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23 June 2023
Beckley Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jamal Johnson, 32, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 20, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and found approximately 832 grams of heroin, 178 grams of methamphetamine, and three firearms: a Colt, model Army Special, .38-caliber revolver; an Eagle Arms, model Eagle-15, multi-caliber rifle; and a Romarm/Cugir, model WASR-10, 7.62-caliber rifle.
Johnson admitted to possessing and intending to sell the heroin and methamphetamine, and to possessing the firearms.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell 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. 5:22-cr-13.
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Atlantic County Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Role in Drug Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 168 months in prison for his role in drug distribution scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Ricardo Clavijo, 42, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before the U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute over one kilogram of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin, and one count of maintaining a drug-related premises. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence on June 22, 2023, in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On July 12, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Clavijo’s residence, where law enforcement authorities encountered Clavijo and his brother, Christopher Gonzalez. Authorities found a drug packaging facility in the basement, as well as 4.3 kilograms of heroin, 5.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 10.8 kilograms of cocaine, drug packaging materials and equipment, and a money counting machine. Some of the heroin was already packaged in tens of thousands of individual doses, ready for street-level distribution. Agents also seized a .45 caliber handgun, a loaded magazine for the handgun, a 9mm 50-round drum magazine, and $8,457 in cash, all of which will be forfeited by Clavijo as part of his guilty plea.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Clavijo to five years of supervised release.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty in October 2022 to his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, DEA Atlantic County HIDTA Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Reynolds, and the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frederick Spano, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Assistant high school volleyball coach arrested on federal child exploitation chargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An assistant volleyball coach at New Lexington High School was arrested by federal agents today on charges claiming he sexually exploited minors and distributed, received and possessed child pornography.
Clay Thomas Wolfe, 28, of Junction City, Ohio, allegedly obtained child pornography from more than 100 victims via the mobile application Snapchat since 2018.
The defendant appeared in federal court in Columbus at 1pm today.
It is alleged Wolfe pretended to be a 15-year-old female on Snapchat and used this persona to solicit child pornography from middle school and high school boys. The known victims resided in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Chillicothe, Ohio, and other various cities in the Southern District of Ohio and across the United States. Wolfe’s Snapchat account also contained sexually explicit photographs and videos of minor males as young as 10 and 11 years of age.
Wolfe – acting as the username “Ally” on Snapchat – allegedly sent the male victims a photograph of a pubescent female’s naked breasts and images and videos of female genitalia as part of his persona.
According to Snapchat records, between March 2022 and January 2023, Wolfe engaged in online communications with more than 100 other Snapchat users. A forensic review of Wolfe’s iCloud account also allegedly revealed more than 100 photos and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Sexual exploitation of a minor is a federal crime punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years up to 30 years in prison. Distribution and receipt of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory term of imprisonment of five years up to 20 years’ incarceration.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the charges with the assistance and cooperation of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Perry County Prosecutor. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch and are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Andrews Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Robbery and Murder of Postal Carrier, Co-Defendant Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years for Role in RobberyRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA ---- Trevor Raekwon Seward, 25, of Andrews, SC, was sentenced to life imprisonment along with a twenty year consecutive sentence after being convicted at trial for the murder of a federal employee in the course of her duties; use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; robbery; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana. Jerome Terrell Davis, 31, also of Andrews, SC, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana.
Evidence presented by the government at Seward’s trial and at Davis’ change of plea hearing established that on September 23, 2019, Seward and Davis were anticipating the delivery of two pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California through the United States Postal Service. Rather than deliver the package to Seward’s residence in Andrews, SC, mail carrier Irene Pressley placed a form in Seward’s mailbox stating that the authorized recipient would need to come to the post office to claim the package. After Seward confronted Pressley minutes later and failed to get the marijuana package, he returned home.
Shortly thereafter, Seward’s home surveillance showed him leaving his home armed with an AR-15. Davis then picked up Seward and the two went in search of Pressley. After determining where Pressley was on her mail route, Davis dropped Seward off on Senate Road in Andrews, SC. Davis then left the area and a short time later, approximately one hour after she had left the form in Seward’s mailbox, Pressley was driving down Senate Road in Andrews, SC, when Seward fired approximately twenty rounds of from his AR-15 into the back of Pressley’s vehicle, striking her multiple times. Seward then got into Pressley’s vehicle and drove approximately three miles away, where he left Pressley and her vehicle in a ditch on an access road to a hunt club. While on the access road, Seward removed mail from Pressley’s vehicle and searched through packages for the package intended for his residence or any other items of value. The package of marijuana that had been shipped to Seward’s residence was later found on Senate Road where Pressley had been shot by Seward.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Seward to life imprisonment for the murder of Irene Pressley. Seward was also sentenced to a 20-year consecutive sentence for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, as well as concurrent sentences for the robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and marijuana conspiracy charges. Judge Coggins sentenced Davis to the maximum possible sentence of 20 years for the robbery and 5 years for the marijuana conspiracy, with those sentences to be served consecutively for a total of 25 years. Davis’ prison sentence will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Every member of our community deserves to live, work, and play without fearing for their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs. “These sentences will never replace the loss of Irene Pressley. But they represent the commitment of this office, and our law enforcement partners, to fighting violent crime, protecting federal workers, and keeping our communities safe.”
“No sentence can pay for the loss of a loved one, but we hope the justice served will bring some meaningful measure of closure to Irene Pressley’s family, friends, and colleagues,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The sentences issued show the strong determination of the US Postal Inspection Service to protect our employees and to work diligently to bring justice to criminals who assault or viciously attack them. We are grateful for the collaborative investigative work performed by our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The senseless murder of Irene Pressley has had a profound impact on our community,” said Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen R. Gardner. “We are thankful that those responsible have now been held fully accountable for their actions and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the United States Postal Inspection Service and our other law enforcement partners to obtain justice for the Pressley family.”
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”) and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Nick Bianchi, Katherine Flynn and Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case.
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Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Damontri McCormick, age 31, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced on June 22, 2023, to 70 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence, which included four years of supervised release, $500 community restitution, and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, McCormick was a suspected fentanyl distributor operating in Southeast Wyoming. He was charged after law enforcement served a search warrant at McCormick’s residence in Cheyenne and found approximately 1,600 fentanyl pills weighing 160 grams in his bedroom. This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Timothy J. Forwood.
Firearms Offenses
Brent Michael Bury, age 33, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced on June 22, 2023, to 75 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence, which included three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, Bury lived at a residence that was served a search warrant. During an interview, Bury admitted he was a felon and knew he was not to own or possess a firearm. He told officers that he found a firearm, which he placed in a safe in his bedroom for safe keeping. The pistol was entered NCIC as stolen on 8-22-2022 after being taken during a vehicle burglary in Cheyenne. This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Coppom prosecuted the case.
Wesley Ray Richardson, age 59, of Kaycee, Wyoming, was sentenced on June 16, 2023, to 51 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence, which included three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, on October 21, 2022, an individual contacted the Johnson County Dispatch Center to report a backpack had been stolen from his car. Law enforcement developed suspicion it was Richardson who had two outstanding burglary warrants. After being arrested, Richardson substantively admitted to his behavior and guided deputies to the stolen property at his residence in Kaycee, including four firearms. The crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy Announces Summer Violence Reduction InitiativeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced today that it has launched a Summer Violence Reduction Initiative to assist and support local communities in reducing gun violence that often accompanies the warmer summer months.
As part of its Summer Violence Reduction Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is convening a series of regional roundtable meetings with law enforcement in local communities across the state to discuss emerging trends in violence, impacts across the region, resource allocation and potential for collaboration. The goal is to foster cooperation, transparency and data driven solutions.
As part of this initiative, Acting U.S. Attorney Levy is also establishing a Ghost Gun Task Force (GGTF) to address the emerging threat of trafficking in privately made firearms (PMFs), commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” PMFs are firearms assembled or otherwise produced by a person other than a licensed manufacturer, often without a serial number. According to data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), PMF seizures have increased exponentially in Massachusetts over the last few years. Specifically, PMFs accounted for nearly 10% of total firearm recoveries in 2022, a tenfold increase compared to 2020. In response to this emerging threat, Levy is establishing the GGTF to convene ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and the Attorney General’s Office to act as force multipliers and stem the flow of PMFs and other weapons into Massachusetts.
Additionally, in May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office convened its eight Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) cities, Boston, Brockton, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester. The meeting focused on crime trends, hot spots, targeted enforcement efforts and ideas for sharing resources to reduce violent crime. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, and incorporates research, data analysis and lessons learned from other violent crime reduction initiatives to inform its decision-making on the most effective violence reduction strategies. PSN is customized to account for local violent crime problems and resources, and follows four key design elements: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement and accountability.
Through PSN grants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is funding youth violence prevention and intervention organizations in Boston, Holyoke, Lawrence and Lowell. PSN funding also supplemented existing resources in several PSN cities to support gunshot detection technology and equipment.
In October 2023, as part of its PSN program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be convening a statewide Gang Investigators’ Summit. One component of the Summit will be statewide training for local and state law enforcement on identifying armed criminals and de-escalation techniques. This training will include tactics to respond to the growing threat posed by ghost guns.
“One of the core missions of the Department of Justice and law enforcement generally is to keep communities safe. As we have learned over the years, the most powerful tool to accomplish that is our strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “With this week marking the beginning of summer, law enforcement is reminded that warmer weather typically correlates with a spike in violent crime, particularly in urban areas. While our PSN initiative packs a powerful punch in combatting violence by ensuring that impacted communities have the necessary tools and resources to reverse the trend and strengthen community safety, it is our hope that the Summer Violence Reduction Initiative will give local cities and towns the increased support and resources they need to have a safe and healthy summer.”
“In the USAO Summer Violence Reduction Initiative, ATF remains committed to identifying and disrupting sources of illegally manufactured firearms in order to stop the cycle of violence in its tracks,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.
“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to join our federal, state, and local partners to take on the threat to public safety posed by privately made firearms. The proliferation of “ghost guns” as they’re also known, is a complex emerging issue that will require the collaboration of law enforcement agencies each leveraging their unique authorities and expertise,” said Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New England. “Public safety is our highest priority and we are ready to work together to tackle this challenge with our partners to make a safer Massachusetts.”
“The illicit trade of privately made firearms and firearms accessories poses a very real risk to U.S. Postal Service employees and the public we serve. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our partners to identify those involved, remove these weapons from the community, and hold those involved accountable,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty D. Larco-Ward, USPIS Boston Division.
