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1 July 2022
Wayne County Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine. On March 22, 2022, Steven Eugene Patrick pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, in March 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and Goldsboro Police Department began investigating Patrick and others in connection with the distribution of methamphetamine in and around Goldsboro. At the time of the investigation, Patrick, who has 17 criminal convictions during the last 34 years, was on state post-release supervision which required him to wear an ankle monitor and stay in the immediate proximity of his residence. On March 4, 2021, law enforcement was able to conduct a controlled purchase of more than 50 grams of crystal methamphetamine from Patrick. Because Patrick’s ankle monitor required him to stay close to his house, the drug sale occurred in the street just outside his home.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Goldsboro Police Department and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis M. Duffy prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00351-M-1.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Postal Worker DayRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office is observing National Postal Worker Day by recognizing the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), including those with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) who investigate crimes related to the mails.
“As we all know, the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service work rain, sleet, or shine to ensure the U.S. mail system continues to function. Their work is critical and, as we have seen in our own district with the senseless murder of Irene Pressley, can also be dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis. “I also want to thank our law enforcement partners within the USPS. These agents vigorously investigate crimes related to the mails - which include fraud, violence, and drug crimes - and protect the people of South Carolina and throughout the country.”
“The U.S. Postal Service serves 163.1 million addresses in the country — covering every state, city and town,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to enforcing the laws that defend the nation’s mail system from illegal and dangerous use, persevering the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and most importantly, providing a safe environment for Postal employees and the American Public. We value our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina for supporting our mission and all the employees of the U.S. Postal Service across the country.”
Here in South Carolina, 6,798 postal employees from 415 postal facilities work hard every day to deliver letters and parcels to nearly every residence and business in South Carolina. This includes correspondence from loved ones, shipping orders, and important business documents.
As the agencies who police this system, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigates crimes relating to the mails, while the USPS OIG focuses on internal USPS cases and fraud against USPS.
In September of 2019, the U.S. Postal Service lost one of their own, Ms. Irene Pressley, 64. Ms. Pressley was brutally murdered while delivering mail on her route near Andrews. Postal Inspectors from South Carolina and all over the nation converged to Williamsburg County to investigate her murder and bring her killers to justice. The trial for the remaining defendants in that case is scheduled for October of this year.
Together, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the USPS’s law enforcement components have investigated and prosecuted numerous other crimes, including recent investigations leading to multiple arrests in armed robbery and burglary cases here in Columbia, the destruction of postal facilities, financial scams, and major drug trafficking operations.
South Carolina is safer because of the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG. As America heads into its annual celebration of Independence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office especially thanks all the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service for the work they do for this country.
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Two Women Charged with Wire Fraud for Stealing Millions in COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Two women have been charged with engaging in fraud schemes to steal millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, beginning in June 2020, Tequisha Solomon, 39, of Las Vegas, and Takara Hughes, 35, of Maplewood, defrauded California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) and Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and other state agencies, by submitting fraudulent claims and applications for unemployment benefits that were authorized to provide relief to the American workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, while Solomon and Hughes resided in Nevada or Minnesota, they falsely claimed that they resided in Los Angeles or San Diego and worked as hairstylists in California. As a result, California’s EDD paid Solomon at least $37,000 and Hughes at least $46,000 in unemployment benefits.
According to court documents, Solomon and Hughes also fraudulently applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) small business loans, falsely claiming that they owned cleaning service businesses. As part of their fraud scheme, Solomon and Hughes submitted numerous fraudulent claims on behalf of other people and charged a fee for submitting those claims. In total, as a direct result of the material falsehoods and omissions, Solomon caused the United States and multiple state agencies to pay out at least $4.1 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits and EIDL and PPP small business loan proceeds. Hughes is responsible for at least $1.2 million in fraudulent benefits and loan proceeds.
Solomon is charged with six counts of wire fraud. In a separate indictment, Hughes is charged with five counts of wire fraud. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung on July 15, 2022.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the St. Paul Police Department and the California Employment Development Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew S. Ebert is prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tifton Bartender Pleads Guilty for Distributing Meth, Fentanyl from L.A. to South Central GeorgiaRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Tifton man who was working as a bartender while brokering large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pleaded guilty to distribution.
Edgar Fernando Neri aka Colocho, 21, of Tifton, Georgia pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine before U.S. Senior District Judge Hugh Lawson on June 21. Neri faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant was attempting to move large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into a small South Central Georgia community; discussions of trafficking firearms, a rocket launcher and body armor also occurred, further illustrating the violent criminal element surrounding the illegal distribution of drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are working with law enforcement at every level to hold individuals accountable for those crimes which most affect the safety and security of our region.”
“A large amount of illegal drugs was taken off the streets of South Central Georgia. We will continue to dedicate resources to investigating drug activity to make our communities safer. Thank you to our federal partners for being a force multiplier when it comes to successfully investigating and prosecuting these types of cases,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
“This defendant posed a clear and present danger to the Tifton community by dealing in dangerous drugs, including discussions of firearms trafficking,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division. “Thanks to collaborative partnerships between the DEA and its law enforcement partners, this defendant no longer poses a threat to Tifton and elsewhere.”
According to court documents, GBI agents developed a confidential source (CS) in late August 2021 who had information regarding the distribution of methamphetamine in Tifton (Tift County). The CS had been purchasing from a local bartender known as "Colocho" who was wanting the CS to purchase larger amounts of drugs that would come from a source in Los Angeles. During the course of the investigation, Neri discussed moving pounds of methamphetamine, multiple kilos of cocaine, as well as the purchase of body armor, rifles, a rocket launcher and rockets with his supplier in California.
Multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from Neri and Neri arranged for shipments of more methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, also referred to as “Percocet,” from the source. Packages containing three pounds of methamphetamine and 1,990 blue fentanyl pills were sent from Neri’s source in L.A. to Tifton in Oct. 2021; Neri was taken into custody on Oct. 19, 2021. Neri is being held responsible for distributing 1,290.93 grams of actual methamphetamine based on the high level of purity of the methamphetamine involved and 1,990 pills containing fentanyl and weighing 205.92 grams.
The case was investigated by DEA, GBI and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case.
Three Found Guilty in Human Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – This week, a federal jury sitting in Del Rio convicted three defendants of one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, both in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324, as well as one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roberto Galeas-Mejia, 45, from Honduras who resided in San Antonio; Eva Maria Galeas, aka Eva Huerta-Galeas, 42, of San Antonio; and Lisa Maria Ortega, 24, of San Antonio, conspired together to run a human alien smuggling operation (ASO) and to launder the monetary proceeds of their unlawful activities. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents linked at least 28 events of transporting and harboring undocumented non-citizens to this ASO and arrested over 200 non-citizens who were smuggled by the ASO. In addition, HSI seized $603,593 in ASO proceeds from the residence of Roberto Galeas-Mejia. All are scheduled for sentencing on January 25, 2023.
Co-defendants Sandra Galeas-Mejia, 46, of San Antonio and Norma Galeas-Mejia, 50, of Houston, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. Sandra Galeas is scheduled for sentencing on August 30, 2022. Norma Galeas is scheduled for sentencing on September 28, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rex Beasley, Antonio Franco and Holly Pavlinski are prosecuting the case.
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Texas man charged with two bank robberies in ClovisRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that James Edward Robinson, Jr., was charged by criminal complaint with two counts of bank robbery. Robinson, 50, made an initial appearance in federal court today and will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing.
According to a criminal complaint, on June 17, Robinson allegedly entered the Washington Federal Bank on North Prince Street in Clovis, New Mexico, and waited for an open teller station. Robinson allegedly approached a teller, handed her a grocery bag and demanded she put all the money from her station in the bag. Robinson then allegedly demanded that the teller take the bag to another teller, and demanded that the second teller put all the money from her station in the bag as well. After collecting the money, Robinson allegedly fled the bank.
On June 27, Robinson allegedly entered the US Bank on North Prince Street. Robinson allegedly approached a teller and handed her a bag for the money from her station. After taking the money, Robinson allegedly left the bank and entered a vehicle parked at another business nearby.
