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7 October 2022
Leaders of Poly-Drug Distribution Network Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Salvador Barrera, Jr., 27, and Ricardo Jonathan Gomez, 27, both of Charlotte, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler today and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed documents and statements made in court, Barrera and Gomez were leaders of a large drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for the distribution of substantial quantities of narcotics in Charlotte and surrounding areas. According to court documents, over the course of the multi-agency investigation into the DTO, law enforcement seized large quantities of narcotics, including approximately 328 kilograms of cocaine, 26 kilograms of fentanyl, and a kilogram of heroin. In addition to the narcotics, law enforcement seized approximately 60 firearms, 18 high capacity magazines, more than $2.4 million in cash drug proceeds, over $300,000 in jewelry, two residences, ten vehicles, a boat, and two tractor-trailers with hidden compartments for smuggling narcotics.
Barrera and Gomez are currently in federal custody. The drug trafficking charge to which they pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million. A sentencing date for the defendants has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Mint Hill Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Salisbury Police Department, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, the Albemarle Police Department, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Anderson County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Office, and the York County (South Carolina) Drug Enforcement Unit for their coordination and investigation of the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
La Grande Man Faces Federal Charges After Sexually Abusing Two Minors He Met on SnapchatRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A La Grande, Oregon man faces federal charges today after he sexually abused and transported across state lines two minors he met on Snapchat.
Albert Wayne Johnson, 40, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
According to court documents, on August 8, 2022, deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of two minors abandoned at Barton Park in Boring, Oregon. The children told the deputies they met Johnson on Snapchat and that he had driven them from Washington State through Idaho and into Oregon and had sexually abused both repeatedly during the trip. Along the way, Johnson stopped at a motel in Othello, Washington and a campground in La Grande where he continued abusing both children. After arriving in Boring, Johnson left the children at a campsite in Barton Park and never returned.
On August 18, 2022, after receiving information about the abduction and alleged abuse that occurred in Othello, detectives from the Othello Police Department contacted the motel in Othello and obtained surveillance footage showing Johnson with the two children.
On August 30, 2022, officers and deputies from the La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Probation Department, and Umatilla Tribal Police Department located Johnson at his residence in La Grande and arrested him on an outstanding parole violation warrant.
Johnson made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
Coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct are both punishable by up to life in prison with 10-year mandatory minimum sentences per count of conviction.
This case was investigated by FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) with assistance from the Othello Police Department, La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Probation Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Cadotte is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Justice Department Resolves Fair Housing Claims Against Florida Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that Concord Court at Creative Village Partners LTD., Concord Management LTD., related entities and a property manager have agreed to pay $265,000 to resolve allegations that they discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act by imposing unlawful restrictions on minors at an apartment complex in Orlando, Florida. The complex, Amelia Court at Creative Village, is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit development with more than 250 market-rate and affordable units.
Under the consent order, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the defendants will pay $260,000 to residents who were harmed by their practices and a civil penalty to the government to vindicate the public interest. The settlement also requires the defendants to implement nondiscrimination policies and provide fair housing training to employees with management or leasing responsibilities at over 80 residential rental properties they own or operate in Florida.
“Families with children should not be subject to discrimination to access or live in affordable housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to fight for the fair housing rights of families across the country.”
“Discriminatory practices that deny families equal and fair access to housing and all of their available amenities are inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the nation’s fair housing laws are enforced throughout our district.”
“Families with children should not be denied the full use and enjoyment of their home because of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD appreciates its partnership with the Department of Justice and commends the agency for safeguarding the housing rights of all families.”
Amelia Court at Creative Village includes two apartment towers, Concord Court and Amelia Court. The defendants manage both towers and own Concord Court’s residential units. The government’s complaint, also filed today, alleges that the defendants refused to issue building access devices to minor residents, prohibited children from common areas and amenities unless supervised by adults and misrepresented the availability of units in Concord Court to families with children.
The case arose when ten families who resided at the complex filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which determined that the defendants had violated the Fair Housing Act. The matters were referred to the Justice Department, which conducted its own investigation and filed this lawsuit.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at Amelia Court at Creative Village because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then dial 1 for discrimination in housing and 4 to reach the voicemail box for this case).
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, e-mailing the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
Justice Department Resolves Fair Housing Claims Against Florida Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – The Justice Department announced that Concord Court at Creative Village Partners LTD., Concord Management LTD., related entities and a property manager have agreed to pay $265,000 to resolve allegations that they discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act by imposing unlawful restrictions on minors at an apartment complex in Orlando, Florida. The complex, Amelia Court at Creative Village, is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit development with more than 250 market-rate and affordable units.
Under the consent order, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the defendants will pay $260,000 to residents who were harmed by their practices and a civil penalty to the government to vindicate the public interest. The settlement also requires the defendants to implement nondiscrimination policies and provide fair housing training to employees with management or leasing responsibilities at over 80 residential rental properties they own or operate in Florida.
“Families with children should not be subject to discrimination to access or live in affordable housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to fight for the fair housing rights of families across the country.”
“Discriminatory practices that deny families equal and fair access to housing and all of their available amenities are inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the nation’s fair housing laws are enforced throughout our district.”
“Families with children should not be denied the full use and enjoyment of their home because of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD appreciates its partnership with the Department of Justice and commends the agency for safeguarding the housing rights of all families.”
Amelia Court at Creative Village includes two apartment towers, Concord Court and Amelia Court. The defendants manage both towers and own Concord Court’s residential units. The government’s complaint, also filed today, alleges that the defendants refused to issue building access devices to minor residents, prohibited children from common areas and amenities unless supervised by adults and misrepresented the availability of units in Concord Court to families with children.
The case arose when ten families who resided at the complex filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which determined that the defendants had violated the Fair Housing Act. The matters were referred to the Justice Department, which conducted its own investigation and filed this lawsuit.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at Amelia Court at Creative Village because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then dial 1 for discrimination in housing and 4 to reach the voicemail box for this case).
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, e-mailing the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
Jamaica Plain Man Indicted for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Jamaica Plain man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with the May 20, 2022 robbery of a TD Bank in Cambridge.
Jalonni Shabazz, a/k/a Jalonni Tucker, 40, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Shabazz was previously charged by criminal complaint on July 15, 2022.
According to the charging documents, On May 2, 2022, at approximately 12:49 p.m., a suspect wearing a royal blue baseball hat and surgical mask entered the TD Bank on Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. The suspect handed the teller a note that read, “All of the Money - No Dye packs - or alarms,” and then told the teller, “This is a robbery honey.” The man then fled on foot after taking cash from the teller.
During a search of the area surrounding the bank, investigators located a royal blue baseball hat consistent with that worn by the suspect during the robbery. It is alleged that DNA obtained from the strap and interior headband of the hat belonged to Shabazz. In addition, analysis of the bank’s surveillance footage allegedly identified Shabazz’s features – including his tattoos, hair and clothing – to be consistent with that of the suspect.
At the time of the alleged robbery, Shabazz was on supervised release following a 2017 federal conviction for two bank robberies for which he was sentenced to 54 months in prison.
The charge provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release as well as a $250,000 fine. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 4 was:
Evirso Real Ampude,47, of Box Elder, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious charge, Ampude faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Ampude was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-72.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 6 was:
James Cale Allen, 28, of Lame Deer, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, strangulation and assault resulting in bodily injury to partner. If convicted of the most serious charge, Allen faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and a mandatory minimum five years of supervised release. Allen was detained pending further proceedings. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-101.
Appearing on Oct. 4 was:
Julianna Castro, 23, of Billings, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Castro faces a mandatory minimum five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Castro was released pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-14.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Graham, Washington, man pleads guilty to tax fraud and aiding and assisting with false tax returnsRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 53-year-old resident of Graham, Washington, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to tax fraud and aiding and assisting with false tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Philippe Mbowamba faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on January 9, 2023. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than six months in prison with a restitution obligation for Mbowamba of $141,392.
According to the plea agreement, between 2012 and 2019, Mbowamba operated a tax preparation business. An analysis of the returns Mbowamba filed revealed that he had falsely claimed deductions and tax credits on behalf of many of his clients. Most of the clients were immigrants from Africa who were referred to Mbowamba by other members of the immigrant community. Mbowamba, a naturalized U.S. citizen, had originally immigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The immigrants trusted Mbowamba and were unaware of the false information on their tax returns.
In all, the Internal Revenue Service: Criminal Investigation analysis found 22 tax returns where Mbowamba had falsified the credits and deductions.
In addition to false returns for other people, Mbowamba falsified his own return, failing to report more than $56,000 in income for tax year 2014. The tax loss on that one return was $26,531. In total from his own and others’ tax returns the tax loss was $141,392.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the IRS may still level additional civil tax, penalties, and/or interest. Mbowamba has agreed to accept a permanent injunction, barring him from preparing tax returns for anyone other than himself.
“’If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,’ definitely does not apply when it comes to taxes,” said Special Agent in Charge Bret Kressin, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Unfortunately, Mr. Mbowamba decided to learn this lesson the hard way by deliberately cheating on his own tax return as well as by falsifying the returns of his clients. While everyone enjoys the satisfaction of maximizing their tax refund, no one is entitled to cheat, lie, and defraud in order to get more than they are entitled to.”
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service: Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachery Dillon.