“As we head into the summer, a time when we historically see an uptick in violence in our communities, violent offenders are on notice to put down their guns and stop dealing deadly, addictive drugs. Kids should be able to play in a park, swim at a community pool, or get ice cream on the corner without fear of being shot or poisoned,” said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners in this task force to remove dangerous weapons from our streets.”
“The Massachusetts State Police are committed to continuing our work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and interdict the flow of ghost guns. Too often these weapons, which can be personally manufactured, are used to facilitate illegal narcotics activity and to perpetuate gun violence in our communities. We value these partnerships and the joint efforts that result as we work collectively to make our neighborhoods, our communities, and our Commonwealth safer,” said MSP Colonel John E. Mawn Jr.
“Gun violence is an epidemic that affects us all, and one that tragically tends to spike during the summer,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “I commend the U.S. Attorney's Office for establishing a new task force to address gun trafficking and ghost guns as part of their Summer Violence Reduction Initiative. We look forward to a strong partnership, and progress on our shared goal of protecting communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
65-Year-Old Mountain Home Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Launder Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Laura Denise Russell, 65, of Mountain Home, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Russell conspired with others, including her son Michael Osborn, 39, of Boise, to launder drug proceeds from approximately October 2019 until March 2021. During the conspiracy, codefendants Michael Osborn and Troy Thomas Wheeler, 48, of Meridian, were incarcerated in the Idaho Department of Corrections where they used contraband cellphones to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances including alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone, which is commonly referred to as a-PHP or “bath salts.” Russell’s role included retrieving drugs from the mail and providing them to others. She also collected drug proceeds from others, which were kept in her credit union account and also converted into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Russell and her codefendants knew the funds were drug proceeds and took steps to conceal the nature and source of the drug proceeds. During the investigation, law enforcement agents seized a digital wallet, pursuant to a court-authorized seizure warrant, that contained 7.83777 Bitcoin that was valued at approximately $280,000.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Russell to serve two years of supervised release following her prison sentence and ordered the seized Bitcoin to be forfeited to the Government. Russell pleaded guilty to the crime on April 4, 2023.
Codefendant Angela Marie Klinkhamer, 44, of Caldwell, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to commit money laundering on November 28, 2022. She was sentenced to 70 months in prison on March 16, 2023. Michael Robert Osborn, 39, of Boise, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to commit money laundering on April 26, 2023, and he is scheduled for sentencing on September 12, 2023. Troy Thomas Wheeler, 48, of Meridian, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, and he is scheduled for sentencing on September 11, 2023.
“Drug traffickers may think that they can hide their activities or illegal proceeds using cryptocurrency. They are wrong,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “This case shows that our law enforcement partners have the tools and tenacity to uncover all forms of money laundering, and we will not hesitate to prosecute even the most complex cases.”
“Success demands our dedication and continued commitment to working together,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Every criminal case HSI investigates has a financial nexus and HSI, along with our partners, will stop at nothing to identify illicit financial activity and seize those proceeds.
“IRS Special Agents are experts in unraveling complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes involving cryptocurrencies,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that CI and our law enforcement partners are relentless in our mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring these criminals to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit credited the cooperative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, IRS – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Idaho Department of Corrections, which led to the charges.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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6 Suspects Arrested from Large-Scale Fredericksburg Drug OrganizationRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber announced six federal arrests today as a result of a years-long investigation into a large-scale drug organization operating in the greater Fredericksburg and Baltimore area. This operation required significant coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement.
The suspects face federal charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances to include cocaine, fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, heroin, and synthetic cathinone, commonly known as “Molly” or “Boot.” If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by FBI Richmond’s Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Virginia State Police, Fredericksburg Police Department, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, King George Sheriff’s Office, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Baltimore, Charles County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
This investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching Case No. 3:23-cr-73.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
19 Individuals Charged in Multiple Federal Indictments Targeting Heavily Armed Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- The following 19 individuals have been charged in a series of 4 federal indictments alleging the illegal possession of firearms and machineguns and trafficking hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine in Central Indiana:
Defendant
Age, Location
Charges
Jordan Alexander (Charged by Complaint)
33, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
Jaraughn Bertram a.k.a. Bandman, Ron-Ron, Javon’s World (Fugitive)
20, Current location unknown
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
- Continuing Criminal Enterprise
- Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
Jayden Bertram
22, Carmel, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Joaquin Carranza a.k.a. Chef (Fugitive)
18, current location unknown
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Isaiah Chest
21, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
Elijah Conn a.k.a. Whiteboy Eli
Greenwood, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Distribute fentanyl
Tameico Johnson a.k.a. Meekeey
22, Fishers, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Brittina Jones a.k.a Tina
43, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Distribute fentanyl
Camonte Miller
21, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Courtlin Moncrief a.k.a. Tenny, Ten Pack
29, Avon, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
George Muncy
56, Greenwood, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Distribute fentanyl
- Unlawful use of a cell phone
Rhonda Muncy
55, Greenwood, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Distribute fentanyl
Deondre Perry a.k.a. Dre
Greenwood, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Distribute fentanyl
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl Analogue
- Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
Dewell Simpson a.k.a. PB
18, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Jamie Sullivan a.k.a Jay
22, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Jordan Sumner (Fugitive)
22, current location unknown
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Monica Sumner
20, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Fentanyl
Kenan Wharton
18, Indianapolis. Indiana
- Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
- Possession of a Machine Gun
Brooke Woods
23, Greenwood, Indiana
- Conspiracy to Distribute fentanyl
As part of this multiagency operation, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from 16 different law enforcement agencies, served arrest warrants and search warrants at 18 locations in Central Indiana and in Arizona on the morning of June 22nd. 16 individuals were arrested and are in federal custody. Three remain as fugitives.
According to court documents and information presented in open court, Jaraughn Bertram and Deondre Perry allegedly led drug trafficking organizations in Central Indiana that trafficked significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Arizona to the Indianapolis, Anderson, and Muncie areas. The organizations alleged possessed and used firearms, including weapons than had been converted into fully automatic firearms (a/k/a machineguns), to further their drug trafficking activities.
Machinegun conversion devices, sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears,” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal to possess or sell without a special license.
During this year-long investigation, law enforcement seized the following contraband and proceeds of the alleged criminal activity:
- Over 32.8 kilograms (72.3 pounds) of fentanyl, or over 320,000 fentanyl pills
- Over 53.5 kilograms (117.9 pounds) of methamphetamine
- Over 205.6 kilograms (453.2 pounds) of marijuana
- 113 firearms
- 60 machinegun conversion devices
- Over $521,000 in cash
If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.
The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and the recent warrant execution possible:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation
- United States Marshals Service
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
- Indiana State Police
- Fishers Police Department
- Carmel Police Department
- Boone County Sheriff’s Department
- Zionsville Police Department
- Anderson Police Department
- Lawrence Police Department
- Muncie Police Department
- Fort Wayne Police Department
- Avon Police Department
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Clifford D. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, and Gary M. Restaino, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, for the support of their Offices in this investigation.
U.S. Attorney Myers also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Kelsey L. Massa, who are prosecuting this case.
This case was brought in conjunction with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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22 June 2023
York Man Sentenced to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Sexually Exploiting Two ChildrenRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sinhue Johnson, Jr., age 27, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner to 25 years’ imprisonment for sexually exploiting children. The Court also ordered a 15-year term of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Johnson previously admitted to sexually assaulting two thirteen-year-old girls, one in 2018 and 2019 and the other in 2020, and enticing those girls to take sexually explicit pictures of themselves. Johnson also admitted that he possessed hundreds of images or videos of child pornography, some of which depicted infants and very young children.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Yakima Man Sentenced to 40 Months Imprisonment and Ten Years Supervised Release for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Raymond Lenard Holt, age 76 of Yakima, Washington has been sentenced after pleading guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor occurring on the Yakama Nation. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of forty months imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release. In addition, Holt will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to Court documents and information disclosed during the sentencing hearing, between March 5, 2013 and March 4, 2015, Holt sexually touched a minor child under the age of twelve. The unlawful contact occurred directly and through the child’s clothing and while the child was participating in an after-school program. Holt had been a volunteer with the after-school program at the time of the offense.
“As a parent, I am chilled by Mr. Holt’s conduct,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “It is especially concerning that this offense occurred on a bus that provided transportation to young children for an after-school program. My office takes child exploitation seriously, whether online or in-person. Children deserve to live in a world that is free from those who would exploit them. My office will continue to prioritize those offenses against our community’s youngest and most vulnerable victims.”
“All children deserve to be safe, especially in an educational environment and around adults they are taught to trust. Mr. Holt’s actions demonstrated the opposite and caused irreversible damage to the victims, their families, and the community,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Together with our partners, the FBI is committed to protecting Washington state’s youngest residents by holding child predators accountable for the harm they cause.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
1:22-CR-2060-SAB
West Virginia man sentenced to 24 years for methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia man was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison today for the trafficking of methamphetamine.
James R. Stewart, age 37, was sentenced to 294 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. Stewart, who pled guilty to possession with intent to deliver in April, was discovered with nearly 700 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm pistol during a routine probation check. Stewart was on supervised release from a prior conviction when a probation officer located the drugs and the weapon.
In a separate case, Rocco Pasquale Pandoli, 34, also of Wheeling, was sentenced by Judge Bailey to 51 months in prison for the trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine. Pandoli, also known as “Fresh,” pled guilty to six drug trafficking counts in February 2023. The evidence presented by the government indicated that Pandoli was responsible for the distribution of nearly two kilograms of cocaine.
The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated both cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
Washington State Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Oyeniyi Oworu, age 45, of Washington, yesterday to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge Rubin also ordered Oworu to pay restitution of $296,779.84
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
According to his guilty plea, between February 2017 and July 2020, Oworu conspired with co-defendant Babatunde Ajibawo, Sadiq Folawiyo, Oyekanmi Oworu, and others to fraudulently obtain checks made out to legitimate businesses, then fraudulently register shell companies to obtain state business certificates in the identical or similar name of the legitimate businesses to which the checks were made payable.
As detailed in his plea agreement, Oworu and his co-conspirators attempted to conceal their criminal actions and evade law enforcement by relocating the fraud scheme to other jurisdictions, including the states of Washington and Georgia. A substantial part of a fraudulent scheme was committed from outside the United States, specifically Nigeria. In total, Oworu and his co-conspirators intended to cause a loss of at least $4.1 million to victim businesses and caused an actual loss of at least $756,175.30. To perpetrate the scheme to defraud, Oworu and his co-conspirators used the stolen PII of more than 50 individual victims and established approximately 50 fraudulent or shell businesses.