Clovis Police later identified and arrested Robinson.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Robinson faces up to 20 years in prison.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Clovis Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tavo Hall is prosecuting the case.
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Tacoma woman pleads guilty to wire fraud for stealing more than $600,000 from friends and acquaintancesRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 40-year-old Tacoma woman pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one count of wire fraud for a scheme to defraud various friends and acquaintances, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Sabrina Taylor admitted to lying about her health, employment status, and her education to steal more than $600,000 from people who had offered to help her. Taylor will be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on October 7, 2022.
Starting in 2013, and continuing into July 2019 and beyond, Taylor convinced various people to provide her with large amounts of money by claiming that she needed to purchase medicine for multiple sclerosis, pay her tuition for the University of Washington, or bail her brother out of jail. In fact, Taylor did not have multiple sclerosis, was not paying tuition to U.W., and did not have a brother in jail. Rather, Taylor used a substantial portion of the defrauded funds to pay for luxuries such as almost $60,000 for multiple trips to Japan and Korea, nearly $38,000 for online purchases from Amazon and Etsy, more than $29,000 for clothing, and nearly $16,000 for make-up.
Taylor also made false claims about how she was planning to repay loans, lying about her employment, a litigation settlement from a local bank, and funds she expected to receive from her parents.
Taylor met some of the people she defrauded online, using shared interests such as Japanese anime, comic books, or video games to establish a relationship. Taylor admitted to stealing over $550,000 from one victim.
Prosecutors agreed to recommend no more than 27 months in prison for Taylor. However, Chief Judge Martinez is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence up to the statutory maximum 20 years after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Taylor will also pay restitution to her victims for the money she stole.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Silvio.
Swansea Man Arrested for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Swansea man has been arrested on child pornography charges.
Todd Miozza, 51, was charged with possession of child pornography. Miozza was arrested on June 29, 2022 and, following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, Miozza was detained pending a detention hearing which is scheduled for July 5, 2022.
“My number one priority as U.S. Attorney is to keep the people of Massachusetts healthy and safe,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Child pornography is not a victimless crime. Although a person who views child sexual abuse material may never meet the children depicted in the imagery, a child was harmed to produce each image and each view and image exacerbates that harm. Some of the images in this case allegedly involve infants. We will dedicate every resource necessary to protect children.”
“Miozza stands accused of the same crime of which he was convicted of two decades ago—possession of child pornography. These materials document the abuse and exploitation of children, a horrific violation that inflicts untold harm on the most vulnerable. Homeland Security Investigations is committed to investigating those who possess child sexual abuse materials as part of our ongoing mission to prevent and protect the public from crimes of exploitation,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations, New England.
According to the charging document, law enforcement received information that Miozza had shared child pornography over the internet using a social media platform. During a search of Miozza’s residence yesterday morning, his iPhone and laptop were seized and found to contain child sexual abuse material – including videos depicting infants.
Miozza was previously convicted of possession of child pornography in the District of Massachusetts in 2002.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The charge of possession of child pornography by a person previously convicted of a child pornography offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, HSI SAC Millhollin and Swansea Police Chief Marc Haslam made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sulphur Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Justin M. Marks, 35, of Sulphur, Louisiana, has been sentenced for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Marks to 43 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to information presented to the court, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call involving the shooting of a canine on October 13, 2020. Deputies arrived at the residence and observed a dog with a gunshot wound to the upper chest. Witnesses were interviewed at the scene by deputies, and they approached the residence and made contact with Marks. After being advised of his Miranda warning, Marks agreed to speak with the deputies and admitted to shooting his neighbor’s dog. He produced the firearm that was used, and it was seized by law enforcement officers.
Marks admitted that he knew as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He has prior felony convictions for simple arson, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, and simple damage to property in 2008; and possession of methamphetamine in 2021.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Craig R. Bordelon.
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Statement from U.S. Attorney Shier Regarding Floyd County ShootingRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky is aware of the Floyd County shooting incident involving law enforcement, which occurred late yesterday and into the early morning hours of today. As the investigation of this incident progresses, we stand with our local and state law enforcement partners. We are offering our support and our federal resources to assist them in their investigation of this shooting. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event, especially the family members, friends, and colleagues of the law enforcement and first responders lost or injured.
St. Louis man admits committing two carjackingsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis man on Friday admitted committing two separate armed carjackings, including one that victimized a woman in her 70s.
Andre Whitfield, 32, stole a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix at gunpoint on April 21, 2020, from a woman who had given him a ride.
On May 13, 2020, Whitfield took a 2010 Toyota Corolla from a woman in her 70s. The woman’s purse, which contained $700, was in the vehicle when it was stolen. Police later spotted the car, and Whitfield crashed after a high-speed chase.
Police found an AR-15 rifle and a .45-caliber pistol in the car.
Whitfield pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of carjacking and two counts of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. At his sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 7, he faces at least 14 years in prison, as each gun charge carries a mandatory seven-year sentence consecutive to his other crimes. The carjacking charges are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
At the time of the carjackings, Whitfield was on supervised release from a 2011 gun case.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the Hillsdale Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case.
Springdale Man Sentenced to over 27 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Springdale man was sentenced yesterday to 330 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $10,000.00 in fines on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
“The increase in violent crime in the Western District of Arkansas is directly tied to dangerous drug traffickers who use firearms in furtherance of their drug distribution,” said United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes. “Our office is determined to reduce violent crime in the Western District of Arkansas by using Project Safe Neighborhoods and OCDETF to target violent drug traffickers with lengthy criminal records. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute these dangerous criminals who distribute drugs in our communities and who use firearms and threaten violence to advance their distribution activities.”
According to court documents, In October 2018, the FBI initiated an investigation into Antonio Hernandez, age 36, while he was incarcerated in the Arkansas Department of Correction, Varner Supermax. The investigation revealed that Hernandez was utilizing a contraband cell phone to operate a drug trafficking organization, which was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine into Northwest Arkansas from the Mexican border. Hernandez was released from the Department of Correction in September of 2021.
On October 18, 2021, while conducting surveillance, detectives with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force observed a known vehicle frequently used by Hernandez leave an apartment complex near his residence. Detectives visually confirmed Hernandez to be the driver of the vehicle. Detectives followed and made contact with Hernandez as he exited the vehicle. Detectives approached and identified themselves as police. During the contact with Hernandez, he was asked if he had any weapons on his person. Hernandez advised he had a gun in his waistband. As one of the detectives was removing the firearm, Hernandez stated, "I've got something else in my pocket." As the detective reached into his pocket to remove some flex-cuffs, Hernandez darted to his left and attempted to flee. He broke free momentarily, but detectives were able to quickly regain control. Hernandez was detained in handcuffs and subsequently searched.
A search of Hernandez's vehicle was conducted. During the search detectives located a backpack containing a box of ammunition and two baggies containing a distribution amount of methamphetamine. In addition, a second loaded magazine for the firearm Hernandez had on his person was found under the driver's seat. In a post-Miranda interview Hernandez advised the detective he had the firearm "for protection."
Hernandez was arrested and taken to the Washington County Detention Center where he has been detained. According to court documents, Hernandez continued to operate his drug trafficking organization from the detention center by using the jail’s phone system.
In addition to the firearm, the United States District Court also held Hernandez accountable for the distribution of 30 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This effort is also 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.
South Georgia physician admits participating in conspiracy to illegally distribute drugsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Coffee County physician and two of his employees have admitted participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed massive amounts of addictive controlled substances from a pain management clinic.
Dr. Wallace Steven Anderson, 68, of Douglas, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Unlawfully Distribute and Dispense Schedule IV Controlled Substances, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The plea subjects Anderson to up to five years in prison followed by at least one year of supervised release and substantial financial penalties.
“Our office remains committed to fighting the opioid crisis that has afflicted far too many people in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to bring to justice those like Dr. Anderson who use their positions as medical professionals to illegally distribute dangerous and addictive drugs.”
