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1 June 2022
Rochester Felon Arrested on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Chad Owens, 30, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on May 13, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Owens’s Barberry Terrace residence in Rochester. During the search, investigators recovered $23,280 in cash, 75 individually wrapped bags of cocaine, another 52 grams of cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. A loaded .45 caliber handgun and a .40 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number, both of which had been reported stolen, and ammunition were also recovered. Owens was previously convicted on in Monroe County Court of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and is being held without bail.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief David Smith and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
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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Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Marvin Love, 38, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm during and in relation to his trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to court documents, on January 7, 2020, Love was stopped in his vehicle by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers, who discovered Love in possession of distribution quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine. Officers also found a handgun belonging to Love on the floorboard of his vehicle. Love is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions, including two armed robberies in Marion County. During one of those robberies, Love shot a victim twice when stealing $10. Love also has a prior federal felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm. He was released from prison for that crime in late October 2019, less than 2 ½ months before he was arrested in January 2020 in this case.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Love be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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.
Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen MailRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Aleia Deborah Green (20, Brooksville) today pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail. Green faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Green had been indicted on February 15, 2022.
According to court records, Green worked as a contract mail carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivering mail for the Crystal River Post Office. On October 13, 2021, the USPS – Office of Inspector General (OIG) received complaints of mail theft from Green’s route. On October 19, 2021, special agents from the USPS OIG conducted surveillance at a neighborhood cluster box on Green’s route. The agents put a piece of mail containing United States currency in the outgoing mail, and within an hour-and-a-half, Green had opened the mail and taken the money. When confronted by the agents, Green admitted to opening the mail and taking the money. Green advised that she has been opening mail along her route since August 2021, and that she had opened approximately 100 pieces of mail.
This case was investigated by the U.S. States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Paralegal Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement of Funds from Law Firm Trust AccountRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Midlothian woman pleaded guilty today to conspiring to embezzle funds from the trust account of the law firm where she worked.
According to court documents, from at least September 2, 2015, through December 5, 2017, Lindsey Epps Passmore, 38, was a paralegal at a Richmond area law firm that specialized in real estate law. That firm held loan proceeds in an escrow account for a private lender to Passmore’s co-defendant, Joshua Brian Romano, 39, of Chesterfield, who was involved with the purchase, rehabilitation, and sale of homes around Richmond. The loan proceeds were earmarked for Romano to use them only for the purchase of purchase and rehabilitation of specific properties, and only with the lender’s express approval for each disbursement. In order to cover this up, Passmore sent the lender emails that falsely reported the balances held in escrow for these properties.
Passmore disbursed a total of $1,206,953.27 of the lender’s funds held in escrow for Romano’s projects without receiving the lender’s approval or by misleading the lender about how the funds were to be used. The funds were then allegedly used by Romano for purposes outside the scope of the agreements with the lender.
Passmore is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 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.
Romano is scheduled to face a trial by jury on October 17, 2022. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Moore is prosecuting the case.
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. 3:22-cr-26.
Owner of Northeast Philadelphia Pharmacy Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and FraudRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Mitchell Spivack, 62, of Collegeville, PA, was charged by Information with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and healthcare fraud. These charges are the result of a joint investigation between the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
As alleged in the Information, Spivack owned Verree Pharmacy located in the Fox Chase section of Philadelphia and was the pharmacist in charge. Verree operated as a small neighborhood pharmacy for more than thirty years. During that time in business, Spivack and his coconspirators allegedly cultivated Verree’s reputation as an “easy fill” and “no questions asked” pharmacy for oxycodone and other dangerous and addictive opioid drugs. By 2016, Verree was the largest purchaser of oxycodone among retail pharmacies in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Spivack and his coconspirators filled prescriptions for wholesale quantities of high-dose oxycodone despite obvious alterations to the prescriptions and other red flags indicating that the drugs were not for a legitimate medical purpose. In addition, Spivack and other employees of Veree submitted entirely fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs for prescription drugs not dispensed. These drugs were designated in patient profiles as “BBDF” which was an acronym for “Bill But Don’t Fill.” From 2013 through 2019, Medicare and other insurers paid over $450,000 for these bogus claims.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists engage in the deepest violation of the community’s trust when they exploit their access to opioids and other controlled substances and illegally dispense the drugs for their own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “It is even more disturbing when pharmacists take advantage of their position of trust by fraudulently billing Medicare and other federal health care programs for bogus prescription drugs. Our Office will use every resource it has to pursue and hold these individuals accountable. I am grateful for the support and investigative teamwork that the DEA, HHS-OIG, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office provided in this important matter.”
