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24 June 2022
Former Owner of Illicit Massage Parlor Sentenced for Submitting Fraudulent COVID-Relief Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of a massage parlor pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with filing fraudulent applications for pandemic-related loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in which she failed to disclose that her employees engaged in commercial sex acts with customers.
Aticha Jittaphol, 33, of Brighton, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in federal loan applications. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf sentenced Jittaphol to time served (approximately two months). Jittaphol was charged in September 2021.
Jittaphol is the former owner of Mantra Dhevi Spa in Brighton. In March and April of 2020, Jittaphol submitted fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in which she falsely stated that the applicant was not engaged in any illegal activity. However, her employees at Mantra Dhevi Spa engaged in prostitution from which she collected a portion of fees paid by each customer. Jittaphol also actively promoted the prostitution by recruiting employees and attracting new customers. In total, Jittaphol obtained $7,066 in fraudulent payments from the EIDL and PPP loan programs.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Cambridge, Boston, Franklin and Lexington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Lawrence, David Derusha and Elysa Wan of Rollins’ Criminal Division and Suffolk County Assistant District Attorneys Alyssa Tochka and Luke Goldworm, who were appointed as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Former Owner of Illicit Massage Parlor Sentenced for Nearly $30,000 COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of a massage parlor was sentenced yesterday in connection with filing for and obtaining fraudulent pandemic-related loans for her illicit business where workers engaged in commercial sex acts with customers.
Chynna Savath, 57, of Woonsocket, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to three years of probation. Savath was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $34,391. On Jan. 20, 2022, Savath pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
Savath is the former owner of Thai Body Work, a massage parlor in Franklin, Mass. In June 2020, Savath submitted fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration for COVID-19 relief through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. In the applications, Savath falsely certified that the applicant was not engaged in any illegal activity, despite knowing that her employees at Thai Body Work engaged in prostitution with customers and that she collected a portion of fees paid by each customer. In total, Savath obtained $34,391 in fraudulent payments from the EIDL and PPP loan programs.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Cambridge, Boston, Franklin and Lexington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Wan of Rollins’ Criminal Division and Suffolk County Assistant District Attorneys Alyssa Tochka and Luke Goldworm, who were appointed as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Former CEO of Drug Manufacturing Company Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the FDA and Distributing Adulterated DrugsRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Raidel Figueroa, the former CEO and co-owner of Pharmatech, LLC, a drug and dietary supplement manufacturer that operated in Broward County, Florida, pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the FDA, falsifying records in an FDA investigation, obstructing proceedings before the FDA, and distributing adulterated drugs in Fort Lauderdale federal court yesterday.
Court documents show that from at least 2016 through at least March 2017, Pharmatech manufactured and distributed Diocto Liquid, a drug used to treat constipation. In July 2016, FDA initiated an inspection at Pharmatech as part of an investigation into an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia (“B. cepacia”) infections. B. cepacia is the name for a group or “complex” of bacteria typically found in soil and water. These bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy people, but people who have certain health problems like weak immune systems or chronic lung diseases may be more susceptible to B. cepacia infections. The effects of B. cepacia can include serious respiratory infections and other types of infections. Contaminated medicines can transmit B. cepacia, and the bacteria are often resistant to common antibiotics. At the close of the FDA’s inspection in August of 2016, the FDA notified Figueroa that a water sample it had taken from Pharmatech’s water system had tested positive for the presence of B. cepacia. In response, Figueroa advised the FDA that Pharmatech was re-engineering its purified water system to prevent future contaminations.
In March 2017, the FDA started another inspection at Pharmatech. FDA investigators asked Figueroa to disclose all products that Pharmatech had manufactured after it resumed manufacturing. Figueroa lied to the FDA investigators by, among other things, knowingly excluding Diocto Liquid from its products list (even though Pharmatech shipped over 7,000 units of the drug earlier that month) and by falsely stating to the FDA that Pharmatech’s new water system had met “acceptance criteria,” which was not true.
In July 2017, the CDC notified the FDA of multiple cases of B. cepacia infections in pediatric patients at Stanford Children’s Health Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland. FDA investigated and collected bottles of Diocto Liquid from these medical centers. The collected bottles were from the same lot that Pharmatech distributed in March 2017 – the same lot that Pharmatech failed to disclose to the FDA. Several of the bottles contained total aerobic microbial counts and total yeast and mold counts in excess of acceptable limits and some of the bottles also tested positive for the presence of B. cepacia.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Justin C. Fielder, Special Agent in Charge, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deric Zacca is prosecuting this case, with assistance from Laura Akowuah, from FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-60033.
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Florida Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - A former Florida resident, who moved to Mississippi, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and U.S. Marshal Mark B. Shepherd.
Jason Marvin Kent, 43, was sentenced after pleading guilty on February 16, 2022, to failure to register as a sex offender, which is a federal felony under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), commonly known as the Adam Walsh Act.
On July 22, 2021, Kent was arrested by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department in Moss Point on a failure to register arrest warrant issued out of Walton County, Florida. Investigation revealed that Kent relocated from Florida to Mississippi in early 2021 to avoid being arrested on the Florida warrant. Kent and his girlfriend had been working and living at a local motel. Kent was convicted in 2002 of lewd or lascivious conduct in Walton County and was sentenced to three years’ probation and classified as a sex offender. Florida is a lifetime registration state and, in 2015, Kent was convicted of failure to register in Florida, for which he was sentenced to three years’ probation.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Walton County Florida Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Florence Man Indicted for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a single-count indictment against Victor Bernard Johnson, Jr., 31, of Florence, for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited felon.
The indictment alleges that on or about December 25, 2021, Johnson possessed a firearm and ammunition knowing that he had a prior conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and is currently detained pending trial.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Florence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Ohio Man for Illegally Shipping Firearms to New York StateRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Allen DeCola, 65, of Perry, Ohio, with shipping and transporting firearms with intent to commit an offense. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between April and May 17, 2018, DeCola, a former federal firearms licensee, illegally shipped and transported firearms from the State of Ohio to the State of New York.
DeCola was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- June 2022Read the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Jacob William Paul Coombes. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Coombes, 27, of Cushing, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock .45 caliber pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Quapaw Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-189
Christopher Daniel Gilliam. Assault of a Spouse or Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country (Counts 1, 3); Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor) (Counts 2,4). Gilliam is charged with strangling and beating an intimate/dating partner on Dec. 2, 2021. Gilliam is further charged with strangling and beating a second intimate partner on June 6, 2022. The FBI, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department, and Creek County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-183
Jordan James Hodges. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Receipt of Stolen Property in Indian Country in Excess of $1,000. Hodges, 32, of Moore, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Remington .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a Bushnell scope and 35 rounds of ammunition on May 19, 2020. He is further charged with stealing an All-Terrain Vehicle, which was valued in excess of $1,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-184
Steven Alberto Juarez. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Juarez, 19, of Tulsa, is alleged to have intentionally run over Orlando Lorenz Lays Bad with his vehicle on May 20, 2022. The victim died at the scene. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-185
Millard Ray Laskey. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Maiming in Indian Country. Laskey, 51, of Bristow, allegedly assaulted the victim with a Bluetooth speaker and machete on May 21, 2022. He is further charged with maiming the defendant during the assault. The FBI, Bristow Police Department, and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-186
Justin Eli Muncy. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Commission of Felony Sex Offense Involving a Minor by a Registered Sex Offender. Muncy, 45, of Lawton, allegedly attempted to coerce an individual he believed to be a minor into engaging in sexual activity from Jan. 27, 2022 to April 14, 2022. Instead, he was messaging an undercover agent. Muncy committed the alleged crime while he was a registered sex offender. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-187
Jordan Tyler Nunn. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1-3). Nunn, 32, of Tulsa, allegedly was a felon in possession of a Ruger 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition on July 29, 2021. He is also charged with possession of a Taurus Armas 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol 12 rounds of ammunition on March 8, 2022. Finally, he is charged with possession of a Samsun Domestic Defense and Industry Corporation (Canik) 9x19 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition on June 1, 2022. The investigative agencies are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.
Joshua Lee Ortiz-Hernandez. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor (Counts 1); Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 2-4); Production of Child Pornography (Count 5); Possession of Child Pornography (Counts 6). Ortiz-Hernandez, 36, allegedly sexually abused a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 on June 5, 2022. He is also charged with producing and possessing visual depictions of the alleged abuse. The investigative agencies are the FBI and Pryor Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.
Joshua Cain Roets. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Roets, 34, transient, is charged with assaulting the victim with a knife on May 29, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case.
Richard Alan Sisney. Receipt and Distribution of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct; Possession of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Distribution of Child Pornography. Sisney, 68, of Tulsa, allegedly received, possessed, and distributed child pornography from May 29, 2021 to May 20, 2022. The investigative agency is the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle McWaters is prosecuting the case.
