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26 June 2023
“Wolf of Airbnb” Pleads Guilty in Connection with PPP and Real Estate Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KONRAD BICHER pled guilty today to wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent operation of real estate companies, including by entering lease agreements for residential apartment units in Manhattan on false and fraudulent pretenses and by making false statements to obtain loans guaranteed by the United States government. BICHER pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Bicher proudly referred to himself as the ‘Wolf of Airbnb.’ But, as he admitted in court today, his businesses were premised on fraud. Bicher entered into lease agreements on false pretenses and made false statements to obtain loans guaranteed by the United States government. Bicher lined his own pockets by abusing government programs and tenant protections intended to benefit those in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI and this Office, he is being held accountable for his conduct.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint, Indictment, other court documents, and statements made in Court:
Beginning in at least February 2019, BICHER, and/or individuals working in concert with BICHER, began renting apartment units (the “Units”) in Manhattan. The Units were leased pursuant to lease agreements which required that the lessee make monthly rental payments and also included clauses that prohibited the lessee from renting the Units to third parties on a short-term basis and/or included clauses that prohibited the lessee from subletting the Units to third parties without written consent of the owner. Despite the requirement to make monthly rental payments, BICHER failed to make payments as required by the lease agreements. For many of the Units, BICHER also refused to vacate the Units after the expiration of the lease agreements. During the period of time that BICHER failed to make required rental payments, including the period of time after a lease agreement expired and the premises had not been vacated, BICHER derived income by renting the Units on a short-term basis, including by posting the Units for rent on various online marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Inc. (“Airbnb”).
Between in or about July 2019 and in or about April 2022, BICHER and his associates failed to make more than $1,000,000 in payments pursuant to the Lease Agreements or, for the period of time after the expiration of the Lease Agreements, based on the estimated fair market value for the Units. During this period, BICHER caused the Units to be listed for short-term rent on Airbnb and at least one other online marketplace for short-term rentals, resulting in at least $1,170,000 in rental income to BICHER and his associates.
Throughout the course of this scheme, the lessors of the Units made numerous efforts to recover rental payments from BICHER and/or to stop BICHER from continuing to rent the Units on a short-term basis, including by initiating civil litigation against BICHER. BICHER relied on legal protections intended to benefit tenants, including tenant protections adopted in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to oppose the lawsuits. Despite relying on tenant protections for New Yorkers in need, BICHER continued to generate revenue by renting certain Units on a short-term basis.
In addition, between at least in or about April 2021 until in or about July 2021, BICHER obtained government-guaranteed loans through a loan program of the United States Small Business Administration designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). In furtherance of this scheme, BICHER submitted at least four applications for PPP loans on behalf of at least three entities and obtained over $565,000 in loan proceeds. These PPP applications contained fraudulent documents and false information. For example, in connection with the PPP applications, BICHER submitted tax documents which were purportedly filed with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). These documents were falsified in that the entities seeking PPP loans had not actually filed the purported tax returns with the IRS, and BICHER has not otherwise reported the purported income to the IRS.
During the course of the scheme, BICHER referred to himself as the “Wolf of Airbnb” and explained to media outlets that this nickname referred to the fact that he was “hungry and ruthless enough to get on top of the financial ladder” and had the “ferocity…of a wolf, because wolves are territorial, vicious, and show no mercy when provoked.”
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BICHER, 31, of Hialeah, Florida, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. BICHER also agreed to forfeit $1,740,407.12 and to make restitution to victims in the amount of $1,985,251.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weinberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Yankton Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 23, 2023.
Jason Sejnoha, age 44, was sentenced to 15 ½ years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100, and restitution in the amount of $439.06.
Sejnoha was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 20, 2023.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between May 6, 2021, and May 31, 2021, when Sejnoha intentionally hid a camera in a home to create video recordings. The camera was disguised to be part of an electrical outlet and was placed in the bathroom of a home in Yankton. Sejnoha used the hidden camera to create video recordings of unclothed minors.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Yankton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Sejnoha was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Winchester Man and Former Medical Device Sales Rep Arrested for Defrauding Boston Hospital and Lying to Federal AuthoritiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former DePuy Synthes sales representative and team lead was arrested today for allegedly defrauding a Boston area hospital and lied to federal authorities investigating his interference with the hospital’s sterilization processes.
Matthew Capobianco, 45, of Winchester, Mass., was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud and one count of making material false statements. Capobianco was arrested today and, following an initial appearance and arraignment in federal court in Boston this afternoon, was released on conditions.
According to the indictment, from January 2016 through June 2017, Capobianco defrauded a Boston area hospital out of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of spine products that he falsely represented were used in spine surgeries he covered. As a sales representative at DePuy, Capobianco was present in operating rooms at the hospital during spine surgeries dressed in scrubs and a surgical mask. In that role, Capobianco was responsible for tracking the type and quantity of DePuy products used in the spine surgeries on usage forms that he submitted to the hospital’s billing department, among other things. It is alleged that Capobianco’s compensation was tied to the volume of products that surgeons at the hospital and elsewhere used in their surgeries. To boost his sales numbers, increase his compensation, and attain higher rankings within DePuy’s sales organization, Capobianco falsely represented on usage forms that more—and more expensive—DePuy products were used during the spine surgeries than were actually used. Capobianco’s alleged fraudulent overbilling caused the hospital to pay DePuy for products that were not used in spine surgeries and caused DePuy, in turn, to pay Capobianco commissions that he was not entitled to.
It is further alleged that, in late 2016, Capobianco instructed a subordinate DePuy sales representative to bring certain DePuy spinal implants into an operating room at the hospital for a surgery, without those implants first being sterilized. As Capobianco and his sales colleagues understood, using unsterile implants in a spine surgery could lead to serious infection or death. It is alleged that on May 30, 2017, after this 2016 incident, , Capobianco himself brought DePuy spinal implants that were not in compliance with the hospital’s sterilization policies to an operating room at the Boston area hospital. Concerned about the dangers posed by unsterile implants, hospital employees confiscated the spinal implants to ensure they were not used in a scheduled surgery that day, and Capobianco was banned from the hospital that afternoon. During a subsequent interview with federal agents that day about the sterilization incident and his interference with the hospital’s sterilization processes in the months leading up to it, Capobianco allegedly made false statements, including about his actions earlier that day.
The charges of wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Robert Coviello Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Patrick M. Callahan, Deputy Chief of Levy’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Levy’s Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Weakley County Woman Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced a Weakley County woman to 96 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following her guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Kevin Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
“Methamphetamine trafficked in and through West Tennessee is approaching dangerous levels of purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz. “Drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence, and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment. This defendant had a very brief criminal history, but the sheer volume of the drugs that she sold commanded the strong response reflected in the sentence imposed by the Court."
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to information presented in court, law enforcement officers became aware in July 2021 that Amy Marie Mitchell, 34, of Dresden, TN and her co-defendant, Robert Warren Gearin, were distributing crystal methamphetamine – any form of the drug that is 80 percent or higher in purity – in and around Weakley County. Investigators worked with a confidential informant on July 15, 2021 to purchase approximately 13 grams of crystal methamphetamine from someone who had obtained the drugs from Mitchell and Gearin’s home in Dresden.
On October 21, 2021, officers executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence and seized close to 400 grams of methamphetamine, plastic baggies, three sets of digital scales, a Taurus TX .22 caliber pistol with matching ammunition, and a police scanner. The Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory later confirmed that the methamphetamine seized from the defendants’ home weighed 393.27 grams and was 97 percent pure. Officers learned through witnesses and additional investigation that over a four-month period Mitchell and Gearin sold approximately four pounds of methamphetamine in the Weakley County area.
On March 6, 2023, Mitchell pled guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Gearin entered a guilty plea to similar charges and is awaiting sentencing.
The Weakley Co. Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 27th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, as well as the law enforcement partners.
Wayne County Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – David Lee Pinson, 41, of Ceredo, pleaded guilty today to possession of prepubescent child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pinson admitted to uploading several images and videos of child pornography to his Google Photos account on May 28, 2022, in Ceredo. One of the videos depicts a prepubescent boy and girl engaging in sexual intercourse and sexually explicit conduct.
Pinson further admitted to possessing six images and 332 videos of child pornography on a memory card on August 16, 2022, and to viewing the images using his cell phone. Pinson also admitted that 44 of the images and videos depict known child victims, and that some of the images depict infants and toddlers.
Pinson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Pinson is a registered sex offender as a result of his conviction for possession of child erotica in Wayne County Circuit Court on August 20, 2020.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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. 3:22-cr-173.