“We know that nearly 80% of those who use heroin first started with misusing a prescription opioid,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “The defendant is charged with filling prescriptions outside of medical standards for the highly addictive drug oxycodone. Diversion of these drugs perpetuates the existing opioid crisis that killed 5,438 Pennsylvanians last year. Pharmacies and medical professionals have a responsibility under the law to dispense these drugs only when appropriate. Our office is committed to continuing to work with our federal partners to hold medical professionals like Mitchell Spivack accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, a special assessment and an order of restitution.
If the public has any information regarding Verree Pharmacy or any other health care fraud allegation, individuals should contact the HHS-OIG hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil suit against Spivack, his company, and employees alleging healthcare fraud and violations of the Controlled Substances Act. The criminal case was investigated by the Philadelphia Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, HHS-OIG, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Beth Leahy and Special Assistant United States Attorney Linda Montag, who was specially designated by the AG. The civil case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony D. Scicchitano.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Orleans Parish Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of More than $61,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CATHERINE CAMPBELL WILLIAMS, age 69, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 31, 2022 to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court documents, beginning in December 2010 and continuing through 2020, WILLIAMS collected Social Security Administration benefits paid to a deceased relative. In total, WILLIAMS fraudulently received approximately $61,324 in Social Security Administration benefits to which she was not entitled.
WILLIAMS faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry set sentencing for August 30, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
Olathe Man Indicted Following Police Chase on Downtown Airport RunwayRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Kansas, man who led police officers on a high-speed chase down a runway at the downtown airport has been indicted by a federal grand jury for disrupting airport operations as well as illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine.
Efren Torres-Rodriguez, 34, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 18. He was arrested today.
Kansas City, Mo., police officers were notified of a suspicious car, a Dodge Charger, parked near a gate at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport on Feb. 1, 2022. When officers arrived, they found Torres-Rodriguez passed out in the driver’s seat of the running car. Officers turned off the car and opened the door, which woke up Torres-Rodriguez.
Officers ordered Torres-Rodriguez out of the car, but he refused. Instead, Torres-Rodriguez started the vehicle and drove away, crashing through the gate to the airfield. Torres-Rodriguez drove at speeds up to 100 miles per hour down the airport runway, with officers in pursuit. Torres-Rodriguez drove on a tarmac on the west side of the airfield. When he attempted to cross over the airstrip into a grassy area, his vehicle became inoperable. Officers removed Torres-Rodriguez from the vehicle and placed him under arrest. Officers found a clear plastic bag in his pants pocket that contained methamphetamine.
When officers searched Torres-Rodriguez’s vehicle, they found a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, which were both empty of ammunition, under the driver’s seat. They also found several rounds of ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Torres-Rodriguez has prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm with a prior violent offense, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for robbery.
The federal indictment charges Torres-Rodriguez with one count of damaging and interfering with an air navigation facility, one count of damaging and disrupting an international airport, one count of being a felon and drug user in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing methamphetamine.
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 Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Oklahoma Man Charged in Complaint Alleging He Made Bomb Threats to L.A. Schools and Threatened to Shoot Elementary School StudentsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Oklahoma man who grew up in Los Angeles was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he telephoned bomb threats to five Los Angeles schools, including two elementary schools, and also threatened to shoot the children as they exited one of the elementary schools.