Co-defendants Babatunde Ajibawo, age 55, of Essex, United Kingdom; Oyekanmi Oworu, age 35, of Hyattsville, Maryland; and Sadiq Folawiyo, age 47, of Glen Burnie, Maryland all previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the bank fraud conspiracy. Ajibawo was sentenced to four years in federal prison and Oyekanmi Oworu and Folawiyo were each sentenced to three years in federal prison.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on fraud and how to report instances of fraud, including identity theft, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative Targets Gangs, Firearms, Drug Trafficking and Drivers of Violence across RI CitiesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – As part of ongoing efforts by the District of Rhode Island and in concert with the Justice Department’s summer anti-violent crime strategy, United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha this week hosted his quarterly Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Violent Crime Strategy Session, bringing together partners from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share critical intelligence and resources to target significant investigations into illegal firearms and firearm trafficking; gang and neighborhood violence; and drug trafficking in an around the state’s urban core.
PSN law enforcement partners meet quarterly at the United States Attorney’s Office to share law enforcement sensitive intelligence and investigative information on the individuals and organizations suspected of being involved in violent crimes associated with firearms, gangs, neighborhood violence, and/or drug trafficking, with the goal of identifying the drivers of significant criminal activity and targeting resources to address those threats to public safety. The goal is to reinforce positive trends in reducing violent crime, remain ahead of emerging areas of concern, and share critical information.
Given Rhode Island’s compact geography, the U.S. Attorney’s Rhode Island PSN Violent Crime Initiative strategically focuses on the urban corridor, that brings together law enforcement partners to deal with violence that crosses community lines, and often involves highly mobile and social media-engaged individuals.
“Coordination and cooperation with our state and local partners is critical to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to fighting violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. "Those partnerships: with local police departments, federal agencies, and the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General are crucial to our common goal of keeping Rhode Islanders safe. By sharing intelligence, resources, and strategies, our PSN initiative aims to do exactly that, and I am grateful for our colleagues’ insights, collaboration, and continuing commitment to this effort.”
Last week, United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland met with all 93 United States Attorneys and the senior leadership of the FBI, DEA, ATF, and the United States Marshals Service to emphasize the importance of continued efforts to address violent crime, and to reiterate the Justice Department’s commitment to identifying, investigating, and prioritizing the prosecution of those who are responsible for the greatest violence in our communities. This Justice Department-wide anti-violent crime strategy leverages the resources of federal prosecutors, agents, investigators, criminal justice experts, and grant programs to combat violent crime, to include providing resources to give law enforcement agencies the tools and training they need to protect their communities and to build the public trust that is essential to effective law enforcement.
Attorney General Garland noted that over the coming year, the Department anticipates that the Office of Justice Programs and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services will award over $1.3 billion to support state and local law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime.
Rhode Island PSN state and local law enforcement partners include the Rhode Island State Police, the Rhode Island State Fusion Center, and the Central Falls, Cranston, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket Police Department. Federal law enforcement partners include ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Federal Probation, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Hosts Bank Secrecy Act & Anti-Money Laundering Conference in CharlotteRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina hosted a Bank Secrecy Act & Anti-Money Laundering conference in Charlotte. Representatives from the banking sector and the financial services industry attended the one-day conference, which was held at the Charlotte Police & Fire Training Academy.
The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, commonly known as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), established the framework to increase financial transparency and prevent the misuse of the U.S. financial system for the purpose of money laundering. The BSA requires financial institutions to establish certain recordkeeping requirements and anti-money laundering programs, perform customer due diligence, and report suspicious activity. The purpose of the BSA is to safeguard the integrity of the U.S. financial system and to deter and detect those who engage in financial criminal activity, terrorist financing and other illicit financial transactions.
The BSA conference highlighted a broad range of topics related to the role of financial institutions in monitoring, investigating, and reporting illicit financial activity, and provided attendees with important information about emerging areas of fraud in the financial crime landscape, including COVID-19 fraud, cryptocurrency and crypto crime threats, elder financial exploitation, cybercriminal groups, and transnational drug trafficking.
“Money laundering is not a Charlotte problem. It is not a North Carolina problem. It is a global problem that can undermine the stability of our financial markets,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Today’s conference provides an important overview of the latest trends in financial criminal activity and underscores the important role financial institutions play in bolstering our anti-money laundering efforts and disrupting the illicit movement of money through our financial system.”
U.S. Attorney King also noted that information obtained as part of the financial institutions’ BSA requirements can assist investigators and prosecutors in detecting and disrupting money laundering and other financial crimes, developing new investigations, providing leads for existing cases, and locating hidden assets that can be used to pay restitution to crime victims.
“The Bank Secrecy Act is an important tool in our efforts to fight money laundering, bring to justice those who seek to misuse the U.S. financial system to move criminal proceeds, and protect Americans from financial harm,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Rooting out financial criminal activity doesn’t solely rest in the hands of prosecutors and regulators. Financial institutions need to continue to do their part to protect the U.S. financial system from those who misuse it to engage in illicit financial activities.”
U.S. Attorney Resolves Employment Discrimination Suit with the Town/Village of Harrison, New York, and Its Fire Department, Requiring Defendants to Adopt Wide-Ranging Policy Changes and Pay $425,000Read the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Kristen Clarke, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, announced that the United States has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that the TOWN/VILLAGE OF HARRISON (“HARRISON”) and its Fire Department (the “HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT”) discriminated against a female firefighter on the basis of her sex and retaliated against her in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Consent Decree was approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As part of the settlement, the Town of Harrison has admitted that it never took any disciplinary action against a male firefighter who ultimately pled guilty to harassing a female firefighter. That type of response to illegal workplace harassment is abhorrent and undermines citizens’ faith in their local government. Pursuant to the Consent Decree, the Town of Harrison is required to implement comprehensive policy changes. I want to commend the bravery of Angela Bommarito, who fought back against discrimination and made this Consent Decree possible. This Office will always stand with victims of violations of our nation’s civil rights laws.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said: “All employees deserve a workplace free from sexual harassment and must be able to report harassment without fear of retaliation by employers. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously pursue all cases to ensure that all workers are guaranteed the rights and protections promised by our Nation’s laws.”
As part of the Consent Decree, HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT made factual admissions, including the following:
- In May 2015, the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT had no active female firefighters. In June 2015, Angela Bommarito joined the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT, together with one other female volunteer firefighter.
- HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT ultimately became aware that after Bommarito ended a relationship with Henry Mohr, a senior firefighter, Mohr repeatedly called her, followed her (including while driving a Fire Department official vehicle), and repeatedly drove by her house. In addition, Bommarito complained to certain members of the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT leadership about Mohr’s harassment.
- In January 2016, Bommarito went to the HARRISON Police Department and filed a report against Mohr. HARRISON’S then-Police Chief met with Mohr and told him that he wanted “to make sure this whole thing dies” and get Mohr “out of this whole situation.” The Police Chief said to Mohr that Bommarito’s presence at the firehouse was a “temptation,” which was “hard to resist sometimes.”
- The then-Police Chief also met with Bommarito. During their meeting, the Police Chief suggested that he could arrest Bommarito for her presentation of what the Police Chief claimed was incomplete and false information to the Police Department regarding her relationship with Mohr. The Police Chief prepared a resignation letter for Bommarito, which stated that she would resign from the Fire Department. Bommarito signed the resignation letter.
- HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT never took any disciplinary action against Mohr. In May 2016, Mohr was arrested for his harassment of Bommarito. Later that year, Mohr pled guilty to harassment in the second degree, in violation of New York Penal Law 240.26.03.
Under the Consent Decree approved by the Court, HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT must maintain an anti-discrimination policy that includes prohibitions on discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation, as well as provisions that require objective fact-finding investigations into complaints of policy violations. HARRISON and its FIRE DEPARTMENT must also provide training to relevant personnel on prohibited employment practices and corresponding investigation procedures. The Consent Decree further requires HARRISON and the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT to provide information to the United States regarding complaints and investigations relating to charges of discrimination while the Consent Decree remains in effect. The Consent Decree also requires that HARRISON maintain recent improvements to the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT firehouse, which have provided additional facilities and features for female firefighters. Finally, the Consent Decree requires the HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT and HARRISON Police Department to maintain policies relating to use of HARRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT vehicles and limitations on the disclosure of non-public sensitive information obtained by HARRISON Police Department employees in connection with criminal investigations.
As part of the resolution, the Defendants have also agreed to pay a total of $425,000, which will consist of an up-front cash payment to Bommarito and a sum to fund the purchase of an annuity contract to make future periodic payments to Bommarito as well as payments to her attorney for reasonable attorneys’ fees. This is one of the largest payments by a local government in an employment discrimination case brought by the United States on behalf of a single individual.
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Mr. Williams thanked the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) for its initial investigation of Bommarito’s charge filed with the EEOC.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles S. Jacob is in charge of the case.
Harrison Consent DecreeU.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld named chair of Washington-Baltimore HIDTARead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld has been named as chairperson of the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W/B HIDTA) Executive Board and will lead efforts in the region to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances.
The W/B HIDTA supports 43 drug task forces from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia. In 2022, these units collectively seized nearly nine thousand kilograms of drugs with a wholesale value of $107.5 million and disrupted or dismantled 134 criminal organizations. The W/B HIDTA also supports substance use prevention and treatment initiatives.
“I’m honored to serve as chair of this important group and I’ll use the opportunity to strengthen the response in the eastern United States to the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld.
Ihlenfeld will lead an executive board that is responsible for assessing the drug trafficking threats found in the region; developing a strategy to address the threats; designing initiatives to implement the strategy; and proposing funding needed to carry out the initiatives.
W/B HIDTA Executive Director Tom Carr has worked with Ihlenfeld for over a decade. They regularly discuss strategies how best to respond to the dangers posed by illicit drugs.
“The Washington-Baltimore HIDTA is fortunate to have an experienced federal prosecutor like U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld to lead our executive board and to help identify solutions to the problems caused by drug trafficking in the region,” said Director Carr.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and The Martinsburg Initiative - an evidence-based prevention program that focuses on aiding children in Berkeley County Schools – are both supported by W/B HIDTA funding.
