which directed unauthorized payments to himself. As a result of the fraudulent scheme, Graham caused approximately $250,000 in losses to his former employer. U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras accepted the guilty plea. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2024.
According to the Statement of the Offense, between February 2019 and January 2022, Graham was employed as an office manager with a private architecture firm in the District of Columbia. As part of his duties, he was responsible for the firm’s book-keeping functions, including invoicing and bill paying. He was also responsible for preparing and electronically submitting the firm’s bi-monthly payroll register to an out-of-state payroll processing company. Graham also had access to the firm’s electronic checks and on-line book-keeping program. Graham used his access to the payroll processing system, company checks, and the book-keeping program to steal his employer’s money and to hide the theft.
In announcing the verdict, Graves and Geist commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lisa Abbe, Victim-Witness Service Coordinator Tonya Jones, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 22.5 Years for Assault with Intent to Kill While ArmedRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony Braxton, 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 22.5 years in prison for stabbing a prior romantic partner multiple times in front of their child in November 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Braxton was found guilty by a jury of assault with intent to kill while armed and other charges, following a trial in April 2023 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 4, 2017, Braxton went to the home of his former romantic partner in violation of a court ordered stay away. He then approached the woman in broad daylight and stabbed her nearly 30 times with a pair of needle nose pliers in front of their child.
Braxton had been ordered by a District of Columbia Superior Court Judge, on October 16, 2017, to stay away and have no contact with the victim. Evidence showed that he violated that order over 500 times between Oct. 16, 2017, and Nov. 4, 2017.
The victim received medical treatment for her stab wounds at Howard University Hospital. She ultimately required surgery to save her right hand.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the MPD. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Wolf, Appellate Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Coleman and Daniel Lenerz, Pretrial Mental Health Coordinator Jennifer Mika, Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Fogle, Victim/Witness Advocates Shawn Slade and Tracy Owusu, and interns Jessica Wasserman, Julianne Saunders, Molly Patrick, and Kate Dougherty.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana Joseph and Brian Yang, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Shooting of a 62-Year-Old ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Demarcus Barnett, 20, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed stemming from the shooting of 62-year-old Lasanta Qumar McGill, on June 8, 2023, in the city's Westminster neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
As part of his guilty plea, Barnett admitted that after being robbed by two individuals, he chased after them and fired wildly down the sidewalk. In doing so, he struck and killed McGill, an innocent bystander. Barnett will be sentenced on October 27, 2023, by Judge Maribeth Raffinan.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the MPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Defendant caught with 14 kilos of fentanyl and seven kilos of methamphetamine sentenced to ten years in prisonRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 36-year-old citizen of Mexico was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to ten years in prison for trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine while armed with a handgun, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Erick Guerrero-Acosta was arrested November 22, 2022, with 14 kilos of fentanyl powder and pills and seven kilos of methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle cited the “grave” consequences of the opioid epidemic including an estimated 70,000 overdose deaths that have been attributed to fentanyl nationwide.
“At the very time Mr. Guerrero-Acosta was bringing fentanyl pills to Western Washington, more than one person each day was dying of a fentanyl overdose in King County alone,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Between January 1, 2022, and October 15, 2022, 70% of 710 overdose deaths were attributable to fentanyl. Based on these percentages, pills just like the ones seized from Guerrero-Acosta killed approximately 490 people, leaving only heartache for families and loved ones.”
According to records filed in the case, Guerrero-Acosta was identified by investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a significant supplier of fentanyl and methamphetamine. After conducting some controlled buys of drugs, agents moved in to arrest Guerrero-Acosta. In his vehicle they seized 14 kilos (approximately 30 pounds) of fentanyl in pill and powder form, seven kilos (15 pounds) of methamphetamine, more than $25,000 in cash and a firearm in the center console of the vehicle.
In asking for a 12-year prison sentence Assistant United States Attorney Max Shiner wrote to the court, “the danger created by defendant’s drug dealing was exacerbated by his unlawful possession of a firearm. The combination of drug trafficking and firearms oftentimes proves lethal, and defendant’s ready access to the firearm in the center console compartment of his car demonstrated his knowledge of the dangerous nature of the drug trade and his willingness to engage in it.”
Guerrero-Acosta has prior convictions for drug trafficking in Arizona in 2007 and 2011. He has a conviction from 2015 for illegally returning to the U.S. following deportation.
The case was investigated by the DEA.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Shiner.
Danville Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Child Porn PossessionRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville man, who used the online messaging application Kik to communicate and share child abuse images with an undercover law enforcement officer, was sentenced last week to 102 months in federal prison.