Georgia Man Going to Prison for His Role in Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching from El Paso, Texas to BuffaloRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adrian Grier, 47, of Jackson, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that between October 2017 and December 7, 2018, Grier conspired with 11 others to sell cocaine. One of Grier’s co-defendants brokered bulk quantity cocaine to multiple areas in the country including Buffalo, Kentucky, and Georgia. On two occasions, Grier coordinated trips to Kentucky to acquire kilograms of cocaine and was intercepted discussing plans to increase the quantity of cocaine he could obtain in Georgia.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard. Additional assistance was provided by HSI-Louisville; the Kentucky State Police; the Louisville Metro Police; and the Greater Hardin County Drug Task Force.
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Fresno Woman Pleaded Guilty to Two Separate Identity Theft-Related Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Sarah Jo Sumpter, 30, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2020, Sumpter stole mail from a number of locations in California and used the stolen mail to commit multiple identity theft-related fraud schemes. One of these schemes involved Sumpter stealing a victim’s driver’s license and impersonating the victim in order to purchase a vehicle. Another scheme involved Sumpter depositing stolen checks into victim accounts and then withdrawing the money from the accounts without the victim’s consent.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Madera County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Henry Carbajal are prosecuting the case.
Sumpter is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Jan. 20, 2023. Sumpter faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the mail fraud, 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the bank fraud, and a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence for the aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Pills and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Andres Nunez, 25, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl to a person under 21 years old and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in February 2021, Nunez delivered counterfeit M30 pills, laced with fentanyl, to a juvenile. A search warrant was later executed at Nunez’s residence. During the search, law enforcement officers found several firearms, including an automatic handgun, as well as 4 pounds of marijuana that Nunez possessed with intent to distribute.
This case is the product of an investigation by FORT, a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
Nunez is set for sentencing on Jan. 31, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Nunez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of six years in prison, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine up to $2 million. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
Four Luzerne County Men Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gerinardo Rivera, a/k/a “Gerry, age 52, of Plains, Pennsylvania, Ramon Severino Fernandez, a/k/a “Yuca”, age 40, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, Andrew Pope, age 44, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Kevin Davis, age 27, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that between May 2021 and April 2022 in Luzerne County, Rivera, Fernandez, Pope and Davis conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. Rivera, Fernandez and Davis are also charged with possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of methamphetamine on April 22, 2022. Rivera and Fernandez are also charged with distributing quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl on various dates between December 2021 and March 2022. The indictment also alleges that between January 2022 and April 2022, Davis maintained a residence on North Meade Street in Wilkes-Barre for purposes of manufacturing, storing and distributing drugs.
“In addition to a substantial quantity of methamphetamine and other drugs, these defendants are charged with trafficking enough fentanyl to supply more than 16,000 doses on the streets of Wilkes-Barre and other communities in our district, and each dose is a potential overdose death waiting to happen,” said United States Attorney Gerald M. Karam. “This indictment is the product of an ongoing partnership between state and federal law enforcement agencies. With this kind of joint approach, we can bring to bear all available resources to combat drug trafficking in our communities. With the opioid epidemic still raging, and Pennsylvanians still dying of drug overdoses at alarming rates, we will not let up in our efforts to stop this wave of illegal drugs from coming into our state.”
“Today’s indictment holds these defendants accountable for their role in trafficking dangerous drugs into our communities and fueling an epidemic that claims the lives of 14 Pennsylvanians every day. I am grateful for the work of our law enforcement partners in getting drug dealers off our streets and helping to keep our communities safe,” stated Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Attorney General.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Hardik are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.]
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Fort Pierce Federal Judge Orders Prison Time for South Florida Methamphetamine DealersRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Three men from the St. Lucie County and Polk County area, have been sentenced to federal prison terms for trafficking methamphetamine. The men were prosecuted as part of a long-term investigation that led to the seizure of approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 26 firearms (including several semi-automatic rifles), and a bulletproof vest.
Lance Ratterree, 44, was sentenced on October 7, by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, to 130 months’ imprisonment after being convicted of distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Kevin Tergliafera, 42, was sentenced on September 16, by Judge Cannon, to 90 months’ imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Edwin Fernando Fernandez, Jr., 53, was sentenced on September 16, by Judge Cannon, to 56 months’ imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Miami; Robert M. DeWitt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami; Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami; St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara; and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the sentences.
DEA Miami, FBI Miami, ATF Miami, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter prosecuted the case.
The prosecution was part of Operation Blown Gasket, which is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The OCDETF program facilitates complex, joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
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-14013.
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Former Tyngsborough Police Officer Pleads Guilty to National Firearms Act Violations and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Tyngsborough police officer pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to bank fraud and violations of the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Daniel Whitman, 37, of Salisbury, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy; two counts of bank fraud; two counts of making false statements to a bank; one count of possession of an unregistered firearm; one count of conspiracy to violate provisions of the NFA; one count of making a firearm in violation of the NFA; and one count of transferring a firearm in violation of the NFA. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2023. Whitman was arrested and charged in January 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2021.
Whitman was a police officer with the Tyngsborough Police Department and was the owner and principal manager of Hitman Firearms, LLC, a retail gun shop in Tyngsborough. Whitman and co-conspirator Bin Lu sought to build a large indoor shooting range, which would serve regional and international customers, and offer shooting clinics and other services. Whitman and Lu brought in a Chinese investor, who contributed several million dollars to the project. However, in applying for loans from federally insured financial institutions, Whitman hid the true source of their initial funding from the banks and filed false documents in connection with their loan applications.
In addition, Whitman knowingly made, possessed and transferred firearms that had been modified by the addition of stocks and short barrels, resulting in their classification as short-barreled rifles (SBR) under the NFA. These SBRs were not properly registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by the NFA, nor did Whitman pay the applicable taxes or fulfill other requirements under the NFA.
In June 2021, Lu pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 13, 2022.
The bank fraud charges provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The NFA charges provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $10,000. 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.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Boston; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. The Tyngsborough and Westford Police Departments provided special assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia M. Carris, Christine J. Wichers and Evan D. Panich of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Former San Bernardino County Planning Commissioner Agrees to Plead Guilty to Bribery Charge for Corrupt Cannabis Permit SchemeRead the Press Release
INFORMATION (Chavez) PLEA AGREEMENT (Chavez) PLEA AGREEMENT (Pacheco)LOS ANGELES – A former San Bernardino County planning commissioner has agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal charge for funneling bribes through his company to a corrupt Baldwin Park politician in exchange for the politician’s votes and influence over the city’s cannabis permitting process, the Justice Department announced today.
Gabriel Chavez, 65, of Upland, agreed to plead guilty to a one-count criminal information charging him with bribery. Both the information and Chavez’s plea agreement were filed today in United States District Court, and Chavez is expected to enter a guilty plea in the coming weeks.
The politician who solicited the bribes – former Baldwin Park City Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco – pleaded guilty in June 2020 to a federal bribery charge. Federal prosecutors today also unsealed additional portions of Pacheco’s plea agreement in which he admits to bribery schemes involving Chavez and other individuals.
Pacheco was first elected to the Baldwin Park City Council in 1997 and served as mayor pro-tem in 2018. He resigned from the city council in June 2021 and is awaiting sentencing.
Both Chavez and Pacheco have signed plea agreements in which they have agreed to cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation.
According to Chavez’s plea agreement, in June 2017, Baldwin Park began permitting the cultivation, sale and manufacturing of marijuana within its city limits. Soon afterward, Pacheco decided to solicit bribe payments from businesses seeking marijuana development agreements and related permits in the city. In exchange for the illicit payments, Pacheco agreed to use his position in city government to assist the companies with obtaining marijuana permits.
Chavez agreed to act as an intermediary to funnel those bribes to Pacheco by using his Claremont-based internet marketing company, Market Share Media Agency. In exchange for the bribes, Pacheco agreed to vote and use his influence over the city’s permitting process to secure marijuana permits for two companies, identified in court documents as “Marijuana Company 3” and “Marijuana Company 4.”
Pacheco and Chavez agreed that Pacheco would get 60% of the companies’ bribe money while Chavez would retain the remainder as payment primarily for facilitating the bribes.
Chavez obtained bribe payments to pass to Pacheco from an individual identified in court papers as “Person 14,” another public official, who was helping Marijuana Company 4 obtain its marijuana permit. To conceal the true nature of the payments, the bribes Chavez accepted were disguised as consulting payments from Person 14’s consulting company to Market Share Media Agency.
From August 2017 to March 2018, Chavez received at least $125,000 from Marijuana Company 3 and at least $45,000 on behalf of Marijuana Company 4, none of which he reported to the IRS as personal income or as his company’s revenue. Chavez paid Pacheco between $80,000 and $93,000 in cash, out of at least $170,000 collected from both companies.
On multiple occasions, Chavez used coded language in text messages to tell Pacheco that he had cash bribes to pass to him. For example, in January 2018, Chavez sent Pacheco a text message stating, “I’m planning to bring all the documents…,” by which Chavez meant he planned to bring Pacheco cash bribes.
Per Chavez’s agreement with Pacheco, the cash payments were in exchange for Pacheo’s votes on the two companies’ marijuana permits and Pacheco’s help securing the necessary votes from other members of the Baldwin Park City Council.
Pacheco performed his end of the bargain, voting in favor of Marijuana Company 3 and Marijuana Company 4’s cannabis permits, first in December 2017 and later in May 2018.
Chavez further admitted in his plea agreement that Market Share Media Agency won a no-bid, $14,500 contract from the City of Huntington Park signed by Person 14. The no-bid contract represented, in part, further compensation for Chavez in his efforts facilitating the bribe to Pacheco to secure the marijuana permit for Marijuana Company 4 in Baldwin Park. To further secure this permit, Person 14 gave Chavez a $5,000 check made payable to the church associated with the school where Pacheco’s child attended.