Ihlenfeld previously served as Vice Chairperson and Budget Chair for the W/B HIDTA. He also has served as chairperson of the Appalachia HIDTA.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans Joins Law Enforcement, Stakeholders to Combat Antisemitism and Hate CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana (USAO, EDLA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New Orleans Field Office, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the Anti-Defamation League, South Central Region (ADL) co-hosted an event at the Jewish Community Center entitled “United Against Hate: Identifying, Reporting, and Preventing Hate Crimes” to discuss the rate of antisemitism both nationally and locally. UAH is a national federal initiative initiated by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland that encourages all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nation-wide to host local outreach forums to educate citizens about hate crimes. Yesterday’s meeting was the first of several planned outreach and educational events to be conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the Justice Department’s “United Against Hate” (UAH) outreach initiative, a nationwide program launched in September, 2022 to combat the rise in hate crimes.
The local event at the Jewish Community Center featured presentations by Assistant U.S. Attorneys with experience in prosecuting hate crimes and civil rights violations, and representatives with the FBI-New Orleans, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Anti-Defamation League. These presentations covered such topics as the definition of hate crimes; the distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents; and accessing hate crimes prevention resources.
“Crimes committed against individuals motivated by their perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability are heinous acts that denigrate the dignity of victims”, said U.S. Attorney Evans. “DOJ’s UAH initiative provides the vital information needed for the public to not only identify and report hate crimes in their community but also establish and nurture positive working relationships between the greater community and law enforcement.”
U.S. Attorney Evans thanks ASAC Hannah Buch and, SSA Johnson from the FBI-New Orleans Field Office; the Anti-Defamation League-South Central Region Regional Director Lindsay Friedman, Criminal Division Chief Tracey Knight, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon (Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator), Civil Division Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Adams, New Orleans Police Department Lieutenant Hudson Cutno, Jr. and the Jewish Community Center for their development and participation in the program.
Those who believe they are subject to hate crimes or incidents should contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
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U.S. Attorney Announces $12 Million Settlement of Civil Forfeiture Action Against Estate of Antiquities Trafficker Douglas LatchfordRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today that the United States had filed and settled a civil forfeiture action against $12 million derived from the sale of stolen Southeast Asian antiquities by indicted antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford. The Settlement with the daughter of the late Douglas Latchford, who died in 2020, resolves claims that Latchford transferred the proceeds from the sale of stolen antiquities to bank accounts in the Bailiwick of Jersey. As part of the Settlement, Latchford’s daughter has also agreed to the forfeiture of a 7th Century bronze statue depicting the four-armed goddess Durga, which is alleged to have been stolen from Vietnam in 2008 and which Latchford allegedly purchased using tainted funds. The proposed settlement is subject to review by a district judge in the Southern District of New York.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Douglas Latchford made millions from selling looted antiquities in the U.S. art market, stashing his ill-gotten gains offshore. This historic forfeiture action and settlement shows that we will be relentless in following the money wherever it leads to fight the illicit trade in cultural patrimony.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “The late Douglas Latchford was a prolific dealer of stolen antiquities. His complicity in numerous illicit transactions over several decades garnered him millions of dollars in payments from buyers and dealers in the United States, of which as part of this agreement, $12 million will be rightfully forfeited by his estate. HSI New York celebrates the pending repatriation of any outstanding artifacts from Latchford’s illegally obtained collection to their rightful owners and reaffirms our commitment to disrupting the illicit trafficking of cultural property, art, and antiquities.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint and the Stipulation filed in Manhattan federal court on June 22, 2023:[1]
In 2019, Latchford was indicted in the Southern District of New York with wire fraud conspiracy and other crimes related to a multi-year scheme to sell looted Cambodian antiquities on the international art market, primarily by creating false provenance documents and falsifying invoices and shipping documents, including misrepresenting the country of origin of artworks. See United States v. Latchford, 19 Cr. 748 (AT) (the “Indictment”). In September 2020, the Indictment was dismissed due to the death of Latchford.
Between 2003 and 2020, Latchford maintained bank accounts in New York, the United Kingdom, and the Bailiwick of Jersey (“Jersey”). During those years, Latchford received more than $12 million in his New York and U.K. accounts as payment for his sale of stolen and smuggled Southeast Asian antiquities to buyers and dealers in the United States. As part of those sales, Latchford provided false provenance and/or made false statements on shipping records and importation records when those antiquities were imported into the United States. Latchford then transferred at least $12 million in illegally derived proceeds (the “$12 Million”) to his bank accounts in Jersey.
In 2008 and 2009, Latchford used funds derived from the sale of stolen and smuggled antiquities to purchase a 7th Century bronze statue depicting the four-armed goddess Durga (the “Durga”), pictured below:
According to bank and email records, including correspondence with his bankers, Latchford traveled to Vietnam in November 2008 to purchase a piece of art and instructed his bankers to send around $2 million to the bank account of a person with a Vietnamese email address. In January 2009, Latchford emailed a dealer a photograph, below, of the Durga lying on its back, covered in what appears to be dirt and minerals indicative of recent excavation. Latchford identified My Son, a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization World Heritage site located in Vietnam, as the location where the Durga was recovered.
Under the terms of the stipulation and order of settlement, Latchford’s daughter (the “Claimant”) consents to forfeiture of the $12 Million and the Durga. The United States has agreed not to object to the lifting by Jersey of a freeze order on any remaining funds as defined in the settlement agreement. The parties recognize that nothing in the Stipulation constitutes an admission of liability, fault, or guilt on the part of the Claimant, who expressly denies fault, liability, or wrongdoing.
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Mr. Williams thanked HSI for its outstanding work on this investigation, which he noted is ongoing, and praised its ongoing efforts to find and repatriate stolen and looted cultural property. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Law Officers’ Department of the Bailiwick of Jersey, and authorities in the United Kingdom for their cooperation and assistance.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and International Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U. S. Attorney Jessica Feinstein is in charge of the case.
The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Latchford Complaint Latchford Stipulation and SettlementTyngsborough Daycare Worker Arrested for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire woman employed at a daycare in Tyngsborough, Mass., was arrested this morning on child exploitation and child pornography charges.
Lindsay Groves, 38, of Hudson, N.H., was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. Groves, who is currently in custody, will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Groves worked at Creative Minds located in Tyngsborough, Mass. It is alleged that, between May 2022 and June 2023, Groves took nude images of children at the day care and sent the photos to an individual with whom she was previously in an intimate relationship. Specifically, Groves allegedly used natural bathroom breaks for the children (routine diaper/pull-up changes prior to “naptime”) to take multiple photos of the prepubescent children in a private bathroom and then sent the photos to the individual via text message.
A preliminary forensic review of Grove’s cellphone allegedly revealed over 2,500 text messages between Groves and the individual. These messages allegedly included discussion about, and transfer of, explicit photographs that Groves had taken of children while employed at Creative Minds – including at least four sexually explicit images of children who appear to be approximately three to five years old. This investigation is continuing.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Nashua (N.H.) Police Chief Kevin Rourke made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hudson, N.H. Police Department. Creative Minds Early Learning Center cooperated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Jessica L. Soto of Levy’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
US v. Lindsay Groves - Complaint AffidavitTwo Men Sentenced for Cyberstalking Conspiracy That Resulted in Murder of KC ManRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a cyberstalking conspiracy that utilized GPS tracking devices to carry out the murder of a Kansas City, Mo., man by tracking him and shooting him to death in front of his minor daughter.
Michael Young, 32, of Independence, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, June 21, to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Ronell Pearson, 36, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison without parole. Both Young and Pearson pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy, and both have been detained in federal custody since their arrests in August 2019.
The court also ordered Young and Pearson to pay $19,012 in restitution to compensate the murder victim’s family for funeral and burial expenses, for which they are jointly and severally liable.
Co-defendant Lester E. Brown, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was found guilty at trial on May 5, 2023, of one count of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, one count of cyberstalking resulting in death, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Murder of Christopher Harris
Brown, Young, and Pearson participated in a conspiracy from Nov. 1, 2017, to March 19, 2018, to engage in the cyberstalking of Christopher Harris. Brown, the leader of the conspiracy, deployed multiple GPS devices on vehicles used by Harris and his associates to track their locations.
On March 14, 2018, Brown tracked Harris to a dance studio in Raytown, Mo. With Brown driving and Young and Pearson passengers, they followed Harris’s vehicle as he drove his daughter home from dance class and dropped her off at her mother’s residence in Independence. Brown pulled up behind Harris’s vehicle; Brown and Young got out of the car; and Brown shot a firearm multiple times into Harris’s vehicle, causing Harris to scream, “My daughter’s in the car! My daughter is in the car!” Brown fired several more rounds at Harris as he ran to the door. Harris’s daughter was able to make it inside the house unharmed but Harris fell to the ground before he reached the house. Brown stood over him and fired two last rounds at him while he lay on the ground.
Prior to his murder, conspirators had been sending threatening messages to Harris using the social media service Snapchat. These messages included photographs of GPS devices, and demanded a payment to Brown of $10,000 per month.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Wolesky and Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the FBI.
Two Individuals Charged with Neglect Following the Death of a Child on the Red Lake ReservationRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Two individuals from the Red Lake Indian Reservation have been indicted for child neglect following the death of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between January 1, 2022, and December 25, 2022, Julius Fineday, 41, and Sharon Rosebear, 63, willfully deprived Minor A of necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care, and supervision, despite being reasonably able to make the necessary provisions. As alleged, the neglect caused the death of Minor A.
The indictment charges Fineday with one count of felony child neglect causing the death of a child and Rosebear with one count of felony child neglect. The defendants will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two from Lexington County Plead Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Weapon ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA —Caleb York Rowell, 29, of Swansea, and Brandi Leann Clarke, a/k/a “Brandi Savage,” 26, of Gaston, have each pleaded guilty to their roles in a drug conspiracy in which they sold firearms and drugs to confidential informants and undercover agents in the summer of 2021. Specifically, Rowell and Clark each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Rowell also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation into Rowell’s drug distribution in May 2021. During a recorded call with a confidential informant on May 11, 2021, Rowell bragged about running away from a traffic stop the day before that resulted in a wreck and how officers found his drugs and gun. ATF confirmed that the day before, Gaston Police Department had been in a car chase after they attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. That chase culminated in the driver wrecking the vehicle and fleeing on foot. Along the route where the driver fled, officers were able to locate a fanny pack containing bags of heroin and fentanyl, and they found a stolen pistol nearby. Through the recorded call and witnesses at the scene, officers were then able to identify Rowell as the driver.