Marcus James Buchanan, 44, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Wichita, Kansas.
Buchanan is charged with one count of making a threat through interstate commerce to damage or destroy buildings by fire or explosives.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, during a period of less than two hours on the morning of February 28, Buchanan called in bomb threats to two elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school in Los Angeles. In a call to one of the elementary schools, Buchanan allegedly threatened to shoot the children as they exited the building.
On April 27 and 28, Buchanan allegedly called in additional bomb threats to two of the Los Angeles schools he previously threatened, and threatened to shoot and kill children at other schools. On the afternoon of April 27, Buchanan called an elementary school and said to a school employee, “There is a bomb at your school and we will shoot the kids when they get out of the school. That is what you get for not accepting me in ’86,” according to the affidavit. When the employee asked who was calling, Buchanan allegedly responded, “If you try to find out, I will shoot you.” After receiving the threat, the school staff notified police and placed the school on lockdown. Police searched the campus for explosives or unusual items but found none.
On April 28, Buchanan allegedly called the same school again and said there was a pipe bomb placed at the school’s address. After receiving the bomb threat, the school staff notified police and placed the school on lockdown. Police searched the campus for explosives or unusual items but found none.
That same day, Buchanan allegedly called a different elementary school and said, “Stop playing games you know who this is. I am going to shoot the school. I know the kids are there.” Afterwards, the school was placed on lockdown, but – as with all the incidents – no explosives or unusual items were found.
Phone records indicated that the threatening calls came from a number identified with Buchanan, the affidavit states.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Buchanan would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The FBI and the Los Angeles School Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Morgan J. Cohen of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Nurse Sentenced to 54 Months for Drug TamperingRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – Emilee Kathryn Poteat, 32, of Danville, Virginia, was sentenced today to 54 months in prison for tampering with a consumer product, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston.
The Poteat indictment, filed in June 2021, charges that from on or about July 1, 2020, continuing up to and including on or about October 28, 2020, the defendant did, with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of bodily injury and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk, tamper and attempt to tamper with a consumer product that affected interstate commerce to wit: three syringes of injectable hydromorphone, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1365(a)(4).
According to court documents, from July to November 2020, Poteat -- a registered nurse – was employed as a contract nurse in the Clinical Pre/Post Procedure Unit (“CPPU”) at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (“NHFMC”) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In that capacity Poteat was authorized to access the Pyxes machine located in the CPPU of NHFMC for the purpose of dispensing controlled substances, including injectable Hydromorphone, to patients at the direction of prescribing doctors.
A Pyxes machine is a device used to securely store controlled medications and prevent unauthorized access to such substances. Controlled substances are stored in locked drawers which require entry of both a fingerprint and a password before authorized medical personal can open the drawers to withdraw a controlled substance. Further, a nurse or other authorized person must enter specific prescription information for an actual patient to access prescribed substances secured in the Pyxes machine. Vials of drugs stored in the Pyxes machine at NHFMC were held in container packages with each individual vial sealed with tamper evident seals and caps.
From July 2020 through November 2020, Poteat opened container packages containing vials of injectable Hydromorphone that were stored in the Pyxes machine located in the CPPU at NHFMC. She then removed the vials from those container packages and opened the vials for the purpose of converting and consuming the Hydromorphone by injecting the drug into herself.
After removing and converting injectable Hydromorphone, Poteat injected saline solution into the vials so as to conceal her conversion of the drugs and replaced the lids of the vials with glue. Poteat then placed the tampered-with vials which were filled with saline solution into the opened container packages, closed and re-sealed the container packages, and then left those container packages in the locked and secured Pyxes machine -- knowing that CPPU nurses might administer the compromised and tampered-with vials of injectable Hydromorphone to surgical patients in the CPPU at NHFCMC, despite the fact that such vials did not contain the drug and were filled with potentially contaminated saline solution.
Poteat was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and will face three years of supervised release in addition to her 4-1/2 year prison sentence.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank J. Chut, Jr. The United States Food and Drug Administration investigated the case.