Chavez was appointed to the San Bernardino County Planning Commission in June 2018 but resigned in November 2018 after the FBI executed a search warrant at his home.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter.
Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in Los Angeles County is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s tip line at tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas F. Rybarczyk and Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
Former Morris Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN CURLEY, 41, formerly of Morris, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, “Tor,” which is an acronym for “The Onion Router,” is a worldwide network of internet-connected computers that is designed to conceal the true IP addresses of the computers on the network and the identities of the network’s users. In 2020, HSI began investigating Curley for his involvement in an online community of individuals who sent and received child pornography images and videos via a hidden service website that operated on the Tor network. On August 5, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Curley’s former residence in Morris and seized Curley’s desktop computer. Analysis of the seized computer revealed more than one hundred images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Curley was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2020. On May 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.
Curley, who is released on a $150,000 bond and residing in Naugatuck, is required to report to prison on November 30.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Former Louisville, Kentucky, Corrections Officer Convicted of Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Louisville, Kentucky, found Darrell Taylor, 32, a former officer with the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC), guilty of having used unlawful force against a pretrial detainee.
Evidence presented at trial included a video showing the defendant’s assault of the detainee. On the video, the defendant can be seen grabbing the detainee and throwing him to the ground, and then punching the detainee repeatedly in the face and head until he appears to lose consciousness. The officer then lifts the detainee’s limp body and slams him face-first into the ground. At trial, the director of LMDC testified that the force depicted on the video was inconsistent with training provided to every LMDC officer.
The detainee, identified in charging documents only as B.R., did not testify. However, evidence at trial revealed that he suffered serious injury, including a broken and displaced jaw.
“Every person in our nation’s jails and prisons has the right to be free from excessive force by corrections officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.“ With its verdict, the jury makes clear that corrections officers will be held accountable for beating and abusing the people in their custody.”
“I commend the FBI for its investigation of this matter and the prosecutors for their outstanding presentation of the case at trial,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute the unlawful use of force by those charged with providing a safe environment for offenders in their custody.”
“Taylor violated the trust placed in him as a Corrections Officer when he violently attacked B.H. Criminal behavior such as this must be punished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen for the FBI Louisville Field Office. “It is a fundamental part of the FBI's mission to protect the civil rights of all people, including those who are incarcerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to seek justice.”
The defendant will be sentenced on Jan. 25, 2023. The charge on which he was convicted carries a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Bennett and Special Agent in Charge Cohen made the announcement.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Former Louisville, Kentucky, Corrections Officer Convicted of Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal jury in Louisville, Kentucky, found Darrell Taylor, 32, a former officer with the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC), guilty of having used unlawful force against a pretrial detainee.
Evidence presented at trial included a video showing the defendant’s assault of the detainee. On the video, the defendant can be seen grabbing the detainee and throwing him to the ground, and then punching the detainee repeatedly in the face and head until he appears to lose consciousness. The officer then lifts the detainee’s limp body and slams him face-first into the ground. At trial, the director of LMDC testified that the force depicted on the video was inconsistent with training provided to every LMDC officer.
The detainee, identified in charging documents only as B.R., did not testify. However, evidence at trial revealed that he suffered serious injury, including a broken and displaced jaw.
“Every person in our nation’s jails and prisons has the right to be free from excessive force by corrections officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.“ With its verdict, the jury makes clear that corrections officers will be held accountable for beating and abusing the people in their custody.”
“I commend the FBI for its investigation of this matter and the prosecutors for their outstanding presentation of the case at trial,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute the unlawful use of force by those charged with providing a safe environment for offenders in their custody.”
“Taylor violated the trust placed in him as a Corrections Officer when he violently attacked B.H. Criminal behavior such as this must be punished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen for the FBI Louisville Field Office. “It is a fundamental part of the FBI's mission to protect the civil rights of all people, including those who are incarcerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to seek justice.”
The defendant will be sentenced on Jan. 25, 2023. The charge on which he was convicted carries a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Bennett and Special Agent in Charge Cohen made the announcement.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
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Former FBI Special Agent and D.C. Real Estate Developer Found Guilty of BriberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –A former FBI agent and a real estate developer were found guilty by a jury today of federal bribery and conspiracy charges.
The former agent, David Paitsel, 41, and Brian Bailey, 52, a real estate developer formerly based in Washington, D.C., were found guilty following a trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Bailey, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was found guilty of two counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy. First, he was found guilty of giving thousands of dollars in bribes to a program specialist with the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in exchange for confidential, un-redacted Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) offer of sale notices.
TOPA provides tenants living in the District of Columbia with the right to purchase their residence should the owner decide to sell the property. Under TOPA, tenants can re-assign their right to purchase to a third party. TOPA requires the owner (seller) to provide the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development with offer of sale notices before the proposed real estate transaction. The offer of sale notices include, among other things, information not released to the public, such as the names of tenants residing at the property.
As a second part of the scheme, Paitsel and Bailey were both found guilty of one count of bribery and one count of conspiracy. Specifically, Bailey paid Paitsel bribes to look up the contact information of the tenants holding TOPA rights, which he did using a database he had access to as an FBI Agent.
The District of Columbia government employee, Dawne Dorsey, 40, pleaded guilty in June 2019 to a federal bribery charge for related conduct with Bailey.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General.
The trial of the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and John Borchert, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Lisa Abbe and Quiana Dunn-Gordon of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Foreign medical student found guilty in home health fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury in Houston has convicted a 65-year-old Houston resident for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before convicting Abudul Audu Azia Ozigi following a three-day trial
At trial, co-conspirator Margaret Arise testified that she owned numerous home health agencies in the Houston Area. She admitted she hired Ozigi to act in the role of a physician to see patients in their homes.
Ozigi did not have a license to practice medicine in the United States and was also not under the supervision of a physician when he treated patients.
Arise further testified Ozigi visited patients and qualified them for home health, when in fact, they did not need services. In addition, recruiters were paid to provide patient information to bill them for home health services regardless of whether they needed care.
Arise, 63, Missouri City, was previously convicted and is currently pending sentencing.
At trial, Ozigi attempted to convince the jury he had no knowledge of fraud and did not have the intent to defraud Medicare. He testified that he was merely seeing patients for Arise, despite not having any medical license in the United States and without being supervised by a physician.
The jury did not believe defense claims and found Ozigi guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over trial and will set sentenced at a later date. At that time, Ozigi faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Previously released on bond, Ozigi was taken into custody following the conviction today where he will remain pending that hearing.
The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Southwest UPIC Qlarant and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina Ansari and Grace Murphy prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Judith Cardona.
Florida Man Charged with Wire Fraud Scheme to Defraud Former Employer in New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former New Jersey resident was charged with engaging in a fraudulent scheme to misappropriate more than approximately $430,000 belonging to his former New Jersey employer, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Abdelrahman Ahmed-Elkilani, 27, of Miami, Florida, is charged by complaint with two counts of wire fraud. He surrendered to the FBI in Newark yesterday and is scheduled to appear this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2017 through July 2019, Ahmed-Elkilani misappropriated more than $430,000 in funds belonging to his former employer by taking advantage of his role as a marketing manager for the company and his access to other employees’ operator codes, as well as the company’s membership accounts to create and execute multiple false transactions. These transactions enabled Ahmed-Elkilani to misappropriate funds for his own personal use and benefit.
Ahmed-Elkilani misappropriated $417,075in special order merchandise deposits held in the company’s deposit account and caused approximately $275,000 of those funds to be transferred to his personal credit or debit cards. He also misappropriated $13,674 in additional company funds through other fraudulent methods.