Anderson is the owner of Steve Anderson, PC, and Steve Anderson Behavioral Health, both located in Douglas, Ga. In pleading guilty, Anderson admits that from Feb. 1, 2016, to Sept. 30, 2020, his nominal pain management and addiction facilities distributed alprazolam, temazepam, and clonazepam “not for legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice” by providing pre-signed refill prescriptions prior to patient examinations.
Two employees at the clinics, Bridgett Stephanie Taylor, 55, of Broxton, Ga., a Nurse Practitioner who worked under Anderson, and Wandle Keith Butler, 57, of Douglas, a Physician Assistant who worked under Anderson, also await sentencing after previously pleading guilty in the conspiracy.
“Americans rely on physicians and other healthcare providers to help their patients and to ‘do no harm.’ This pill-peddling physician and his co-conspirators violated the law and betrayed the responsibilities of their profession by unlawfully dispensing highly-addictive controlled substances,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The law enforcement community is committed to stopping unscrupulous medical professionals from harming patients.”
The case was investigated under the 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.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Savannah Resident Office; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations; the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General; and the Jeff Davis County Sheriff's Office; and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew A. Josephson and Bradford C. Patrick.
Selma Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Converted MachinegunRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Selma man was sentenced to seven years in prison for being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a pistol equipped with a machinegun-conversion device.
According to court documents, Danny Jermaine Walker, 32, was arrested in August 2019 after leading Selma police on a high-speed chase on U.S. Highway 80 East. Police had clocked Walker’s car traveling 98 mph in a 55-mph zone. Officers attempted to pull Walker over for speeding, but he refused to stop. During the ensuing chase, Walker swerved and sideswiped another car, causing it to crash. Walker eventually stopped his car and officers approached to arrest him. Walker appeared to be under the influence, was slow to obey verbal commands, and did not get out of his car when ordered to do so. Officers eventually pulled Walker out of the car and took him into custody.
On the driver’s-side floorboard of Walker’s car, officers recovered a loaded Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine and a machinegun-conversion device called a Glock “switch.” Police also found a clear bag containing 29.8 grams of suspected ecstasy pills and a box of .40-caliber ammunition in the car. Federal agents test-fired the pistol and determined that with the “switch” installed, the pistol was an illegal automatic machinegun under federal law.
Walker was previously convicted of felony manslaughter, second-degree assault, discharging a gun into an occupied building, and attempted burglary. His prior felony convictions rendered his possession of the pistol illegal under federal law. Walker was released on parole in 2019 and was on parole at the time of his arrest in August 2019.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Selma Police Department investigated the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday, a San Antonio man was sentenced to 230 months in prison for receipt of child pornography by U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Louis Anthony Soucie, 59. During the search, digital devices were recovered that contained 48 videos and 580 images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
“At sentencing, Soucie never mentioned remorse for his actions, commenting instead on the new start he would get in prison,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan. “Judge Pulliam rightfully reminded everyone that Soucie’s victims don’t get a chance for a new start. It is my hope that his sentence will bring some semblance of justice to his victims.”
“This sentence is fitting of the heinous crime that is child exploitation,” said Craig S. Larrabee, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI, San Antonio. “HSI will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that these predators feel the full weight of the law.”
On March 22, 2022, Soucie pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Soucie will be on a lifetime of supervision once he completes his prison term.
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Rutland Woman Charged with Making False Statements to a Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Morgan Gates, 27, of Rutland, Vermont, was arrested yesterday after making false statements to a federal firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of a firearm. Gates is scheduled to make her first court appearance on July 5, 2022 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.
According to documents in the case, including the criminal complaint charging Gates, on June 29, 2022, Gates attempted to purchase a firearm at a Rutland dealer with a federal firearms license (“the FFL”). The FFL had reason to believe that Gates was an active drug user, delayed her purchase, and contacted the Rutland Police Department. While law enforcement investigated the attempted purchase, Rutland Police detectives learned that Gates had successfully purchased a Glock Model 45 9x19mm handgun from a different FFL located in Rutland on June 29, 2022. In coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations, Rutland Police detectives located Gates and detained her. A search of Gates’s residence in Rutland did not recover the Glock firearm but did result in the seizure of ammunition of multiple calibers and an empty box of 9x19mm ammunition. The Glock Model 45 9x19mm handgun purchased by Gates has not yet been recovered.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that the criminal complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years of imprisonment on the current charge. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest credited the Rutland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations for its quick and collaborative work in addressing this illicit gun transaction. U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest added, “Federally licensed firearms dealers are the first line of defense in stopping unlawful firearms sales and ensuring only those who pass federal background checks are allowed to purchase firearms. FFLs who work closely with law enforcement play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.”
AUSA Jonathan Ophardt represents the government. Gates is represented by Katina Ready, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn for more information.
Rochester Man Indicted for Illegally Possessing HandgunRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Alexander Dehoyos, 40, of Rochester, New York, was charged by a felony indictment yesterday with one count of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The indictment alleges that Dehoyos possessed a Glock firearm in Onondaga County, New York, on June 5, 2022, after having previously been convicted of a felony. The charge filed against Dehoyos carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the Solvay Police Department, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Reno Man Arrested and Charged for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno resident made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla L. Baldwin for allegedly robbing a bank.
Jerry Michael Fambro (66) is charged by a criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 15, 2022.
According to allegations contained in the complaint, on June 29, 2022, Fambro approached a bank teller and said, “If you don’t give me all the hundreds in the drawer, I will start shooting up the branch.” He grabbed the cash and fled the bank. Law enforcement arrested Fambro approximately 5 ½ hours later outside of a casino in downtown Reno. He allegedly stole $2,769 from the bank.
If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force which is comprised of members from the FBI, Nevada Gaming Control Board, Reno Police Department, Nevada Parole and Probation, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Corrections, Nevada Highway Patrol, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow is prosecuting the case.
A complaint contains merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Readout of First Site Visit of Critical Incident Review Team of the Law Enforcement Response to the Mass Shooting in Uvalde, TexasRead the Press Release
As part of the work that began several weeks ago and is ongoing, the Department of Justice’s Critical Incident Review Team examining the mass shooting at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, conducted its first site visit the week of June 27. Justice Department staff were joined by subject matter experts in conducting meetings and gathering pertinent information. This site visit, and all subsequent site visits, are just one piece of what will be a thorough and comprehensive review. We anticipate the cooperation of all the agencies involved in the response, as the department is committed to moving forward with a full, fair and complete accounting. The goal of the review is to provide an independent account of law enforcement actions and responses; identify lessons learned and best practices to help first responders prepare for and respond to active shooter events; and provide a roadmap for community safety before, during and after such incidents. The department will make its full findings and recommendations publicly available at the completion of the review.
Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco’s Meeting with the Retail Industry Leaders AssociationRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Lisa O. Monaco met with a group of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) at the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s annual Washington, D.C., summit to discuss a host of issues impacting the industry nationwide — including cybersecurity as well as violent crime and gun violence.
On cybersecurity, the DAG cautioned the CEOs to be mindful of what the Justice Department continues to see as the “blended threat” of sophisticated cyber-criminal groups and nation-state actors forming alliances of convenience, of opportunity, and by design. She encouraged retailers to bolster their cyber defensives and proactively develop a relationship with their local FBI.
In discussing how the Justice Department is combating violent crime and gun violence, the DAG also addressed organized retail crime, in particular, the federal charges U.S. Attorneys across the country are bringing in instances of aggravated retail theft. The DAG also highlighted the federal resources and expertise that the Department’s law enforcement components are providing to our state and local partners, including as members of retail theft task forces.
Lastly, the DAG took the opportunity to reiterate that corporate criminal enforcement is a priority for the Justice Department and stressed to the CEOs the importance of fostering a strong culture of corporate compliance.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that ROY MOORE, 56, who resided on the Wind River Reservation at the time of offenses, was sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor and the commission of a felony sex offense by a registered sex offender on June 28, 2022, by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. Moore was sentenced to 120 months and one day in prison, plus 15 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment.