Brandon Michael Smart. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Smart, 33, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled an intimate/dating partner on June 8, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-196
Fort Washakie Man Sentenced for Assault by Strangulation and SuffocationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that XAVIER BRANDON GUINA, 25, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming was sentenced on June 16, 2022, for assault by strangulation and suffocation. He appeared before United States District Court Chief Judge Scott W. Skavdahl and was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
On October 18, 2021, Guina strangled and suffocated a victim meeting the statutory definition of intimate and dating partner. The assault occurred on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
“This was a just sentence,” said United States Attorney Bob Murray. “It’s cases like these that make me feel good about the work we do. Victims of violence who speak up deserve to be recognized for their courage and should be commended for stopping the abuse.”
“Victims of domestic violence deserve justice,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “The FBI works closely with our tribal partners to investigate these violent crimes in order to hold these perpetrators accountable for such horrific acts.”
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson is prosecuting the case.
Case No. 21-cr-00129-SWS
Fort Washakie Man Sentenced for Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that JARED MATTHEW NOSEEP, 24, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming was sentenced for assault by strangulation on June 16, 2022, before United States District Court Chief Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. Noseep was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $250 fine and a $200 special assessment.
Noseep pled guilty to two separate incidents in which he strangled and/or attempted to strangle a victim meeting the statutory definition of intimate and dating partner. The two assaults involved the same victim and occurred on January 6, 2020, and September 7, 2020, on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
“We must remain steadfast in our efforts to investigate and prosecute violent crime on the reservation,” said United States Attorney Bob Murray. “We could not accomplish this without the courage of victims who stand up to their abusers and report these incidents. ”
“Thanks to the courage of the victim in this case, the FBI was able to investigate this assault by strangulation and bring the perpetrator to justice,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. “It is a credit to the victim that the defendant has been held accountable for his actions.”
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson is prosecuting the case.
Case No. 22-cr-00014-SWS
Enterprise Man Sentenced to 74 Months in Prison Following Federal Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Willie Frank Harvis, a 62-year-old from Enterprise, Alabama, was sentenced to 74 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. Following his prison sentence, Harvis will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his plea agreement and other court documents, in late January 2019, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office began to suspect that Harvis was selling drugs from his Enterprise home. After obtaining a search warrant, on February 1, 2019, law enforcement searched Harvis’s residence and found crack cocaine along with eleven firearms. Harvis has multiple felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by ATF, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Enterprise Police Department, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Russell T. Duraski prosecuted the case.
El Paso Man Pleads Guilty to over $600K Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man pleaded guilty yesterday to multiple counts of an indictment for his involvement in a tax fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Elein Rodela Jr., 41, was a tax preparer in the El Paso area. From August 2016 to August 2018, Rodela perpetrated a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing false tax returns and then receiving the ill-gotten refunds. The scheme involved using legitimate W2 forms to file fraudulent tax returns and obtain federal tax refund checks in the name of non-citizens working in the U.S. To further his scheme, Rodela opened P.O. boxes in El Paso, Texas and New Mexico, and used these addresses to receive the fraudulently obtained tax refund checks. He subsequently cashed the refund checks and laundered the money through a bank account belonging to a children’s sports team. Rodela’s scheme resulted in a total loss to the IRS of approximately $670,217.
Rodela pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud; one count of wire fraud; four counts of aggravated identity theft; five counts of money laundering; and one count of theft of government funds. A sentencing date has not been set. Rodela faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the mail fraud, wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering counts. He faces up to 10 years in prison on the theft of government funds count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence and restitution after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington, Houston Field Office, made the announcement.
The IRS is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen Denum and Shane Wagman Romero are prosecuting the case.
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Eagle Butte Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, beginning on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, and concluding on Friday, June 17, 2022.
Luis Torres, a/k/a “Bubba”, age 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 10, 2021.
The charges related to the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl in rural Eagle Butte.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Dothan Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Attempting to Send Pornographic Images to a MinorRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Kevin Wayne Willett, a 31-year-old from Dothan, Alabama, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor and attempted distribution of child pornography to a minor, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. Following his 17.5-year prison sentence, Willett will be on supervised release for five years and will be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to his plea agreement and other court documents, on May 3, 2018, Willett, using an online dating site, communicated with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl. In reality, Willett was communicating with an undercover FBI agent posing as a minor. At some point during the exchange, Willett sent the agent an obscene image of an adult. Over the following days, Willet exchanged text messages with the undercover agent. In those messages, Willet indicated his intent to share lewd and sexual images. Willett then sent the agent an image containing child pornography. On March 7, 2022, Willett pleaded guilty to the charges.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Shooting at Family in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony Bedney, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for shooting a woman and her five-year-old child after an argument over a scooter he abandoned in a bike lane in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Bedney pleaded guilty in April 2022, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of assault with intent to kill with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentence of 15 to 20 years in prison. The Honorable Milton C. Lee, Jr. accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Following his prison term, Bedney will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the attack took place at about 6:50 p.m. on May 18, 2021. Bedney left a rented scooter in a bike lane on 10th Street NW. A woman who was outside with her family told Bedney that he could not leave his scooter there. The woman then moved the scooter. Bedney then came back and kicked the scooter over. The woman said something to the effect of: “My kids are playing here.” Bedney replied with an expletive. The woman’s husband then approached him as the mother and two young children retreated. He and Bedney engaged in a verbal altercation, and the father threw the scooter back towards him. Bedney moved away and was not hit. The father, meanwhile, moved to be near his family.
As the family was going back inside their residence, Bedney placed a black ski-type mask over his head and face. He then retrieved a firearm from his bag and fired approximately seven shots in the direction of the family. One bullet struck the woman in the chest/neck area, and one struck one of the children, who was five years old, in the back. The mother was hospitalized for six weeks. The bullet still remains lodged in the child’s back. The father and the other child, then two years old, were not hit by the gunfire.
Bedney fled the scene. He was arrested on May 27, 2021, after police linked him to the scooter through the rental company’s records. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Allison Daniels and Debra McPherson and Victim/Witness Program Specialist Karina Hernandez. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole G. H. Conte, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Convicted Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun Possession in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Valdosta resident and member of a criminal street gang organization was sentenced to serve more than eight years in prison for illegally possessing a gun.
Deontrey Demorria Crumpton, 25, was sentenced to a total of 105 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release to run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed in a Miami-Dade County, Florida, state case and consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed in a pending Lowndes County, Georgia, state case for probation violation. Crumpton previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson handed down the sentence on June 21. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Convicted felons will face the possibility of federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia when they are caught in illegal possession of a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working alongside our community and law enforcement partners through Project Safe Neighborhoods, enforcement efforts remain focused on holding the most egregious repeat offenders accountable in an effort to make our communities safer.”
“This sentence makes it very clear that criminals who repeatedly break the law and continue to possess illegal firearms will be held accountable with lengthy prison terms,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Our commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, and strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies made the arrest of Deontrey Crumpton possible. Rest assured, the FBI will always work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Crumpton was a known member of the 1735 In Route Bloods criminal street gang and had a prior burglary conviction in Lowndes County Superior Court. An investigation into illegal drug trafficking involving Crumpton and others in the Valdosta community resulted in officers executing a search warrant at Crumpton’s residence on Oct. 28, 2020. Crumpton was found inside his bedroom, which was secured by a push button keypad. Crumpton was found in possession of a Glock semi-automatic handgun and $13,860. It is illegal for a convicted felon to be in possession of a firearm.
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.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced Ronald O’Neal White (26, Tampa) to 37 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered White to forfeit the Taurus PT11 G2 GN firearm and ammunition. White had pleaded guilty on March 24, 2022.
According to court documents, on February 21, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to the scene where it had been reported that an individual had pointed a firearm at another individual. While on scene, an officer observed a van drive by slowly. Witnesses identified White as a passenger in the van and informed the officers that White was the individual who had pointed the firearm at the other person.
Officers conducted a traffic stop of the van and a subsequent searched of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm under the seat where White was sitting. The gun had previously been reported stolen. White later admitted to possessing the firearm. White is a previously convicted felon and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Colorado Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Attempts to Interfere with Administration of Internal Revenue LawsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Randy L. Garriss, age 68, of Lamar, Colorado, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Attempts to Interfere with Administration of Internal Revenue Laws as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garriss was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 6, 2017.
The convictions stemmed from incidents beginning in April of 2004 when Theodore Nelson and his son, Steven Nelson, created over 25 sham trusts to hide their income and assets from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), thus evading the assessment and payment of federal income taxes. The trusts were designed to make it difficult for the IRS to determine the Nelsons’ federal income tax liability. The Nelsons appointed John Sheridan and Loren Brown as trustees and successor trustees for the trusts until Sheridan’s death in 2011. In this manner, the Nelsons were able to put many layers between themselves and their assets and income. In 2011, Garriss joined the conspiracy as a trustee for the Nelsons’ trusts. Garriss’ actions as trustee helped the Nelsons hide their income and assets from the IRS. Among other acts, Garriss also corruptly endeavored to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws by mailing anti-tax documents to the IRS on behalf of the Nelsons. Garriss signed on his own behalf and that of Brown as trustees for Steve Nelson and the Nelsons’ trusts.