Thereafter, between May and July 2021, law enforcement made a series of undercover purchases of firearms, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from Rowell and Clark. One of the firearms Rowell sold to the undercover agent was a short-barreled shotgun. Both Rowell and Clark are prohibited from possessing firearms based upon prior felony convictions in state court. Rowell has prior state convictions for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, failure to stop for blue light and siren, and driving under suspension 3rd offense, and two convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Clark has two prior state convictions for possession of methamphetamine.
Rowell faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison with a maximum of 40 years, a term of supervised release of 6 years, and a fine of $5,000,000 on the conspiracy charge and a maximum of 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release of 6 years, and a fine of $2,000,000 on the distribution charge. On the felon in possession of a firearm and the possession of the unregistered short-barreled shotgun charges, Rowell faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release of 3 years, and a $250,000 fine. Clark faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release of 6 years, and a fine of $2,000,000 on the conspiracy charge. United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence the duo after receiving and reviewing sentencing reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with assistance of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Gaston Police Department, Swansea Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey D. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
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Tarpon Spring Man Who Threatened to Commit Violence to A Child and Grandmother Arrested and ChargedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Antonio McCray (22, Tarpon Springs) with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. If convicted, McCray faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. McCray made his initial appearance on June 21, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda Arnold Sansone, and was ordered detained pending trial.
According to the complaint and evidence introduced during his detention hearing, on October 29, 2022, McCray was a passenger in the backseat of a vehicle that was pulled over by deputies from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. The deputies observed and seized a firearm located under the back side of the front passenger seat, underneath McCray’s feet. The firearm, a loaded 9-millimeter Springfield “Hellcat” pistol, had previously been reported stolen. A search warrant executed on McCray’s phone revealed various messages sent by McCray, including one in which he said, “listen bra if u care about ur son an ur grandma have my money by Thursday…or I’m coming for u n ur family.” DNA swabs taken from the Hellcat pistol matched McCray’s DNA. Additionally, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement determined that the ammunition found inside of the pistol matched casings utilized in a recent drive-by shooting in Hernando County.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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.
Seven Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Sex Trafficking in Green Lake CountyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that seven federal defendants have been sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in the commercial sexual exploitation of a child in Green Lake County, Wisconsin. All seven pled guilty to the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking.
According to court documents, on multiple dates between June and November 2019, one of the defendants, Julio “Cesar” Veleta Veleta, transported the victim, a 16-year-old girl who was in foster care in Madison, between Dane County and Green Lake County for her to perform commercial sex acts for dairy farm workers. Another defendant, Evis Garcia Rivera, both paid for sex with the victim and promoted her availability for commercial sex within the Guatemalan national farm worker community in Green Lake County. Eventually, the victim began living with Garcia Rivera and several of the other defendants, who would “loan” the victim to other groups of farm workers in the area for her sexual services.
The seven individuals charged in federal court have been sentenced as follows:
Defendant
Months of Prison
Years of Supervised
Release
Julio Veleta Veleta, (Age: 36), Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
87
5
Evis Garcia Rivera (Age: 33), Manchester, Wisconsin
87
5
Avelino Sarceno Sarceno (Age: 42), Manchester, Wisconsin
30
5
Samuel Martinez Corado, (Age: 29), Markesan, Wisconsin
28
5
Abilio Corado Gonzalez, (Age 37), Markesan, Wisconsin
27
5
Belter Arana Bautista, (Age 36), Brandon, Wisconsin
24
5
Oscar Martinez Corado, (Age: 21), Markesan, Wisconsin
24
5
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office (GLCSO) uncovered this conspiracy on Thanksgiving night in 2019, when the victim called 911. Several subjects were arrested that night at the house where the victim had been living, while others were arrested in other locations following further investigation.
In a separate action, five additional defendants were prosecuted in Wisconsin Circuit Court by Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa. Four of these defendants, Rolando Corado Gonzalez, Edwin Rivera Salguero, Ember Rivera, Esler Rivera, have pled guilty to exposing genitals to a child and have been sentenced to state prison time, including a year and a half of initial confinement, and two years of extended supervision.
“The convictions and sentences of the defendants in this case are the direct result of the hard work and excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Along with our partners, we are committed to protecting and supporting victims of human trafficking, and our enforcement efforts necessarily will include not only the primary traffickers but also others who assist in these trafficking efforts, including those who seek to drive the demand for this type of victimization.”
“The sex trafficking of this 16-year-old victim is a serious and disturbing crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and protect the victims of these heinous crimes.”
“The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice those who engage in human trafficking and involuntary servitude, particularly when children are involved,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“These sentences are reflective of just how damaging crimes against children are and emphasizes HSI’s dedication to hold perpetrators accountable,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago area of operations Sean Fitzgerald. “We, alongside our law enforcement partners, are committed to the eradication of child exploitation from our communities.”
“Human trafficking is an appalling violent crime that occurs across our state and the country, and we must continue to fight it,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the investigators, including DCI agents, and prosecutors who worked to hold the defendants accountable.”
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said, “We are very pleased with the overall outcome of this case. We are hopeful for the victim and their future. The collaboration of the investigating agencies and attorney’s offices was tremendous. I’m incredibly proud of all the work everyone put into this case to pursue justice on behalf of the victim and the community. Clearly, crimes like these have no boundaries, and any community can be impacted.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Security Investigations, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations and the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The federal case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick.
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Public Information Officer
Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
414-297-1700
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Seven Members of Multi-State Violent Robbery Crew Indicted on Conspiracy and Hobbs Act Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging seven members of an armed robbery crew with conspiracy, Hobbs Act robbery, and other charges related to a multi-state robbery spree that targeted pharmacy and cell phone retail stores. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Sarah Linden, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Divisions.
Ashley Gause, 30, was arrested on June 8, 2023. She and her co-defendants – D’Marrell Mitchell, 33, Terrance Barnham, 33, Floyd Neal, 30, Ashawntea Henderson, 31, Deaundre Blount, 30, and Glenn Dolford, 29, all of Washington, D.C., are charged with conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, for allegedly robbing at least 18 pharmaceutical and cell phone stores in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey, between May 2020 and May 2021. Gause is charged in 20 of the 21 counts. She is charged, with various members, in all 15 counts of Hobbs Act robbery.
According to the indictment, Gause, a/k/a “Cray,” worked with different members of the crew to rob businesses that they had surveilled. Gause and her co-conspirators also allegedly traveled to other states - including North Carolina and Virginia - likely searching for other possible targets for robberies. In some of the robberies, the defendants assaulted the victims, zip tied their hands, and/or held them at gunpoint in order to demand currency, prescription drugs, and/or cellular telephones from the victim businesses. The defendants would then sell the narcotics and cell phones. The victim businesses were located as far away as Neptune, New Jersey, and as close as neighborhoods in the District of Columbia.
“This indictment alleges that these defendants conspired to commit armed robberies, at targeted businesses, using firearms and the threat of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “They chose victim establishments – throughout DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey - based on location, opportunity, and the profitability of the goods they planned to steal. Through the great work of the FBI and partner agencies, this ring has been dismantled.”
“Ashley Gause and her co-conspirators allegedly committed a series of armed robberies in Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., over the course of at least two years, in part to steal prescription drugs and cell phones that they could then resell,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “During some of the armed robberies, the defendants assaulted victims, tied their hands, and held them at gunpoint. The people who live and work in these communities deserve to feel safe. Today's indictment demonstrates the FBI's commitment to leveraging partnerships to bring to justice these boundless violent criminals.”
All of the defendants, except Glenn Dolford, are charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, amphetamine, morphine, tapentadol, hydrocodone, and promethazine with codeine. Branham and Neal are charged with carrying and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Gause and Mitchell are charged with two counts of using, carrying, possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Gause is charged, alone, in a third count.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, each count of Hobbs Act robbery carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to distribute oxycodone carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison; using, carrying, possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. A U.S. District court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department, Alexandria Police Department (Virginia), Anne Arundel County Police Department (Maryland), Baltimore County Police Department (Maryland), Henrico County Police Division (Virginia), Laurel Police Department (Maryland), Montgomery County Police Department (Maryland), Neptune Township Police Department (New Jersey), and Prince George’s County Police Department (Maryland). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold.
Second Man Charged in Connection with Cool Valley MurderRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Hazelwood, Missouri was indicted Wednesday on charges connected to the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old at a Cool Valley gas station in January.
Christopher “Face” Hall, 22, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis, joining Bryant “BJ” Pirtle, who was indicted in March. Each now faces four felonies: possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment accuses them of aiding and abetting one another in discharging a firearm while involved in a drug conspiracy, causing the Jan. 29, 2023 death of Devon Williams.A detention motion says Hall and Pirtle shot the 18-year-old at about 3:15 a.m. after he tried to buy marijuana from them at the BP gas station at 1790 South Florissant Road. They then ran Williams over while driving away, the motion says. The shooting was caught on video.
Hall is currently in jail on pending charges in St. Louis County Circuit Court involving a March 2023 shooting.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the Normandy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nino Przulj and Jen Szczucinski are prosecuting the case.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Christopher Eric Campbell, 48, of Sacramento, charging him with possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Campbell possessed child pornography in March 2023. The indictment seeks forfeiture of three different electronic devices that Campbell used to commit the offense, including an iPad, a cell phone, and a hard drive.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.
Campbell is in state custody on related charges. If convicted in this case and proven to have a prior conviction under the laws of any State relating to the sexual abuse of a minor, Campbell faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Rock Hill Man Sentenced in Large Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Darrell Lemonte Crockett, 51, of Rock Hill, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial in a large drug trafficking case.
Evidence presented at the trial showed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit began to investigate a group of defendants who were obtaining large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana from a distributor in Southern California. Based upon their investigation, the police were able to determine that members of the group were flying to California and having the drugs shipped back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte, N.C., area. Based upon surveillance and other law enforcement techniques, the police learned that Darryl Hemphill was the leader of the group and helped introduce other members of the group to the California distributor. Crockett was a member of the conspiracy and was involved in obtaining some of the packages when they were shipped from California back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. After the drugs were shipped back to South Carolina, Hemphill and others distributed the drugs to local dealers. Crockett was also responsible for distributing some of the drugs shipped.
Later, the group began ordering fentanyl from California, which they used to make fentanyl-laced pills that were sold to users in Rock Hill, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, G.A.. Based upon their investigation, law enforcement showed that this group shipped more than 255 packages from California and distributed more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, and more than 1000 grams of marijuana.
Crockett was convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Crockett was also convicted of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine during a drug deal at Hemphill’s home.