Due to a conviction in Louisiana, Moore has been required to register as a sex offender since 2000. Between 2009 and 2015, he was residing on the Wind River Reservation when he committed the instant felony sex offense against a minor.
“We commend the efforts of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation which led to the successful prosecution of this case,” said Acting United States Attorney Nick Vassallo.
“Child sex offenders prey on the most vulnerable victims. In this case, a registered sex offender was again found guilty of sexually abusing a child and will spend the next 10 years in prison,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The FBI is committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation.”
This crime was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
Case No. 20-CR-00181-SWS
Previously Convicted Felon Who Led Police on High-Speed Chase Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Brenton Preston, 25, was sentenced late yesterday to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2021, Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop Preston after they observed him driving 80 miles-per-hour in a 55 miles-per-hour zone in Westfield, Indiana. Preston fled from the deputies and led them on a high-speed chase reaching speeds of approximately 100 miles-per-hour, until Preston lost control of his car and crashed into a field. Preston continued to flee on foot but was eventually apprehended. Deputies arrested Preston, who appeared to be intoxicated, and recovered a loaded handgun and a liquor bottle from the front passenger floorboard of the car. Preston’s DNA was later found on the firearm.
Evidence presented at sentencing showed that Preston was on probation for a prior armed robbery conviction at the time of this incident and that he had recently been arrested in Marion County, Indiana, for illegally possessing another firearm and firing shots inside a girlfriend’s home. Preston was on pretrial supervision with GPS monitoring in the Marion County case at the time of the high-speed chase and his arrest.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Chief Ed Gebhart, Fishers Police Department, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
The Indiana Crime Guns Task Force investigated the case. The Fishers Police Department, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives provided valuable assistance. U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney imposed the sentence following Preston’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Preston be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Massa who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
Additionally, this case is also 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Polk Alternative Education Center Mental Health Therapist Sentenced to over a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A former mental health therapist and licensed independent social worker who was employed by Polk Alternative Education Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who pursued a romantic relationship with a fourteen-year-old student from 2019 to 2020, was sentenced today to more than eleven years in federal prison.
Miranda Breeden, age 46, from Monticello, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 13, 2021 guilty plea to one count of enticement of a minor.
At the guilty plea, Breeden admitted that between November 2019 and January 2020, she knowingly enticed a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
At the sentencing hearing, evidence was presented that messages between Breeden and the fourteen-year-old victim began in November 2019. In December 2019, Breeden agreed to purchase a firearm for the teenager and did purchase a firearm at Theisen’s. Also in December 2019, Breeden took the victim and his minor friend to her parent’s residence in Scotch Grove, Iowa, for an overnight stay where they used a hot tub, smoked marijuana, and discharged firearms. In January 2020, Breeden checked into at least two hotel rooms with the victim and his minor friends in the Cedar Rapids area, and attempted to check into a third hotel room at the Isle of Capri casino in Davenport, Iowa. During this same time period, Breeden also rented and stayed in another hotel room with the minor’s brother, and his minor friend. The investigation revealed that Breeden had sex with the minor victim while in hotel rooms, inside her personal vehicle, and during school hours in her locked office. During the above described time period, Breeden was employed as the victim’s mental health therapist at the Polk Alternative Education Center in Cedar Rapids.
At the sentencing hearing, the judge called Breeden’s behavior “horribly egregious” and stated that providing a deadly weapon to a child was both reckless and dangerous.
Breeden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Breeden was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison erm. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Breeden is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Dupuich and Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-65.
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Peoria Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for 2021 Burglary of Pinnacle Gun and AmmoRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Corey A. Brooks, 30, of the 600 block of SW Adams Street, was sentenced on June 29, 2022, to 63 months in prison for burglarizing a gun store and possessing firearms as a felon. Brooks will also serve three years of supervised release upon his release from prison.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that early in the morning of July 7, 2021, Brooks shattered a window at a federal firearms licensee known as Pinnacle Gun and Ammo, located in the 700 block of Main Street in Peoria. Brooks then climbed into the business through the window and stole 18 handguns and two shotguns, leaving through the back door of the business and fleeing from the scene on foot. Surveillance footage and drops of blood left behind by Brooks enabled the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Peoria Police to trail and identify Brooks and locate the two shotguns, which had been abandoned in a wooded area. A photograph was released to the public, and Brooks was identified and arrested the same day. At the time of his arrest, Brooks was in possession of one of the stolen handguns. The gun was loaded with ammunition. Brooks was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to his four prior felony convictions.
In a post-arrest interview, Brooks admitted that financial gain was the motive for the burglary. He refused to provide information about the location of the 17 stolen weapons. Brooks stated that he was not troubled by the potential for the weapons to be used in further crimes against members of the community.
Also at the sentencing hearing, the government stated that law enforcement recovered three of the stolen guns in a garage in Peoria on July 8, 2021, and, later that day, 11 more guns were located by a young child in a pillowcase in an alley in a residential part of the city. Finally, another one of the stolen guns was recovered during a traffic stop in Peoria in December 2021. At the time it was recovered, the firearm was loaded and equipped with an extended high-capacity magazine and was in the possession of a documented gang member with a prior felony conviction. In total, law enforcement has recovered 18 of the 20 guns stolen by Brooks from Pinnacle on July 7, 2021.
Brooks was indicted in July 2021 and entered a plea of guilty in March of this year.
“Stolen guns are crime guns. They fuel illicit trafficking and are used by violent criminals to terrorize our communities,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney, Ronald L. Hanna. “Individuals who burglarize federal firearms licensees will face federal prosecution.”
“When firearms are stolen from Federal Firearms Licensees, they enter the illegal market and most often become crime guns,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen deTineo. “This case is an excellent example how not only law enforcement and prosecutors work together hold traffickers accountable, but also how important the community is in assisting to identify those responsible.”
The Peoria Police Department and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Brooks was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
Owasso Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder After Fatal Meth Fueled Auto CollisionRead the Press Release
An Owasso man who drove under the influence of methamphetamine and caused a crash that killed another driver pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Bradley Wade Wofford, 35, pleaded guilty to second degree felony murder in Indian Country on June 15, 2022.
On June 10, 2019, Wofford was driving a Ford F-150 on U.S. 412 near County Road 4180 when an accident further down the road caused traffic to slow. Wofford failed to follow suit and rear-ended victim Scotty Dilbeck’s Volkswagon, killing him. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol calculated that Wofford had been driving approximately 66 mph when he struck Dilbeck, who was driving 11 mph.
Prior to the collision, Wofford had also been convicted of driving under the influence.
The FBI and Oklahoma Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case.
North Bay Accountant Sentenced to 29 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud, Embezzlement of Credit Union Funds, and Tax Evasion in Connection with Schemes to Defraud Cavallo Point Lodge and Redwood Credit UnionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Stephanie Simontacchi was sentenced to 29 months in prison for bank fraud, embezzlement of credit union funds, and tax evasion in connection with schemes to use her access as an accountant to enrich herself at the expense of two former employers, announced U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, and IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Mark H. Pearson. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. William H. Orrick, U.S. District Judge.
According to her plea agreement, Simontacchi, 48, of Petaluma, was employed as a bookkeeper and controller at Cavallo Point Lodge (CPL), a hotel near Sausalito, Calif., from December 2009 through April 2016. While employed at CPL, Simontacchi had access to CPL’s accounting records systems and had signatory authority over CPL’s bank accounts. Simontacchi admitted that between October 2012 and March 2016, she used her skills as an accountant and access to CPL’s accounting systems to steal approximately 81 accounts payable checks issued by CPL and accounts receivable checks intended for CPL. Simontacchi deposited the checks into her personal bank accounts for her own personal gain. Simontacchi acknowledged in her plea agreement that her false representations and statements caused financial institutions to part with approximately $384,363.28 that belonged to CPL.