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Watervliet Woman Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ouida Cordell, age 47, of Watervliet, New York, was sentenced today to two years of probation for her submission of a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office, made the announcement.
As part of her previously entered guilty plea, Cordell admitted that on July 13, 2020, she submitted an online application to the SBA for an EIDL on behalf of her company, Bashment Entertainment LLC (Bashment), that falsely overstated Bashment’s annual revenues. As a result of the fraud, Cordell and her company Bashment received an EIDL loan in the amount of $149,500 for which she and the company were not entitled. EIDLs were low-interest, government-backed loans meant for businesses struggling with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Cordell to perform 100 hours of community service, and to pay restitution in the amount of $149,400.
The FBI, with assistance from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Office of Internal Affairs, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted this case.
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.
Watervliet Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ronnie Robinson, age 29, of Watervliet, New York, pled guilty today to possessing a firearm as a felon, possessing and intending to distribute marijuana, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Robinson admitted that on November 30, 2021, he possessed approximately 268 grams of marijuana that he intended to distribute and that he possessed a firearm in order to protect the marijuana, drug proceeds, and his marijuana trafficking business. Robinson had been previously convicted of three felonies and was on supervised release for a 2015 conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon when he was caught with the marijuana and the firearm in this case.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 26, 2023, before United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Robinson faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of at least 2 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, New York State Police, and the United States Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin C. Segovia and Cyrus P.W. Rieck are prosecuting the case.
Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Road Rage ConfrontationRead the Press Release
Defendant Pointed Firearm at Mother and Daughter
WASHINGTON – Jacobi Williams, 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for felony assault, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Williams was found guilty by a jury on December 9, 2022, of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) following a two-week trial in D.C. Superior Court.
On April 26, 2018, Williams began honking his horn at a mother and daughter sitting in the vehicle ahead of him in traffic at the intersection of 4th and I Street NW. Mr. Williams tried to drive around them but was unable to do so. He reversed his vehicle and threatened the mother and daughter at gunpoint before driving away when the traffic cleared. Williams was identified from surveillance footage in the immediate moments before and after the assault.
Mr. Williams is awaiting trial on an unrelated 2021 homicide offense, which is set for trial in September 2023. Mr. Williams is facing another homicide offense in Charles County, Maryland.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Omeed Assefi and Anna Forgie, who tried the case.
Virginia-area man who groomed a child online and sexually assaulted her after moving to Wisconsin receives 20 years in federal prison.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 23, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Stanley J. Seifert III (age: 45) to a total sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, followed by 20 years’ supervised release, and a lifetime sex-offender registration after Seifert pled guilty to child enticement and receiving child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A and 2422.
According to court records, when Seifert was living in Virginia, he met a then-15-year-old from Wisconsin in an online game platform. Unknown to the child’s parents, Seifert groomed her for months, including sexually explicit chats and live videos of child pornography. Seifert moved to Green Bay in July 2022 to be closer to the victim. Soon thereafter, Seifert bought the victim a phone and began surreptitiously picking her up for sexual encounters in a secluded wooded area. The child’s mother first learned of Seifert’s existence and conduct when she went into the child’s room and interrupted a live video where Seifert was directing the child to perform sexually explicit acts. Officers were immediately contacted and began investigating. They found and arrested Seifert in Michigan, where he was working for his Wisconsin-based employer, a job he recently obtained to move closer to the victim.
Seifert was extradited to Wisconsin by the Kewaunee County District Attorney’s Office, and Seifert remained in continuous custody as state and federal prosecutors worked collaboratively toward the outcome.
In sentencing Seifert, Judge Griesbach emphasized that Seifert targeted, groomed, and sexually assaulted the child, with an obviously devastating impact and loss of her childhood, and potentially residual impact going forward into adulthood. The judge said that Seifert’s conduct called for strong punishment and the need to protect the public from him, as well as the broader deterrent message for others contemplating similar conduct.
United States Attorney Haanstad said, “The United States Department of Justice has made the protection of our nation’s children a top priority through Project Safe Childhood and other efforts. Prosecutions like this one promote that critically important goal.” He added: “Anyone involved in the enticement of children, including anyone who travels for the purpose of meeting with a child for sexual purposes, will be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Kewaunee County District Attorney Andrew P. Naze stated “I applaud the hard work of all the local law enforcement agencies that worked to bring Mr. Seifert to justice, especially the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s office and Inv. Vandermoss for their diligent investigation and apprehension of Mr. Seifert. AUSA Funnell and the FBI should be applauded for their work in securing a just sentence for Mr. Seifert as well.”
The investigation was spearheaded by the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department, with critical assistance from the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Michigan State Police ICAC, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Green Bay. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy W. Funnell.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Public Information Officer
Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
414-297-1700
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Victorville Woman Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison for Using Inmates’ Info to Illegally Obtain over $500,000 in COVID Jobless AidRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County woman was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in pandemic-related unemployment insurance (UI) benefits by using the names of inmates locked up the California state prison system.
Cynthia Ann Hernandez, 33, a.k.a. “Cynthia Roberts,” of Victorville, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who also ordered her to pay $515,138 in restitution.
Hernandez pleaded guilty on January 23 to one count of mail fraud and one count of access device fraud.
During the summer of 2020, Hernandez filed with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) fraudulent applications for UI benefits in the names of persons incarcerated in the California state prison system and who were ineligible to receive jobless benefits. EDD manages California’s unemployment insurance benefit program.
Hernandez falsely stated on the UI benefits applications that the named claimants were individuals whose employment had been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and were eligible for pandemic unemployment assistance under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Congress passed the CARES Act in March 2020, in part, to help individuals whose employment and finances were adversely affected by the pandemic.
The applications also falsely stated that the named claimants were eligible for the UI benefits and that they resided and worked in Los Angeles and Orange counties. EDD then authorized Bank of America to issue debit cards in the claimants’ names that were mailed to Hernandez’s mailing address.
In total, Hernandez caused at least 29 fraudulent applications to be filed with EDD.
“[Hernandez] orchestrated a sophisticated scheme that deprived the state of over [$500,000] meant to provide relief for vulnerable taxpayers who were unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “She did so by applying for UI benefits for people who were plainly ineligible and did so for her own financial gain.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the California Employment Development Department, Investigation Division; Homeland Security Investigations; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the United States Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and United States Customs and Border Protection’s Special Response Team.
Assistant United States Attorney Haoxiaohan Cai of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
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 Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Union Financial Recording Secretary Sentenced for False Entry in a Union RecordRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WILBERT BARNES, a resident of Angie, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 22, 2023 to 2 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $25 mandatory special assessment fee, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. Pursuant to the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act, United States District Judge Barry Ashe further imposed restitution of $12,500, which BARNES has already paid. BARNES previously pled guilty to making a false entry in a union record, having misappropriated $12,500 of funds from United Steelworkers Local 1362.
According to court records, BARNES held the position of Recording Secretary of United Steelworkers Local 1362. BARNES confessed to the local sheriff’s office that he took $12,500 of Local 1352’s funds via two unauthorized checks in June 2021. Upon further investigation, it was determined that BARNES had misappropriated at least $25,000 of Local 1362’s funds since 2017. In 2017, BARNES negotiated a Local 1362 check worth $9,000. In May of 2021, BARNES negotiated a check for $4,000 with a memo entry falsely stating that the check was for “school books, t-shirts.” In June of 2021, BARNES forged a check for $7,500 and made a cash withdrawal from the union’s account in the amount of $5,000. BARNES confessed that he used this money to pay his gambling debts.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Labor in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Results of Recent Efforts to Crack Down on Gun Violence Throughout IdahoRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today that, in the past week, eight individuals pleaded guilty or were sentenced in federal district court for firearms offenses and related drug trafficking offenses. These Idaho investigations are all part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a key component of the Department of Justice violent crime reduction strategy.
The following defendants were sentenced within the past week:
- Jeffery Donald Manchester, 36, of Auburn, Washington, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Manchester sold a confidential informant an unlawfully‑possessed AK47 style rifle. Manchester possessed the firearm he sold to the confidential informant knowing that he had previously been convicted of several crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Those convictions included the manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance in King County, Washington, drug trafficking in heroin and unlawful possession of a firearm in Ada County, Idaho, and conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and heroin in the Idaho.
- Anthony Erasmo Madrid, Sr., 45, of Nampa, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, for unlawful possession of a firearm, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Madrid sold a Remington 6mm rifle to a confidential informant for $500. Madrid was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2019 conviction for burglary. Madrid had previously been convicted of battery on two occasions, domestic battery on two occasions, forgery on two occasions, burglary on two occasions, violation of a no contact order, identity theft, possession of methamphetamine, and grand theft. At the time Madrid unlawfully possessed the firearm, he was under a criminal justice sentence in four separate cases.