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Newton Physician Resolves Allegations of Improper Prescribing Practices Concerning Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Dr. Hooshang Poor, a Newton geriatric medicine physician, has agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that he prescribed controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice, a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Poor previously resolved allegations in February 2019 that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting inflated claims to Medicare and the Massachusetts Medicaid program.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, physicians and other prescribers registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration may only issue prescriptions for a legitimate medical purpose and in the usual course of professional practice. Separately, under Massachusetts state law, prescribers of controlled substances are required to access the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) via a database (MassPAT) to review a patient’s prescription history prior to issuing a prescription for a Schedule II or Schedule III drug or a benzodiazepine, and prior to the first time they issue a prescription for a Schedule IV or V drug. The PMP allows a prescriber to see what, if any, Schedule II to V controlled substances patients are receiving from any other prescriber. With this information, prescribers can assess, among other things, whether the patient is at a high risk for overdose.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Dr. Poor admitted that in 2019 and 2020, he issued 51 prescriptions for Schedule II, IV or V controlled substances without first reviewing the patients’ prescription histories in MassPAT.
“Proper prescribing practices prevent overdoses and deaths,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Simply put, the PMP saves lives and physicians who fail to comply with their statutory mandate to check the patient’s prescription history are putting their patients at risk. We will continue to work with our partners at the DEA to protect patients and enforce the Controlled Substances Act.”
“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”
“Physicians are responsible for the health and wellbeing of their patients, but this doctor irresponsibly prescribed dangerous drugs to Massachusetts residents without abiding by critical requirements. Protecting against these illegal practices is a priority for my team, and we’ll continue to work with our federal partners to hold bad actors accountable,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.
U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle and Massachusetts AG Healey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Rollins’ Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case along with Assistant Attorneys General Kevin Lownds and Elisha Willis of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division.
New York Construction Company Owner Indicted for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Central Islip, New York, returned an indictment last week charging a New York businessman with filing false business and individual tax returns with the IRS.
According to the indictment, Pawel Bartoszek, of Lake Grove, owned and operated Mega State Inc., a construction company. From 2015 through 2017, Bartoszek and individuals acting at his direction allegedly cashed more than $6 million in checks from Mega State clients at a check-cashing business, instead of depositing those funds into Mega State’s business bank account. Bartoszek then allegedly used some of this cash to fund an “off the books” cash payroll for Mega State. The indictment also charges that Bartoszek did not inform his return preparer about the cashed checks, thereby enabling Bartoszek to underreport Mega State’s gross receipts, sales and ordinary business income, as well as his 2015-2017 personal total income. As a result, Bartoszek allegedly filed false tax returns with the IRS for Mega State and himself for each of those years.
Bartoszek was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. If convicted, Bartoszek faces a maximum of three years in prison for each of six counts of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Ann Marie Cherry and Catriona Coppler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Orleans Man Sentenced on Carjacking and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant KAHLIQ WILLIAMS, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 31, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry to a total term of 164 months. As to Counts 1, 3, and 4 the Court sentenced WILLIAMS to 80 months of imprisonment, to be served concurrently with each other. As to Count 2, WILLIAMS was sentenced to a term of 84 months, to be served consecutively to the terms imposed on each of Counts 1, 3, and 4. Additionally, upon release from imprisonment, Judge Guidry ordered that WILLIAMS shall be on supervised release for a term of 5 years which consists of 3 years as to Counts 1, 3 and 4, and 5 years as to Count 2, such terms to run concurrently with each other. Finally, WILLIAMS was ordered to pay a total of $400 in mandatory special assessment fees on Counts One, Two, Three, and Four of the six-count indictment.
Counts One and Four of the indictment charged WILLIAMS with two separate carjackings, both in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Count 2 charged WILLIAMS with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, that is, a carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section, 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). Finally, Count Three charged WILLIAMS with burglary of a federal firearms licensee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(u).