Eighteen defendants were initially charged in this case. Fifteen defendants pleaded guilty to their involvement, and Crockett and two other defendants were found guilty by a jury. Two defendants remain to be sentenced.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Crockett to 240 months in prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Rock Hill Police Department, York County Sheriff’s Office, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William K. Witherspoon, Elliott B. Daniels, Elle E. Klein, and Lamar Fyall prosecuted the case.
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Portland Area Gang Member Arrested, Faces Federal Charges for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A known Hoover Criminal Gang member arrested today at his home in Gresham, Oregon is facing federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Shakor Shovontae Ray Holiday, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, with five prior felony convictions, including a 2020 federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Holiday is prohibited from possessing firearms. Despite this restriction, in May 2023, law enforcement obtained several images and videos of Holiday in possession of at least one firearm. Two videos obtained by investigators appeared to show Holiday driving a vehicle while holding an AR-style assault rifle and threatening rivals. Holiday was also observed in the photos and videos displaying various gang signs, including “H” and “107” hand signs associated with the Hoover Criminal Gang.
Today, investigators executed a federal search warrant on Holiday’s Gresham residence. They located and seized a 9mm handgun and an AR-style assault rifle resembling the firearm depicted in the photos and videos reviewed by law enforcement.
Holiday made his first appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Armistead. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison, three years’ supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pasco Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Tustuji Matu Wakauwn, 43, of Pasco, Washington, to 15 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Rice also ordered Wakauwn to serve ten years of supervised release following his release from prison. Wakauwn pleaded guilty to the offenses on June 8, 2022. He has been in federal custody since his arrest on October 7, 2021.
According to information presented at Mirabal’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 7, 2021, members of a DEA task force served a search warrant on a residence located on 10th Avenue in Spokane. Wakauwn arrived at the residence during the execution of the warrant. During a pat-down search, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in a bag carried by Wakauwn. Wakauwn was prohibited from possessing firearms based on a prior federal conviction for drug trafficking and was still on federal supervision at the time. A later search of his bag revealed that it contained 420 grams of pure methamphetamine along with fentanyl, cocaine, and other evidence of drug trafficking.
Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, praised the investigative team for their quick work in disarming Wakauwn and interdicting the methamphetamine and other substances that he was preparing to deliver. U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “Our U.S. Probation Office offers significant rehabilitative services to person while on supervised release and these services play an important role in protecting our communities and in restoring persons convicted of federal crimes to productive roles in society.” She continued, “Because of this, it is especially important to deter the commission of serious crimes by people on federal supervision. The sentence imposed in this case, which is a 15-year mandatory minimum penalty, sends a strong message about the importance of enforcing serious violations of law committed by persons while on supervision.”
This case was investigated by Spokane Resident Office of the DEA, with significant assistance from the DEA Coeur d’Alene Post of Duty and the Idaho State Police. The case was prosecuted by Timothy J. Ohms Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
2:21-CR-00157-TOR
Paris Man Convicted of Attempted Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict Friday afternoon, June 16, against Tracy L. Parker, 57, of the 1600 block of S. Central Avenue in Paris, Illinois, for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. A sentencing hearing for Parker has been scheduled on October 13, 2023, in Urbana, Illinois.
Over four days of testimony, the government presented evidence proving that Parker attempted to obtain sexually graphic images and videos from an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old female, requesting these items for weeks through social media and text messaging. Parker was arrested after attempting to open what he believed to be the requested pornographic images and videos of the purported 13-year-old child. At the time of his arrest, child sexual abuse material was found on Parker’s cell phone.
Parker remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service and faces statutory penalties of up to 30 years of imprisonment for his conviction of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, up to 20 years of imprisonment for attempting to receive child pornography, and up to 10 years of imprisonment for possessing child pornography.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand represented the government at trial.
The case against Parker was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Allen Loudermilk, 63, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Loudermilk admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2023, Loudermilk was living in the Charleston area and obtaining methamphetamine from a local supplier. Loudermilk’s supplier knew that he was re-distributing at least a portion of the methamphetamine. Loudermilk typically would receive one-half ounce of methamphetamine at a time, but sometimes he would obtain more. Loudermilk admitted that he was responsible for between 200 and 350 grams of methamphetamine in connection with the conspiracy.
Loudermilk is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Loudermilk 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.
Nine 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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Odessa Veteran Pleads Guilty to Theft of Veteran BenefitsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edward Ferraro (48, Odessa) has pleaded guilty to theft of Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) disability benefits. Ferraro faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to public records, Ferraro, a former VA disability rater, exploited his position with the VA to apply for and approve benefits in the name of an unwitting third party in May 2003. The proceeds of the fraud were deposited into a bank account in Ferraro’s name, and over the ensuing years the VA paid more than $500,000 in improper benefits. Ferraro withdrew the VA proceeds from the account and used them to fund his lifestyle, including cash payments to his credit cards, family vacations, gambling, and the like. The scheme was discovered when the identity theft victim—also a veteran—attempted to apply for a VA-backed home loan.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Jones.
New York Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Multiple Federal Crimes Related to “Ichioka Ventures” Cryptocurrency Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the United States announced the filing of an information charging William Koo Ichioka with multiple felonies in connection with “Ichioka Ventures,” an alleged investment fraud scheme involving cryptocurrencies and other investment vehicles. According to court documents filed in the case, Ichioka has agreed to plead guilty to charges of wire fraud, aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false or fraudulent tax return, fraud in connection with the purchase and sale of securities, and commodities fraud.
The announcement was made by Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Colthurst of the Northern District of California United States Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp; and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian.
According to the information filed in federal court, Ichioka, 30, of New York and formerly of San Francisco, operated a scheme in which he fraudulently raised tens of millions of dollars from over 100 persons and entities, including residents of the Northern District of California. Ichioka began doing business under the name “Ichioka Ventures” in or about 2019. Ichioka solicited investors by promising that their funds would be invested in various securities and/or commodities, including cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency arbitrage, futures, and derivatives, and foreign exchange currency transactions. He represented to prospective investors that they would earn 10% returns every 30 business days and that his investment and trading activities had been generating or had the ability to generate returns in excess of these amounts. Ichioka created a website for Ichioka Ventures that allowed investors to create and login to accounts to invest, view balances and investments, and view transaction history.
“The allure of using cryptocurrencies to make massive profits in a short timeframe provides fertile ground for fraudsters to take advantage of unwary victims,” said Abraham Simmons, a spokesperson from the Office of the U.S. Attorney. “The information filed in this case alleges Ichioka convinced victims to invest millions of dollars into his phony venture by claiming he was making legitimate profits when, in fact, he was reporting fake results and creating bogus documents.”
“William Ichioka was able to secure millions from investors by telling them lie after lie,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “His ‘miraculous’ rates of return, however, were illusory. He stole from family, friends, and others to fund his lavish lifestyle while sustaining his deceit through investment repayments. The charges filed today are an important step to bring justice for Ichioka’s victims.”
“Mr. Ichioka operated a decades-old type of fraudulent scheme and defrauded over 100 investors,” said Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian of the IRS-CI Oakland Field Office. “The hard work and dedication of our investigators and prosecutors led to Mr. Ichioka’s agreement today to plead guilty. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring this investigation to a thorough and complete conclusion. IRS-Criminal Investigation remains dedicated to bringing to justice those who cheat and defraud.”
According to court filings describing Ichioka’s agreement to plead guilty, Ichioka admitted that he commingled investor money with his own funds and used investor money to make purchases of luxury items, including vehicles, watches, and jewelry, and to fund his own personal expenses, including for rent for his personal residence, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, taxi and car share rides, retail stores, gym membership fees, and online purchases. Moreover, Ichioka admitted that he and Ichioka Ventures did not actually earn 10% returns every 30 business days for his investors throughout the time that he represented that it did. Rather, he and Ichioka Ventures sustained losses from portions of funds that he invested. By the end of 2019 – unbeknownst to investors – Ichioka privately acknowledged that the “[c]ompany hasn’t made any money since we started.”
Ichioka admitted that he repaid existing investors using new investor funds to further perpetuate the scheme to defraud, according to court filings describing Ichioka’s agreement to plead guilty. According to the court filings, Ichioka has agreed that he owes non-family investors in “Ichioka Ventures” at least $21 million as a result of the scheme and additionally owes his family members over $40 million.
Ichioka also admitted that he concealed and hid the scheme by doctoring financial documents to overstate the value of assets (including bank, brokerage, and cryptocurrency exchange materials) and providing doctored documents to prospective investors, according to court filings. He also presented false statements of account to investors via the Ichioka Ventures website, failed to provide tax documentation to investors, and willfully failed to report income to the Internal Revenue Service in this scheme.
In sum, Ichioka has agreed to plead guilty to the following crimes and faces the following maximum penalties:
Offense
Statute
Maximum Statutory Penalty (per count)
Wire fraud (1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1343
20 years
Aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false or fraudulent tax return (2 counts)
26 U.S.C. § 7206(2)
3 years
Fraud in connection with purchase and sale of securities (1 count)
15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b), 78ff; 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5
20 years
Commodities fraud (1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1348
25 years
The court may order additional terms of supervised release as well as additional monetary penalties and restitution. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
An information merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ichioka’s initial federal court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case but have not yet been contacted by the government should contact the FBI by email at: IVinvestors@fbi.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section and Oakland Branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the federal law enforcement agencies also thank the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The SEC and CFTC each conducted parallel investigations that were also announced today.
Navy Sailor Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Tanner Michael Jackson (25, Jacksonville), a U.S. Navy petty officer, to 7 years in federal prison for distributing child sex abuse images. The court also ordered Jackson to serve 20 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. In addition, he was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to a victim of his offense. Jackson had pleaded guilty on March 17, 2023.
According to the plea agreement, in early 2022, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that suspected child sexual abuse material had been shared via a social media application. Law enforcement obtained the subscriber information for the user who had sent the files and the internet protocol address was traced to Jackson.
On August 22, 2022, law enforcement investigators executed a federal search warrant at Jackson’s residence and seized his phone. A forensic review of the phone yielded multiple files of child sexual abuse material.
“Those who choose to violate the innocence of children come from all walks of life, and unfortunately that includes those who don the uniform of this country’s military and take an oath to serve,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to the partnerships we have in the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, this sailor has lost the freedoms he swore to protect and will no longer be able to victimize innocent and vulnerable children.”