“One of IRS Criminal Investigation’s highest priorities is to combat abusive tax avoidance schemes and the individuals who promote them,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation. "The guilty verdict of Randy Garriss for his agreement to conspire against and impede the IRS with Ted Nelson, Steve Nelson, and Loren Brown shows how IRS Criminal Investigation will work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring tax cheats to justice."
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 12, 2022. The defendant was released on bond until sentencing.
Coachella Valley Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Role in Scheme in Which Doctors Took Bribes for Spinal Surgery ReferralsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An accountant who enabled the owner of a corrupt Long Beach hospital to pay more than $40 million in illegal kickbacks to doctors in exchange for them referring thousands of spinal surgery patients was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for a tax offense related to the scheme.
George William Hammer, 69, of Palm Desert, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also ordered Hammer to pay an $8,000 fine and forfeit $500,000 in proceeds from the scheme.
Hammer pleaded guilty in August 2018 to one count of filing a false tax return.
Hammer was the financial officer for various companies controlled by Michael D. Drobot, who owned Pacific Hospital in Long Beach. Drobot conspired with doctors, chiropractors, and marketers to pay kickbacks in return for the referral of thousands of patients to Pacific Hospital for spinal surgeries and other medical services paid for primarily through the California workers’ compensation system.
During its final five years, the scheme resulted in the submission of more than $500 million in bills for kickback tainted surgeries. To date, 22 defendants have been convicted for participating in the kickback scheme.
Beginning in 1997, Hammer supported the kickback scheme by facilitating payments to individuals receiving bribes and kickbacks pursuant to sham contracts that were used to conceal the illicit payments. Hammer falsified tax returns by characterizing the bribes as legitimate business expenses.
“Through his role at the Drobot-controlled entities, [Hammer] ensured that doctors were paid more than $40 million…in kickbacks,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “The scheme was too complex for Drobot to do alone. It could not have been accomplished without complicit executives like [Hammer] who furthered the scheme.”
Hammer was a salaried employee and did not directly profit from the kickbacks and bribes.
In January 2018, Drobot was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his crimes in this matter and awaits a March 2023 sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to three criminal charges for violating a court forfeiture order in the Pacific Hospital case by illegally selling his luxury cars.
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the California Department of Insurance, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph T. McNally and Billy Joe McLain of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Assistant United States Attorney Victor Rodgers of the Asset Forfeiture Section prosecuted this case.
Citizen of Dominican Republic Indicted for Cocaine Trafficking and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Jose Campusano, age 38, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Utica, New York, was indicted yesterday for trafficking cocaine and illegal reentry into the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Tom Brophy, Buffalo Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Campusano has been in custody since May, when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint. The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges filed against Campusano carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the DEA and ICE-ERO, with assistance from the New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Syracuse Police Department, and Utica Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Carbone.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Chinese national has pleaded guilty to identity theft and cyberstalking involving a Minnesota college student, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between January 2020 and November 2021, Ki Cheung Yau, 27, created multiple online accounts on various websites, including social media platforms, dating websites, and pornography websites, using the name, photos, and personally identifying information of the victim. Yau used these accounts to communicate with strangers on the internet while posing as the victim. Yau falsely portrayed the victim on social media, dating, and sexually-focused websites as a young woman soliciting submissive or violent sexual relationships, including a desire to engage in racially-oriented submissive sexual conduct.
Yau then communicated with strangers online and tried to help them locate the victim and follow through on his invitations for dominating and violent sexual encounters. According to court documents, on two separate occasions in January 2021, a man went to the victim’s residence and asked for the victim by name, presumably because he believed he was meeting the victim for a sexual encounter. Also, Yau’s cyberstalking resulted in strangers directly messaging the victim in response to explicit accounts and posts made by Yau posing as the victim. Further, the victim’s family and friends’ names, photos, and contact information were also included in Yau’s stalking scheme. The victim was forced to move to a new residence and change her phone number.
Yau pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright to one count of cyberstalking and one count of identity theft. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the St. Paul Police Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
Cabarrus County Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Illegally Selling over One Hundred Machine Gun Conversion Kits for AR-15 Type Rifles and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A North Carolina man was sentenced on June 24, 2022, to 135 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of distribution of cocaine hydrochloride.
According to court documents, Herbert Brooks Humphries, III, 21, was identified by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) as the operator of an account on Snapchat advertising the sale of illegal narcotics, assault rifle parts and machine gun conversion kits, also known as Drop In Auto Sear (DIAS) devices, designed for use in AR-15 type rifles. A DIAS device is a specially designed piece of metal that can be inserted into specific semiautomatic firearms to allow them to function as fully automatic firearms.
An undercover officer (UC) with the CCSO engaged Humphries on Snapchat and expressed interest in purchasing a DIAS device. Beginning July 2020, the UC and Humphries arranged three sales of illegal drugs, a Remington rifle, and over one hundred DIAS devices in Cabarrus County. During the first meeting on July 28, 2020, Humphries sold the UC two DIAS devices. At the second meeting on July 30, 2020, Humphries sold the UC the Remington rifle, five DIAS devices, and four bags of THC marihuana edible gummies. At the final meeting, on August 3, 2020, Humphries sold the UC ninety-five DIAS devices, a small quantity of cocaine, and a quarter pound of marijuana. During this transaction, Humphries possessed and displayed a .38 caliber Ruger handgun, which was later determined to have been reported stolen from Monroe, North Carolina.
“A firearm in the hands of a prohibited individual is a serious threat to public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “This individual’s criminal history with firearms and narcotics, including his attempts to distribute devices that create fully automatic weapons, is a blatant disregard of our laws and our safety. We are grateful that he will no longer be a danger to the community.”
At the time of his arrest, Humphries was a convicted felon and was therefore unable to possess a firearm. Humphries had previous convictions for multiple felonies including a drug distribution offense in the Superior Court of Union County, North Carolina.
The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations, and the ATF Firearms Technology Criminal Branch assisted with the investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe.
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Burlington Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on June 24, 2022, Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Amrou Mohamed, 26, of Burlington, to a 15-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, following his guilty plea to a charge of aiding and abetting a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm in June of 2021.
According to court records, Mohamed planned for an unnamed buyer to purchase a firearm for him. Mohamed coached the buyer on the steps the buyer would need to take to purchase the firearm for him and informed the buyer that the buyer would need to lie when answering a question on a form asking if the buyer was the actual purchaser of the firearm. On June 2, 2021, Mohamed provided the buyer with funds for the purchase of the firearm, then drove the buyer to a licensed firearms dealer. The buyer selected a Glock 17 9mm pistol and submitted ATF Form 4473 indicating that the buyer was in fact the actual purchaser of the firearm. On June 26, 2021, the Burlington Police Department seized the firearm from Mohamed, finding that it was loaded with ten rounds of 9mm ammunition.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Crawford found that Mohamed’s offense involved between three and seven firearms based on his unlawful possession of various firearms on other occasions.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their work on this investigation, as well as the Burlington Police Department and the South Burlington Police Department. U.S. Attorney Kerest stated: “Lying to firearms dealers in order to illegally obtain guns is a serious offense that undermines the safety of our community. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal firearms laws.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nate Burris. Mohamed was represented by Attorney Mary Nerino of the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
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.
Birmingham Man Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced this week for drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James.
United States District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced LaMarcus Antonio Sills, Sr., 39, to 72 months in prison. Sills pleaded guilty in March to charges that he possessed heroin with the intent to distribute, was a felon in possession of a firearm, and carried a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crime.
According to the plea agreement, on July 16, 2020, Birmingham Police Officers had established a police checkpoint at the intersection of 29th Avenue North and 29th Street North, when a white Mercedes Benz came to a stop at the checkpoint. The driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was Sills. While speaking to Sills, officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and Sills admitted to officers that he had smoked marijuana earlier that day just outside the vehicle. During a search, officers discovered a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol in Sills’s waistband. Officers searched the vehicle and found a clear plastic sandwich bag containing marijuana, a plastic bag containing 30.79 grams of heroin, a small digital scale, and more empty sandwich bags.
“Jefferson County is experiencing near all-time highs in both homicides and drug overdose deaths, with drug fatalities increasing 70% over the last two years,” said United States Attorney Prim. F. Escalona. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to do all that we can to protect our community from illicit drug trafficking and to prevent firearms from coming into the possession of prohibited people,” added Escalona.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Birmingham Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darius Greene prosecuted the case.
Bergen County Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man made his initial court appearance today on charges of possession of fentanyl and heroin with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Dawan A. Brown, aka “DB,” 36, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and at least 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward Kiel and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement officers learned that Brown packages and distributes large amounts of heroin from an apartment in a building located in Harrison, New Jersey. On June 14, 2022, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at this apartment and at Brown’s residence. From the apartment in Harrison, officers recovered approximately two kilograms of narcotics, suspected to contain amounts of heroin and fentanyl; drug paraphernalia, including a ledger, a safe, scales, a coffee and spice grinder, ink pads, stamps, Ziplock bags, vacuum bags and a vacuum bag sealer machine, razor blades, glassine envelopes and strainers; and approximately $44,000 that was contained within the safe, along with some of the suspected heroin and fentanyl. From the residence in Cliffside Park, officers recovered approximately $169,000, five cell phones, safety deposit keys, and various jewelry including diamond necklaces, gold watches, and a gold ring.