Each charge of wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Kozar of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced-October 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the October 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Jacqueline Nicole Carter. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. Carter, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Taurus .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. She is further charged with intentionally possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally, Carter, aided and abetted by another person, knowingly possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-339)
Jeremy Mikal Glazier. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1-3); Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Count 4); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 5); Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion (Counts 6,7); Attempted Obstruction of Sex Trafficking Enforcement (Count 8) (superseding). Glazier, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol on Nov. 29, 2020, a Taurus 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition on Jan. 16, 2021, and a Smith and Wesson 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition on July 26, 2022. He is also charged with possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Glazier is also charged with using violence to force a female victim to engage in sex trafficking from June 30, 2020, to July 26, 2022, and with using violence to force a second female victim to engage in sex trafficking from Sept. 1, 2020, through July 26, 2022. Finally, Glazier is charged with obstructing and attempting to obstruct the investigation into his alleged sex trafficking crimes. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-266)
Michael Lee Iverson. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. From Nov. 9, 2021, to Sept. 21, 2022, Iverson, 67, of Tulsa, failed to register as a sex offender. The U.S. Marshals Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris and Victor A.S. Régal are prosecuting the case. (22-CR-340)
Billy Scott McDonald. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. McDonald, 47, of Tulsa, is charged with sexually abusing a minor under the age of 12 from Aug. 29, 2022, through Sept. 13, 2022. He is further charged with forcing the young child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Finally, he is charged with possessing child pornography. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case. (22-CR-341)
Fernando Paredes-Olivares. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Paredes-Olivares, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been deported on Jan. 12, 2012, at or near New Orleans, Louisiana. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-345)
William Mark Parnell. Kidnapping of a Minor in Indian Country; Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Child Abuse in Indian Country; Corruptly Tampering with Evidence; Theft in Indian Country (Misdemeanor); Simple Assault (Misdemeanor). In June 2021, Parnell, 20, of Jenks, allegedly attempted to kidnap a minor when he forced her into a back room at the convenience store where he was working. The victim was able to break away and run out of the store. In May 2022, he is further alleged to have followed a different girl home, endangering the child, and to have broken into the home with intent to burglarize the home or commit a felony therein. The child fled to a neighbor’s house just prior to Parnell’s entry. While inside, Parnell stole a firearm and items belonging to the child. The indictment alleges Parnell discarded the stolen firearm into a pond to conceal it from law enforcement. Finally, on May 18, 2021, Parnell assaulted a nurse at a hospital where he was receiving treatment. A second nurse recognized him from news reports about the burglaries and contacted authorities. Parnell was arrested at that time. The FBI, Tulsa Police Department, Glenpool Police Department, and the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-178)
Raul Plata-Cibrian. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Plata-Cibrian, 24, of, Tulsa is charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is further charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and with maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing the drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-346)
Ramon Ponce-Sandoval. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ponce-Sandoval, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on May 11, 2019, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-347)
Andrew Don Rector. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. From May 3, 2022, to May 4, 2022, Rector, 32, of Keifer, is alleged to have kidnapped, strangled and sexually assaulted the victim. In this superseding indictment, Rector is also charged with sexually abusing a minor between 12 and 16 years of age from Aug. 15 to Aug. 16, 2020. The FBI and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Childress and Cymetra M. Williams are prosecuting the case. (22-CR-331)
Kenneth Ray Stanley. Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country. On Sept. 13, 2022, Stanley, 37, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled his spouse in front of a child. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-349)
Robert B. White Jr. Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. White Jr., 53, of Broken Arrow, is charged with attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Finally, White is charge with maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. (22-CR-342)
El Departamento de Justicia resuelve reclamaciones bajo de ley de Vivienda Justa contra un complejo de apartamentos en FloridaRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció que Concord Court at Creative Village Partners LTD., Concord Management LTD., entidades asociadas y un administrador de propiedades han acordado pagar $265,000 con el fin de resolver alegaciones que han discriminado contra familias con niños, en violación de la ley de Vivienda Justa, al imponer restricciones ilegales sobre menores de edad en un complejo de apartamentos en Orlando, Florida. El complejo, Amelia Court en Creative Village, es una urbanización para el Programa de Crédito Tributario para Viviendas para Personas de Bajos Ingresos que tiene más de 250 viviendas asequibles y a los tipos del mercado.
Bajo la orden de consentimiento, que todavía deberá ser aprobada por el Tribunal Federal de Distrito para el Distrito Centro de Florida, los demandados pagarán $260,000 a inquilinos que fueron perjudicados por sus prácticas y una sanción civil al Gobierno para reivindicar el interés público. Por otra parte, el acuerdo requiere que los demandados implementen políticas antidiscriminatorias y que capaciten a sus empleados responsables de la administración o el alquiler en las más de 80 propiedades residenciales de alquiler que son de su propiedad o que gestionan en Florida.
“Las familias con niños no deben ser sometidas a discriminación a la hora de acceder a o vivir en una vivienda asequible”, afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El Departamento de Justicia seguirá luchando por los derechos de familias a la vivienda justa por todo el país”.
“Las prácticas discriminatorias que deniegan a las familias un acceso igualitario y justo a la vivienda y a todos sus servicios disponibles son imperdonables”, declaró Roger Handberg, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Centro de Florida. “La Fiscalía Federal seguirá colaborando con sus socios para garantizar que las leyes de vivienda justa de este país se hagan cumplir por todo nuestro distrito”.
“No se les debería denegar a las familias con niños el pleno uso y disfrute de su hogar como resultado de la discriminación”, confirmó Demetria L. McCain, la Secretaria Auxiliar Adjunta Principal de la Oficina de Vivienda Justa y la Igualdad de Oportunidades del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD, por sus siglas en inglés). “HUD aprecia la colaboración del Departamento de Justicia y felicita a la agencia por haber salvaguardado los derechos de vivienda de todas las familias”.
Amelia Court en Creative Village incluye dos torres de apartamentos, Concord Court y Amelia Court. Los demandados administran ambas torres y son dueños de las viviendas residenciales de Concord Court. La demanda del Gobierno, que también se presentó hoy, alega que los demandados se negaron a repartir dispositivos de acceso al edificio a menores de edad, prohibieron la presencia de niños en zonas comunes y las comodidades a no ser que sean supervisados por adultos y mintieron a familias con niños sobre la disponibilidad de viviendas en Concord Court.
El caso salió a la luz después de que diez familias que vivían en el complejo presentaron quejas ante el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE. UU., el cual determinó que los demandados habían vulnerado la ley de Vivienda Justa. El caso fue remitido al Departamento de Justicia, que realizó su propia investigación y entabló este pleito.
Aquellos individuos que creen haber sido discriminados en Amelia Court en Creative Village por tener niños, o si conocen a alguien que lo ha sido, deben enviar un correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a fairhousing@usdoj.gov o dejar un mensaje en 1-833-591-0291 (marque 1 para inglés o 2 para español, y después marque 1 para discriminación en la vivienda y 4 para llegar al buzón de voz para este caso).
La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir la ley federal de Vivienda Justa, la cual prohíbe la discriminación en la vivienda por motivos de situación familiar, raza, color de piel, origen nacional, religión, género o discapacidad. Para más información acerca de la División de Derechos Civiles y las leyes que hace cumplir, vaya a http://www.justice.gov/crt. Las personas pueden reportar incidentes de discriminación en la vivienda llamando a la línea informativa del Departamento de Justicia para discriminación en la vivienda al 1-833-591-0291, enviando un correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a fairhousing@usdoj.gov o completando un informe en línea. También se puede reportar tal discriminación llamando al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano al 1-800-669-9777 o rellenando un formulario de demanda ante el HUD en línea.
Eastern District of Washington Takes Part in Department of Justice’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – The Justice Department has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled maters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. The Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“From the Palouse to the Cascades, and from the small towns to the big cities, respect for our elders is a principle we can all live by in the Eastern District of Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Having safe and strong communities means protecting our seniors, who can be among our most vulnerable – and are often the same people who have protected all of us when we have been vulnerable ourselves.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
The following are examples of recent cases involving fraud perpetrated against older adults in the Eastern District of Washington:
• United States v. Jeffrey Carley, 1:21-cr-010: Defendant Jeffery Carley was an investment broker, who was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for an investment scheme targeting older clients. As part of the scheme Carley stole money from his victims’ retirement accounts;
- United States v. Providence Health & Services, 4:20-cv-05004-SMJ: Two Walla Walla neurosurgeons alleged to have performed medically unnecessary spinal surgeries on elderly Medicare beneficiaries. Providence Health and Services agreed to pay $22.7 million to resolve liability, which is the largest-ever health care fraud settlement in the Eastern District of Washington;
- United States v. David Joseph Osinksi, 2-22-CR-0070-TOR: Osinksi has been indicted and charged with a $345,000 romance-fraud scheme allegedly involving an elderly victim in Spokane, Washington; and
- United States v. Ronald Walter Hannes, 2-22-CR-0085-TOR: Hannes, a registered financial advisor, indicted and charged with a $2.9 million scheme in which he allegedly defrauded a number of investors.
As part of the Eastern District’s elder fraud efforts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. This year, the Eastern District co-hosted, with the Washington State AG’s office, a conference to kick off a working group aimed at bringing together state and federal law enforcement and regulatory partners to combat health care fraud and elder abuse in the Eastern District of Washington. The working group developed and has begun to implement a detailed plan for community engagement and outreach involving state and federal partners, local government, community groups, private health insurers, and health care providers. Additionally, the Eastern District partnered with DEA on Operation Engage, which worked directly with the community, especially pharmacies and pharmacists, to educate and work with the public and health care practitioners to safeguard the community from opioids and prescription medications.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-866 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals, who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PST. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Doctor Admits Criminal HIPAA Scheme for Wrongful Disclosure of Protected Patient Health Information to Pharmaceutical Sales RepresentativeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A former physician with medical practices in New Jersey, New York, and Florida admitted wrongfully disclosing patients’ protected personal health information, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced today.
Frank Alario, 65, of Delray Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty before Judge Robert B. Kugler to conspiring to wrongfully disclose patients’ individually identifiable health information to pharmaceutical sales representative Keith Ritson in violation of the criminal provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2014-16, Ritson was a pharmaceutical sales representative who promoted compound prescription medications and other medications. Compound medications are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compounded drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a physician determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient, such as if a patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredient.
As an outside pharmaceutical sales representative not associated with Alario’s medical practices, Ritson was not permitted to access and obtain the individually identifiable health information and protected health information of Alario’s patients. As part of the scheme, Alario permitted Ritson to have significant access to his office, medical files, and patient information. Alario allowed Ritson to be present in the office both during and outside normal business hours and to have access to areas of the office restricted to staff, including areas with patient files and office computers. Alario permitted Ritson to look up patients’ information in files and on office computers to determine if patients had insurance that covered the compound medications. Ritson then would earmark files in advance so that Alario knew to whom to prescribe the medications. Alario also brought Ritson into patient exam rooms during appointments and gave patients the impression that Ritson was employed by or affiliated with the medical practice, which facilitated and caused the disclosure of confidential health information to Ritson. Ritson would use patients’ confidential information to fill out prescription forms that Alario would authorize, and then Ritson received commissions on those prescriptions.