According to filed documents, WILLIAMS pled guilty to two carjackings which occurred on April 16, 2020, and May 19, 2020. Both carjackings occurred in New Orleans, and in both instances, WILLIAMS admitted to taking the vehicles from the respective victims while brandishing a firearm during the commission of the carjackings. Additionally, on April 17, 2020, at approximately 1:16 AM, deputies with St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to C&S Gun Parlor in Covington, LA in response to a burglary alarm. C&S Gun Parlor is designated as a federal firearm licensee. Deputies arrived to find the front entrance damaged. Specifically, deputies noted that it appeared that a vehicle had rammed the front entrance. Investigators reviewed surveillance video footage from the interior and exterior of the store and observed a Chevrolet pick-up truck drive the rear end of the vehicle through the front entrance of the business, breaking a poll, glass doors, glass windows, and the metal gate. Three individuals wearing hoodies, masks, gloves, exited the vehicle and proceeded to throw rifles and handguns into the bed of the pick-up truck. Forty-five (45) total weapons were stolen from the store. WILLIAMS was eventually arrested in Jefferson Parish and several of the stolen firearms were found in his possession. In addition to admitting his role in the respective carjackings, he also admitted his participation in the burglary of the gun store.
This case was 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Nampa Man Sentenced to 6 years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOISE - A Nampa man was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, Shawn Eugene Norris, 44, led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase in a Nampa neighborhood before crashing his vehicle into a trash can in a residential alley. Officers watched as Norris exited his vehicle and threw an object away in one of the trash cans. Officers opened the trash can and found that the only item inside was a quarter pound of methamphetamine.
Norris has a criminal history spanning 30 years with prior state convictions for possession of controlled substances, carrying a concealed weapon without a license, battery-domestic violence, grand theft, and a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm.
Senior U.S. District Judge Bill R. Wilson, from the Eastern District of Arkansas, sitting by designation, also ordered Norris to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Norris pleaded guilty to the charge on March 1, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez Jr., of the District of Idaho made the announcement and commended the investigation by the Nampa City Police Department, which led to the charges.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant United States Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. It provides assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. Idaho is part of the Oregon-Idaho HIDTA. The Idaho HIDTA is a collaboration of local, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drug task forces, and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, Bannock, Kootenai, and Malheur Counties.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Irving Cervantes Rodriguez, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced today by United States Judge Brian C. Buescher for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Cervantes received a sentence of 120 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
In July 2019, investigators with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension began investigating Cervantes Rodriguez as a supplier/go-between for the distribution of methamphetamine. Cervantes was convicted in 2017 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was serving a sentence in a Nebraska prison. Investigators were aware that Cervantes was communicating via smuggled phones, and a BCA undercover agent was introduced to Cervantes. The undercover agent spoke to Cervantes over the phone and as a result, two transactions were arranged. The first occurred on July 18, 2019, and the second occurred on August 7, 2019. In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase 1.73 kilograms of pure methamphetamine through deals arranged by Cervantes.
This case was investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Man Who Sexually Abused Sleeping Woman Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
A man who sexually abused a sleeping woman was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Robin Roberts, age 67, from the Meskwaki Settlement was convicted of sexual abuse. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about ninety minutes of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 8, 2021, the victim went to Roberts’ residence and spent the night. The next day, the victim woke up to Roberts’ performing oral sex on her. The victim never consented to the sex and Roberts began the sex act while she was sleeping and not capable of consent.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Roberts remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Roberts faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa C. Williams and Liz Dupuich and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-0060.
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Man Who Ran $1.4 Million Ponzi Scheme from Prison Sentenced to 8 More YearsRead the Press Release
A California man who ran a $1.4 million Ponzi scheme from behind bars while serving time on another fraud conviction was sentenced Tuesday to eight additional years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Michael David Carroll, 46, of Long Beach CA, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to wire fraud. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey, who also ordered him to pay $1,346,499.90 in restitution to his victims.