The narcotics offense carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a fine of $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jesse Levine in Newark; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; Harrison Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ronald Cuney; and Cliffside Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Marc Marano, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Narcotics/Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Frazer of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit, in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Belchertown Man Arrested for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Belchertown man was arrested yesterday in connection with fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Kenneth Pontz, 58, was charged with one count of theft of public funds. Pontz was released on conditions following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson.
According to the indictment, over a period of more than six years, Pontz stole approximately $63,871 in Social Security disability benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Baltimore Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Cocaine in Relation to a Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Aaron Arthur Fields, a/k/a “Handz”, age 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine and cocaine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; Harford County Drug Task Force, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, comprised of members of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, the Bel Air Police Department, and the Havre de Grace Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on November 4, 2018, Harford County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Joppa, Maryland residence for a fatal overdose. Emergency medical services personnel and deputies arrived and located two victims (Victim 1 and Victim 2) on the bedroom floor. Victim 1 was found deceased while Victim 2 was revived and transported to the hospital for treatment.
In another bedroom, officers located a line of white powder on a book with a piece of a red straw. The white powder was tested and determined to be a fentanyl and cocaine mixture. The medical examiner concluded that Victim 1’s death was due to acute intoxication by fentanyl and cocaine.
As part of the investigation into Victim 1’s death, Victim 1’s cellphone was seized and searched. A search of the cellphone contents revealed that Victim 1 contacted an individual (Individual 1) the night that Victim 1 and Victim 2 overdosed. The communications with Individual 1 and Victim 1 indicated that Individual 1 arranged for Victim 1 to meet with Fields to purchase drugs on the night of November 4, 2018. Fields admits that he distributed controlled substances to Victim 1 and that the death of Victim 1 resulted.
Additionally, during a traffic stop on April 10, 2019, investigators recovered three grams of heroin from an individual (Individual 2) investigators believed to have purchased drugs from Fields. Individual 2 admitted that they purchased drugs from Fields and confirmed Field’s identity after officers showed Individual 2 a picture of Fields.
As stated in his plea agreement, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Field’s Baltimore residence where investigators recovered 126 grams of cocaine. Investigators also recovered 28 grams of crack cocaine, 48 grams of cocaine, and $1,911 in cash from Fields’ person during his arrest in Rosedale, Maryland. Fields admits that he possessed the crack cocaine and cocaine with intent to distribute it. Fields also admits that he conspired with Individual 1 and others to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Harford County Task Force for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked the Baltimore County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Oldham and who prosecuted the case, and Paralegal Kristy Penny for her assistance.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach and visit the “Save a Life – Opioid Abuse” section.
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Bakersfield Resident Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Sabino Ramos, 46, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to seven years and eight months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on July 8, 2021, as Ramos was driving in Bakersfield, law enforcement officers attempted to stop him in order to serve an arrest warrant for probation violations. Ramos led officers on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds up to 90 mph, before losing control of his vehicle while exiting Highway 99 at Ming Avenue. Ramos then ran from pursuing officers but was eventually subdued. Ramos was found to be in possession of two handguns and approximately 30 rounds of ammunition. Ramos may not lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions, including convictions for assault with firearm on a person and for possessing controlled substances for sale.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.
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.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health OrganizationRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs, State Health Officer of the Mississippi Department of Health, et al. v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization et al.:
“Today, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and held that the right to abortion is no longer protected by the Constitution.
“The Supreme Court has eliminated an established right that has been an essential component of women’s liberty for half a century – a right that has safeguarded women’s ability to participate fully and equally in society. And in renouncing this fundamental right, which it had repeatedly recognized and reaffirmed, the Court has upended the doctrine of stare decisis, a key pillar of the rule of law.
“The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the Court’s decision. This decision deals a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in the United States. It will have an immediate and irreversible impact on the lives of people across the country. And it will be greatly disproportionate in its effect – with the greatest burdens felt by people of color and those of limited financial means.
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“But today’s decision does not eliminate the ability of states to keep abortion legal within their borders. And the Constitution continues to restrict states’ authority to ban reproductive services provided outside their borders.
“We recognize that traveling to obtain reproductive care may not be feasible in many circumstances. But under bedrock constitutional principles, women who reside in states that have banned access to comprehensive reproductive care must remain free to seek that care in states where it is legal. Moreover, under fundamental First Amendment principles, individuals must remain free to inform and counsel each other about the reproductive care that is available in other states.
“Advocates with different views on this issue have the right to, and will, voice their opinions. Peacefully expressing a view is protected by the First Amendment. But we must be clear that violence and threats of violence are not. The Justice Department will not tolerate such acts.
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“The Justice Department will work tirelessly to protect and advance reproductive freedom.
“Under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, the Department will continue to protect healthcare providers and individuals seeking reproductive health services in states where those services remain legal. This law prohibits anyone from obstructing access to reproductive health services through violence, threats of violence, or property damage.
“The Department strongly supports efforts by Congress to codify Americans’ reproductive rights, which it retains the authority to do. We also support other legislative efforts to ensure access to comprehensive reproductive services.
“And we stand ready to work with other arms of the federal government that seek to use their lawful authorities to protect and preserve access to reproductive care. In particular, the FDA has approved the use of the medication Mifepristone. States may not ban Mifepristone based on disagreement with the FDA’s expert judgment about its safety and efficacy.
“Furthermore, federal agencies may continue to provide reproductive health services to the extent authorized by federal law. And federal employees who carry out their duties by providing such services must be allowed to do so free from the threat of liability. It is the Department’s longstanding position that States generally may not impose criminal or civil liability on federal employees who perform their duties in a manner authorized by federal law. Additionally, the Department’s Office of Legal Counsel has determined that federal employees engaging in such conduct would not violate the Assimilative Crimes Act and could not be prosecuted by the federal government under that law. The Justice Department is prepared to assist agencies in resolving any questions about the scope of their authority to provide reproductive care.
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“The ability to decide one’s own future is a fundamental American value, and few decisions are more significant and personal than the choice of whether and when to have children.
“Few rights are more central to individual freedom than the right to control one’s own body.
“The Justice Department will use every tool at our disposal to protect reproductive freedom. And we will not waver from this Department’s founding responsibility to protect the civil rights of all Americans.”
Arrests Made in Fentanyl Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
Council Bluffs, Iowa – Five Cass County, Iowa residents were arrested on federal indictments charging Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. The arrests are the result of a six-month investigation into a series of fentanyl overdose cases occurring in Cass and Shelby Counties. The investigation identified a fentanyl distribution network that covered Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. The investigation into this distribution network remains ongoing.
According to court documents, 19-year-old Mason Blaine Loudermilk of Atlantic, Iowa; 28-year-old Chase Daniel Jahnke of Lewis, Iowa; 26-year-old Kelsi Marie Thurman of Lewis, Iowa; 25-year-old Colby Ray Clarken of Atlantic, Iowa; and 19-year-old Collin Jacob Clarken of Atlantic, Iowa appeared on June 24, 2022. Trial is set for each defendant on August 8, 2022.
The potential penalty for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance as charged in these indictments is a minimum of twenty years up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case has been investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics, along with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Atlantic Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Omaha Police Department, Fourth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Iowa Division of Intelligence, and Drug Enforcement Administration. This case will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
United States Attorney Richard Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anderson Man Sentenced for Asbestos ViolationRead the Press Release
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — Brian Thomas Rogers, 53, of Anderson, owner of Rogers Environmental, LLC, was sentenced to three years of probation, to include the first six months on an overnight curfew, ordered to pay a $25,500 fine, and will perform 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to Making a False Statement in a Clean Air Act Document.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that on May 1, 2018, Rogers Environmental was contracted to perform an asbestos building inspection at Pratt Hall on the campus of Anderson University, Anderson County, South Carolina. Rogers' limited survey report stated that no asbestos containing material (ACM) was found in the materials sampled. Based on the negative ACM survey, contractors commenced with demolition and renovation.
On June 20, 2018, while removing flooring from a bathroom, the sub-contractor encountered 9x9 floor tile and black mastic under the top layer of flooring, which it suspected to contain asbestos.
On June 21, 2018, Rogers was called back to the site and collected two additional samples. Rogers later provided the contractor, by email, with a lab report that showed the two additional samples did not contain asbestos.
On June 22, 2018, after learning of Rogers’ negative asbestos report and doubting the result, the sub-contractor collected its own samples from the same room inspected by Rogers and sent the samples to the same lab for analysis. The lab report indicated that asbestos was present in the two samples.
Due to the discrepancies between Rogers Environmental and the subcontractor’s sampling reports, the sub-contractor notified the general contractor, who in turn brought in a new building inspection company to resample the entire building.