- Gary Carl Partee, 39, who was squatting on public land outside of Mountain Home, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, to be followed by three years of supervised release. On August 4, 2022, Bureau of Land Management served a search warrant on a motorhome that had been illegally parked on public land for several months. At this time, Partee was living in a makeshift tent next to the motorhome, which was broken down. Law enforcement observed a rifle in a parked vehicle that Partee admitted to possessing. Partee also possessed a rattlesnake, which he kept in a box next to the motorhome, that he was ordered to release. Partee was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2017 conviction for delivery of a controlled substance. Partee had also previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. In 2016, he was charged with possessing prohibited wild animals for possessing a rattlesnake.
- Spencer Gibson, 32, of Nampa, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for dealing firearms without a license, to be followed by two years of supervised release. According to court records, between January 2020 and April 21, 2022, Gibson purchased and resold approximately 22 firearms with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Gibson also sold an AR style rifle to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Gibson is not a licensed firearms dealer and admitted knowing that his conduct was unlawful. One of the firearms sold by Gibson was transported out of state and used by another person to shoot and kill a police officer.
- Travis Johnson, 50, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced to four months of home detention, to be followed by three years of probation, and a $55,000.00 fine, for dealing firearms without a license. According to court records, between November 21, 2020, to June 7, 2021, Johnson sold approximately 15 firearms to another individual. Approximately five of those firearms were ordered by that individual and Johnson thereafter purchased and resold them to this customer. Johnson is not a licensed firearms dealer and admitted knowing that his conduct was unlawful. One of the firearms sold by Johnson was recovered in Los Angeles, California, 53 days after purchase, and seized as part of an investigation of criminal activity.
- Thomas Downs, 37, of Blythe, California, was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to court records, in April 2022, the Idaho State Police stopped Downs on the interstate for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, troopers located four pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm in the vehicle. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Downs’s cell phone, which revealed additional evidence of drug trafficking, messages about acquiring firearms, and pictures of firearms. Downs has a criminal history that includes domestic violence and making threats.
In addition, the following defendants pleaded guilty in the past week:
- Shane Michael Bohn, 35, of Lewiston, Idaho, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms. Bohn was initially charged in November of 2022 after officers found multiple firearms at his residence. He was on probation at the time and had previously been convicted of aggravated assault. Bohn was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior conviction.
- Matthew Durham, 24, of Lewiston, Idaho, also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms. In December of 2022, Durham was in possession of a shotgun that was ultimately located and seized by officers. At the time Durham possessed the firearm, he had previously been convicted of possession of controlled substances, was on parole, and had an active civil protection order pending.
Bohn and Durham are now scheduled to be sentenced in October of 2023, and each faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Reducing violent crime is a top priority for my Office,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Our law enforcement partners and prosecutors are very effective at identifying and removing from our streets those individuals who pose the greatest risk of violence in our communities. And I am grateful to our state and local partners who support our efforts and help us to better understand the particular issues in their communities. It’s all about maintaining our quality way of life throughout Idaho.”
“In almost every case highlighted here the individual knew that they were not supposed to possess firearms,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Further, some of these individuals were dealing in firearms illegally, and in one case it led to the murder of a police officer. We will never stop investigating those who are illegally possessing or illegally selling firearms.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program which has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of participants in identifying the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses on strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders and prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships. In 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
In addition to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, U.S. Attorney Hurwit has continued to strengthen programs sponsored by state and local partnerships.
- In Southwestern Idaho, the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho hired a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) to address gang crimes. This position, which was created in 2007, has been instrumental in combatting violent crime. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.
- In Southeastern Idaho, a similar SAUSA position was created in 2016 by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho.
- In North Idaho, the Nez Perce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has designated one of its Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s as a SAUSA to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including on the Bohm and Durham cases announced today
These SAUSA programs allow law enforcement to leverage the federal criminal justice system to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals, and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive significant penalties in federal prison that are served outside of Idaho, saving the State of Idaho millions of dollars as measured by what it would cost to prosecute and house these offenders through the state system.
The cases described above were investigated by various law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as other federal, state, and local partners.
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U.S. Attorney Steven A. Russell Announces RetirementRead the Press Release
After 37 years of service, United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska Steven A. Russell announced today that he intends to retire on June 30, 2023.
An alumnus of the University of Nebraska College of Law (Class of 1982), Russell joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 1985, briefly serving in Omaha before moving to Lincoln in January 1986. Russell handled a wide variety of civil and criminal matters, including civil litigation, white collar fraud, tax crimes, drug trafficking, civil rights violations and crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. During his time in the office, Russell has served at various times as Branch Manager for the Lincoln U.S Attorney’s Office, Senior Litigation Counsel, Appellate Coordinator and First Assistant United States Attorney. On June 1, 2022, Russell was appointed as Acting United States Attorney and later appointed by the United States District Court to serve as Interim United States Attorney, a position he has held since. The United States District Court will appoint Russell’s successor to take over as Interim United States Attorney following the end of his service until such time as a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney is named.
Russell said, “It is an honor to have served the citizens of Nebraska in the United States Attorney’s Office for the past nearly 38 years. It is a privilege to have worked with many talented law enforcement agents who are dedicated public servants truly desiring to make their communities safer every day. I am humbled to have been employed with so many excellent attorneys and support staff during my tenure here. I was incredibly fortunate to have practiced before the finest judges in the country, whose intelligence, temperament, and commitment to the rule of law made each of them the living embodiment of what a great judge should be. There can be no greater source of professional pride than saying to the Court or a jury that ‘my name is Steve Russell, and I am an Attorney representing the United States of America.’ It has been a joy and pleasure to have worked in the United States Attorney’s Office.”
Two sentenced to a combined 23 years for bank robberies in West Virginia, Virginia, and PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Virginia couple was sentenced today for bank robberies that spanned three states.
William Birdsall, 51, of Boones Mill, Virginia, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery. Jaqueline Elizabeth Havens, 56, also of Boones Mill, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for disposing of the money that was stolen.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh heard testimony today that Birdsall carried out a series of bank robberies in West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania over an eight-month span, stealing more than $162,000. The targeted banks in West Virginia were the Bank of Romney, in Augusta; Summit Community Bank, in Rupert; and M&T Bank in Fort Ashby. Following the robberies, Havens assisted Birdsall with hiding the money and spending the proceeds on three vehicles, Havens’ mortgage, and a down payment on land. Birdsall previously served a 15-year sentence for robbing six banks in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Nevada in 2004 and 2005.
Birdsall must pay $162,475 in restitution, and Havens is jointly responsible for $129,300 of that amount. The judge ordered Birdsall and Havens to forfeit the three purchased vehicles, a firearm, and cash.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Division; the West Virginia State Police; the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; the Augusta County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office; and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Troy Man Sentenced to 20 Months for Unlawfully Possessing a Short-Barreled RifleRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Curtis D. Black, Jr., age 32, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Black, Jr. admitted to possessing an unregistered PA-15 Multi-Caliber Palmetto State Armory rifle. The rifle, which had a barrel length of less than 16 inches, was not registered to the defendant in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required.
United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Black, Jr. to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after his imprisonment.
ATF and Troy Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey and Joshua Rosenthal prosecuted the case.
Taunton Woman Agrees to Plead Guilty in Conspiracy to Issue Driver's Licenses to Applicants Who Did Not Take Road TestRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton woman has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not take the road test.
Neta Centio, 55, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging document, Centio used CashApp to pay a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain driver’s license applicants had passed their road test when in fact they did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed driver’s licenses to unqualified applicants. It is alleged that after Centio’s fraud was discovered, she told the road test examiner, “Don’t say nothing about the CashApp. . . . Break the phone.”
The charge of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charging document also seeks a $20,215 forfeiture money judgment. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. The Mattapoisett Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam Deitch of Levy’s Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
South St. Paul Felon Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A South St. Paul felon has pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s plea agreement and court documents, on December 4, 2022, Nicholas Neil Nikiforakis, 34, posted a photo on Facebook that showed him in possession of a black firearm with a tan-colored extended magazine. Law enforcement officers were able to determine Nikiforakis’s location and conducted physical surveillance. When the defendant was spotted getting behind the wheel of a black Ford Explorer, officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, but Nikiforakis rammed into a responding squad car and fled the area at a high rate of speed. He eventually crashed as he attempted a high-speed turn, hit a fire hydrant, and collided with a nearby building. The defendant fled on foot but was ultimately apprehended at the scene. A subsequent search of the black Ford Explorer revealed a black and dark green privately made firearm or “ghost gun” – with a tan-colored extended magazine in the center console with a large black bag that contained fentanyl pills, marijuana, and a digital scale.