In addition, Simontacchi admitted that between April 2016 and April 2019, she also was employed as a senior accountant and accounting manager at Redwood Credit Union (RCU), a credit union, where she was responsible for processing voided cashier’s checks and other accounting-related tasks for the credit union. Simontacchi admitted that she used her position to embezzle and misapply approximately 35 checks including voided cashier’s checks returned to RCU by its members, United States Treasury checks, and State of California checks intended for RCU. She deposited the checks into her personal bank and credit card accounts for personal use and used the funds to make payments toward a personal home equity line of credit. Combined, the checks amounted to at least $437,162.24.
Further, Simontacchi admitted that between 2014 and June 2020, she attempted to evade and defeat income tax that she owed. Specifically, she caused to be prepared and filed false tax returns for the calendar years of 2013-2019. Simontacchi acknowledged that the total tax loss from her misconduct was over $100,000.
On June 24, 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Simontacchi charging her with seven counts of bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2); seven counts of misapplication and embezzlement of credit union funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 657; and four counts of tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Simontacchi pleaded guilty to one count of each crime and has agreed to pay at least $821,525.52 in restitution.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Orrick ordered Simontacchi to serve three years of supervised release to begin after her prison term. Judge Orrick ordered Simontacchi to surrender on or before August 11, 2022 to begin serving her prison term. The court has not yet scheduled a hearing to make final determinations regarding restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amani S. Floyd and Kristina Green are prosecuting this case. The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-CI.
Nigerian National Extradited and Charged with Stealing Financial Information and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
A Nigerian national made his initial appearance in a federal court in Cleveland today following his extradition from Ghana to the Northern District of Ohio to face charges for his alleged role in a conspiracy that obtained stolen financial information, made fraudulent and unauthorized purchases of retail goods and gift cards and stole funds from victim bank accounts in Northern Ohio and elsewhere.
Blessing Adeleke, 31, of Nigeria, was charged in a 17-count indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and 16 counts of bank fraud.
Ghanian authorities arrested Adeleke on March 14, 2022, in Accra, Ghana. Following judicial proceedings, Ghanaian authorities transferred Adeleke into U.S. custody on June 28, 2022.
During his initial appearance, Adeleke waived his detention hearing and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
According to court documents, from January 2014 through October 2016, Adeleke served as an administrator for an online marketplace, Shad0w.info, where compromised data, such as credit numbers and personally identifiable information (PII), were sold.
As part of the conspiracy, it is alleged that Adeleke and others obtained stolen credit card information and purchased items, such as retail goods and gift cards for themselves. It is alleged that Adeleke shared this stolen credit card information with others, including co-defendant Kylie Ann Harlow.
The indictment states that Adeleke and Harlow shipped retail goods purchased with the stolen financial information to Harlow and others and, in some instances, returned the goods and gift cards to retail stores to obtain cash. It is alleged that Adeleke and Harlow eventually forwarded the fraudulently obtained goods, gift cards and cash to other members of the conspiracy for their personal enrichment.
Additionally, Adeleke is charged with gaining access to online victim bank accounts in Northern Ohio and elsewhere and transferring thousands of dollars to Harlow and other members of the conspiracy.
Kylie Ann Harlow previously pleaded guilty to her role in the scheme and was sentenced in June 2021.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Brian S. Deckert.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support and assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Ghana. The U.S. Department of Justice thanks its Ghanian partners, specifically the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, for supporting this extradition. The FBI Legal Attaché in Accra and the U.S. Marshals Service also provided significant support and assistance to Adeleke’s extradition.
Nampa Man Sentenced to 10 years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE - A Nampa man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, Gilbert Garza, 27, of Nampa, fled from Idaho Department of Correction Probation and Parole officers who were lawfully visiting his home as part of his parole. With the Meridian Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team’s assistance, law enforcement officers found Garza in a vacant apartment nearby. After arresting Garza, officers lawfully searched his home and found a stolen handgun, approximately one quarter pound of methamphetamine, 62.9 grams of cocaine, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, and $3,360 in cash. Law enforcement officers also found a digital scale and a large quantity of small baggies that are commonly used for weighing and packaging drugs for distribution.
Garza has a criminal history spanning 14 years. His prior state convictions include unlawful possession of a financial transaction card, aggravated assault, delivery of a controlled substance, and petit theft.
U.S. District Judge Billy Roy Wilson, from the Eastern District of Arkansas, sitting by designation, ordered Garza to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Garza pleaded guilty to the charge on March 10, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigation by the Idaho Department of Correction and the Meridian City Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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NY Bagel Company Owner Sentenced to 3 ½ Years in Prison for Scamming Prospective Franchisees Out of over $2 MillionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced that Joseph Smith, 57, formerly of Fishkill, New York, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,100,450 in restitution by Unites States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert for his scheme to defraud prospective franchisees of more than $2.1 million, collectively.
In February 2022, the defendant. the owner of New York Bagel Enterprises, Inc., (“New York Bagel”), which operated in Pennsylvania and other states, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and tax evasion in connection with this scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith and Dennis Mason, charged separately, made numerous misrepresentations to individuals interested in buying a New York Bagel franchise. These misrepresentations included: a guarantee that New York Bagel could get financing for the prospective franchisee, the actual costs to open a franchise, the number of franchises that were already open or opening, and the profitability of existing franchises. The defendant and Mason charged prospective franchisees fees ranging between $7,500 and $44,500 to gain rights to open stores. When some prospective franchisees learned of the misrepresentations and demanded their money back, Smith refused to refund these fees. As a result of the fraud, Smith and New York Bagel sold more than 160 franchises and obtained more than $2.1 million in franchise fees.
Further, from 2014 through 2016, Smith deposited more than $1.3 million in franchise fees into New York Bagel bank accounts which he controlled. The defendant spent these funds on personal items unrelated to the business, including rent for his home, travel, car payments for personal vehicles and living expenses. Smith did not file corporate or individual income taxes for these three years or pay the taxes he owed to the IRS.
Mason previously pleaded guilty to related charges and was sentenced to three years in prison in April 2022.
“Individuals seeking to own and operate business franchises are seeking opportunity and financial stability for themselves and their families; they deserve honesty and forthrightness in their business dealings so they can make informed decisions,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Mr. Smith took advantage of his position to swindle millions of dollars from people seeking legitimate business opportunities, and for that crime he will now spend years in prison.”
“While Smith was defrauding investors out of their franchise fees, he also evaded nearly $175,000 in taxes due on that income,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “Business owners who pay the IRS their fair share of taxes deserve to compete on a level playing field. Competitors who cut corners and seek to skirt their legal obligations should know they will be investigated and prosecuted.”
“Mr. Smith’s scheme served no purpose other than to mislead and defraud perspective franchisees,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “Furthermore, he took steps to hide his earnings from IRS, thus shirking his tax liability. The sentence he received is a victory for all Americans who play by the rules.”
“Joseph Smith peddled what looked like a great opportunity to potential franchisees,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “But once they signed on the dotted line, they learned he’d been peddling something else instead. Smith treated their franchise fees like found money. It was a clear-cut case of fraud and this sentence puts him behind bars and provides some justice for his victims. The FBI will always fight to hold crooks like this accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Ignall and Trial Attorney Eric B. Powers of the Department of Justice Tax Division.
Mountain Home Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – A Mountain Home man was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to statements made in court, on March 15, 2021, James Doud, 60, was stopped by Elmore County Sheriff’s deputies for traffic violations in Mountain Home, Idaho. Deputies suspected that Doud was trafficking methamphetamine. After a trained canine indicated the presence of drugs inside his vehicle, a lawful search revealed approximately 1286 grams of methamphetamine, eight grams of heroin, $4,500 in cash, and a 12-gauge shotgun with associated ammunition. Doud was prohibited from possessing the shotgun due to a previous burglary conviction. Further investigation revealed that, approximately 30 minutes before the stop, Doud had delivered methamphetamine to two other people.