On June 25, 2018, the new company surveyed and collected samples from the entire site, which documented approximately 29 samples had positive asbestos results. The total amount of asbestos found was approximately 3,620 square feet.
Investigators for DHEC later interviewed Rogers, who admitted changing the original lab results on one sample from 20% chrysotile (asbestos) to none detected. Rogers also admitted that he emailed the manipulated false documents to the general contractor.
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., ordered the sentence, recommending that Rogers perform his community service at Anderson University. Rogers will satisfy the fine in payments of $750 per month for roughly three years.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigative Division, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., is prosecuting the case.
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23 June 2022
भर्ती-संबंधी भेदभाव के दावे का समाधान करने के लिए कै लिफोलनिया-स्थिर्त IT ररक्रू टर के साि न्याय लवभाग का समझौर्तRead the Press Release
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वॉल िंगटन – न्याय लवभाग ने आज यह घोषणा की लक उन्ोिंने SpringShine Consulting, Inc., कै ललफोलनिया में स्थित एक IT स्टालफिं ग किं पनी, के साि समाधान समझौते पि हस्ताक्षि लकए। यह समझौता इन दावोिं का समाधान किता है लक SpringShine ने उस समय अमेरिकी कमिचारियोिं के साि उनकी नागरिकता स्थिलत के आधाि पि भेदभाव लकया िा जब उन्ोिंने के वल अथिायी कायि वीज़ा के ललए प्रायोजन की मािंग कि िहे लोगोिं से िोज़गाि के अवसिोिं के ललए आवेदन मािंगे िे।
"जो लनयोक्ता आवेदकोिं को उनकी नागरिकता या आप्रवासन स्थिलत के आधाि पि हतोत्सालहत किते हैं, या के वल उन्ीिं आवेदकोिं के ललए िोज़गाि के कु छ अवसिोिं को सुिलक्षत िखते हैं लजन्ें युनाइटेड स्टेट्स में काम किने के ललए प्रायोजन की आवश्यकता है, वे कानून का उल्लिंघन किते हैं औि उन्ें जवाबदेह ठहिाया जाना चालहए," न्याय लवभाग के नागरिक अलधकाि प्रभाग के सहायक अटॉनी जनिल लिस्टन क्लाकि ने कहा। "नागरिक अलधकाि प्रभाग यह सुलनलित किेगा लक कमिचारियोिं को इस तिह के गैि- कानूनी भेदभाव से बचाया जाए।"
SpringShine द्वािा एक भती वेबसाइट पि पोस्ट लकए गए लवज्ञापन के बािे में एक व्यस्क्त द्वािा ल कायत किने के बाद लवभाग ने जााँच ुरू की, लजसमें के वल ऐसे अनुभवी IT किं सल्टेंट्स से आवेदन आमिंलित लकए गए िे, लजन्ें िोज़गाि-आधारित अथिायी कायि वीज़ा के ललए प्रायोजन की आवश्यकता िी। वह लवज्ञापन लव ेष रूप से किं पनी के H-1B वीज़ा प्रायोजन की मािंग किने वाले कमिचारियोिं पि लनदेल त िा, लजसमें इसका कोई सिंके त नहीिं िा लक अन्य नागरिकता स्थिलतयोिं वाले कमिचारियोिं पि भी िोज़गाि के अवसि के ललए लवचाि लकया जाएगा, जैसे अमेरिकी नागरिक, मूल अमेरिकी लनवासी, वैध थिायी लनवासी, िणािी या िेफ्युजी। SpringShine ने दावा लकया िा लक लवज्ञापन िोज़गाि की पे क से जुडा नहीिं िा, बस्ि वह के वल उसके क्लाइिंट्स की अनुमालनत भावी श्रलमक आवश्यकताओिं को पूिा किने हेतु योग्य किं सल्टेंट्स का समूह तैयाि किने के ललए एक रििू लटिंग टू ल िा। हालािंलक, अपनी जााँच के आधाि पि लवभाग इस लनष्कषि पि पहाँचा लक (1) किं पनी ने पोस्स्टिंग का जवाब देने वाले आवदेकोिं में से एक को प्रायोलजत किने की पे क की िी, (2) लवज्ञापन में SpringShine द्वािा अपनी भती-सिंबिंधी आवश्यकताओिं को पूिा किने के ललए H-1B वीज़ा वाले कमिचारियोिं को प्रािलमकता देना द ािया गया है, औि (3) पोस्स्टिंग ने कई लोगोिं को लवचाि के ललए आवेदन किने से गैि-कानूनी रूप से िोककि अमेरिकी कमिचारियोिं को नुकसान पहाँचाया िा। आप्रवासन औि िाष्ट्रीयता अलधलनयम (Immigration and Nationality Act, INA) के तहत, आम तौि पि लनयोक्ताओिं को भती किने या नौकिी देनेमें नागरिकता स्थिलत के आधाि पि भेदभाव किने की अनुमलत नहीिं है।
समाधान समझौते की तों के तहत, SpringShine युनाइटेड स्टेट्स को नागरिक दिंड में $17,000 का भुगतान किेगी औि यह सुलनलित किेगी लक वह अपने िोज़गाि लवज्ञापनोिं औि नौकिी देने की कायिप्रणाललयोिं में लकसी लव ेष नागरिकता या आप्रवासन स्थिलत वाले आवेदकोिं के ललए लकसी भी गैि- कानूनी प्रािलमकता को ालमल या लागू नहीिं किती। इसके अलतरिक्त, SpringShine भती किने औि नौकिी देने में ालमल कमिचारियोिं को INA के भेदभाव-लविोधी प्रावधान में प्रल लक्षत किेगी।
नागरिक अलधकाि प्रभाग का अप्रवासी औि कमिचािी अलधकाि अनुभाग (Immigrant and Employee Rights Section, IER) INA के भेदभाव-लविोधी प्रावधान को लागू किने के ललए लज़म्मेदाि है। यह कानून नौकिी देने, नौकिी से लनकालने या ुि लेकि भती किने या िेफिल में नागरिकता स्थिलत औि िाष्ट्रीय मूल; अनुलचत दस्तावेज़ी कायिप्रणाललयोिं; औि प्रलत ोध औि डिाने-धमकानेके आधाि पि भेदभाव को प्रलतबिंलधत किता है।
इस सिंलक्षप्त वीलडयो के माध्यम से IER के कायि औि सहायता प्राप्त किने के तिीके के बािे में औि जानें। IER की वेबसाइट पि इस बािे में अलधक जानकािी प्राप्त किें लक लनयोक्ता नागरिकता स्थिलत सिंबिंधी भेदभाव से कै से बच सकते हैं। वे आवेदक या कमिचािी जो यह मानते हैं लक नौकिी देने, नौकिी से लनकालने, भती किने, या िोज़गाि योग्यता सत्यापन प्रलिया (फॉमि I-9 औि ई-वेरिफाई) के दौिान उनकी नागरिकता, आप्रवासन स्थिलत, या िाष्ट्रीय मूल के आधाि पि भेदभाव लकया गया िा; या बदला ललया गया िा, वे आिोप दायि कि सकते हैं। आम लोग भी 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, सुनने में पिे ानी वालोिं के ललए TTY) पि IER की कमिचािी हॉटलाइन पि फोन कि सकते हैं; 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, सुनने में पिे ानी वालोिं के ललए TTY) पि IER की लनयोक्ता हॉटलाइन पि फोन कि सकते हैं; IER@usdoj.gov पि ईमेल कि सकते हैं; एक मुफ़्त वेलबनाि के ललए साइन-अप कि सकते हैं; या IER की अिंग्रेज़ी औि स्पेलन वेबसाइट्स देख सकते हैं। IER से अपडेट प्राप्त किने के ललए GovDelivery को सब्सिाइब किें।
Worcester Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison on Multiple Charges Stemming from Cocaine Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today for cocaine trafficking, firearms, money laundering and fraudulent tax return charges.
William Hoey, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 87 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On March 7, 2022, Hoey pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime; two counts of money laundering; and three counts of filing a false and fraudulent tax return.
“Today’s sentence should send a clear message to drug traffickers across the District: this office takes seriously our commitment to holding individuals accountable who pollute our communities with drugs and violence,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Like so many others, Mr. Hoey thought he could make a business out of trafficking deadly narcotics and conceal his activity by laundering proceeds. I commend our federal law enforcement partners for their outstanding collaborative and investigative work to make the Worcester community safer.”
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Massachusetts” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division. “Let this arrest and sentencing serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like cocaine. The DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners here in Massachusetts and our solid relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The possession and distribution of illegal narcotics is often a predicate offense to both money laundering and tax violations,” Said Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office. “Drug traffickers use money laundering as a way to introduce their illegal profits into our local economies and failing to report these profits on their tax returns is a violation of the law. This sentence is another example of our successful partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and our collaborative effort to identify and disrupt narcotics traffickers in the New England area.”
On three occasions between July 2019 and September 2019, Hoey sold over 348 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness.