Nikiforakis pleaded guilty on June 23, 2023, in U.S. District Court before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing is prosecuting the case.
Schenectady Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael E. Robbins, II, age 27, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Robbins previously pled guilty to the offense on February 13, 2023, the day his trial was scheduled to begin. Robbins admitted that between February and March 2021, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with an undercover officer posing as a 12-year old girl, in an attempt to entice the child into engaging in sexual acts with him. Robbins admitted that he initiated the conversations with the minor after locating her in an online chat group for teens in the 518 area code. Robbins further admitted that he arranged to meet the minor on March 18, 2021 at a bowling alley in Latham, New York, and he traveled to the bowling alley on that date with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the 12-year-old child. Robbins was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location.
Robbins will be required to register as a sex offender and will serve a 15-year term of post-release supervision when he is released from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Salina Couple Convicted of Child Abuse and NeglectRead the Press Release
TULSA – On Friday June 23, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against Amanda Irene Smith, 44, and Joel Richard Smith, 48, for Child Abuse in Indian Country and Child Neglect in Indian Country following a four-day trial. The jury deliberated into the evening.
“The abuse of children will never be tolerated or go unpunished,” said U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson. “The years of abuse the victim suffered at the hands of those she should have been able to trust is both heartbreaking and unconscionable. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting perpetrators of child abuse.”
According to the victim’s testimony presented at trial, she “escaped” to a neighboring home on April 5, 2019, when she was 9 years old. She was filthy, in need of medical attention and extremely hungry. She was wearing a diaper and showed signs of physical abuse, and the neighbor alerted authorities. The victim, who weighed 41 pounds and was wearing a toddler size-four t-shirt, was hospitalized for a week to treat malnutrition and inflections from her wounds. The Mayes County Sheriff’s Office investigation showed that the defendants routinely denied the victim food and access to the bathroom, handcuffed her to a “pack n’ play,” and beat her with a belt and livestock whip. Testimony at trial also revealed the defendants forced her to work outside moving rocks and dirt with her hands, pulling weeds and picking up sticks for several hours at a time.
Previously released on bond prior to trial, the couple was permitted to remain on bond for two weeks and self-report to federal custody for formal sentencing.
U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman presided over trial and sentencing is yet to be scheduled. At that time, both face up to life in federal prison.
Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Melody Nelson prosecuted the case.
Riverside County Tax Preparer Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Preparing False Returns that Caused over $3 Million in Losses to IRSRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire tax preparer was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for knowingly filing thousands of tax returns that falsely claimed deductions, such as fake medical expenses and bogus mortgage interest, and which caused more than $3 million in losses to the IRS.
Andrew Zepeda Hansack, 40, of Riverside, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who said Hansack’s crimes were “one of the most serious offenses I’ve encountered while on the bench.”
In addition to the six-year prison term, Judge Wilson ordered Hansack to pay a $50,000 fine and $3,369,886 in restitution.
Hansack pleaded guilty on February 27 to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Judge Wilson imposed the statutory maximum sentence for each of the two counts.
Starting in January 2015, Hansack prepared personal income tax returns at AJ Loyal Income Tax Service, a Riverside-based company. Hansack filed tax returns for some of his clients that included false itemized deductions. Specifically, Hansack filed tax returns for these clients that indicated they had paid mortgage interest for their homes, when in truth, as Hansack knew, his clients did not own a home. Hansack also claimed false medical expenses, sales tax, and gifts by cash or check on some tax returns he prepared that he knew to be false.
For the tax years 2015 through 2019, Hansack filed approximately 2,533 tax returns with false deductions on behalf of his clients, according to court documents. Because of Hansack’s criminal activity, the IRS was prevented from assessing and collecting the correct amount of taxes owed by the clients. Judge Wilson found that the IRS suffered losses of approximately $3.37 million.
For example, in February 2020, Hansack aided and assisted the preparation of a federal income tax return for a South Gate resident. This tax return falsely claimed $30,488 in itemized deductions, including deductions for mortgage interest. The false and fraudulent deductions caused the South Gate taxpayer to claim a refund from the IRS in the amount of $7,318 to which the taxpayer was not entitled.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Mitchell of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Readout from United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez’s Violent Crime Listening Session with Community Leaders in the International DistrictRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, federal prosecutors, and other staff from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) met with representatives from organizations that serving Albuquerque’s International District (ID) last week at the International District Library to discuss violent crime. John Bulten, Co-Executive Director of East Central Ministries, Sachi Watase, Executive Director of the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC), Khadijah Asili Bottom, the founder of Vizionz-Sankofa, and Will Williams, a community coordinator from Vizionz-Sankofa, presented statements. This listening session focused on violent crime, community-based solutions, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community. This was the first of a series of listening sessions to be held throughout the Albuquerque this summer.
United States Attorney Uballez opened the session by asking how the Department of Justice could support the ID in confronting violence. Participants described the link between violence and fentanyl trafficking, use, and addiction, and the need for additional resources in the ID—from funding community organizations to increasing law enforcement visibility. Others described a harrowing federal grant process that felt incongruous with the level to which federal law enforcement relies on their organizations. All participants emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships between law enforcement and the community.
John Bulten and Will Williams described how fentanyl changed the violent crime landscape. “I’ve seen how quickly and aggressively . . . fentanyl took over and just it's deteriorating these people out here and it's causing a lot of the violence,” said Williams. “If fentanyl isn't made like a public health emergency,” Williams added, “everything we're talking about now is going to be ten times worse five years from now.”
Sachi Watase highlighted the importance of building trust in the Pan-Asian community. Following an arrest, she said, the “tension does not disappear.” Watase described how language barriers, a lack of cultural competency, and a reactive approach to enforcement stand in the way of authentic relationships with the Asian community in New Mexico. Watase also expressed frustration with the federal grant process. She described the heavy reliance of federal law enforcement on NMAFC for translation, intelligence, and community connection and contrasted it against the onerous process of seeking federal grants. “It is too much for us to constantly have to . . . go through a competitive process when we're the only ones who are doing this and [federal law enforcement] need us to do it.” said Sachi Watase. “We know that these [federal law enforcement] entities trust us and that we're doing a good job because they're the ones who are asking us to do this.”
All participants stressed the importance of authentic investment in the ID. Khadijah Asili Bottom stated that, “[I]t'll take time . . . to get the trust of the community. So, I think that’s a cool thing to start having and being visible at community functions.” Williams complemented Albuquerque Community Safety’s Violence Intervention Program, describing community walks as a critical way to achieve a positive police presence and avoid over-policing.
This was the first in a series of listening sessions USA Uballez will convene in the coming months as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. USA Uballez will meet with community leaders from the Westgate community, service providers for the unhoused, social justice advocates, addiction and treatment service providers, and families impacted by violent crime. These sessions are an opportunity for the USA, federal prosecutors, and USAO staff to recognize the vital role that these leaders, providers and advocates play in our community.
PSN is an evidence-based program proven 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. In New Mexico, the United States Attorney’s Office pursues a community violence intervention approach. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based intervention, prevention, and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.
(left to right) AUSA Tom Aliberti, Sachi Watase, EAUSA Aja Brooks, Law Enforcement Coordinator Specialist Alyssa Skrepcinski, USA Uballez, FAUSA Holland Kastrin, AUSA Paul Mysliwiec, AUSA Kim Bell, AUSA David Hirsch, Khadijah Asili Bottom, Will Williams and AUSA Nora Williams.
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Readout from United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez’s Violent Crime Listening Session with Community Leaders in the International DistrictRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, federal prosecutors, and other staff from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) met with representatives from organizations that serving Albuquerque’s International District (ID) last week at the International District Library to discuss violent crime. John Bulten, Co-Executive Director of East Central Ministries, Sachi Watase, Executive Director of the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC), Khadijah Asili Bottom, the founder of Vizionz-Sankofa, and Will Williams, a community coordinator from Vizionz-Sankofa, presented statements. This listening session focused on violent crime, community-based solutions, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community. This was the first of a series of listening sessions to be held throughout the Albuquerque this summer.