“This defendant had the audacity to mount a million dollar Ponzi scheme while serving time for a prior fraud. But for a second time, his avarice caught up with him: A federal judge more than doubled his sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI are determined to hold accountable those who defraud honest investors.”
“The defendant deceived dozens of investors to preserve his complex financial scheme and fund a lavish lifestyle. Many Ponzi scheme victims do not recover their investment and are often left financially devastated,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno. “The FBI will continue working with our partners to hold individuals accountable for defrauding investors and robbing them of their livelihood. We encourage the public to thoroughly research investment opportunities and to report any potential fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.”
According to court documents, in September 2017, Mr. Carroll – already 36 months into a 70-month sentence for a prior fraud conviction – lied to investors about his intention to secure funding for their ventures and invest their funds into legitimate investment ventures.
He admitted that he pitched investors on bridge loans, short term loans used to buy assets or cover obligations until longer-term financing is found, promising 40 to 50 percent rates of return in just one to three months. He claimed that each bridge loan was backed by a bank and therefore guaranteed.
He concealed the fact that he was a convicted felon, and if asked about it, claimed he had been falsely accused and had the charges dismissed.
Instead of actually investing the money, however, he set up a Ponzi scheme, secretly using new investor funds to make payments to older investors. This gave them the false impression that their “investments” were yielding profits, thereby lulling them into a false sense of security and encouraging them to make more fraudulent investments.
He used excess money from his scheme to fund his lavish lifestyle, which included for a private jet service, luxury vehicles, high-end dining, and suites at NFL games.
He preyed on more than two dozen victims and fraudulently obtained at least $1.4 million, inducing multiple fraudulent transfers from investor accounts into accounts associated with his businesses, MCC Holdings, SLJ Holdings, and STR America Holdings.
Mr. Carroll is currently incarcerated at the federal correctional institution in Seagoville, TX.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha prosecuted the case with the help of auditor Sheila Powell.
Machias Woman Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Machias woman was sentenced today in federal court for being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee announced.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Suzanne Wilcox, 48, to time served (five months) and two years of supervised release. Wilcox pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022.
According to court records, in December 2021, Wilcox visited a Federal Firearms Licensee located in Calais and purchased a 9mm pistol. The following day, Wilcox was a passenger in a vehicle subjected to a lawful traffic stop in East Machias by Washington County Sheriff s Office personnel. While stopped roadside, Wilcox stated that she had the handgun in her purse and admitted to drug use. Wilcox was later found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. Project Safe Neighborhoods is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories, and the program is customized to account for local violent crime problems and resources. Across all districts, Project Safe Neighborhoods follows four key design elements of successful violent crime reduction initiatives: community engagement, prevention and intervention, focused and strategic enforcement, and accountability.
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Louis Coleman III Convicted by Federal Jury of Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Louis D. Coleman III was found guilty today by a federal jury of kidnapping and killing Jassy Correia.
Coleman, 35, of Providence, R.I., was convicted following a jury trial of the federal charge of kidnapping resulting in death. U.S. Chief District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2022. Coleman was arrested and charged in March 2019 and was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2019.
“Justice was done today in this courthouse,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The victim in this case, Jassy Correia, was a vibrant young woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. And the defendant, Louis Coleman, was a predator. He tricked Ms. Correia into believing he would give her a ride and instead he held her against her will, sexually assaulted her, murdered her and engaged in a massive cover up. Although this conviction cannot bring Ms. Correia back, today’s guilty verdict brings some measure of justice for her and her loving family who feel this devastating void every single day. This case is the result of incredibly collaborative law enforcement effort between local, state and federal agencies across three states – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Delaware. Thanks to their investigative work, the tireless efforts of the trial team and the bravery of Ms. Correia’s family and friends, Louis Coleman has been held accountable and will remain in prison for the rest of his life.”
“This crime was senseless and horrific, and there is no question today’s verdict is just. No excuse can justify the savagery committed by this man who will face life behind bars,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Together with the Boston and Providence Police Departments, the FBI worked tirelessly to seek justice for Jassy—a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend. The lasting impact and trauma this man has inflicted on her family can never be erased. Our hearts are with them today.”