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Karase and Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Naples Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm During Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Michael Karp (50, Naples) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Karp faces a minimum penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Karp in 2022. The investigation included Karp meeting an undercover ATF agent, who was posing as a drug dealer needing protection during drug deals. Karp indicated to the agent that he participated in that type of work. According to the plea agreement, on May 23, 2023, Karp met at a hotel in Naples believing that he was going to protect the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine. The drug transaction actually involved the sale of faux methamphetamine between two undercover ATF agents. Karp stood by with a pistol as the transaction took place.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
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.
Milwaukee Woman Indicted for Perpetrating a $2.3 Million Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 21, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Markita Barnes (age: 30) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for perpetrating a $2.3 million health care fraud and kickback scheme that involved Barnes lying about having provided prenatal care coordination (PNCC) services and childcare coordination services to at-risk and low-income pregnant women and new mothers in Milwaukee.
According to the indictment, from October 2020 through November 2021, Barnes owned Here For You, which was a PNCC agency operating in Milwaukee. PNCC agencies are reimbursed by Medicaid when they provide services intended to address Wisconsin’s historically high rate of infant mortality among at-risk populations. Specifically, PNCC services are supposed to ensure that women at high risk are identified as early as possible in their pregnancies, receive psychosocial support, prenatal care services, and health and nutrition education, and are referred to available community services that they need to help them achieve positive birth and parenting outcomes.
The indictment alleges that Barnes offered and provided kickbacks to induce women to sign up for prenatal care coordination services with Here For You, and then allegedly submitted millions of dollars of fraudulent claims for services never actually provided to those women. Barnes also allegedly submitted claims for services she contended were provided to her clients before she or anyone from her agency had ever met the client.
The indictment charges Barnes with multiple counts of Health Care Fraud and False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347 and 18 U.S.C. § 1035, violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b, Obstruction of a Healthcare Fraud Investigation, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1518, Money Laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957, and Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A.
If convicted, Barnes faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for each count of Aggravated Identity Theft, up to twenty years in prison for each count of Health Care Fraud, up to ten years in prison for each count of Anti-Kickback Statute violations and Money Laundering, and up to five years in prison for each count of False Statements and Obstruction.
“One of the primary reasons the Department of Justice focuses on prosecuting health care fraud is to ensure public funds are used to help the people they are designed to help, and not to unfairly enrich others at the expense of the public and those who desperately need these services,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold individuals who seek to take advantage of these programs for their own benefit fully accountable for their actions.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Kate M. Biebel will prosecute.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
# # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer
Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
414-297-1700
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Mexico citizen admits trafficking 29 pounds of meth in Bozeman, BillingsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Mexico citizen accused in trafficking 29 pounds of methamphetamine from Denver, Colorado, to the Bozeman and Billings communities admitted to a drug crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Victor Daniel Mejia Ocampo, 22, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute meth. Ocampo faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Ocampo was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that during an investigation in mid-July 2022, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of cocaine from co-defendant Isidro Vega Carmona in Bozeman. Ocampo was with Carmona during the purchase. About a month later, law enforcement arranged to buy four pounds of meth from Carmona and Ocampo and made another controlled purchase of the drug in Bozeman. Carmona told the buyers that people were bringing the meth from Denver, Colorado.
The government further alleged that in October 2022, Carmona offered to sell an undercover person 25 pounds of meth for $100,000. On Oct. 12, 2022, Carmona contacted the undercover and confirmed that another co-defendant, Risela Soberanes, was driving the 25 pounds of meth to Billings from Denver and that he would meet the undercover in Billings. Carmona and Ocampo traveled together from Bozeman to Billings, where both were arrested, along with Soberanes. Ocampo removed a large rolling suitcase, which contained 25 pounds of meth, from the trunk of a vehicle that had been driven by Soberanes to a Billings residence. Carmona was arrested as he walked with the suitcase toward a downtown hotel to meet the undercover person. Ocampo drove toward the hotel and was arrested after he parked the vehicle. Twenty nine pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 105,000 doses.
Carmona was sentenced recently to 14 years in prison, while Soberanes was sentenced to two years in prison for their convictions in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
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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Maryland Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment and Other Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A Maryland restaurant owner pleaded guilty today to willful failure to account for and pay over employment taxes and to filing a false personal tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, John H. Worthington of Owings Mills, Maryland, owned and operated The Grill at Harryman House restaurant since 1995. As part of managing the restaurant, Worthington issued Forms W-2 to his employees and withheld federal income and Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes from their wages. However, from 2010 through 2021, Worthington did not file with the IRS the required Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns (Forms 941) reporting these employment taxes and did not pay the withholdings over to the IRS. In total, Worthington did not report or pay approximately $2,813,348.94 in employment taxes due and owing to the IRS.
Instead of meeting his tax obligations, Worthington used funds from his business to pay other creditors and for a variety of personal expenses, including golf club membership dues, season tickets to the Baltimore Orioles, international vacations, and salaries for himself and his wife.
Additionally, Worthington filed a joint 2016 personal tax return (Form 1040) that falsely claimed $24,207 in federal income tax withholdings from his own wages from the restaurant, which he knew had not been paid to the IRS. This resulted in a $9,096 refund to which he was not entitled. Had Worthington accurately reported $0 in withholdings for that year, he would have owed $15,111.
Worthington also failed to timely file his personal income taxes for 2017 through 2021, despite having received wages and compensation from the restaurant. He also failed to timely file corporate tax returns for 2016 through 2021, even though the corporation was active and generated gross receipts or sales of more than $15 million during that time frame.
Worthington faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for willfully failing to account for and pay over the employment taxes and three years in prison for filing a false tax return. He also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. Judge Julie R. Rubin will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Jorge Almonte and Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney of the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
Man Who Sexually Abused Minor at Fort Bliss in 2014 Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Dallas man was sentenced in a federal courthouse in El Paso Tuesday to 35 years in prison for sexually abusing a prepubescent child—a penalty that will be served once he reaches the end of his current 20 year sentence on state charges.
According to court documents, Trevor Dylan Lehew, 28, sexually abused a minor under the age of 12 while serving in the Army at Fort Bliss between 2014 and 2015. The child victim disclosed the abuse in 2020 to a Child Adolescence Forensic Interviewer.
Lehew was remanded into federal custody on Jan. 6, 2022. He had been serving a 20-year sentence at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a separate incident involving indecency with a child/sexual contact, and the aggravated sexual assault of a child. On Aug. 8, 2022, Lehew pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
“The child victim in this case was extremely courageous to come forward about the horrible acts that this defendant committed years prior,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “That disclosure led to a successful investigation by our partners at the FBI, which has now resulted in the lengthy imprisonment of a dangerous child predator with repeat offenses.”
“A child should feel and be safe in their homes and community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “I hope this sentencing brings some closure to the victims knowing this predator will be in federal prison for a very long time. I want to thank the members of the FBI El Paso’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking task force for their work on this case and their commitment to protecting our most vulnerable population, our children, to ensure justice is served for them.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ian Hanna and Michelle Winters prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Illegally Selling Steroids OnlineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Las Vegas, Nevada, man who made millions of dollars by selling illegal steroids online was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a money-laundering conspiracy.
Michael R. Breitel, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Breitel to forfeit to the government $2,749,363, which represents the proceeds he obtained as a result of his criminal activity, and which will be offset by $403,735 seized from his bank account and the proceeds from the sale of four parcels of real estate in Nevada.
On Oct. 11, 2022, Breitel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Breitel admitted that he and co-defendant Mario Arreola-Soria, 37, of Las Vegas, operated a business known as STACKMEUP from October 2017 through October 2021. STACKMEUP offered various prescription drugs available for purchase without a prescription to customers throughout the United States. Many of the drugs offered for sale were anabolic steroids. Other products available on STACKMEUP are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in humans.
Investigators executed a search warrant at two storage units in Nevada on Nov. 3, 2021, that contained STACKMEUP products. Federal agents seized 2,371,800 units of anabolic steroids with a street value of more than $1.7 million.
Breitel also admitted that he conspired with others to conduct financial transactions that involved the proceeds of the conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids. STACKMEUP customers, who paid for the anabolic steroids and associated drugs with cash or through a number of different peer-to-peer payment processors (such as Venmo, Zelle, Square, Paypal and Google Pay), were instructed to describe the transaction as “Gift” because the payment processors would cancel payments if the real reason for payment was used as the description.
During the course of the illegal anabolic steroid conspiracy, Breitel purchased four real estate properties in Las Vegas, totaling more than $1.2 million, with proceeds from the money laundering conspiracy. All the properties were purchased with cash and without a mortgage.
The federal investigation began when investigators intercepted a package shipped to a bodybuilder, who said he purchased the products from STACKMEUP over Wickr (an encrypted communication application that automatically deletes all messages). The bodybuilder learned of STACKMEUP while at a bodybuilding event in St. Louis, Mo. Agents made seven undercover purchases from STACKMEUP during the investigation. Some of the purchased drugs were tested and, in several instances, the product did not contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient that was claimed or contained different ingredients.
Arreola-Soria was sentenced on May 3, 2023, to three years in federal prison without parole.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Cooper. It was investigated by Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Johnson County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department and the Henderson, Nevada, Police Department.
Justice Department Releases New Tool to Manage Substance Withdrawals in JailsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), one of six program offices within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) today announced the release of Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails: A Tool for Local Government Officials, Jail Administrators, Correctional Officers and Health Care Professionals. This groundbreaking document supports the department’s commitment to increasing access to evidence-based treatment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and those at risk for overdose, including individuals who are incarcerated or reentering their communities.
“These guidelines are a critical and much needed resource to support local government officials, jail administrators, correctional officers and health care professionals faced with the difficult task of managing substance withdrawal in jail settings,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Providing this new, evidence-based tool and treatment guidance, developed by a committee of clinical and correctional experts, will better safeguard the health and well-being of individuals at risk for or experiencing substance withdrawal in jails.”
The high prevalence of SUD among individuals in jail is well-known, both empirically and anecdotally. The number of those in jail who died from drug or alcohol intoxication increased nearly 400% from 2000 to 2019. Less often recognized, but also potentially fatal, is the risk of substance withdrawal complications, such as profound dehydration and aspiration pneumonia due to severe vomiting.
“Jails face a unique and serious challenge managing substance use withdrawal among individuals in their custody, resulting in increased risk of in-custody deaths,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “These guidelines, developed by a committee of experts representing correctional and medical professionals, offer concrete and evidence-based guidance to help jail administrators protect the health and rights of people in their care.”
“For many, incarceration is the first opportunity for substance use disorder diagnosis and treatment. Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails can help jails of all sizes safely manage or prevent withdrawal, which may very well be the first step toward a person’s recovery from a substance use disorder and help avoid a return to incarceration,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore.