United States Attorney Uballez opened the session by asking how the Department of Justice could support the ID in confronting violence. Participants described the link between violence and fentanyl trafficking, use, and addiction, and the need for additional resources in the ID—from funding community organizations to increasing law enforcement visibility. Others described a harrowing federal grant process that felt incongruous with the level to which federal law enforcement relies on their organizations. All participants emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships between law enforcement and the community.
John Bulten and Will Williams described how fentanyl changed the violent crime landscape. “I’ve seen how quickly and aggressively . . . fentanyl took over and just it's deteriorating these people out here and it's causing a lot of the violence,” said Williams. “If fentanyl isn't made like a public health emergency,” Williams added, “everything we're talking about now is going to be ten times worse five years from now.”
Sachi Watase highlighted the importance of building trust in the Pan-Asian community. Following an arrest, she said, the “tension does not disappear.” Watase described how language barriers, a lack of cultural competency, and a reactive approach to enforcement stand in the way of authentic relationships with the Asian community in New Mexico. Watase also expressed frustration with the federal grant process. She described the heavy reliance of federal law enforcement on NMAFC for translation, intelligence, and community connection and contrasted it against the onerous process of seeking federal grants. “It is too much for us to constantly have to . . . go through a competitive process when we're the only ones who are doing this and [federal law enforcement] need us to do it.” said Sachi Watase. “We know that these [federal law enforcement] entities trust us and that we're doing a good job because they're the ones who are asking us to do this.”
All participants stressed the importance of authentic investment in the ID. Khadijah Asili Bottom stated that, “[I]t'll take time . . . to get the trust of the community. So, I think that’s a cool thing to start having and being visible at community functions.” Williams complemented Albuquerque Community Safety’s Violence Intervention Program, describing community walks as a critical way to achieve a positive police presence and avoid over-policing.
This was the first in a series of listening sessions USA Uballez will convene in the coming months as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. USA Uballez will meet with community leaders from the Westgate community, service providers for the unhoused, social justice advocates, addiction and treatment service providers, and families impacted by violent crime. These sessions are an opportunity for the USA, federal prosecutors, and USAO staff to recognize the vital role that these leaders, providers and advocates play in our community.
PSN is an evidence-based program proven 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. In New Mexico, the United States Attorney’s Office pursues a community violence intervention approach. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based intervention, prevention, and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.
(left to right) AUSA Tom Aliberti, Sachi Watase, EAUSA Aja Brooks, Law Enforcement Coordinator Specialist Alyssa Skrepcinski, USA Uballez, FAUSA Holland Kastrin, AUSA Paul Mysliwiec, AUSA Kim Bell, AUSA David Hirsch, Khadijah Asili Bottom, Will Williams and AUSA Nora Williams.
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Putnam County Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Declaration in Bankruptcy CaseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – William Howard Gregory, 73, of Scott Depot, pleaded guilty today to knowingly and fraudulently making a false declaration in a bankruptcy case.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 1, 2018, Gregory filed false documents in his bankruptcy case that failed to disclose the existence of five life insurance policies with the collective surrender value of approximately $235,000. Gregory admitted that he knew he was required to disclose the existence of his policies and chose not to disclose them.
Gregory is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The U.S. Trustee’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Department of Justice that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage 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-95.
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Prince George’s County Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for a Conspiracy to Obtain over $1 Million in COVID-19 CARES Act Loans and Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang today sentenced Jerry Phillips, a/k/a “Tian Juzo,” age 25, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and illegal possession of a machine gun, related to a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $1 million in COVID-19 CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program loan applications (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster loan applications (“EIDL”), and unemployment insurance claims. Judge Chuang also ordered Phillips to pay restitution of $1,235,213.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”); Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Washington, D.C. Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”), Eastern Region, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano, of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (“FDIC-OIG”).
“Once again, the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office’s COVID fraud enforcement strategy is taking illegal guns out of the hands of criminals,” said United States Attorney Erek L. Barron. “This case highlights two of our office priorities—taking illegal guns off the streets and holding accountable those who fraudulently took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to line their pockets.”
According to his plea agreement, from March 2020 to February 2022, Phillips worked with his brother and co-defendant, Jaleel Phillips, and at least one other person. to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 related benefits, including filing fraudulent PPP loan applications, EIDL loan applications, and unemployment insurance claims. As detailed in the statement of facts, Phillips and his co-conspirators created fictitious aliases, used the personal identifying information of real people, and used defunct corporate entities or new business entities with no actual business operations to apply for PPP and EIDL loans, and unemployment benefits.
As part of the scheme, Phillips admitted that he created and used multiple fake identities to submit fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications and used the personal identifying information of more than 20 real people in furtherance of fraudulent unemployment claims. The fraudulently obtained PPP and EIDL loans and unemployment insurance claims were deposited into the bank accounts opened in the names of the aliases. The money was then withdrawn by Phillips and his co-conspirators through ATM withdrawals and purchases made on the associated debit and credit cards or transferred between the various financial accounts established in the aliases’ names. Phillips used $65,538.95 of the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, which he registered in his name at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Jerry Phillips also admitted that he personally obtained and controlled more than $1 million in fraud proceeds from the fraudulent PPPs and EIDLs.
A search of the defendant’s residence recovered more than 25 fake driver’s licenses from multiple states and multiple identification documents from different jurisdictions with Jerry Phillips’ photograph and the same alias. Law enforcement also recovered four “ghost guns” which Jerry Phillips purchased online, using an alias. Phillips admitted that he illegally modified one of the ghost guns into a machine gun capable of firing multiple rounds with one pull of the trigger.
Jaleel Phillips, age 25, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the wire fraud conspiracy and was sentenced on June 22, 2023, to 30 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,142,769.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of three strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DOL-OIG, IRS-CI, SBA-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked the Office of Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch-Public Integrity Division, for its assistance. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Gruber, who is prosecuting the case and recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Plaquemines Parish Men Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JORDAN MEAUX, age 32, and LEON THOMPSON, age 38, both residents of Plaquemines Parish, were charged on June 22, 2023, in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. MEAUX was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
If convicted of the conspiracy count, MEAUX AND THOMPSON each face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the possession with intent to distribute counts, MEAUX and THOMPSON each face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the felon in possession count, MEAUX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each charged count, MEAUX and THOMPSON also face payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Placerville Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Possessing 27 Dogs for FightingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Carlos Villasenor, 40, of Placerville, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for possession of dogs for use in an animal fighting venture, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Villasenor was also ordered to pay a $5,500 fine and a $2,700 special assessment.
According to court documents, Villasenor operated a dog breeding business in which he bred dogs from a number of well-known and desirable dogfighting bloodlines. Villasenor transported dogs between California and Mexico for dogfighting, trained dogs for dogfighting on his property in Placerville, and sold dogs to buyers primarily outside California.
In September 2020, the sound of dogfighting, with humans egging the dogs on, could be heard from Villasenor’s Placerville property. In June 2021, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Villasenor’s property and seized 27 pit bull-type dogs, one of whom had injuries to its face consistent with an attack from another dog. Agents also seized one chihuahua mix that was used as a “bait dog.” Approximately half the dogs were tethered by heavy chains and spaced so that they could see one another, but not reach one another, in order to frustrate the dogs and foster aggression. Many of the dogs had untreated veterinary conditions. Numerous implements of the dogfighting trade were found on the property, including a breeding stand, treadmills, and veterinary supplies including skin staplers, antibiotics, syringes, and IV bags. In his plea agreement in December 2022, Villasenor surrendered his interest in the dogs and property seized by law enforcement.
Evidence in the case, including phone records, showed that Villasenor engaged in the sale of dogs for profit, selling dogs both within and outside California. Villasenor used his reputation to build a clientele outside of the West Coast, for the purpose of keeping his dogs outside the hands of his competition in the Bay Area. He also traveled to Mexico to further the illegal sport. His history in the business of breeding, selling, and fighting dogs dates back to at least 2009.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with assistance from El Dorado County Animal Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Hemesath prosecuted the case.
Physician assistant admits to unlawful practice of medicineRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 50-year-old Brownsville man has pleaded guilty to health care fraud in relation to his work at an area mental health clinic, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
In July 2021, the Texas Medical Board deemed Fernando Mendez a “continuing threat to public welfare” and suspended his license as a physician assistant.
However, he continued to practice medicine at CCI Therapy Counseling Centers International P.C. (CCI), which has locations in Harlingen and Brownsville, following the suspension.
Mendez further admitted he manufactured medical records to make it appear a different medical provider had seen CCI patients when he was the one who had actually done so.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. accepted the plea and will impose sentencing Oct. 2. At that time, Mendez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Mendez was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (OIG), Texas Health and Human Services, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Department of Homeland Security-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Swartz is prosecuting the case.