Alario was previously charged in an indictment alongside Ritson with conspiring to violate HIPAA and other offenses. The charges remain pending against Ritson, who is scheduled to go on trial before Judge Kugler in Camden federal court on Nov. 7, 2022. The charges against him are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Alario faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $50,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2023.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Denney in Newark; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina O. Hud of the Criminal Division and R. David Walk Jr., Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit.
District of South Carolina Takes Part in Department of Justice’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and United States Attorney Adair F. Boroughs announced the results of federal efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, DOJ and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts both nationwide and in South Carolina have been made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, DOJ also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Our older adults deserve protection from those who seek to swindle funds they have spent a lifetime accumulating, and this Office is ready and equipped to provide that protection here in South Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Boroughs. “These crimes are especially heinous because they can rob their victims - who often live on fixed incomes - of not only their life-long savings, but of their dignity. We are proud to join DOJ’s intensified efforts to target those who attempt to perpetrate these schemes.”
From September 2021 to September 2022, DOJ personnel and their law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
In the past year, DOJ has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible to receive money lost through elder fraud scams. Many of these people were victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. One of the most common scams used to prey on elderly victims is the “grandparent scam,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scam.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member, or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Victims are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. Because these scams and others are pervasive, DOJ and the United States Attorney’s Office are committed to raising awareness about these schemes.
In South Carolina, the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted several cases in the past year involving similar scams against elderly South Carolinians. In May, United States District Judge Sherri Lydon sentenced four Jamaican nationals to terms of incarceration ranging from approximately three to five years and ordered them to pay back over $350,000 in fraudulently-obtained proceeds. In that scam, the defendants contacted elderly victims by phone and mail, and falsely told them they had won a sweepstakes. The supposed prizes in these sweepstakes usually consisted of millions of dollars, a new vehicle, or other valuable items. The defendants told the victims they had to pay taxes and fees in order to receive their winnings, and victims mailed the defendants prepaid cards, money orders, cash, and personal checks. At least 67 victims, who were mostly elderly, suffered a loss as part of the scheme. Twenty-five of those victims were more than 80 years old, and several victims were targeted multiple times.
In September, United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced a foreign national to 78 months imprisonment and ordered her to pay back over $405,000 in fraudulently-obtained proceeds for her involvement in a similar scam. At least 175 victims, who were mostly elderly, suffered a loss as part of the scheme. Seventy-three of those victims were more than 80 years old, and several victims were targeted multiple times.
In order to increase public awareness of these scams, the United States Attorney’s Office has partnered with state prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to speak to community groups about the pervasive dangers of elder fraud and abuse. For instance, the office and its partners have hosted “Elder Fraud Bingo” with senior citizens across South Carolina, aimed at educating seniors on how to spot and protect themselves against frauds and scams. Any members of the public interested in arranging a similar event or contacting a member of the United States Attorney’s Office who can speak to these issues, please call the main line at 803-929-3000.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
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District of Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to 2020 Fatal Shooting of Man on Street Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stanley Brown, 29, of Washington, D.C, pleaded guilty today to fatally shooting a man in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Brown pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for an agreed-upon prison sentence of 12 years. The Honorable Milton C. Lee, Jr. scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2023.
A second defendant, Emmanuel Taylor, 39, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, stemming from the investigation into the shooting. His plea, also subject to court approval, calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 36 to 54 months. He also is to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 23, 2020, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Brown approached the victim, Jimmy Beynum, on foot in the 1600 block of F Street NE. Brown shot Mr. Beynum multiple times, and then fled the scene. Mr. Beynum, 37, died on Jan. 29, 2020, as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation determined that Taylor earlier had left his apartment in Southeast Washington with Brown and dropped him off in the area where the shooting took place. When police searched the apartment six days later, Taylor attempted to jump out of the window and then threw a pistol out of the window.
In announcing the pleas, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of the officers, detectives and other personnel who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Sitara Witanachchi, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Puja Bhatia, and Victim/Witness Program Specialist Karina Hernandez. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Seidel and Brian Ganjei, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend More Than 50 TimesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brian Wesley, 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to nine years in prison for breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in Southeast Washington and stabbing her more than 50 times while under the influence of PCP.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Wesley pleaded guilty in July 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one charge of assault with intent to kill. He was sentenced by the Honorable Milton C. Lee Jr.
According to the government’s evidence, Wesley’s ex-girlfriend kicked him out of her home about a week before the stabbing. During that week, Wesley ransacked her apartment and threatened her via text message.
On May 6, 2022, at approximately 2 p.m., Wesley pushed his way into the victim’s apartment and immediately began stabbing her until she was eventually limp and silent on the ground. After he ceased his assault, Wesley walked to the window of a bedroom and jumped from the third-story apartment, breaking his hip and sustaining other head and bodily injuries. Neighbors called 911. Responding officers and emergency medical personnel located the victim limp and bleeding on the stairwell and Wesley unconscious on the sidewalk outside with the bloody knife nearby. The victim was taken to the hospital where she received multiple surgeries and necessary medical procedures.
Wesley was arrested at the scene. He has been detained ever since.
Following his prison sentence, Wesley will be placed on a period of supervised release for three years with conditions including substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, and an order to stay away and not contact the victim.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lu Lan and Paralegal Specialist Brenda Williams.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Horton, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 11-Year Prison Term for Killing Man Inside Southeast Washington Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Rondez Tibbs, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to an 11-year prison term for fatally shooting a man last year at a convenience store in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Tibbs pleaded guilty in June 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to second-degree murder while armed. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon term of 9 ½-to-14 years in prison. The Honorable Maribeth Raffinan accepted the plea and sentenced Tibbs accordingly. Following his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 21, 2021, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Tibbs was in a convenience store in the 2200 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE. The victim, Malcolm Johnson, was also in the store. Tibbs approached Mr. Johnson and attempted to rob him. He attempted to take Mr. Johnson’s black cross body bag from him.
Tibbs held a black handgun with an extended magazine down at his side while Mr. Johnson began reaching for his own gun to defend himself. While Tibbs had Mr. Johnson pinned against the wall, Mr. Johnson grabbed hold of his gun inside the black bag; Tibbs grabbed Mr. Johnson’s hand inside the black bag. A struggle ensued and both men were shot. Mr. Johnson then stumbled out of the store and entered a parked vehicle. Mr. Johnson, 27, was subsequently found unconscious in the parked vehicle a short time later; he was shot in the stomach.
Tibbs was hospitalized after the shooting and arrested.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels and Victim/Witness Specialist Jennifer Clark.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shehzad Akhtar and Peter Roman, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Delaware County Man Sentenced to Thirty Months in Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison.
Matthew Welcher, age 44, of Dundee, received the sentence after an April 19, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Welcher admitted that, on May 24, 2021, he possessed a Savage Axis 6.5 Creedmoor caliber rifle after having been convicted of two felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and while he was subject to a no contact order.
Welcher was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Welcher was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Manchester Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 22-2011.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Convicted Felon Found in Possession of AR-15 Firearm Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Orlando Rishawn Walter, 33, of Cedar Hill, Texas, has been sentenced today in federal court, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Walter to 49 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
Walter was charged in an indictment in December 2020 with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and he pleaded guilty to the charge on May 27, 2022. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 25, 2020 when deputies with the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle. The driver was identified and asked to provide a registration for the vehicle. When the driver opened the passenger door to retrieve the paperwork, the deputy noticed another individual sitting in the passenger seat, who was later identified as Walter. The deputy observed the butt end of a rifle sitting beside Walter and Walter’s left hand on the firearm. Walter was ordered to slowly exit the vehicle with hands raised and as he exited the vehicle, he fled into a nearby cemetery. Deputies were unable to apprehend Walter at the time. Walter’s firearm was retrieved from the vehicle and deputies discovered that it was a loaded AR-15 pistol with a 30-round magazine, with a round in the chamber and the safety was in the off position.
Law enforcement agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that Walter has previous felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled substances (2008) and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (2015), as well as DWI (2017). As such, Walter was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Agents were able to locate Walter and he was arrested and charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath.
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California Man Indicted in Cryptocurrency Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A San Francisco, CA man has been indicted for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
John Khuu, 27, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging him with money laundering conspiracy. Khuu was arraigned in federal court by U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love on Oct. 6, 2022.
According to the indictment, Khuu is alleged to have conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking organization through cryptocurrency. The defendant allegedly distributed counterfeit pharmaceutical pills and other controlled substances on dark web markets to customers across the United States. Customers paid for their purchases by transferring cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin, from their dark web market customer accounts to one of Khuu’s vendor accounts. Khuu and his co-conspirators traded the Bitcoin for U.S. currency and laundered the proceeds through hundreds of transactions and dozens of financial accounts.
During the course of the conspiracy, Khuu and his co-conspirators allegedly laundered more than $5,350,000.00.
On May 18, 2022, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas returned an indictment charging Khuu with conspiracy to commit money laundering. On August 17, 2022, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California returned a two-count indictment charging Khuu with unlawful importation of a controlled substance.
On August 19, 2022, agents arrested Khuu pursuant to both warrants at a residence in Garden Grove, CA.
If convicted, Khuu faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each charge. A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.
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Cahokia Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison on Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Friday sentenced a man from Cahokia, Illinois to 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm on two separate occasions.
Freddie Tilmon, 31, pleaded guilty June 7 to two counts being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that he and his co-defendant, Tishonda Turner, 32, of St. Louis County, went to a St. Louis County gun store on August 8, 2020 and spent $3,984 on three guns, ammunition and accessories. Tilmon told Turner what to buy.