On Oct. 22, 2019, while travelling to meet with the cooperating witness for another cocaine deal he had arranged, Hoey was stopped by law enforcement in his vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 499.4 grams of cocaine as well as a 9 mm Ruger handgun containing seven live rounds of ammunition. Hoey admitted that he had the gun in case there was a problem during the cocaine deal. A subsequent search of Hoey’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 835.9 grams of cocaine from a safe, a Sig Sauer semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, a black Beretta firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition, $4,450 in cash, cutting agents, a scale, weights, a money counter and several cellphones.
Hoey also attempted to conceal drug trafficking proceeds by moving money from his bank accounts into accounts held by someone else. On Oct. 25, 2019, Hoey caused TD Ameritrade to issue a check from his account in the amount of $80,400 payable to another person, that was then deposited into a recently opened Leominster Credit Union account in the other person’s name. And, on March 24, 2020, Hoey caused another check to be issued by TD Bank in the amount of $87,180 payable to the same individuals that was deposited into the Leominster Credit Union account. Hoey conducted these financial transactions knowing that the funds in both the TD Ameritrade and TD Bank accounts did in fact include funds from his drug trafficking activities.
Additionally, in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Hoey filed false and fraudulent tax returns by omitting his income from drug dealings in his tax filings for each year.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle and IRS-CI SAC Simpson made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Worcester Man Sentenced for Civil Disorder and Unlawful Possession of Molotov CocktailRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today for civil disorder and the unlawful possession of three Molotov cocktails during a demonstration in the City of Worcester over the murder of George Floyd.
Vincent Eovacious, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to time served (approximately three days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 13 months in prison. In September 2021, Eovacious pleaded guilty to one count of civil disorder and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, which includes a Molotov cocktail.
On June 1, 2020, crowds gathered at various locations in Worcester, including South Main Street, to protest the murder of George Floyd. At approximately 10 p.m., a large crowd blocked traffic and began throwing rocks, bottles and other objects at police. As officers on scene gathered into a defensive line formation, officers spotted Eovacious – dressed in a trench coat and carrying a satchel over his shoulder – standing above them on the roof of the one-story building at 848 Main Street. Eovacious appeared agitated, paced back and forth on the rooftop and could be heard screaming at the crowd below to “kill the police.” Officers then observed Eovacious reach into the satchel and remove a white rag and a bottle that contained a yellow-colored liquid. While holding what appeared to be a lighter in one hand, Eovacious attempted to insert the rag into the glass bottle. In response to this threat, officers shined their flashlights at Eovacious, causing him to retreat from the edge of the rooftop and out of the officers’ direct line of sight. Minutes later, officers observed Eovacious walking in the area of May and Main Streets, still carrying the satchel, and stopped him. They searched the satchel and recovered three clear glass bottles filled with gasoline, five white rags and two lighters. Eovacious admitted that the bottles contained gasoline and that he was “with the anarchist group” and was “waiting for an opportunity.” At the time of his arrest, a partially filled gas can and more cloth rags were found in Eovacious’ vehicle.
“During what should have been a peaceful demonstration, Mr. Eovacious sought to incite violence by bringing dangerous Molotov cocktails with him and threatening to kill police officers,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Protesting injustice is legal. Violence, destruction and threats are not. My sincere thanks to our law enforcement partners for their work on this case as well as their work every day protecting our communities and ensuring the rights of everyone.”
“This defendant possessed and recklessly attempted to use an explosive device which had the potential to cause significant damage and injure countless people,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division. “ATF is committed to protecting our communities from harm and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt violent activity.”
“Vincent Eovacious had no compunction about committing civil disorder and causing chaos by building Molotov cocktails with the apparent intent of hurling them at police officers, putting their lives, and the lives of others in danger. His behavior was appalling, and this case should serve as a warning to others that you’ll face a swift law enforcement response and federal prosecution if you commit violent acts that break federal law,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, ATF SAC Ferguson, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
West Philadelphia Man Sentenced to over Nine Years for Firearms Offense During 2020 Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Mashaq White, 24, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karen S. Marston, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon stemming from an incident which occurred during the period of civil unrest in Philadelphia over two years ago.
On June 1, 2020, Philadelphia police responded to a burglary in progress call at a looted Rite-Aid at 57th and Chestnut Streets in West Philadelphia. When they arrived, the officers found the Rite-Aid ransacked. White was encountered inside and was found to be in possession of a firearm loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition. Police saw the defendant moments before his arrest with a companion at an ATM machine located at the front of the store, and defendant was seen drilling into the machine. In October 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to the one-count Indictment charging the firearms offense.
“Our Office is committed to prosecuting those who commit violent crimes including illegally possessing firearms, which is a federal crime” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “In this case, a previously convicted felon illegally possessed a loaded firearm, which presents a clear danger to our community that is struggling under a surge of violent gun crime.”
“ATF, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to do everything in our power to take guns out of the hands of violent felons and disrupt violent gun crime in our community,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This sentence is a small victory in the perpetual battle against gun violence, and should send a clear message to those criminals who endanger our citizens.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James R. Pavlock.
Warren County Felon Who Shot at Deputy Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A man who shot at a Warren County Sheriff’s Deputy was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 120 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rodriguez Crudup pled guilty to the charge on March 23, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Easley stated, “We stand with and will protect law enforcement who respond to dangerous situations. Our office will continue to prosecute armed felons who threaten our community.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on December 28, 2021, during the early morning hours, a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence in Warrenton, North Carolina. The deputy was advised that Crudup, who was at the residence, took the victim’s loaded firearm and ran from the residence into the woods. The deputy heard Crudup running in the woods and ran towards the area identifying himself as a Warren County Sheriff’s Officer. At this time a single shot was discharged by the defendant and the deputy heard the crack of a projectile pass over his head. The deputy retreated and took cover at his vehicle as he called additional units. Crudup was later arrested, and the loaded firearm was found in the woods where Crudup had been. An assessment of the firearm revealed it had jammed after the first round was discharged. Crudup’s prior convictions include breaking and entering, and two prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge James C. Dever rejected the defendant’s arguments that this was an accidental discharge and found the defendant intentionally fired his weapon at a law enforcement officer. The defendant was sentenced to the maximum sentence he could receive.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District James C. Dever. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane J. Jackson and Yasir Sadat prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
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. 5:22-cr-00014-D-1.
United States Attorney’s Office Issues Warning of Telephone ScamRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are alerting the public of several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be United States Attorneys, FBI Agents, or other law enforcement officials. Individuals receiving such calls are encouraged to report the solicitations to their FBI Jacksonville Division and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.
During the calls, appearing to come from the Northern District United States Attorney’s Office telephone number, the imposters attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest purportedly related to a claim of human trafficking, or other similar offenses. The intended victims are advised they can avoid arrest by paying a monetary fine.
The tactics utilized appear credible, such as providing information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and physical courthouse addresses. The fraudsters also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency.
If you have been contacted or believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and to the Federal Trade Commission.
Things to remember:
- The United States Attorney’s Office will never contact individuals about criminal investigations and never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
- You should never divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
- Report scam phone calls to your local FBI office and to the FTC.
- You may remain anonymous when you report suspicious or criminal activity.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
United Against Hate Pilot Program in Eastern Washington Paves the Way for National Roll OutRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today the accomplishments of her office’s pilot outreach program, United Against Hate, which directly connects the United States Attorney’s Office and its local and federal law enforcement partners with a diverse group of community organizations to increase community understanding and reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. This community outreach program seeks to address the chronic underreporting of hate crimes and hate incidents and build strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve to more effectively share resources and respond to potential unlawful acts of hate.
U.S. Attorney Waldref announced the Eastern District’s engagement in the United Against Hate program in March of 2022. In the last few months, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has successfully partnered with several community organizations and houses of worship to discuss how law enforcement responds to reports of hate crimes, hate incidents, and unlawful discrimination. Presenters at United Against Hate events include Assistant United States Attorneys, detectives and crime analysts from the Spokane Police Department, and special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United Against Hate programs have taken place throughout Eastern Washington, including at a Jewish Temple in Spokane, an Islamic Center in Pullman, and a Sikh Temple in Eastern Washington.
Based in part on the success of the United Against Hate program in Eastern Washington, on May 18, 2022, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke formally announced the Department of Justice’s nationwide rollout of the program. U.S. Attorney Waldref was selected to present at the national rollout of United Against Hate today. Yesterday, at that rollout event U.S. Attorney Waldref encouraged other districts around the country to follow Eastern Washington’s lead in proactively reaching out to houses of worship, minority communities, and community organizations on the critical issue of combatting hate crimes and hate incidents.
“Law enforcement has a vital role in protecting the public from hate-motivated offenses.,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “By encouraging the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents, the United Against Hate program provides law enforcement the tools to more effectively combat the uptick in hate-based violence.
The underreporting of hate crimes and hate incidents allows perpetrators to go undetected and un-prosecuted, which allows them to continue to spread their unacceptable messages of hate, fear, and intimidation. The United Against Hate program is designed to ensure that all members of our community feel safe and know that they live in a place where acts of hate will not be tolerated.”