In addition to the prison sentence, Senior U.S. District Judge Bill R. Wilson, from the Eastern District of Arkansas, sitting by designation, ordered Doud to serve five years of supervised release. Doud pleaded guilty to the charges on February 2, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, of the District of Idaho, made the announcement and commended the cooperative efforts of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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Montgomery Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Robbing a Bank and Discharging a Firearm While Committing the CrimeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Thursday, June 30, 2022, John Adam Vinson, Jr., 32, from Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 360 months in prison following convictions for bank robbery and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Vinson entered the Regions Bank branch located near Eastdale Mall in Montgomery on December 14, 2020. Vinson then pulled out a handgun and fired a shot into the desk of an empty teller station. A bank employee came out of her office and into the lobby area upon hearing the shot. Vinson immediately grabbed the employee and moved her to the door that accesses the teller counters. When Vinson realized the employee could not open the door, he jumped over the counter and began opening the teller drawers. Vinson put money from the drawers into a bag, jumped back over the teller counter, and ran out of the bank. A Montgomery police officer spotted Vinson as he fled from the bank. When the officer confronted the fleeing suspect, Vinson fired his gun a second time—this time at the officer. Fortunately, the officer was not injured. When law enforcement officers took Vinson into custody, they seized from him a total of $18,378.00 in United States currency.
Vinson’s 30-year prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered that the proceeds of the robbery be returned to Regions Bank.
This case was investigated by the Montgomery Police Department, the FBI, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark E. Andreu prosecuted the case.
Montana Man Sentenced in Derecho Repair SchemeRead the Press Release
A Montana man who cheated a Cedar Rapids derecho victim out of more than $15,000 was sentenced June 30, 2022, in federal court in Iowa. William Allen Hurlbut, Jr., age 57, from Belgrade, Montana, received his sentence after a February 23, 2022 guilty plea to one count of mail fraud.
The derecho was a severe windstorm that swept through Cedar Rapids on August 10, 2020. The derecho caused widespread damage and long-term power outages. In Cedar Rapids alone, over 1,000 housing units were rendered unlivable, while hundreds of additional homes and businesses suffered damage.
In a plea agreement, and at his plea and sentencing hearings, Hurlbut admitted he came to Iowa after the derecho, professing to be a handyman and doing business as “Trinity 321.” Hurlbut lacked a required contractor license but obtained a cell phone number with a local 319 area code to conduct business. Hurlbut has 16 prior adult convictions, including a prior federal felony conviction in Idaho for destruction of government property.
In September 2020, Hurlbut promised his victim, a Cedar Rapids resident, that Hurlbut would fix damage to the victim’s residence as soon as possible if the victim advanced funds to him for that purpose. The derecho had caused more than $10,000 worth of damage to the victim’s residence, including damage to the roof and the siding, fences, and the interior of the home. Hurlbut’s victim was using a wheelchair on account of physical disabilities.
Instead of repairing the derecho damage to the victim’s residence, Hurlbut spent insurance funds advanced to Hurlbut for the repair costs on gambling and personal items and expenses. Hurlbut made false statements to his victim about the status of the project and made purchases at a home improvement store on
the false pretense that he was buying materials to complete the project. Hurlbut then returned the items for a cash refund, which he used for his own purposes. The investigation revealed that, over a two-week period in October 2020, Hurlbut spent at least $22,532.50 gambling at an Iowa casino.
On January 25, 2021, Hurlbut had a tow truck tow the victim’s vehicle from the victim’s backyard to a junkyard without purchasing it from the victim or getting his permission. In February, Hurlbut convinced his victim to loan him $1,000 for lodging and food, which Hurlbut never repaid. Through March 2021, Hurlbut performed little to no work on the project despite the fact that the victim had advanced more than $10,000 to Hurlbut for the repairs.
Hurlbut was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hurlbut was sentenced to 14 months and 12 days imprisonment, which represented the amount of time he has spent in federal and state custody since his arrest, and up to 180 days in a halfway house upon his release. He was ordered to make $15,892.79 in restitution to his victim. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hurlbut is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he is released to the halfway house.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-16.
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Monroe Man Is Charged with Wire Fraud for Operating an Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Monroe, N.C., man charged with wire fraud for operating an investment scheme appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A federal criminal indictment was unsealed following the arrest of Christon Jermaine Brewer, 37, who also goes by the names Chris Bozay and Christian Massey.
Robert R. Wells, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from October 2018 to June 2022, Brewer executed a scheme to defraud at least ten victim-investors of more than $150,000. Brewer falsely represented to his victims – generally friends or acquaintances of the defendant – that he would invest their funds in the stock market and in a cannabis store he was opening in Miami, Florida. The indictment alleges that Brewer represented himself to victims as a wealthy and experienced investor, who would take advantage of investment opportunities to invest the victims’ money in a manner that would return profits and yield guaranteed returns. The indictment further alleges that Brewer sometimes provided victim-investors with Promissory Notes, reflecting the amount of their investments and the date upon which they were to be repaid. Relying upon Brewer’s false and fraudulent representations, victim-investors would then send thousands of dollars to the defendant for investment, often in cash or using mobile peer to peer payment methods, like Apple Pay or Cash App. As alleged in the indictment, Brewer did not invest the victims’ money as agreed. Instead, he stole the money, and used it to pay for various personal expenses to support his lifestyle. While he was spending the victims’ money, the indictment alleges that Brewer would lull them into thinking their investments were safe by sending them text messages that provided purported updates on their investments and screenshots purportedly showing the high returns on their investments.
Brewer is currently in federal custody. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charge contained in the indictment is an allegation and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI handled the investigation that led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Vento of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Michigan man was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of heroin.
According to court documents, on February 13, 2020, William Pope, also known as “Shorty,” 47, of Detroit, sold a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant at a trailer where Pope was staying near Beckley. Pope admitted to selling the heroin and to selling what he now knows was fentanyl to a pair of confidential informants during separate transactions on February 6, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement, and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Detroit.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-111.
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Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Two men were sentenced today for conspiring to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham/Syria (ISIS).
Kristopher Sean Matthews, aka Ali Jibreel, 36, of South Carolina, was sentenced to 240 months in prison and Jaylyn Christopher Molina (aka Abdur Rahim), 24, of Cost, TX, was sentenced to 216 months in prison.
According to court documents, since May 2019, Matthews conspired with Molina to provide services to ISIS by administering an encrypted, members-only chat group for persons who supported ISIS ideology; by collecting, generating, and disseminating pro-ISIS propaganda; and by disseminating firearms training materials and bomb-making instructions.
On November 24, 2020, and January 25, 2021, Matthews and Molina, respectively, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS. In addition, Molina pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. Both men have remained in federal custody since their arrests on September 21, 2020. Molina was sentenced to 216 months in prison on the terrorism charge and another 216 months in prison on the child pornography charge. Both sentences for Molina were ordered to run concurrently.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will work closely with our law enforcement partners locally, nationally, and internationally to do everything possible under the law to stop terrorists before they can harm our citizens,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Matthews and Molina recruited individuals and provided bomb-making instructions to aid ISIS. In this case, along with our law enforcement partners, we successfully stopped Matthews and Molina before anyone was harmed.”
“This sentencing serves as a reminder that terrorist organizations such as ISIS and their affiliates remain a threat to the United States in the homeland and abroad,” said San Antonio FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “Addressing this threat continues to be the highest priority of the FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners.”
The San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Gonzalez County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Roomberg, William R. Harris, and Eric Fuchs and DOJ Trial Attorneys George C. Kraehe and Felice J. Viti of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
Two men were sentenced today for conspiring to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham/Syria (ISIS).
Kristopher Sean Matthews, aka Ali Jibreel, 36, of South Carolina, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Jaylyn Christopher Molina, aka Abdur Rahim, 24, of Cost, Texas, was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
According to court documents, since May 2019, Matthews conspired with Molina to provide services to ISIS by administering an encrypted, members-only chat group for persons who supported ISIS ideology; by collecting, generating, and disseminating pro-ISIS propaganda; and by disseminating firearms training materials and bomb-making instructions to each other and to other members of the chat group and others.
On Nov. 24, 2020, and Jan. 25, 2021, Matthews and Molina, respectively, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS. In addition, Molina pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. At today’s sentencing, Molina received another 216 months, to run concurrently, for the child pornography charge. Both men have remained in federal custody since their arrests on Sept. 21, 2020.