In the early morning hours of Feb. 24, 2019, Ms. Correia, the victim, went out with friends to a nightclub in downtown Boston to celebrate her upcoming birthday. Just after 2 a.m., Ms. Correia became separated from her friends and tried to get a ride home from an Uber XL driver who was idling out front of the nightclub. The driver was waiting for a larger group and pushed Ms. Correia out of the car, and she stumbled onto the sidewalk. Seconds later, video surveillance captured Coleman approach the victim – who was alone, intoxicated, barefoot, and without a winter coat – and take both of her hands. Coleman offered Ms. Correia a ride back to her friend’s apartment.
After getting into the vehicle with Ms. Correia, video surveillance showed Coleman make a series of short turns before pulling over, just a few blocks from where he had originally parked, for approximately 12 minutes. Coleman then began driving south to his apartment in Providence.
Surveillance footage from Coleman’s Providence apartment building showed Coleman, at about 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, parking and exiting the vehicle, and then returning a short time later carrying a blanket. He then walked from the car to the front of the building carrying the victim’s body slung over his shoulder. Once he entered the building, surveillance video showed Coleman dropping the victim on the floor and dragging her towards the elevator, and subsequently towards his apartment.
In the days that followed, Coleman visited two car washes and his internet search history reveled he Googled things such as “how to pull a tooth out that’s not loose;” “can a person fit inside a suitcase;” “buy dumpster;” “oil barrel;” “how to clean for embalming;” “turkey baster;” and “target sanitizing bleach.” In addition, Coleman purchased a $150 air purifier, three 12-lb bags of baking soda, duct tape, 50-gallon trash bags, personal protective equipment including full-body coveralls, an odor respirator, protective masks, safety goggles, a 600-lb rated dolly, three Tyvek suits and a large suitcase.
At 1:15 a.m., on Feb. 28, 2019, Coleman wheeled a suitcase containing the victim’s body out of his apartment and into the parking lot where his vehicle was parked. Coleman appeared to have difficulty lifting the suitcase into the trunk of his car, before driving away at 4 a.m.
On the afternoon of Feb. 28, 2019, Coleman’s vehicle was stopped by Delaware authorities on I-95 South near Wilmington, Del. Officers ordered Coleman out of the vehicle and asked him if anyone else was in the vehicle with him, to which Coleman said, “She’s in the trunk.”
Officers discovered the victim’s body in the trunk of Coleman’s vehicle, bound with duct tape and in the fetal position inside a sofa cushion cover, which was inside of a black trash bag, stuffed inside the suitcase Coleman was seen bringing into his apartment on Feb. 27, 2019. A duffle bag, a pair of new long-handled loppers, plastic garbage bags, clothing, a red plastic gas container, a green butane lighter, black gloves, charcoal air purifiers, air fresheners, tinted safety glasses, plastic Walmart bags, work towels, cloth work-gloves, a new set of DeWalt pliers, a laptop, the computer hard-drive/tower he used to conduct his Google searches and disinfectant wipes were also recovered in Coleman’s vehicle. Two large cracks in the windshield on the passenger side were found to contain both Coleman and Ms. Correia’s DNA.
The victim had significant bruising, a bloodied face, was bound with gray duct tape and was covered in baking soda. The medical examiner determined cause of death to be strangulation and found evidence consistent with a sexual assault.
The charge of kidnapping resulting in death provides for a sentence of death or life in prison. 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.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta; Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long; Douglas Bartlett, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden; Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, Delaware State Police; and Colonel Hugh T. Clements Jr., Chief of Police, Providence Police Department made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth G. Shine, Robert Richardson and Elianna Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Leader of $9 Million Scheme to Defraud Prescription Drug Coupon Programs Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Today, William Clero, 45, a resident of Miami, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore to 210 months in prison. Clero had previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud stemming from his role as the leader in a $9 million scheme to defraud prescription drug cost-savings (coupon) programs offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for consumers. Clero’s co-defendant, Cesar Armando Perez Amador, 52, a resident of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his role in the scheme.