“Hate crimes have no place in our community,” said Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl. “The Spokane Police Department is pleased to partner with the US Attorney’s Office in educating the public about what constitutes a hate crime, how to report one, and how to combat such crimes. Hate crimes are particularly impactful not only because of the harm they cause directly to the victims, but because they also take a substantial emotional toll on victims, families, loved ones and our community. SPD is dedicated to holding accountable those responsible for crimes fueled by prejudice and bias,” said Chief Meidl.
Each United Against Hate presentation discusses vital pieces of information, which include:
‐ What constitute hate crimes or hate incidents and encouraging the public to always report them to law enforcement
‐ How to report a hate crime or hate incident to law enforcement. For example, to call 911 if there is a crime in progress or any potential immediate threat or danger. Otherwise hate crimes and hate incidents can also be reported to an individual’s local Crime Check (in Spokane, 509-456-2233) or by reporting it to the FBI (by calling 509-458-8100 or submitting tips to www.fbi.gov/tips).
‐ Even when prosecuting a hate crime or hate incident is not viable, the data from such reporting to law enforcement is essential both to investigating and prosecuting related hate crimes by the same individual or group and in determining where, when, and how to best deploy law enforcement resources, such as additional patrols, to help detect and deter hate crimes.
Community members who attended the United Against Hate presentations participate in group discussions and activities and provide the law enforcement panelists with their questions and concerns. Additionally, when appropriate, for United Against Hate presentations in Spokane County the U.S. Attorney’s Office has joined with the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force (SCHRTF), a private non-profit organization. SCHRTF’s Hate Reporting Tool Kit is an online tool for reporting hate crimes and hate incidents and includes an option to report anonymously. The SCHRTF Hate Reporting Tool Kit is found at www.ReportHateBias.org.
“The Spokane County Human Rights Task Force created its Hate Reporting Tool to determine the extent of hate activity occurring in our county in order to provide victim support and targeted outreach programming. The Hate Reporting Tool is simple to access and simple to use,” said Board member, Hershel Zellman. “We are excited to join with law enforcement in promoting the United Against Hate program and emphasize that the information provided through the Hate Reporting Tool is treated confidentially by the Task Force and has no connection to law enforcement,” said Past-President, Dean Lynch.
“My office is thrilled with the excellent reception and impact that our United Against Hate efforts have already had in making our communities in Eastern Washington safer and stronger. These presentations offer panelists and community members the opportunity to share stories, concerns, and understand our shared values for safe neighborhoods to raise our families and the freedom to express religious beliefs without fear,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. Community members and leaders who are interested in exploring whether to host a United Against Hate presentation are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Team at USAWAE.CivilRights@usdoj.gov or by leaving a voice mail at (509) 835-6306.
“We cannot bring the full force of the people’s power against hate crimes, hate incidents, and other civil rights violations without individuals being given opportunities to come forward. We encourage anybody in our community to report these concerns. We are all partners in keeping each other safe and building a stronger community that reflects our values of hope and belonging where we protect each other and have a joint mission to pursue justice for all,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s online complaint form is available at https://www.justice.gov/usaoedwa/edwa-civil-rights-webpage.The form can be emailed to USAWAE.CivilRights@usdoj.gov, or concerns can be shared by leaving a voice mail for our Civil Rights Team at (509) 835-6306.
United Against Hate presentation photos from outreach to a local Jewish Temple:
Pictured from left to right: Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Frieda Zimmerman, Detective Brian Cestnik Spokane Police Department, FBI Special Agent Ryan Butler, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter, Spokane PD Sargent Zachary Dahle, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Tornabene, Spokane PD Senior Crime and Intelligence Analyst Thomas Michaud, and Hershel Zellman board member Spokane County Human Rights Task Force.
Pictured: Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter
Pictured from left to right: Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Frieda Zimmerman, Spokane PD Senior Crime and Intelligence Analyst Thomas Michaud, and Spokane PD Sargent Zachary Dahle.
Pictured from left to right: Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter, Spokane County Human Rights Task Force board member Hershel Zellman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Frieda Zimmerman.
Photo from U.S. Attorney’s outreach to an Eastern Washington Sikh Temple:
Pictured: Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler Tornabene (left) and Dan Fruchter (right)
Photo from U.S. Attorney’s and FBI Outreach to a Pullman Islamic Center:
Pictured: FBI Special Agent Christian Parker (left) and Assistant United States Attorney Tyler Tornabene (right)
Pictured: U.S. Attorney Waldref speaking at World Refugee Day in Spokane
United States Attorney’s Office Declines Prosecution in Shooting Death on Wind River ReservationRead the Press Release
On March 21, 2021, Michael Summers, 62, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest on the Wind River Indian Reservation. A thorough investigation of the death was conducted by the FBI, with the assistance of the Wind River Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fremont County Coroner’s office.
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that based on a review of the investigative and medical materials collected during the investigation, the United States declined pursuing criminal charges related to the death as there is insufficient evidence that the subject of the investigation did not act in self-defense.
U.S. Attorney Ross Chosen as Chair of Attorney General Garland's Subcommittee on Law Enforcement/Victim/Community IssuesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has been selected as the Chairperson for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) sub-committee on Law Enforcement Coordination, Victim Assistance and Community Relations. In this role, Ms. Ross will lead the sub-committee that will advise the Attorney General on matters involving law enforcement, victim assistance, and community relations.
On March 30, 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the appointment of Ms. Ross as one of the 12 members to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). Created in 1973, the AGAC advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies.
“It is an honor to be asked to lead this sub-committee, which will focus on aspects of our job that are vital to the work we do,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “The importance of fostering positive relationships with members of law enforcement, and those living in the communities we are responsible for protecting, should not be understated. It is also important that we always remember the victims as we pursue justice to ensure their voices are heard. This sub-committee allows us to be a conduit to build trust between law enforcement and the community, and to work to protect those who have been victimized. I look forward to working with my colleagues so we can advise the Attorney General on these very important relationships.”
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Tyler Man Guilty of Using Stolen Valor to Defraud InvestorsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Derek Robert Hamm, 38, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, violating the Stolen Valor Act, using a fraudulent military discharge certificate, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it illegal to fraudulently wear medals, embellish rank, or make false claims of military service to obtain money, employment, property, or some other tangible benefit. As part of the plea agreement, Hamm agreed to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct, including jewelry, automobiles, and cash proceeds in the amount of $1,675,000.
According to court documents, Hamm invented a persona of being a wealthy and successful war hero. Hamm held himself out to be a former member of the Army Special Forces who had served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. He claimed to have been awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Service Cross for his service. Hamm also represented that he was related to Harold Hamm, the billionaire oilman in Oklahoma, which he claimed gave him access to financial resources and oil industry expertise. Through this larger-than-life persona, Hamm created an extensive network of friends who introduced him to potential investors. Those investors believed Hamm’s claims and invested in what they expected to be worthwhile ventures spearheaded by a trustworthy and capable entrepreneur.
In reality, Derek Hamm was nothing of the sort. Hamm was not a decorated war hero. He was no oil industry tycoon. He was not related to Harold Hamm. He did not spend investors’ funds on the latest oil industry technology or new oil wells. Within hours of receiving investors’ funds, Hamm spent their money on himself and his family, including expensive jewelry, vehicles, and vacations to expensive resorts on private charter planes. All the while, Hamm represented to investors that he had invested their money in successful oil industry projects. Because of the Hamm war hero persona, the investors trusted Hamm even as their invested funds failed to produce any returns.
“Whenever people invent achievements and claim valor for things done by others, they tarnish the legacy and service of those men and women who have made real sacrifices in service to this country,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “That is especially true when someone uses the valor of such service to ultimately steal from people. Hamm’s repugnant actions are an insult to true American heroes who received real recognition for their real achievements.”
Hamm also pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. Hamm was convicted in Smith County in 2020 for theft of property, a state felony. As a felon, Hamm is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. According to court documents, Hamm was in possession of dozens of firearms, including several rifles with high-capacity magazines, and ammunition for those firearms.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Hamm with federal violations on January 20, 2022. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of Derek Robert Hamm, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 903-594-3503. Derek Robert Hamm is also known as D. Wayne Hamm II, Wayne Hamm, D. Wayne H., DW Hamm, and RD Hamm.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the Phoenix Arizona Police Department, Smith County Adult Probation, the Texas Railroad Commission-Enforcement Division, Department of Veteran’s Affairs-Office of Inspector General, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts-Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Army Special Operations Command. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Austin Wells and Ryan Locker.
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Two Colorado Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Denver – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Daniel Walker, age 38, of Evergreen was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for selling methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl to undercover ATF agents on several occasions.
According to the plea agreement, on March 5, 2021, Walker sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 12 grams of heroin and approximately 30 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant and two undercover ATF agents. At the time, he was armed with a loaded pistol. On March 10, 2021, Walker sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and 43 fentanyl pills to the undercover agents. On April 20, 2021, Walker sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. At the time, he was armed with a different pistol than the defendant possessed on March 5. On June 11, 2021, Walker sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, as well as smaller amounts of heroin and fentanyl pills to undercover ATF agents. The total sale price of the controlled substances was just over $18,000.