William Allen Wolf, 46, pled guilty in November 2022 to possession with intent to view a visual depiction of a minor under 12 years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court documents, in December 2021, a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity entered a public group on Kik Messenger where users were known to regularly share information and images of child abuse, and Wolf was already a member. The undercover officer purported to have two prepubescent daughters.
On December 6, 2022, Wolf initiated a Kik conversation with the undercover officer telling him that he was a member of the group because he enjoyed training children for sexual activity. Wolf then sent the undercover officer a video depicting an adult male engaged in sexual activity with a prepubescent female under 12 years of age. Wolf continued to send the undercover officer additional videos during the course of their online conversations.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Baudinet prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
DOJ Grant Funding to Bring Multi-Faceted Training to Southwest VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Town of Marion Police Department, in conjunction with the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, has received an $83,000 grant from the Department of Justice to bring an unprecedented training event to Southwest Virginia.
The funding will make available premier police leadership and management training to over 50 law enforcement agencies throughout Southwest Virginia, a geographical region that without the grant funding would otherwise not have the ability to bring such training to the area.
“These grant funds by the Department of Justice are necessary to bring this cutting-edge training to our law enforcement partners in Southwest Virginia,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “We are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of law enforcement professionals in Virginia, and to make sure they have the skills to navigate the complexities of today’s policing environment.”
Specifically, the Town of Marion Police Department and Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy will bring the “Organizational Management Certificate Program” (OMCP) from the Southern Police Institute, a division of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Louisville established in 1951 whose mission is to enhance the professional development of law enforcement.
The OMCP is a multi-faceted curriculum encompassing vital aspects of modern law enforcement administration including personnel development, operations, budgeting, and organizational leadership, as well as problem solving, performance management, and strategic management for 21st century policing.
Training consists of four separate courses offered in 40-hour blocks that result in the completion of a college-based certificate program.
The grant funds will pay for 25 seats in each of the four courses and will be offered at no cost to the agencies represented within the Southwest Virginia Region.
Cincinnati man pleads guilty to murder of convenience store owner, 5 armed robberiesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to using a firearm to commit murder and other crimes of violence. The parties involved have recommended a sentence of up to 45 years in prison for the defendant, who shot and killed the owner of Madeira Beverage in February 2021.
“Gun violence is never ok, and is especially tragic when a life is lost,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “One shooting death is one too many, and my office remains committed to holding trigger pullers accountable.”
“Today's guilty plea is a step in the right direction, and it will hopefully provide some small amount of closure for Mr. Gupta's family,” stated John Nokes, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Mr. Gupta's life ended tragically at the hands of the defendant. That heinous act altered the course of many lives, and it robbed Mr. Gupta, his family, and our community of future opportunities that so many of us take for granted.”
Willie James Attaway, 32, admitted to murdering Roop C. Gupta and committing or attempting four other armed robberies on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, 2021.
During the two-day crime spree, Attaway brandished a firearm to rob or attempt to rob:
- Feb. 8 – Shell on S. Mason Montgomery Road in Deerfield Township,
- Feb. 8 – Shell on Dixie Highway in Hamilton, Ohio,
- Feb. 9 – Madeira Beverage on Kenwood Road in Madeira, Ohio,
- Feb. 9 – Sunoco on Kenwood Road in Blue Ash, Ohio, and
- Feb. 9 – Marathon on North Broadway in Lebanon, Ohio.
At the first robbery, Attaway brandished a firearm at the two clerks and demanded that they empty the cash registers, which they did.
Later that night, at a second Shell gas station, Attaway brandished a firearm and said he was not afraid to shoot the clerk. The clerk gave Attaway money from the cash register.
The next day, Feb. 9, 2021, Attaway entered Madeira Beverage and confronted the store’s owner, Roop Gupta, who was working behind the counter. Attaway pointed a firearm at Gupta, and during the ensuing struggle he shot Gupta one time in the left abdomen. Gupta was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Later that evening, Attaway entered the Sunoco in Blue Ash, brandished a firearm, and demanded that the clerk give up the money in the cash register, which the clerk did.
During the final robbery on Feb. 9, Attaway pointed a firearm at the Marathon clerk and said, “Give me what you got.” The clerk reached under the counter, pretending he had a firearm, causing Attaway to flee.
A second defendant, Lamond Johnson, 37, is charged in this case. He is charged in all 14 counts of the indictment, and those charges remain pending.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and John Nokes, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); announced the guilty plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie D. Garcia and Kyle J. Healey are representing the United States in this case.
The investigation was jointly conducted by ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Madeira Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Cincinnati, Lebanon, Blue Ash, and Hamilton police departments, and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.
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