One of the guns, a Glock semiautomatic pistol, was found by authorities when Tilmon was pulled over in Sandy Springs, Georgia on Nov. 21, 2020.
Tilmon was initially indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on March 3, 2021. When the U.S. Marshals found and arrested him on Oct. 14, 2021, a second Glock pistol with an extended magazine was discovered.
In a sentencing memo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kourtney Bell said that on July 28, 2020, an East St. Louis police officer spotted Tilmon with what appeared to be an assault rifle in the driver’s seat of in a car outside of a nightclub. The incident triggered an officer-involved shooting that injured a passenger in Tilmon’s car. Law enforcement later discovered that two pistols found in Tilmon’s car were purchased by Turner at the same gun store as in the August purchase.
Tilmon still faces a federal charge in Georgia of being a felon in possession of a firearm and state charges in Illinois, Bell said in court.
Turner pleaded guilty Feb. 11, 2022 and was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to two counts of making a false statement to a federally-licensed firearms dealer: on July 16, 2020 and again on August 8, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kourtney Bell prosecuted the case.
Buffalo Felon Going to Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Frankie Cook, 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of heroin and 40 grams of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who handled the case, stated that on February 11, 2020, in Erie County Court, Cook was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. On February 26, 2020, Erie County Probation officers went to Cook’s residence on Dartmouth Avenue in Buffalo, for an initial information visit. During the visit, officers discovered what appeared to be a drug preparation station with gloves, masks, and plastic bags in the basement. Officers then searched the basement and found a hidden safe with approximately 240 grams of fentanyl, 156 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a .45 caliber magazine, .45 caliber ammunition, 9mm ammunition, and a stolen loaded 9mm handgun inside.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Probation Department, under the direction of Commissioner Michelle Olszowy; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
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Bruceton Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Carl Goodson Ragsdale, 58, of Bruceton, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 12 years for distribution, possession, and receipt of child pornography. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in October 2018, Tumblr, Inc., a social networking website, reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) a cyper tip about apparent child pornography activity on a blog called "sweetbabygirlsdaddy." Tumblr provided an email address and IP address for the account and disabled the account. The IP address geolocated to Bruceton, Tennessee. To assist with the investigation, NCMEC forwarded the tip to local law enforcement. The Martin Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force contacted the
Federal Bureau of Investigation's Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators identified Carl Goodson Ragsdale, of Bruceton, Tennessee, as the owner and user of the account.FBI special agents interviewed Ragsdale, who admitted that he used the Tumblr account
"sweetbabygirlsdaddy" to receive and post images, including sexually explicit images of prepubescent girls. He admitted that he also used a cloud storage site to receive sexually explicit images of prepubescent children. He told agents that he "constantly" accessed child pornography on the internet and that he thought about sexual intercourse with women and children "all the time."Agents reviewed Ragsdale's cell phone and tablet computer and found over 600 images of child sex abuse and graphic sexually explicit conversations about the children in some of those images of child sex abuse.
United States Attorney Kevin Ritz said: “Thanks to proactive and significant cooperation between our office and local and federal law enforcement partners, this defendant was brought to justice for his abhorrent crimes.”
On May 16, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Ragsdale, charging him with distribution, possession, and receipt of child pornography. He pled guilty to the charges on March 25, 2022.
On October 4, United States Chief District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Ragsdale to 144 months imprisonment, to be followed by lifetime supervised release. Ragsdale must also register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Martin
Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or cherri.green@usdoj.gov. Follow
@WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates
Birmingham Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal jury today convicted a Birmingham man for kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Felix A. Rivera-Esparra.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Patrick Devone Stallworth, 42, after three days of testimony before Chief U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler. Stallworth was convicted of one count of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to kidnap a minor victim arising out of events which occurred in October 2019. The jury further found that the minor victim’s death resulted from the kidnapping. Stallworth faces life in prison.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 12, 2019, Stallworth traveled in a Toyota Sequoia with a co-conspirator to the Tom Brown Village Housing Development located in Birmingham, Alabama and kidnapped 3-year-old Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney. Her body was found 10 days later.
“Today, the jury held the defendant accountable for his actions in victimizing one of the most vulnerable victims in our community, a 3-year-old child. This office remains dedicated to prosecuting those criminals who prey on children,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “Just as the search for the victim involved many of our local, state, and federal partners, the trial this week also would not have been successful without these agencies. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication.”
“While today’s verdict does not take away the pain for Kamille’s family, or the void in their life that they can never fill, they at least know we are one step closer to justice being served on those responsible,” Acting SAC Rivera said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Birmingham Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Chief of the Criminal Division Lloyd C. Peeples and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake Milner and Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case.
Bergen County Man Charged with Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man was arrested for distributing and possessing videos of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Michael Kimmerle, 34, of New Milford, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He appeared Oct. 6, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case:
From August 2021 through August 2022, Kimmerle distributed videos of child sexual abuse via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. During the course of the investigation, an undercover law enforcement officer conducted online sessions using the P2P program, during which a user shared multiple videos of child sexual abuse from an IP address traced to Kimmerle’s address.
Subsequent to a lawful search of his residence, law enforcement officers recovered thumbnail images containing child pornography on Kimmerle’s laptop, including several images derived from one of the video files Kimmerle previously distributed on the P2P program. They also found the P2P program on Kimmerle’s laptop.
The count of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. The count of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Chung of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Travis John Miller, 39, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller admitted to selling approximately 26.94 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at his Beckley residence on October 19, 2021. Miller further admitted to selling quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on October 20 and October 27, 2021.
On October 29, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Miller’s residence and found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and a Hi-Point .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-107.
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Bay Minette Man Sentenced to 151 Months for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Billy Tyler, 47, of Bay Minette, AL, was sentenced to one hundred and fifty-one months in prison for distribution of child pornography. Tyler entered a guilty plea to those offenses on December 17, 2021.
According to court documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, in January 2021, an undercover FBI agent was in a group on Kik, a mobile app, with a person using the username “Mission0101.” Mission0101 was the administrator of the group. Mission0101 was observed by the FBI agent to have distributed five separate child pornography videos of prepubescent females engaged in sexual activity. Billy Tyler was identified as user Mission0101.
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a 151-month sentence of incarceration. The judge also ordered Tyler to serve a twenty-five year term of supervised release upon his discharge from prison. Judge Moorer ordered that Tyler pay $15,000.00 in restitution to his victims and $100 in special assessments. Tyler will be required to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison, and is to have no contact with minors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Kacey Chappelear 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources.
Australian National Sentenced for His Role in International Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Baron Matson (45, Brisbane, Australia) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Matson to pay $4,319,762 in restitution and entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,285,000, which represented proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Matson had pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022.
According to court documents, from approximately fall of 1999 and continuing through early 2000, conspirators Roger Matson, Baron Matson, Gordon Robert Grant, and others, caused a letter proposal to be sent via commercial carrier to persons residing in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states. Within that proposal, conspirator Roger Matson was identified as “Roger Bronstein,” a Specialist Computer Programmer, purportedly working on behalf of his company, Ascot Bloodstock, Inc. Roger Matson’s son, Baron Matson, was identified as “Baron Bronstein.” The proposal included multiple fraudulent assertions, including that:
- Roger Bronstein was a self-made multi-millionaire who had discovered a method, referred to as the Professional Race Organizer (the “P.R.O.”) program, through which he earned great sums of money working approximately 10 hours per week;
- Roger Bronstein owned a private villa on St. Martin, in the Caribbean; and
- Roger Bronstein’s business (the business at the core of the proposal) produced a global income in excess of $1 million per year, of generally tax-free income.
The proposal explained that interested investors would receive a fully paid round-trip airline ticket to St. Martin, where they could meet with “Baron Bronstein,” who personally trained all P.R.O. licensees. The proposal claimed that this exchange would allow for the potential investors to familiarize themselves with the P.R.O. and to assess the consistency and international profitability of the P.R.O., as well as provide an opportunity for interested investors to experience firsthand the lifestyle that P.R.O. was (purportedly) providing for Roger and Baron Bronstein.
The solicited persons were initially offered an “opportunity” to participate in the P.R.O. program based upon a cash investment fee of $45,000, $90,000, or $135,000 plus a royalty fee on any profits from the first five years of operation based upon the level of investment. Shortly after the initial investors had accepted the proposal and paid the up-front licensing fee, they were informed by the person they knew as Baron Bronstein that a new program called the Managed Account program had been initiated. It was explained by Baron Bronstein and other conspirators that the Managed Account program would alleviate the task of operating the P.R.O. and increase the investors’ opportunity for returns. The investors were fraudulently led to believe that the Bronsteins would operate the Managed Account program by pooling the investors= funds and managing the wagering process. The investors were also fraudulently assured that the Managed Account program would allow them to collect a return on their investment of approximately seven to nine percent (7B9%) per month. The promised rate of return was generally based upon each investor’s initial royalty fee arrangement. Ultimately, substantially all the investors elected to participate in the Managed Account program. To lull the investors and to encourage future investments, the conspirators prepared and forwarded to the investors monthly statements that fraudulently reflected the promised monthly earnings.