U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced the defendant on June 22, 2022. He also sentenced him to 5 years of supervised release. Co-defendant Michael Robbins, age 42, of Denver was sentenced to 84 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release in May of this year.
“We are currently facing a crisis with the amount of illicit drugs flowing into our communities. These lengthy prison sentences demonstrate that if you peddle this poison, we will prosecute you and hold you accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “We appreciate the work done by our partners at the ATF to bring these drug traffickers to justice.”
“Daniel Walker’s willingness to use crime guns while trafficking dangerous drugs such as heroin, meth and fentanyl supports the necessity of this strong sentence of over 16 years in federal prison,” said ATF Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge David. S. Booth.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Teitelbaum.
Case number: 21-cr-00317
Tokio, ND, Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Death of Foster Child and Abuse and Neglect of Other ChildrenRead the Press Release
Fargo – United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetrud Puhl announced that Erich Longie, Jr. of Tokio, ND, appeared before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, and was sentenced to serve life in prison after having plead guilty to First-Degree Felony Murder within Indian Country; three counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country; and Child Neglect in Indian Country.
On May 6, 2020, agents with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the home of Erich and Tammy Longie on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Law enforcement observed a deceased 5-year-old child in the basement of the home and observed bruising throughout the body. An autopsy concluded the death a homicide and identified the cause of death as bilateral subdural hematomas incurred from assault. The pathologist observed abrasions and contusions consistent with "multiple episodes of inflicted trauma." The child’s sibling was examined at a local hospital and determined to need a higher level of care and was hospitalized for more than a month. An attending physician explained the child had bruising over the child’s body consistent with abuse. The primary medical concern, however, was heart failure due to malnutrition.
Spirit Lake Tribal Social Services ("SLTSS") had placed the two children in foster care in the Longie home in July of 2019.
The investigation revealed that two biological children were also abused including with objects and hands.
Co-defendant Tammy Longie plead guilty to Second-Degree Murder; three counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country, and Child Neglect in Indian Country and is scheduled for sentencing. Sentencing for Tammy Longie before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte is scheduled for August 9, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Lori H. Conroy assigned to the case.
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Ten KC-Area Residents Indicted for Meth Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ten Kansas City area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as well for illegally possessing firearms.
David M. Jones, also known as “Davo,” 29, Nathaniel Finney, also known as “Nate,” 33, Joshua T. Fluker, also known as “Jizzle,” 29, Reggie McDowell, also known as “Dime,” 25, and Isaac J. Wilson, also known as “Hothead” and “Meces,” 27, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Jason Lumpkin, also known as “Lump,” 34, Vincent T. Jackson, also known as “Squeak,” 31, Steffon Rainey, also known as “Cheese” and “Money,” 30, Shane Mitchell, also known as “Biggz,” 27, and Deonte E. Willams, also known as ‘Tae” and “Locc,” 29, whose addresses are unknown, were charged in a 26-count indictment returned under seal by a federal jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 22. That indictment was unsealed and made public today following the arrests of most of the defendants in a metro-wide law enforcement operation this morning.
The federal indictment alleges that all 10 defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2016, to June 22, 2022.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, McDowell is also charged with six counts related to distributing methamphetamine and three counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The indictment also charges various other defendants in various counts related to methamphetamine trafficking. Jones and Mitchell are each also charged with distributing fentanyl. Mitchell is also charged with distributing cocaine. Mitchell and Finney are also each charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Sumter County Man Indicted for Possessing Destructive Devices, Firearms, and SilencersRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging James Clay Bexley (34, Center Hill) with possessing destructive devices and firearm silencers and possessing firearms in violation of a domestic violence injunction. If convicted, Bexley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count.
According to court records, Bexley was arrested at his home after contacting his wife in violation of an injunction. Deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office located six firearms, two silencers, and two small explosive devices in Bexley’s vehicle. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad then responded and discovered two destructive devices (pipe bombs) on Bexley’s front porch. After obtaining a search warrant, federal agents recovered approximately 35 pounds of explosive materials and bomb-making equipment from within the residence, along with an additional 12 firearms and two silencers.
Firearm silencers and destructive devices, such as pipe bombs, are illegal to possess unless registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. None of Bexley’s silencers or destructive devices had been registered as required under federal law. Furthermore, it is also a federal crime to possess firearms while subject to a domestic violence injunction.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.
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.
St. Louis area men sentenced to prison for helping violent drug trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced two men who helped violent drug traffickers try to avoid prosecution to lengthy prison terms.
Michael Grady, 67, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 18 years and 10 months in prison and Oscar Dillon III, 48, of St. Charles County, was sentenced to 15 years and seven months.
Grady and Dillon aided a massive, large-scale drug conspiracy connected to multiple murders by trying to determine who was cooperating with investigators and prosecutors. The pair pulled court documents and performed other research for the conspirators. Dillon attended a court hearing to intimidate a potential witness. They also directed one of the leaders of the conspiracy to flee to Texas following his indictment and helped conceal the source and ownership of drug proceeds.
On April 7, 2021, after a trial that lasted more than two weeks, a jury found both men guilty of drug conspiracy, attempted obstruction of justice and money laundering.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Intelligence Section investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Reilly and Donald Boyce prosecuted the case.
St. John the Baptist Resident Charged with Failure to Report International Travel as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GENE MURRAY, age 49, was charged on Thursday, June 23, 2022, by grand jury indictment with one count of failure to report international travel as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) 18 U.S.C. § 2250(b).
If convicted, MURRAY faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Southwestern PA Woman Sentenced to 22½ Years for Producing Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pitcairn and Trafford, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 270 months’ imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release on her conviction for production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence yesterday on Rebecca Owens, age 25.
According to information presented to the court, from May 17-19, 2019, Owens communicated with another individual online through the social media application Skout/MeetMe and discussed sexually abusing Minor A, a minor known to Owens. At sentencing, the Court was presented with additional text message conversations that Owens had with another individual from January through July 2019, wherein Owens engaged in a sexually graphic discussion and offered children known to her, including Minor A, to this other individual to be sexually abused. The government also presented the Court with evidence that, during the text message conversations with this other individual, Owens, again, created and sent sexually explicit images of Minor A.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville noted the “exceptionally troubling” nature of Owens’ very serious criminal conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Pittsburgh Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Allegheny County Police Department, and the New Castle Police Department, and the Pitcairn Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Owens.
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.justice.gov/psc .
South Bend Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Lamonte Powell, 52 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Powell was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, law enforcement bought narcotics from Powell on two occasions. Thereafter, in May of 2021, law enforcement recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine, along with a firearm, and cash from a search of Powell’s residence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Sex Offender Convicted of Escape from the Bureau of Prisons and Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal judge convicted an Illinois man yesterday on charges of escaping from the Bureau of Prisons and failing to register and update a sex offender registration.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Francis David Sherman, Sr., aka "Robert Copeland Shields", 65, was convicted of rape in Peoria County, Illinois, in 1981. He was also convicted of deviate sexual assault in Douglas County, Missouri, in 1998. Both convictions required the defendant to register in a sex offender registry every 90 days for the course of his life. In 2010, he was convicted in the Western District of Virginia of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle and access device fraud. He received a sentence of 144 months in the Bureau of Prisons. In 2020, he was transferred to the James River Residential Reentry Center in Newport News. On or about October 27, 2020, he signed out of the Bureau of Prisons facility to go to work and never returned. On July 7, 2021, he was arrested in Escambia County, Florida, by members of a fugitive task force with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He last registered as a sex offender in Virginia on August 3, 2020. Under federal law, a sex offender must register and keep the registration current where the offender resides. He failed to register as a sex offender in Florida and update his registration in Virginia. The Virginia Department of State Police maintains the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.
Sherman was convicted of escape from custody and failure to register and update a sex offender registration and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on October 20. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the verdict.
Special thanks to the U.S. Marshal Service and Escambia County Sherriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Devon Heath are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:21-cr-51.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 28 years in prison for production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Jeremy Shawn Lopezieo, 35, participated in a live chat through social media. During the chat he live streamed the sexual abuse of a child not realizing he was chatting with an undercover agent with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The FBI immediately located and arrested Lopezieo and rescued the child.
On January 20, 2022, Lopezieo pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Lopezieo also was ordered to pay $50,000 to the victim. After his prison term, he will serve 25 years on supervised release. He has remained in custody since his arrest on February 28, 2019.
“I am hopeful the sentence handed down to Lopezieo gives the victim some sense of justice, even though it cannot mitigate a lifetime of trauma,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “I am thankful the FBI intervened so quickly in this case and stopped the abuse of this predator.”
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder of the need for continued and aggressive pursuit of all those that would rob children of their innocence and harm them in such a despicable manner,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners in our Child Exploitation Task Forces are committed to protecting children from these horrible predators and will do everything we can to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
The FBI, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, 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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