Pharmacist Convicted of Stealing and Selling COVID-19 CardsRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Chicago convicted an Illinois pharmacist on Friday for stealing and selling COVID-19 vaccination cards.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, pharmacist Tangtang Zhao, 36, of Chicago, stole CDC-issued COVID-19 vaccination cards from the pharmacy where he worked, and sold them to buyers across the country through an online marketplace. Zhao and other pharmacists administered COVID-19 vaccinations to the public, and therefore Zhao had access to vaccination cards at the pharmacy. During a three-week timeframe in March and April 2021, Zhao posted listings for over 650 COVID-19 vaccination cards that he advertised as “authentic” and “straight from the CDC.” In total, he sold 630 cards to approximately 200 unique buyers, who paid Zhao more than $5,600.
The jury convicted Zhao of 12 counts of theft of government property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 28 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak and Victor Yanz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant Chief Leslie S. Garthwaite investigated the case.
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 via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Peru Man Sentenced to 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Curtis Birner, 37 years old, of Peru, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after being found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day jury trial in January, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Birner was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in October 2021, Birner entered a Peru gas station with a gun concealed in his sweatshirt. He displayed the firearm to another person prompting a call to law enforcement. At the time law enforcement located Birner, he was in a car in the parking lot of a different gas station with a rifle and handgun on his seat along with shotgun in the back seat area. Birner has been convicted of several prior felony offenses, including a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. Any one of his prior felony convictions prohibited Birner from possessing the firearms in this case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Miami County Sheriff’s Department and the Peru Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome W. McKeever and Katelan M. Doyle.
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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Operation Take Aim: U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF Dallas, Dallas PD Announce Summer Volent Crime InitiativeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office – in partnership with ATF Dallas and the Dallas Police Department – today announced Operation Take Aim, a collaborative initiative designed to curb violent crime by federally prosecuting offenders most likely to harm the community when at large and by proactively engaging with these offenders to discourage them from committing further crimes and entering the federal system.
Building on the office’s already strong collaboration with ATF Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, and other state and local law enforcement partners, Operation Take Aim has two components. First, it complements law enforcement’s earlier efforts – which focused primarily on specific locations – by zeroing in on the most dangerous repeat offenders with violent criminal histories and prosecuting their crimes federally.
Second, it involves holding deterrence programs called “Reentry Nights” for individuals in the state criminal justice system. Reentry Night programming encourages these offenders to pursue an education or other productive life path and deters them from committing more crimes. Take Aim also bolsters federal involvement in initiatives like the Dallas Police Department’s Focused Deterrence sessions, which seek to provide support services to a specific set of offenders identified by data as most likely to reoffend.
The United States Attorney’s Office has already ramped up coordination with Dallas Police and ATF to vet each violent crime case within the jurisdiction’s borders and determine which should be prosecuted federally. (Federal charges carry significantly stiffer sentences on some crimes than state charges do, and there is no possibility of parole.)
Because the coordination involves constant collaboration between federal prosecutors and other state and local agencies, the office is devoting even more prosecutors to handling these cases.
Operation Take Aim builds on Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia’s focused deterrence program, an initiative funded in part by a Justice Department grant that endeavors to change the behavior of high-risk offenders through a combination of deterrence, incapacitation (arrest), and community involvement.
“Given a foothold, violent crime rips through communities. Our neighbors turn into casualties. Talk to any violent crime survivor and they’ll tell you: Their blood pressure never quite returns to normal. Once you’ve been victimized, life always feels precarious, no matter where you go,” U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton said at a press conference at the Earle Cabell Federal Building Monday morning.
“If we believe someone presents a heightened risk of continued violence, we will take their case federally,” Ms. Simonton said. “When you commit a violent crime, all of us are on the case. And together, we have the manpower, the technology, and the expertise to apprehend you, prosecute you, and put you behind bars.”
“It takes all of us to fight and prevent crime and criminal activity,” Chief Garcia said. “It doesn't matter if offenders commit acts of violence themselves, with a gang, a crew, a posse, or who they hang out with. We have made it our business to learn about individuals causing violence in Dallas. Re-offending is not an option, and we will not let violent activity become the status quo in Dallas.”
“Every one of these cases causes trauma. We are committed to putting these people in jail. ATF has doubled down here in Dallas,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Boshek. “Nowhere in the country is there the support and the cooperation amongst federal prosecutors, state prosecutors, police departments, and the feds like there is here in north Texas. We’re committed to helping make Dallas and north Texas safer.”
Of particular interest to Take Aim officers, agents, and prosecutors are gun crimes, including prohibited person in possession of a firearm, unlicensed dealing, straw purchasing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
At Monday’s press conference, Ms. Simonton, the district’s chief federal law enforcement officer, announced that the Northern District of Texas is on track to convict substantially more firearm offenders than in previous years. (The district, which has historically convicted around 400 firearm offenders each year, consistently ranks among the top five districts in the nation for gun-crime cases filed. The district’s gun crime conviction rate stands at 97 percent – four percentage points higher than the national average.)
One such case is U.S. v Suttles. Javier Dominque Suttles, 26, had already plead guilty in the state system to two robberies and been placed on deferred adjudication and community supervision. During his time under supervision, he allegedly committed three armed robberies over the course of just five days. Each time, he brandished a handgun with an extended magazine and menaced store employees. During one incident, Mr. Suttles – apparently frustrated that there wasn’t more cash on the premises -- allegedly ordered an employee into the bathroom and forced the employee to strip naked.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas charged Mr. Suttles with two federal crimes: Interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. A federal judge immediately ordered him detained pending trial. Mr. Suttles is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law; if convicted, however, he faces up to 27 years in federal prison.
In addition to prosecuting gun crimes and building up deterrence programs, federal agents and prosecutors will be taking part in community initiatives including those endorsed by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s Summer of Safety program.
Operation Take Aim comports with United State Attorney General Merrick Garland’s directive to U.S. Attorneys to prioritize combatting gun violence and other violent crime.
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Latesha Lashae Nappier, 29, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Nappier admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Nappier admitted to conspiring with others to distribute quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl between November 2022 and March 22, 2023. Nappier lived with one of her co-defendants in Charleston during that time. Nappier admitted that this co-defendant had her sell the controlled substances to individuals while he was at work and collect the payments from the sales. Nappier would later give the money to this co-defendant.
On January 30, 2023, Nappier’s co-defendant directed her by phone to sell methamphetamine to a female customer. Nappier admitted to selling approximately 10.5 grams of methamphetamine to the customer as instructed at her residence in exchange for $160.
Nappier is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Nappier is among 30 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement has seized of well over 200 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 28 pounds of cocaine, 20 pounds of fentanyl, 18 firearms and $747,000 in cash.
Ten other co-defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-31.
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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Nathaniel Jarvis Kennard, 39, of South Point, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 12, 2022, Kennard sold approximately 20 grams of fentanyl for $1,000 to a confidential informant at a location on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington. Kennard admitted to that transaction and further admitted to five additional transactions with the confidential informant between July 20 and September 21, 2022. Kennard sold a total of approximately 82 grams of fentanyl, 10 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, and 10 grams of methamphetamine during these transactions.
On September 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Huntington residence where Kennard lived. During the search, officers found approximately 96 grams of fentanyl and 274 grams of methamphetamine in a vacant lot across the road from the residence. Kennard admitted that he hid the controlled substances in the vacant lot and intended to distribute them. Kennard told officers that he had distributed controlled substances “off and on” in the Huntington area for at least the previous three years.
Kennard is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the 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 Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor are prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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. 3:22-cr-189.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On June 22, 2023, BRIAN TARDY, age 31, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 106 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to a three-count superseding bill of information, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Count One charged TARDY with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). Count Two charged TARDY with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). Count Three charged TARDY with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, on July 8, 2021, NOPD was conducting proactive surveillance in New Orleans East. While doing so, officers witnessed TARDY exit and re-enter a vehicle with an assault rifle. Upon discovering that the vehicle was uninsured, NOPD conducted a traffic stop and saw marijuana in plain view and detected strong smell of same. After arresting TARDY, officers discovered additional marijuana on his person and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. During the execution of the warrant, officers located the same assault rifle TARDY was seen with, along with other controlled substances.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit .
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KIRK ODOMS, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 22, 2023 before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to drug and gun charges contained in an indictment previously returned against him. Specifically, he pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
The Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine charge carries a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. The Felon in Possession of a Firearm charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Sentencing for ODOMS is set for September 26, 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit is handling the prosecution of this case.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DATAYNA HOWARD, age 21, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on June 22, 2023, for violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
HOWARD is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
If convicted of Count 1 HOWARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, up to five years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Haven Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUANE FILYAW, 40, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and heroin.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine. The investigation revealed that Filyaw operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which he conspired with others to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers of street-level dealers in and around New Haven.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Filyaw and 18 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.
Filyaw was arrested on April 25, 2018. On February 13, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis 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.
Mexican National Sentenced to Serve 135 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
More than 40 Pounds of Powder Fentanyl Seized from Oklahoma Traffic Stop
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, JULIA ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ ORTEGA, 31, a Mexican national living in California at the time of her arrest, was sentenced to serve more than 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 15, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Rodriguez Ortega. Count 1 charged her with drug conspiracy and Count 2 charged her with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. On July 1, 2022, Rodriguez Ortega pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment.
At a sentencing hearing on June 20, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Scott Palk sentenced Rodriguez Ortega to serve 135 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Palk cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense and Rodriguez Ortega’s repeated pattern of smuggling drugs into the United States from Mexico. Judge Palk also ordered that upon release from prison, Rodriguez Ortega must serve five years of supervised release. Rodriguez Ortega has been in federal custody since her arrest on February 9, 2022.
The United States introduced records at Rodriguez Ortega’s sentencing hearing showing that she had been documented driving cars loaded with drugs into the United States from Mexico on several occasions since 2020. However, due to Rodriguez Ortega conducting “driver swaps” she was able to evade capture. On February 9, 2022, while driving through Oklahoma, Rodriguez Ortega was stopped by Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents who eventually searched Rodriguez Ortega’s car and found over 40 pounds of powder fentanyl. The United States presented evidence at an earlier hearing that the amount of fentanyl possessed by Rodriguez Ortega equated to 9 million fatal doses and had an approximate street value of $10,000,000.
This case was the result of an investigation by the HSI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Leverett.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Madera Methamphetamine TransactionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Jesus Alberto Reyes-Parra, 31, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Reyes-Parra brought nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover drug transaction in Madera following negotiations by a third party for the sale of 50 pounds of methamphetamine for $125,000. Following a traffic stop of Reyes-Parra’s vehicle, a law enforcement officer recovered the methamphetamine and located a stolen Colt .38 caliber handgun with a loaded magazine inserted in the center console of the vehicle.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative task force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Reyes-Parra is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 10, 2023. Reyes-Parra faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, as well as a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Methamphetamine Trafficking on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to Five-year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Peter J. Boyd (age: 36), formerly of Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation, received a sentence totaling five years following a conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The sentence, imposed on June 21, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of a guilty plea entered by the defendant on March 30, 2023. Boyd will also face five years of supervised release once he completes his prison sentence.
An investigation revealed that on October 15, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence on SE Bass Lake Road, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The warrant was based on several weeks of drug activity occurring at the house. Officers seized a total of 111 grams of methamphetamine, scales and other paraphernalia associated with the use and sale of illegal drugs, over $2,000 in cash, along with nine firearms.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crime the defendant committed and remarked upon the need to deter those who might consider similar actions to protect the community from the destructive effects of abuse of controlled substances.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee Conservation Department, and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in United States District Court.
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Member of Violent Bridgeport Gang Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TYRONE MOORE, also known as “Ty Ralph Lauren,” 21, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 250 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang and his role in the murder of a rival in July 2019.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Moore has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.
Moore and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
On July 5, 2022, Moore pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and specifically admitted that, on July 12, 2019, he and another East End member shot and killed Sean Warren, also known as “Kujoe,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang.
Moore has been detained since October 4, 2019.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
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.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court for conspiring to traffic firearms, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Julius Clemente, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCaffery to the statutory maximum penalty of 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 9, 2023, Clemente pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.
“The defendant’s criminal conduct resulted in more than two dozen firearms being illegally trafficked into Massachusetts,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The consequences of his crime led to a juvenile being armed with a weapon, a weapon that was used in multiple shootings, one of which injured another juvenile. In addition, the defendant’s crime was motivated by pure greed. The imposition of the highest possible sentence under the law sends a clear message that such conduct will result in a significant period of imprisonment.”
“Trafficking firearms results in additional crimes being committed and this sentence demonstrates ATF’s continued perseverance to stopping these crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.
Clemente conspired to traffic 25 firearms, four of which have since been recovered in Massachusetts. One of the firearms was recovered from the waistband of a 14-year-old boy. That firearm was previously used in four shootings in Boston, including a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old. The defendant’s text messages indicated that he identified customers, controlled pricing, kept a substantial portion of the profits, and destroyed firearm serial numbers, making them harder for law enforcement to trace. In addition, the defendant solicited a drug customer to serve as a straw purchaser of firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Seth R. Aframe prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of a Walgreens Pharmacy in LawrenceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tremond Blakey, 26, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on July 1, 2022, at approximately 11:39 am, Tremond Blakey entered the Walgreens at 4555 North Shadeland Avenue, approached the pharmacy counter, and presented the technician with a note that read: “I am armed and Dangerous. Give me all the Percocet, 10mg all oxy 30mg. No alarms.”
Blakey brandished a semiautomatic pistol following the presentation of the note and pointed it toward the ground. The technician passed the note to the pharmacist, who retrieved four bottles of Oxycodone and gave them to Blakey. Immediately, the pharmacist called 911 and informed a Lawrence Police Department (LPD) dispatcher of the situation.
An LPD patrol officer was in the vicinity of the Walgreens and immediately responded to the report of the robbery. As Blakey ran from the pharmacy counter towards the exit, he encountered the responding officer. Blakey initially did not comply but was eventually taken into custody.
During a search of Blakey’s person, the officer located a loaded,.45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in the front pocket of his hoodie and the bag containing the four stolen bottles of prescription pills.
“Armed criminals who terrorize our people must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “I am thankful for the quick reaction of the responding Lawrence Police Department officer in preventing the defendant from getting away with his crime and further endangering the public. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates our commitment to working closely with our partners at the FBI, LPD and all of federal, state, and local law enforcement as we seek to reduce gun violence.”
“This defendant’s reckless and violent actions put law-abiding citizens in danger,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The FBI is grateful for the partnership with the Lawrence Police Department in this case, and we will continue to collaborate with all state and local law enforcements agencies to take armed criminals off the streets of our communities.”
“Due in large part to the excellent work of the first responding LPD officer, and our ongoing collaborative efforts through Project Safe Neighborhoods between LPD, FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office, another individual who was caught in the act of committing a violent crime, has been held accountable through a criminal conviction in US District Court,” said LPD Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff. “Our streets are safer due to these ongoing efforts,” Chief Woodruff concluded.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lawrence Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Blakey be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Spree of Violent, Armed Robberies of Three Indianapolis BusinessesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Alfred Cunningham, 28, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, from January 16, 2021, to February 4, 2021, Cunningham robbed three Indianapolis businesses while armed with a firearm.
On January 16, 2021, at about 8:50 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were dispatched to a Dollar General store on Rockville Road in Indianapolis for an armed robbery. During the robbery, Cunningham entered the store, pointed a handgun at employees and forced them to remove money from the safe and the registers. Cunningham also stole an employee’s cellphone and wallet, which contained identification and credit cards.
On January 20, 2021, at about 8:25 PM, IMPD officers were dispatched to the Phillips 66 located on W. Washington Street for an armed robbery. When officers arrived, an employee described the robbery, stating that Cunningham pointed a semiautomatic pistol at him and yelled “give up the money.” The employee opened the register, removed the cash, and handed it to Cunningham. Cunningham ordered him to open the safe. The employee told Cunningham that there was no safe, but Cunningham forced him into the office and again ordered him to open it. The employee again stated there was no safe and opened a file cabinet. Cunningham ran from the store with cash from the register.
On February 4, 2021, at 8:27pm, IMPD officers were dispatched to a Dollar General on Washington Street for another robbery. Cunningham approached an employee and asked her about rope, razors, and a few other items, then purchased the items and continue to browse the store. Cunningham approached the counter again with a black handgun and demanded the employees open the safe. He told the employees “I will shoot you, but I don’t want to.” Cunningham grabbed an employee by the shoulder, pushed her down, and ordered her to open the safe and the register. He again fled the scene.