In the early fall of 2000, the investors were presented with yet a new “opportunity” to invest up to $75,000 each, which, they were fraudulently informed by the conspirators, would be used to place wagers on the Melbourne Cup horse race that would potentially earn them an ample return. The investors were ensured by the conspirators, including Baron Bronstein, that the new $75,000 investment would be “guaranteed” and returned to the investors shortly after the race, regardless of the race’s outcome, and that any profits from the Melbourne Cup transaction would be paid out to the investors shortly thereafter. Believing that their earlier investments were profitable, many investors accepted the new proposition and transferred funds to a bank account in Vanuatu maintained by the conspirators. Shortly after the Melbourne Cup horse race, however, Baron Bronstein and the other conspirators vanished, along with investors’ funds, causing a total loss to the investors of approximately $4.3 million.
The three conspirators were charged in a sealed superseding indictment in December 2005. Grant was apprehended in 2008 and pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy later that year. Baron Matson was arrested in Australia in October 2015, where he was living under the name Jah Baz. He was recently extradited to the United States following protracted litigation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and James A. Muench. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance with the defendant’s extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided critical assistance.
Aurora Man Indicted for Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Jeremy Lavon Tate, age 27, of Aurora, Colorado, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession of a machinegun.
According a previously filed criminal complaint, Tate was arrested at Children’s Hospital in Aurora on September 24, 2022, while in possession of a pistol loaded with a round in the chamber. Aurora police officers took possession of the firearm and noted it to have what appeared to be an auto-convertor switch affixed to the rear of the pistol, which would allow the firearm to operate in a fully automatic capacity. A high-capacity magazine containing an additional 17 rounds was inserted in the firearm. Investigators also learned Tate is a previously convicted felon.
The defendant was arraigned by Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter on October 6, 2022. Judge Neureiter ordered him to be detained.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Aurora Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Case Number: 22-cr-00301
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For more information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr
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Auburn Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Auburn man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to manufacturing more than 50 marijuana plants and possessing more than 50 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
According to court records, on February 27, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Auburn residence of Brian Bilodeau, 38. During the search, agents seized about 180 pounds of marijuana, four firearms, a money-counting machine, a 2016 Lamborghini Huracan, and a 2014 Nissan GT-R.
Agents also searched a warehouse in Auburn used to cultivate marijuana. At this location, agents seized approximately 321 marijuana plants and 181 pounds of marijuana. This marijuana was cultivated by Bilodeau and others.
In rejecting Bilodeau’s earlier argument that he was cultivating marijuana in compliance with Maine’s Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit stated that Bilodeau and others “were knowingly engaged in a large-scale … black-market marijuana operation aimed at supplying marijuana to persons known not to be qualifying patients.” Similarly, the district court noted that “[t]he drug ledgers seized from Bilodeau’s residence indicate a sales operation that extended far beyond patient supply consistent with the MMMP.”
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations investigated the case with assistance from numerous federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
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 October 2022
Wichita Man Indicted for Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
WICHTIA, KAN.– A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with drug trafficking related offenses.
According to court documents, Grant Lubbers, 36, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession with intention to distribute a controlled substance -Fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Lubbers is accused of possessing 40 grams or more of a substance containing a mixture of Fentanyl.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Brandon Grulkowski, 29, of Eureka was indicted on one count of failure to register as a sex offender. The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.
Jeremy Van Ness, 36, of Cheney was indicted on two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Western District of Pennsylvania Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – The Justice Department announced this week the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“My office is committed to ensuring that the elderly and other vulnerable citizens avoid falling victim to financial exploitation,” said U.S Attorney Cindy K. Chung. “In addition to prosecution, prevention is an important component of our work. I encourage citizens of all ages make use of the Department’s resources and educate themselves on how not to fall prey to a scammer.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
This year in the Western District of Pennsylvania, two residents of California were charged in a multi-million-dollar conspiracy to defraud elderly victims by deceiving them into believing their bank accounts had been compromised, and directing them to transfer funds into accounts that had been opened with stolen personally identifying information and were under the control of the defendants. As part of the fraud, one victim in the Western District of Pennsylvania was caused to liquidate retirement accounts exceeding $1.2 million in value. But, as part of the investigation, investigators seized more than $1 million in cryptocurrency that can be remitted to the victims.
Over the past year, the Department also pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Since November 2021, six individuals have been indicted for their role in executing grandparent scams in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. Three of these individuals had targeted Pittsburgh in September 2021 with a grandparent scam that had also been active in New Hampshire. The other three defendants targeted Pittsburgh in February 2022, as well as communities in Tennessee, Georgia, and other locations.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Waterloo Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced today to almost five years in federal prison.
Dorondis Cooper, age 36, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 11, 2022, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the guilty plea, Cooper admitted that, on December 22, 2021, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a HiPoint Model C9, 9mm handgun, as a prohibited person. On December 21, police officers responded to a residence in Waterloo regarding a report of a man with a gun. Cooper had discharged a firearm in the upstairs of the house while intoxicated. After hearing the gunshot, a resident of the house hid four minor children in a bathroom. Cooper then argued with the resident, who was standing between Cooper and the bathroom, while Cooper waved the gun around. Cooper drove off and was arrested when he returned to the house. Waterloo Police officers found the loaded handgun on the front passenger seat of Cooper’s car. Cooper was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted on May 23, 2005, of Ongoing Criminal Conduct and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, both felonies. In that case, Cooper and others shot into an occupied house in Waterloo, killing a woman within.
Cooper was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cooper was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cooper is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa C. Williams and Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2009.
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U.S. Attorney Parker recognizes community & law enforcement in first annual awardsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker announced seven law enforcement and community awards today.
The U.S. Attorney is presenting the awards to individuals or groups nominated for their bravery and sacrifice, law enforcement excellence, focus on violent crime, protection of children and positive impact on their communities.
“Each and every day in the Southern District of Ohio, we have community and law enforcement members working diligently to improve our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “These individuals and groups dedicate their time and talents to bettering our District and they deserve to be recognized.”
The awardees include:
Kaia Grant Badge of Bravery and Sacrifice Award
Deputy U.S. Marshal David Youngless, Jr.
On Dec. 8, 2021, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Southern District of Ohio, Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) conducted a fugitive investigation for an individual wanted by the Columbus Division of Police for robbery.
During the search, the team encountered the fugitive in a bedroom on the second floor of the home. As the officers were taking her into custody, her male companion, who was hiding in a nearby closet, opened fire and shot Deputy United States Marshal David Youngless Jr., the team leader of Columbus SOFAST.
“Deputy Youngless’ professionalism and bravery was evident in the way he stayed in control of the team. Deputy Youngless remained poised and continued to direct the actions of the team while calming both the team and others inside the home,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.
The bullet that struck Deputy Youngless entered through his arm, ricocheted off his spine breaking two vertebrae, and lodged in his chest. Deputy Youngless spent four nights in the hospital before being released.
Law Enforcement Excellence
Sgt. Shawn Gruber (Columbus Division of Police)
Sgt. Gruber led the Zone 2 Summer Safety Initiative in Columbus. During a six-week period, Sgt. Gruber and his team recovered 17 firearms, including an automatic weapon, from numerous known gang members. The seized weapons helped further unsolved homicide investigations.
Sgt. Gruber and his team made 35 felony arrests and seized at least half a kilogram of crack cocaine along with numerous other narcotics.
Project Safe Neighborhood’s Guardian Award
Det. & Task Force Officer Sam Chappell (Columbus Division of Police)
Every firearm recovered in the city of Columbus includes a report that is reviewed by Columbus Division of Police Detective and ATF Task Force Officer Sam Chappell. TFO Chappell then gathers and presents all related information to state and federal prosecutors to determine the most appropriate venue for potential prosecution. Many of the cases TFO Chappell has opened in 2022 are domestic violence related.
One of TFO Chappell’s firearms trafficking cases led to the seizure of 31 firearms from one home that were slated to be sold on open forums to anyone who wanted them.
Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence
Det. & Task Force Officer Brett Peachey (Westerville Division of Police)
Westerville Detective Brett Peachey has been a dedicated Task Force Officer with the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Unit and the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children task force for nearly 14 of his 27 years of law enforcement service.
During his tenure, TFO Peachey has arrested hundreds of child pornography offenders and rescued countless children. He’s stopped numerous dangerous pedophiles through undercover online chat communications and continues to tirelessly pursue the most heinous offenders.
Polaris Community Service Award
Maj. Brian Johns (Dayton Police Department)
Maj. Brian Johns, Commander of the Investigations Division, was awarded the Polaris Community Service Award for his role in an innovative new program aimed at helping youth recover from trauma.
In 2022, the Dayton Police Department organized a special summer program for local youths that have experienced trauma either through being a victim or witness to a crime, or the loss of a parent or close loved one to violence or overdose. The Youth Recovery Outdoor Summer Program featured eight days of outdoor activities throughout the summer months (one day per week over eight weeks), allowing them to find positive ways to deal with stress and loss, learn a new hobby or skill, increase self-confidence, and spend time with other youths going through similar situations.
Maj. Johns was nominated by the Dayton YWCA, writing, “Having the opportunity to connect the youth we serve with a program tailored to their needs and considerate of their challenges – a program that reinforces that they are seen, heard, and valued – is life-changing, and helps to expedite the healing process.”
Five children in the YWCA’s domestic violence shelters participated in this summer’s program.
Serve Thy Neighbor Award
FBI Cincinnati Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association
The FBICCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI that is comprised of graduates from the FBI’s Citizens Academy program who wish to support area law enforcement organizations and give back to the community. In recent years, the nonprofit group has had a positive impact on the community by raising awareness of human trafficking in Southern Ohio.