The San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service and the Gonzalez County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Roomberg, William R. Harris and Eric Fuchs for the Western District of Texas and Trial Attorney George C. Kraehe and former Trial Attorney Felice J. Viti of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
MCS Advantage Agrees to Pay 4.2 Million Dollars to Resolve Allegations that it Violated the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback StatuteRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 1st, 2022, the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS- OIG) announced that MCS Advantage, Inc. (MCS Advantage) has agreed to pay $4,200,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it implemented a gift card incentive program in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
According to the settlement agreement, the United States asserted that MCS Advantage submitted or caused to be submitted claims for payment to the Medicare Program relating to a gift card incentive program implemented by MCS during the period of November 2019 to December 2020, which the Government alleges resulted in violations of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute. As a result of the incentive program, MCS distributed 1,703 gift cards to administrative assistants of providers at an aggregate cost of $42,575 to induce the assistants to refer, recommend, or arrange for enrollment of 1,646 new Medicare beneficiaries to an MCS Medicare Advantage plan. Those new Medicare beneficiaries resulted in associated premium payments received by MCS Advantage for the new members.
This agreement underscores the commitment of the Justice Department and HHS- OIG to deterring fraud, waste, and abuse of federal benefit programs, as well as the benefits of cooperation with federal investigations. The negotiated settlement with MCS Advantage took into consideration the company’s voluntary termination of the gift card program in December 2020, the disclosure of relevant facts concerning the program, and the implementation of controls and revisions to its internal policies to promote and help ensure future compliance.
“Investigating healthcare fraud remains a high priority in the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office and we will aggressively pursue those that violate the healthcare laws of the United States”, said United States Attorney Muldrow. “In this case, we appreciate MCS Advantage’s willingness to promptly negotiate a resolution in this matter.”
Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General New York Region said, “HHS-OIG will continue to investigate any conduct by Medicare Advantage plans that may result in violation of federal law and will work jointly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that entities that conduct business with federal health care programs do so in an honest manner.”
The settled civil claims are allegations only and MCS Advantage did not admit liability as part of this settlement agreement. Further, there has been no determination of civil liability.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rafael J. López Rivera, Civil Health Care Fraud Coordinator, at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Louisiana Man Indicted for Dog Fighting VenturesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, returned an indictment charging a Louisiana man with seven counts of Possession of Animals in an Animal Fighting Venture.
According to court documents, David Guidry III, 47, possessed and received dogs for the purpose of having the dogs participate in animal fighting ventures.
On or around Oct. 24, 2017, a federal law enforcement team consisting of agents from the Department of Agriculture, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies executed a search warrant on Guidry’s residence. The physical evidence from the search along with court-authorized wiretaps established that Guidry violated the federal anti-animal-fighting statute.
If convicted, Guidry faces up to five years in prison for each count of conviction. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Trial Attorney Matthew D. Evans of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih for the Eastern District of Louisiana are 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.
Louisiana Man Indicted for Dog Fighting VenturesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, returned an indictment charging a Louisiana man with seven counts of Possession of Animals in an Animal Fighting Venture.
According to court documents, David Guidry III, 47, possessed and received dogs for the purpose of having the dogs participate in animal fighting ventures.
On or around Oct. 24, 2017, a federal law enforcement team consisting of agents from the Department of Agriculture, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, and other agencies executed a search warrant on Guidry’s residence. The physical evidence from the search along with court-authorized wiretaps established that Guidry violated the federal anti-animal-fighting statute.
If convicted, Guidry faces up to five years in prison for each count of conviction. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Trial Attorney Matthew D. Evans of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih for the Eastern District of Louisiana are 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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Livingston County Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Campus, Illinois, man, Dakota Flint, 23, of the 200 block of Sheldon Avenue, was sentenced today to 17.5 years, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge James Shadid ordered that the federal sentence run concurrently with Livingston County, Illinois, Circuit Court cases 20-CF-162 and 21-CF-6 where Flint was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault, respectively. Flint also must register as a sex offender.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Flint was operating on the dark web under the username “acidman”. Flint used websites he accessed to distribute child pornography and to discuss engaging in hands-on sex offenses. Flint also inquired about how to sedate children and bragged about assaults he committed or planned to commit. After Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) located Flint, his electronic devices were confiscated, and a forensic analysis was conducted, revealing he was responsible for more than 4,000 images of child pornography. The analysis further revealed images and videos taken by Flint of minor juvenile females. The ensuing investigation resulted in Flint’s conviction in three sexual assault cases in Livingston County. At least one image and one video produced and distributed by Flint on the “dark web” has been in the possession of persons under investigation or charged in other districts.
Also at the hearing, Judge James Shadid found that Flint’s possession and distribution of images of child sex abuse had contributed to psychological harm and trauma experienced by child victims whose images are trafficked online. Judge Shadid stated that Flint’s use of the dark net in an attempt to conceal his activities and identity online was a factor that he considered in imposing the sentence.
Flint was originally indicted in June 2020 and pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2022. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since indictment.
The statutory penalties for possession of child pornography are up to 20 years imprisonment and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
HSI investigated the case, along with the Livingston County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office; Will County, Illinois, Sherriff’s Office; Coal City, Illinois, Police Department; and Dwight, Illinois, Police Department. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the HSI Cyber Crimes Center assisted the investigation as well. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna and Paul B. Morris represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Flint was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
Lawrence Man Previously Arrested with Multiple Pill Press Machines Charged with Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been charged for allegedly distributing counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, made using multiple pill press machines.
Miguel Angel Fajardo, 32, was charged by an Information with one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Fajardo was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 25, 2022 and has remained in custody since.
According to the charging documents, law enforcement allegedly seized approximately 7.3 kilograms worth of fentanyl pills, an industrial pill press and “M” and “30” pill stamps consistent with markings on pharmaceutical-grade Oxycodone pills in Fajardo’s apartment. Pill stamps are commonly used to make counterfeit pills appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pills. Also inside Fajardo’s apartment, law enforcement allegedly found approximately 1.4 kilograms of fentanyl powder, two individual finger presses, 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition concealed in a microwave, four kilograms of cutting agent and two air purifying respirators – which are commonly used when working with fentanyl powder. It is further alleged that investigators located two one-kilogram pill press machines and another large pill press in the landing outside the apartment.
“The opioid crisis remains a clear and present danger to our community, claiming over two thousand lives in Massachusetts in 2021 alone,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Mr. Fajardo allegedly possessed a staggering quantity of fentanyl – almost nine kilograms – and a clandestine laboratory outfitted with all the tools and materials necessary to press fentanyl into counterfeit pills. By seizing nearly 48,000 such pills along with the tools we believe Mr. Fajardo used to make them, our law enforcement partners likely saved countless lives.”
“Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Those who distribute this lethal drug are endangering the safety of the citizens of Massachusetts. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $10 million. 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.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering 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.
Latin Kings Associate Sentenced for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An associate of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for firearm and ammunition charges.
Derek Southworth, 34, of Fitchburg, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately 15 days in prison). The government recommended a sentence of 20 months in prison. On Feb. 8, 2022, Southworth pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On April 18, 2017, Southworth provided an AK-47 style rifle and approximately 49 rounds of ammunition to a cooperating witness. The transaction was captured on audio-video recording. Due to a prior conviction, Southworth is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against dozens of leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Southworth is the 52nd defendant to be sentenced in the case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Settles with IT Recruiter to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination ClaimsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with Technology Hub Inc., an IT staffing and recruiting company based in Virginia. The settlement resolves claims that Technology Hub discriminated against both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens with permission to work in the United States, based on their citizenship or immigration status during its recruitment process.
“Neither employers nor staffing agencies can exclude job applicants by advertising or implementing unlawful preferences based upon citizenship or immigration status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to enforcing the law to ensure that those who are looking for jobs are protected from unlawful discrimination.”