That same evening, around 8:45pm, an IMPD officer found Cunningham walking near the 5600 block of Ray Street. After a brief physical struggle, Cunningham was arrested. Officers located the black handgun used in the last robbery in Cunningham’s right pant leg near the ankle, loaded with six rounds, and $235 in cash.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“The outcomes of these robberies could have been very different, even deadly, given the use of a loaded gun. No one should fear for their lives while they are simply doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “I commend IMPD and the FBI for putting an end to these robberies and ensuring that those who terrorize our communities with gun violence are held accountable.”
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Cunningham be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison and pay $4,435 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence T. Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Logan County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Anthony Ryan Webb, 42, of Logan County, was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for the distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Webb admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on May 3, 2021, in Ethel. At the time, Webb was an employee with the United States Postal Service. As a result of his job duties, Webb had access to packages that had been placed in the United States Mail and was responsible for sorting out packages that had been damaged in transit. Webb admitted that he stole approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine from a package which he then sold to the confidential informant.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the West Virginia State Police.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe and Alex Hamner prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-123.
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Leader of Southwest Florida Drug Ring Sentenced to More Than 11 Years Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Genaro Deleon, III (45, Lehigh Acres) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2023. Earlier, co-defendants Michael Lee Faz (44, Labelle), Abel Deleon (45, Labelle), and Genaro Deleon, Jr. (63, Labelle) were sentenced for the same offense. Faz was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison, Abel Deleon was sentenced to 7 years and 8 months in federal prison, and Genaro Deleon, Jr. was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison. Each of the four defendants had previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
According to court documents, Deleon, III was the leader of a drug ring distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Lee and Hendry Counties. To hinder law enforcement investigations into the organization, Deleon, III buried and otherwise obscured the organization’s stash of methamphetamine in multiple locations in the woods around his secluded property, which was protected by loose dogs and a network of motion sensing cameras.
Deleon, III employed his father, Deleon, Jr., and his two uncles, Abel Deleon and Faz, as dealers for the organization who typically made sales to customers and collected the drug proceeds. Over the course of a year, law enforcement made more than nine undercover purchases from the group, yielding hundreds of grams of nearly pure methamphetamine. In October 2021, law enforcement officers arrested the defendants and executed a search warrant at Deleon, III’s house resulting in the additional seizure of multiple firearms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Lakeview Man Going to Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Daniel Fitzpatrick, 36, of Lakeview, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that in October 2021, Fitzpatrick, using the display name “back2school” and username “bttm4anon,” shared a link containing multiple images of child pornography in a public chat room on the Kik Messenger application titled “Join a boys only group.” In April 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Fitzpatrick’s residence in Lake View. Child pornography images were located on a cell phone a laptop computer, and a personal computer. A total of 148 images and 108 videos of child pornography were recovered, some of which depicted a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Improve Public Sidewalk Accessibility for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department filed a proposed stipulated order that will require the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to take critical steps towards making its public sidewalk system accessible to individuals with disabilities. The proposed order was filed jointly with the municipality and private plaintiffs and pauses the department’s lawsuit against the municipality while requiring it to conduct a comprehensive assessment of sidewalk accessibility and to begin fixing accessibility barriers. The lawsuit alleges that San Juan has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) by failing to provide people with disabilities equal access to the municipality’s sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks and other pedestrian facilities.
“City sidewalks must be accessible so that people with disabilities can equally participate in community life and enjoy the many benefits that come from being able to safely navigate city streets and sidewalks,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This stipulated order puts San Juan on the path to making its public sidewalks accessible and we will continue working with San Juan to ensure it follows that path to its conclusion and achieves full program access.”
“We are heartened by San Juan’s willingness to commit significant resources to start addressing the accessibility of its public sidewalk system,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The municipality’s investment and ongoing efforts will benefit all of its citizens and will help ensure that people with disabilities who live in or visit San Juan can enjoy all that the city has to offer.”
Under the proposed order, which requires court approval, San Juan will hire an outside accessibility consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the municipality’s public sidewalk system to identify barriers to people with mobility disabilities. San Juan will also create a process for individuals to report barriers and to request installation or repair of curb ramps or sidewalks. The information gathered through the assessment and barrier reporting process will provide the basis for the parties to negotiate a final resolution of the lawsuit.
In addition, San Juan will provide training on the ADA Accessibility Standards to municipal employees who supervise construction, repair, or maintenance work related to the public sidewalk system. San Juan will retain independent licensed architects and engineers to verify that any construction or alterations related to the public sidewalk system comply with the ADA Accessibility Standards. Whenever the municipality repaves or resurfaces roads, it will provide compliant curb ramps at any intersection with a sidewalk. San Juan will also post its ADA Notice, ADA Grievance Procedure, and ADA Coordinator contact information in an accessible format on the municipality’s website.
This matter is being handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto.
The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report.
Investment Firm Operator Charged with Running $100 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
DETROIT - The operator of a supposed foreign exchange trading firm has been charged with running a Ponzi scheme which obtained $100 million from investors, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
Darren Anthony Robinson, 53, a U.S. citizen who has operated out of the country of Panama, was charged in a criminal complaint with committing wire fraud. Robinson appeared today in federal court in Detroit to make his initial appearance.
According to the complaint, which was unsealed today, Robinson operated a supposed trading firm known as “QYU,” which was located in Panama and the Cayman Islands. QYU represented to investors that it was consistently generating stellar investment results. For example, in one QYU document, the firm claimed that a $100,000 investment into its fund in 2014 would have grown to over $2 million by 2021. That same document claimed the fund did not have a single losing month over that same period. QYU investors were promised guaranteed returns and told the firm was only paid on trading profits, not investor principal.
The complaint alleges that QYU was simply a Ponzi scheme. Investor funds were largely not used for trading activity. Instead, new investor funds were used to pay other investor distributions, cover QYU business expenses, compensate QYU employees, and fund Robinson’s lifestyle. QYU investors were provided with false account statements and fictious trading data. The complaint indicates that QYU obtained an estimated $100 million from investors.
“The complaint alleges a brazen investment fraud that victimized investors around the world. My office will work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who defraud others and undermine the financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
“This defendant allegedly orchestrated a large-scale, multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme with victims across the globe,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “Investment fraud can be crippling for its victims, and the FBI is committed to identifying and working with anyone impacted by this scheme.”
"Illegal activity involving the investment industry, especially Ponzi schemes, has brought financial ruin to many Americans, said Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, using our financial investigative expertise to help put a stop to this and other types of white-collar crime in Michigan."
Law enforcement has identified many apparent QYU investors from southeast Michigan. Potential victims are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at www.fbi.gov/QYU_holdings_victims (Please note that the link to the website is case sensitive).
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment on the charges brought in the complaint. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The defendant faces up to twenty years in prison on the charge of wire fraud.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for its assistance in this matter.
robinson_complaint.pdfIndy Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Antwann Tigner, 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers observed Tigner conduct drug transactions on multiple occasions in April 2021 at his Indianapolis residence. On April 29, 2021, IMPD officers executed a search warrant at Tigner’s residence. As officers approached the porch where Tigner was sitting, he ran inside the home and through the back door. While inside the home, officers located a camouflage bag that contained a loaded .38 Special revolver and assorted ammunition. Within feet of the revolver, officers located a digital scale, plastic baggies, and a Pyrex measuring cup with drug residue.
Investigators located Tigner in the downstairs bathroom with his hands shoved in the toilet, attempting to flush baggies of drugs. Once Tigner was placed in custody, the officers found methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in several bags in the toilet. The bags contained a total of over 49 grams of fentanyl, 229.73 grams of methamphetamine, and 37 grams of cocaine. Investigators also located a total of $50,186 in drug proceeds and a stolen, loaded firearm in the upstairs bathroom.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, and IMPD Chief Randall Taylor made the announcement.
“Drug dealers do not care about the well-being of people who use controlled substances. They will lace their drugs with poisonous levels of dangerous substances to make more money at the expense of human life,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “It is our responsibility as federal law enforcement officials to attack the drug overdose epidemic head-on by identifying and prosecuting those who are funneling this poison into our communities. Our office will continue to work alongside ATF and IMPD to do just that.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Tigner be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Karwoski, who prosecuted this case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
Hamden Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHAWN SAMMS, 30, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2022, New Haven Police officers arrested Samms on state charges after he conducted a hand-to-hand drug transaction from his car and officers found him in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, distribution quantities of cocaine, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana; two digital scales; and $628 in cash.
Analysis of the seized handgun, which was not registered to Samms, revealed that it had been purchased at a pawn shop in South Carolina in November 2018, and had been used in two shots-fired incidents in Hartford in 2021.
On April 3, 2023, Samms pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Samms has been detained since that date.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, 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.