For the last two years, the group has held a fundraising event to support anti-trafficking programs in our area. More than $6,000 has been donated to End Slavery Cincinnati, Hope House in Dayton, and Out of Darkness in Columbus. This total does not include funds raised at the third annual event that occurred on Oct. 2 at Topgolf in Cincinnati.
The FBICCAAA raised funds to purchase backpacks and supplies that could be given to women served by the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) in Nelsonville, Ohio. SAOP works with survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence in seven southeastern Ohio counties. Members of the FBICCAAA put together 50 survivor backpacks filled with comfort items, toiletries, snacks, and other necessities. SAOP plans to distribute the backpacks throughout Southeast Ohio to sex trafficking victims, many of whom are homeless and have little or nothing of their own.
Serve Thy Neighbor Award
Malissa Thomas-St. Clair (Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children)
Malissa Thomas-St. Clair, the president and founder of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, coordinates a small army of mothers affectionately referred to as Sister Soldiers.
“Tragically, admission to the group is predicated by the most unthinkable act – a mother losing a child to violence,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “Ms. Thomas-St. Clair has taken her own personal loss and turned the pain into a vehicle to advocate for others.”
Ms. Thomas-St. Clair has created a powerful support network for those losing a loved one to violence. These ladies, often dressed in orange and camouflage, tirelessly take to the streets to advocate for violence reduction and improved relations between the police and the community
“Each award recipient in this first annual set of law enforcement awards highlights that we make better, stronger communities when we work together,” added U.S. Attorney Parker. “I’m proud to work alongside such innovative and devoted members of our community, law enforcement and otherwise.”
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s annual law enforcement awards, please contact Law Enforcement Coordinator Mitchell Seckman at 614-469-5715.
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Two men sentenced after selling drugs in Home Depot parking lotRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A local man and Mexican national have been ordered to federal prison following their roles in a conspiracy to distribute 42.5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Frederico Hernandez, 29, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Miguel Angel Cruz-Recio, 44, Laredo, pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Cruz-Recio a sentence of 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. Hernandez was previously sentenced to 40 months. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his incarceration. At the hearings, the court heard evidence including the high amount of drugs found. While imposing the sentences, Judge Marmolejo noted the seriousness of the crime.
At the time of their pleas, both men admitted that on June 7, 2019, they conducted a drug transaction involving 5.5 kilograms of cocaine at a Home Depot parking lot located in Laredo.
Hernandez had left the scene but authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Cruz-Recio was driving. That ultimately led to a brief police chase that ended as he crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole. He attempted to flee on foot, but was soon apprehended.
Authorities later discovered an additional 37 kilograms of cocaine and a handgun at Cruz-Recio’s residence. Law enforcement apprehended Hernandez as he attempted to apply for entry into Laredo from Mexico at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge.
Hernandez and Cruz-Recio have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Tulsa, Oklahoma man was sentenced today to 100 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, detectives with the Benton County Drug Unit and 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force received information that Jeremy Burns Dodson, age 43, was distributing heroin in the Northwest Arkansas area. Beginning in the month of November of 2020, detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Dodson.
The heroin purchased was tested by the Arkansas State Crime laboratory and was confirmed to be heroin.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Benton County Drug Unit and the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Charged After Attacking a Church Employee and Throwing Two Molotov Cocktails at the ChurchRead the Press Release
UPDATE
The defendant in this case, Daniel Christopher Edwards, is found not guilty only by reason of insanity of the crimes charged in the Superseding Indictment. Edwards is hereby committed to the custody of the Attorney General for placement in a suitable facility until he is eligible for release, pursuant to statute.
A Tulsa man who allegedly attacked a church employee then threw two Molotov cocktails at Holy Family Cathedral Church in Tulsa has been charged in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Daniel Christopher Edwards was charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered incendiary bomb.
According to the Criminal Complaint, on the afternoon of Oct. 5, 2022, first responders were called about the incident and arrived at the church, located at 820 S. Boulder Avenue in Tulsa. A church employee was found with defensive laceration wounds in the basement of the Holy Family Classical School and was transported to a hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. Tulsa police and ATF personnel then retrieved surveillance video from the church that captured the attack.
The video showed Edwards bringing a red and white cooler into a breezeway on the side of the church. The church employee made initial contact with the Edwards who then allegedly pulled a sword from inside his clothing and began attacking the employee the weapon. The victim fled back into the church.
The video showed Edwards walking back to the cooler and pulling a glass object from it. He then allegedly lit a piece of fabric, which functioned as a wick, on fire. This type of device is commonly referred to as a Molotov cocktail. After lighting the suspected Molotov cocktail on fire, Edwards then threw it at the church’s exterior wall. When it hit the wall, the Molotov cocktail ignited. He subsequently lit another suspected Molotov cocktail and threw it toward the church. Edwards then left the scene, leaving behind the cooler which also caught fire.
Law enforcement later located and apprehended Edwards at a Reasor’s grocery store located on Sheridan Road in Tulsa.
This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, where the Complaint is currently pending. A Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Tijuana Man Pleads Guilty to “Double-Broker” Scheme Targeting San Diego TruckersRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Joseph Green (619) 546-6955
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 6, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Tijuana resident Alexis Castillo Padilla pleaded guilty in federal court today to criminal charges stemming from his scheme to defraud interstate carriers and brokers operating in the trucking industry.
According to his plea agreement, Padilla conducted what is known as a “double-broker” scheme. As a part of the scheme, Padilla stole the identity of a Spring Valley interstate carrier and agreed to make deliveries using the company’s stolen identity. Then, rather than delivering the loads, Padilla posed as a shipper and re-brokered the same loads to other carriers who delivered the freight. Padilla then collected the payments for the completed deliveries but did not pay the carriers who actually delivered the loads and were unaware that Padilla was running a double-broker scheme. Padilla orchestrated most of the scheme from Tijuana, Mexico.
Padilla pleaded guilty to these charges following his extradition to the United States from Italy. Padilla was arrested in Italy and extradited to the United States on May 27, 2022. As a part of his plea agreement, Padilla has agreed to pay restitution to his victims, estimated to be at least $239,904.
“Padilla used deceit and deception to defraud freight brokers and interstate carriers trying to make an honest living moving goods throughout the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “He will now be held to account for his crimes even though they were committed from outside the United States.” Grossman commended the prosecution team as well as the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General agents for investigating and prosecuting this case.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to detecting and pursuing those who engage in egregious acts of fraud that negatively affect both businesses and consumers,” said Andrea M. Kropf, Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region. “We are proud of our work with our prosecutorial partners in putting an end to this very complex ‘double-broker’ scheme.”
Padilla is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Houston on December 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston.
DEFENDANT Case Number 19CR1611-JAH
Alexis Castillo Padilla Age 45 Tijuana, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Counts 1-4: Wire Fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1343
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Delivering Contraband to Prison via DroneRead the Press Release
A Smithville man plead guilty Wednesday to flying a drone loaded with drugs and other contraband into prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Bryant LeRay Henderson, 42, was charged via criminal complaint in August. Yesterday, he pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging one count of attempt to provide contraband to a prisoner before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton.
“Contraband drone deliveries are quickly becoming the bane of prison officials’ existence. Illicit goods pose a threat to guards and inmates alike – and when it comes to cell phones, the threat often extends outside prison walls. We are determined to stop this trend in its tracks,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham.
“The criminal element will always take advantage of new opportunities for illegal activity as technology progresses,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “In this instance, excellent collaborative investigation among federal and local agencies led to federal charges and prevented contraband from entering the federal prison system.”
In plea papers, Mr. Henderson admitted to flying a drone loaded with contraband – including methamphetamine, THC, tobacco, cell phones, and mp3 players – into the airspace of FMC Fort Worth, a federal correctional center in the south part of the city. He admitted he knew the drone was carrying prohibited items and that he piloted it.
According to court documents, the drone, DJI inspire, crashed inside a secure, fenced-in yard near the prison’s HVAC shop, where staff recovered it.
Law enforcement pulled surveillance video from a nearby high school and observed a Mr. Henderson drive up in a red Chevy Taho, remove a drone and a package from the vehicle, launch the drone towards the prison, and then drive off.
Shortly thereafter, they recovered the Chevy, where they found a DJI drone controller, various drone accessories (rechargeable batteries, a propeller box, and dropping mechanisms), and 18 smartphones.
They powered on the controller recovered from the car next to the drone recovered from the prison yard. The devices immediately paired.
From the drone, investigators recovered 70 usable flight logs, which included date/time stamps as well as speed, height, and location data. They identified four flights that intruded into FMC Fort Worth’s airspace, and another two that intruded into airspace over FCI Seagoville, another federal correctional center southeast of Dallas.
Law enforcement then queried Mr. Henderson’s cell records and found that the phone was near FMC Fort Worth around the time of the drone cash, and near FCI Seagoville near the time of the drone’s flight into the prison’s airspace.
The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General queried the FAA’s database and reported that Mr. Henderson did not possess an airman’s certification, and that the drone in question was registered to another owner who cancelled his registration in August 2018. FAA records confirmed that the federal correctional institutions were restricted flight areas.
Mr. Henderson now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Drone delivery of contraband is an increasingly vexing problem for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and state corrections officials. Just last month, a 44-year-old Houston man was charged in the Eastern District of Texas for allegedly operating a drone over FCI Beaumont in east Texas. In April, a 30-year-old former inmate pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle phones and tobacco into FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. And last fall, three Atlanta men were sentenced to a year each in federal prison for using drones to smuggle contraband into Telfair State Prison in Georgia.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Fort Worth Resident Agency, the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Staff, and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting the case.