“These guidelines are an important tool for corrections and health care staff who often face life-saving situations in their daily work life,” said NIC Acting Director Dr. Alix McLearen. “As a clinician myself, I know the value of services grounded in evidence, and I am thrilled these guidelines are now available to help providers safeguard the well-being of individuals in custody.”
An expert committee of clinicians and jail administrators compiled recommendations, grounded in evidence-based practice, for systematically identifying individuals who are at risk for withdrawal and determining the appropriate level of monitoring and medical care.
“As a member of the expert committee, I can attest to the rigor of the process for developing the guidelines,” said Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Marc Stern of the National Sheriffs’ Association and the American Jail Association. “We recognized, from our collective years of experience, that implementing withdrawal management cannot be a solo effort by jails. Successful implementation of the guidelines requires community involvement, such as establishing partnerships with hospitals and opioid treatment providers.”
BJA and NIC are offering technical assistance and training through Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Abuse Program website to support efforts to implement the guidelines. This webpage serves as a central hub to find relevant resources, submit questions and request TTA tailored to meet individual needs.
Jury Convicts Brothers Who Conducted Pump and Dump Scheme on Company that Sold Home COVID-19 TestsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 22, 2023
SAN DIEGO – A federal jury has convicted brothers Joshua Yafa and Jamie Yafa, both Florida citizens, of participating in a securities fraud pump-and-dump scheme surrounding the publicly-traded stock of two small companies.
The jury found that the Yafa brothers both committed securities fraud by manipulating the market for the stock of Global Wholehealth Partners Corp. and Nunzia Pharmaceutical Corp. According to the evidence presented at trial, the Yafas worked alongside their co-conspirators to artificially inflate the price and volume of these companies’ stocks by controlling the majority of the company’s free-trading shares through concealed nominee accounts, coordinating the company’s press releases with the issuance of penny stock newsletters, paying analysts to write rosy reports about the companies, and using call rooms, all to create a buying frenzy for the stocks among unwitting investors.
The FBI investigated this case through a combination of forensic analysis and sophisticated covert techniques, including the use of an undercover agent and an informant, both of whom gathered evidence through recorded phone conversations and captured email and text messages.
Central to the scheme were penny stock newsletters that the Yafas created and emailed to thousands of investors. In a single six-month period, for example, the Yafas distributed 116 newsletters touting the stock of Global Wholehealth Partners. The newsletters were sent under various publication names, including OTC Tip Reporter, BuzzStocks, marketCALIBER, and Penny Stock Prophet, but the publications often carried virtually the same content, and always predicted tremendous investment returns; this despite the fact that Global Wholehealth Partners was severely underfunded and had made only a handful of sales in its entire existence.
The conspirators focused heavily on touting Global Wholehealth Partners because the company purported to have access to an early COVID-19 testing product that it could sell to consumers. They hoped that creating excitement among investors about the company’s stock based on the pandemic would make their pump-and-dump scheme extremely profitable.
The Yafas were just two of several defendants who were charged. Their co-conspirators, Brian Volmer and Carl Marciniak of Nevada, and Charles Strongo of Calfornia, all previously pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme.
“This verdict should send a clear message: Pump-and-dump and similar market manipulation schemes are serious crimes, and the Department of Justice will continue to hold those who engage in these schemes accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and FBI agents who diligently pursued this matter.
“The FBI remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals like the Yafa brothers who intentionally degrade the integrity of the United States financial markets,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Market manipulation schemes can be devastating for the victims they affect, and we will continue to collaborate with our local, state and federal partners to hold those who perpetrate them accountable.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office expresses its appreciation for assistance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and FINRA’s Criminal Prosecutions Assistance Group.
Joshua and Jamie Yafa are scheduled to be sentenced on September 25, 2023.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21CR1310-WQH
Joshua Yafa Age: 49 Boca Raton, FL
Jamie Yafa Age: 44 Kissimmee, FL
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Securities Fraud – Title 15, U.S.C., Section 78(j)
Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud – Title 18., U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Interstate Identity Thief Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Yonasky Fernandez Rosa (40, Tampa) to 4 years and 3 months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also sentenced Rosa to a consecutive 10-month sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release in a separate fraud case from the Northern District of Ohio. Rosa had pleaded guilty on February 8, 2023.
According to the plea agreement, in 2018, Rosa was convicted of access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in federal court in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving 22 months in prison, Rosa’s supervised release was transferred to the Middle District of Florida, during which he continued to commit identity theft and access device fraud. On April 6, 2021, Rosa used a victim’s personally identifiable information (PII) to purchase gas at a Circle-K in Plant City without the victim’s authorization. The victim told law enforcement that he did not know Rosa, did not authorize the purchase, and did not give Rosa permission to possess his PII.
On June 2, 2021, during a search of Rosa’s residence in the Town N’ Country neighborhood of Tampa, law enforcement officers discovered device-making equipment, including magnetic stripe encoders and skimmers, and hundreds of instances of PII in the form of credit card numbers, cardholder names, and PINs on Rosa’s laptop computer.
“The Secret Service is proud to partner with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Engel of the United States Secret Service – Tampa Field Office. “The results of this investigation are a testament to strong partnerships across the law enforcement community. The Secret Service remains committed to investigating those who engage in crimes that exploit our financial system.”
“I am beyond proud and thankful for the partnership we have with the United States Secret Service, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “There is no doubt that our shared dedication to protecting residents put a stop to Rosa’s inexcusable actions. Thankfully, he will no longer be able to victimize members of our community.”
“In partnership with state and federal law enforcement, our Agricultural Law Enforcement team was able to help bring down this criminal and prevent any further harm to consumers,” said Colonel Lee Adams, Director of FDACS’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement. “This case sends a clear warning signal to criminals who intend to target the residents and visitors of Florida with fraudulent schemes that these crimes are taken seriously and there will be consequences.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDAC) – Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Illinois Man Caught in St. Louis with AR-15 After Police Shooting Sentenced to 8 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Thursday sentenced a convicted felon who was caught with an AR-15-style rifle in St. Louis, Missouri after someone shot at a police officer in Illinois to eight years in prison.
Ryan Fleming, 31, of Belleville, Illinois, was first spotted early in the morning of Sept. 24, 2021 by a Washington Park police officer responding to a call for shots fired. During the resulting pursuit, someone in Fleming’s car fired repeatedly at the officer’s car, court filings say. Less than 90 minutes later, the Hyundai Sonata involved in the shooting was spotted and pursued by Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers. Fleming, who was driving at speeds reaching 100 m.p.h. on Interstate 70, crashed into a concrete barrier while trying to exit in downtown St. Louis. He got out with a Palmetto State Armory PA-15 semi-automatic rifle but dropped it and ran. He was arrested nearby after a foot chase.
Fleming was found guilty by a federal jury in February of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Fleming has prior convictions in Illinois including drug possession and two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The case was investigated by the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.
Illegal possession of firearm sends Billings felon to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings felon who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm after law enforcement found a gun in his vehicle, which had stopped in the middle of the road near Hardin, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Cody Lawrence Big Hair, 32, pleaded guilty in February to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
U.S District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that shortly after midnight on April 23, 2022, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer came upon a pickup truck stopped in the middle of the road near Hardin, in Big Horn County. The officer conducted a wellness check and found Big Hair, the driver and sole occupant, who initially gave a false name and admitted he had been drinking and doing drugs. Big Hair also said he was “trying to kill somebody.” Big Hair was in possession of a .22-caliber bold action rifle, three knives and a pair of brass knuckles. Big Hair had a felony conviction in 2021 in Big Horn County and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
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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Highlands County Man Indicted for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal grand jury in Fort Pierce, Florida has returned an indictment charging Shannima Yuantrell Session, aka Shalamar, 46, of Lake Placid, Fla. with 10 counts of sex trafficking.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2019, Session allegedly trafficked 10 female victims (7 adults and 3 minors). It is alleged that Session recruited his victims through violence and threats, among other things; including offers of drugs, employment, and romantic relationships. Once Session had gained compliance from his victims, he then trafficked them for sex primarily in rural areas of Highlands County for his own profit.
If convicted, Session faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as well as a maximum of lifetime supervised release. Session is being held in custody pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Paul Blackman of Highlands County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
FBI Miami and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Elizabeth Hutson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting it.
An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-14074.
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Hardin felon sentenced to prison for illegal possession of gunRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Hardin man with felony convictions was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after law enforcement found a firearm in a stolen truck he was driving during a pursuit that began near Billings and ended on the Crow Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Casey Wallace Leider, 32, pleaded guilty in February to felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The federal sentence is in addition to a 16-month sentence the Crow Tribal Court imposed on Leider for conviction for conduct from the same incident.
In court documents, the government alleged that in July 2021, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued a stolen Ford F-350 truck driven by Leider from the Lockwood area and onto the Crow Indian Reservation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs authorized the deputies to continue the chase onto the reservation. The pursuit involved police vehicles and a helicopter. The pursuit eventually ended near Pryor when the truck left the roadway and broke down in a field. Law enforcement arrested Leider, who told a deputy that he was high. Inside the truck was a pistol in plain sight. Leider had two felony convictions and was prohibited possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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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Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy Pays $65,000 to Resolve Controlled Substances Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Greene Pharma LLC, dba Greene Medical Arts Pharmacy (Greene Pharma), a pharmacy in Catskill, New York, agreed to pay $65,000 to resolve allegations that it failed to comply with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
During a January 2022 inspection and controlled substance audit, DEA determined that Greene Pharma failed to keep adequate records pertaining to the receipt and disposition of various controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam, methylphenidate, and buprenorphine. Greene Pharma subsequently performed a self-audit of its controlled substance records and was unable to account for 200 oxycodone tablets, 144 buprenorphine films, and 2 buprenorphine tablets, which the pharmacy concluded were likely stolen by an employee who had not been adequately screened before employment. DEA also determined that Greene Pharma failed to maintain records required by the CSA, including pseudoephedrine logs and Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) electronic order forms. This settlement resolves the United States allegations that Greene Pharma caused controlled substances to be distributed without a valid prescription and failed to keep records required by the CSA.
As part of this resolution, and as a condition of maintaining its DEA Certificate of Registration, Greene Pharma also agreed to a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA, which requires the pharmacy to perform employee background checks and maintain complete and accurate records pertaining to the receipt and sale of controlled substances.
This case was investigated by DEA Albany District Office’s Diversion Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran represented the United States in this matter.