Based on its investigation, the department concluded that on at least four occasions Technology Hub sought and screened job applicants based on preferences the company and its clients had for workers with particular citizenship or immigration statuses. The company’s practices harmed workers who fell outside those preferences by deterring them from applying. For example, the investigation revealed that at least three times Technology Hub excluded asylees, refugees and U.S. nationals when advertising vacancies for only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The department further concluded that on at least one occasion Technology Hub discriminated against U.S. workers when it advertised a job seeking only H-1B visa workers.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) protects U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, refugees, asylees and recent lawful permanent residents from workplace discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status. The INA generally prohibits employers and recruiters from limiting jobs based on citizenship or immigration status unless required by a law, regulation, executive order or government contract. Under the INA, employers and other entities that recruit or refer for a fee can only limit jobs based on citizenship or immigration status if required by a law, regulation, executive order or government contract. Employers and their recruiters violate the INA if they implement a client’s unlawful discriminatory preferences.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Technology Hub will pay $12,000 in civil penalties to the United States, revise its policies and procedures, train relevant employees and agents on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision and be subject to monitoring for a three-year period to ensure compliance.
The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, this law prohibits discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status, and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation; and intimidation. IER’s website has more information about how to avoid citizenship status discrimination in hiring and recruiting.
Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge. The public also can contact IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688; call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email IER@usdoj.gov; sign up for a free webinar; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive updates from IER.
View the Spanish translation of this press release here.
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 Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on June 28 was:
Jesse Littlebuck Dickinson, 40, a transient, on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Dickinson faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the bank fraud crime and a mandatory minimum two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised released on the aggravated identity theft crime. Dickinson was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-67.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on June 28 was:
Jassie Laydell Westerman, 39, of Great Falls, on charges of possession of firearm by unlawful user of controlled substances and receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. If convicted of the most serious crime, Westerman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Westerman was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations, the Great Falls Police Department, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-28.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on June 30 was:
Mark Ernest Spani, 64, of Butte, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spani faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the conspiracy crime and a mandatory minimum five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Spani was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-24.
Bernard Roy McKinney, 43, of Butte, 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 crime, McKinney faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. McKinney was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-24.
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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Iowa Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute 48 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that NATHAN RUSSELL CATES, age 41, of Missouri Valley, Iowa was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cates appeared for a sentencing hearing on June 21, 2022, before United States District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal. He was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $500 in community restitution and a $100 special assessment.
On May 11, 2021, Cates, a resident of Iowa, was stopped for speeding by Wyoming Highway Patrol. A search of his car led to the recovery, among other things, of 48 pounds of methamphetamines.
“This case serves as an excellent example of cooperation between federal and state law enforcement to jointly combat the ongoing threat of methamphetamine in our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo. “We remain dedicated to disrupting illegal drug trafficking whether the drugs are bound for Wyoming or are simply passing through on our interstates.”
This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Margaret M. Vierbuchen prosecuted the case.
Case No. 21-cr-00101-NDF
Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Enin Noe Marquez-Cruz, 30, of Honduras, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Burlington on a charge of illegally reentering the United States. Marquez-Cruz is to be arraigned on the indictment on July 6, 2022.
According to court documents, on June 18, 2022, a United States Border Patrol Agent encountered Marquez-Cruz walking in the breakdown lane of Interstate 89 South, approximately one-quarter mile south of the Highgate Springs international border crossing. Marquez-Cruz has been removed from the United States on five previous occasions and has been convicted in federal district court three times before on immigration-related offenses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office notes that the charge against Marquez-Cruz is an accusation only and that Marquez-Cruz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Marquez-Cruz faces up to 2 years of imprisonment. Any sentence in the case will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ang is the prosecutor. The Office of the Federal Public Defender represents Marquez-Cruz.
Guatemalan National Convicted of Smuggling Unaccompanied Child into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Following a seven-day trial, a federal jury today found defendant Julio Ruiz Chuta, 35, guilty of smuggling an unaccompanied child into the United States for financial gain. The jury found Chuta not guilty of forced labor and confiscating the child’s passport and other immigration documents.
According to the evidence presented in court, the defendant was familiar with the child victim and his family since they were from the same village in Guatemala. Because of the limited opportunities in Guatemala and because the defendant had lived in the United States, the family turned to the defendant for help. Based on the defendant’s promise to care for the minor, the boy’s parents allowed him to travel to the United States and permitted the defendant to act as his guardian in the United States. The defendant imposed a debt upon the boy and his family, charged them interest and pressured them to pay, causing the boy to work instead of attending school. The defendant also caused the family to hand over the deed to property they held in Guatemala as collateral for the outstanding debt.
“This defendant used a false promise of a better life in the United States to defraud a Guatemalan child and his family, and then callously caused the child to work long hours for his own financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is firmly committed to prosecuting perpetrators who lure unaccompanied minors into the United States only to turn around and exploit them for their own profit.”
“This is one of those cases that we constantly warn people about, the dangers of placing the life of a loved one into the hands of a human smuggler,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami. “The school age victim came here with hopes of living the American dream which quickly turned into a nightmare when Chuta forced the minor to work instead of attending school. HSI will continue to target organizations and individuals that exploit and profit off of innocent people.”
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled in this matter. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
This case was investigated by HSI and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Kate Hill of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
Former Union Officer Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement Scheme That Generated More Than $500,000Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former union officer pleaded guilty today to conspiring to steal more than $500,000 from the labor organization, using the money for parties, trips, furniture, and other personal expenses.
Attia Little, 43, of Temple Hills, Maryland, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft from a labor organization. She is to be sentenced on Nov. 4, 2022, by the Honorable Amit P. Mehta. Under federal sentencing, she faces a likely range of 30 to 37 months in prison and potential financial penalties. The plea agreement calls for Little to pay restitution.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Troy W. Springer, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and Mark Wheeler, District Director, Washington District Office, Office of Labor-Management Standards.
Little was the operations manager of the Property Services Division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), headquartered in Washington, D.C. As part of her duties, she managed administrative support, booked reservations for SEIU employees, and paid vendor invoices for union-related purchases. She had a work-issued credit card and access to third-party discount travel booking platforms that were to be used for union business only.
A co-defendant, Melba Norris, was a close associate of Little’s, and had no affiliation with the union. According to plea documents, between November 2015 and October 2017, Little used her access to the credit card and travel booking platforms to embezzle approximately $503,600 from SEIU. In total, she kept approximately $460,900 in SEIU funds for herself, and Norris kept approximately $42,700.
Among other things, Little used the SEIU credit card to purchase personal items, including purchases for a baby, personal parties hosted at her residence, personal travel, furniture, watches, clothing, and video games. She also used the credit card to purchase gift cards for personal use. Little also used the credit card to pay funds to a company that she created and companies created and controlled by Norris, even though no work was performed.
Norris, 36, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to charges of conspiracy and theft from a labor organization. She is to be sentenced on Oct. 7, 2022.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Springer, and District Director Wheeler commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed M. Baset, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Former Tennessee Department of Corrections Officers Indicted for Federal Offenses Following Assault on Inmate and False Cover-up ReportRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced that Javian Griffin, 36, and Sebron Hollands, 32, two former tactical officers with the Strike Force for the Tennessee Department of Corrections, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee. Griffin is charged with using unlawful force against an inmate at Northwest Correctional Complex. Griffin and Hollands are both charged with obstruction of justice for writing false reports about Griffin’s assault.
The count charging Griffin with unlawful use of force carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment. The counts charging Griffin and Hollands with writing a false report carry a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Memphis Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Former Tennessee Department of Corrections Officers Indicted for Federal Civil Rights Offenses Following Assault on Inmate and False Cover-up ReportRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The Department of Justice announced that Javian Griffin, 36, and Sebron
Hollands, 32, two former tactical officers with the Strike Force for the Tennessee Department of
Corrections, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee. Griffin is charged with using unlawful force against an inmate at Northwest Correctional Complex. Griffin and Hollands are both charged with obstruction of justice for writing false reports about Griffin’s assault.The count charging Griffin with unlawful use of force carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment. The counts charging Griffin and Hollands with writing a false report carry a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights
Division, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Joseph C. Murphy Jr. and Special
Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office made the announcement.This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant
U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
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