Beginning in 2014 through April 2021, Clero and Perez established numerous retail pharmacies in Miami-Dade County that purported to provide prescription drugs to individuals with private health insurance plans or without health insurance coverage. Clero and Perez conspired to defraud prescription drug coupon programs by causing the submission of false and fraudulent claims to those programs resulting in more than $9 million in payments. The government tied 21 pharmacies to the defendants’ scheme, which pharmacies existed only to transmit the false and fraudulent claims. The pharmacies did not have real customers or prescriptions and did not dispense medications.
To conceal their involvement in the scheme, Clero and Perez recruited nominee or “straw” owners for each pharmacy and listed them on corporate records, bank records, and other business documents. As part of the scheme, Clero and Perez transferred most of the proceeds of the scheme to shell companies they controlled and diverted large amounts of money for their personal use and benefit.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, announced the sentences.
HSI Miami, El Dorado Task Force-South investigated the case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aimee C. Jimenez and Ana Maria Martinez. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda handled asset forfeiture.
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 21-cr-20112.
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Kentucky Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Intrude Protected Computer System of Competitor BusinessRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Lexington, Kentucky man was sentenced today to two years of probation for conspiring to intrude into a competitor business’s protected computer system to steal information for his commercial advantage and financial gain.
According to court documents, Daniel Bruck LaCour, 33, operated a printing-services business called LaCour Printing Solutions, LLC (“LPS”) in Dothan, Alabama, from at least March 2016 to April 2017. One of LPS’s competitors was a printing-services company based in New York and Tennessee. The competitor printing company maintained a password-protected system of computers that contained its protected client account information.In March 2016, LaCour recruited a former employee of the competing printing company to work for him at LPS. On March 28, 2016, the former employee sent LaCour a set of login credentials to access the competing company’s protected computer system without the company’s consent, authorization, or knowledge. Those login credentials included the email address and password of a legitimate employee of the competing company whose account had elevated privileges that allowed it to access customer account profiles, including sensitive pricing information.
Over a year-long period, LaCour repeatedly used the stolen credentials from a computer at his house in Dothan to intrude into the competing company’s computer system. LaCour fraudulently accessed more than 30 customer accounts before the company cut off his access to the system after discovering his intrusion on April 4, 2017. During the period of the intrusion, the competing printing company lost business to LPS from numerous existing and potential clients due to LaCour’s unauthorized use of the other company’s sensitive pricing information.
Skype messages extracted from LaCour’s computer revealed how he obtained the login credentials and used them to steal the company’s information for LPS’s benefit. In one such message, LaCour stated, “I am trying to destroy [the victim company] . . . that’s my life long goal.”
Chief United States District Judge Emily C. Marks of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama ordered LaCour to pay a $3,500 fine and to undergo mental health treatment while on probation, during which time he will be subject to credit restrictions. The court also ordered LaCour to pay $40,000 in victim restitution to the competing company and $100 in special assessments.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Justice Department Concludes Oversight and Reform of Pennsylvania Alternative Education ProgramsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has fully implemented its settlement agreement with the United States to stop the unlawful placement of students with disabilities in PDE’s statewide system of alternative education programs, known as Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY), and to ensure equal educational opportunities for English learner students in AEDY.
“No student should be excluded from the chance to learn because of a disability or language barrier,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under this agreement, Pennsylvania has laid the groundwork for lasting change and advanced the crucial goal of educational equity for students with disabilities and English learner students. We commend state officials for working with the Department of Justice to ensure students with disabilities and English learners receive the legally required support they need to participate equally in schools.”
“Federal law does not allow schools to discipline students because of their disability, or to deprive them of an opportunity to learn English,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “I commend PDE for abiding by the agreement and ensuring that students with disabilities and English learners are not prevented from learning opportunities afforded to other students.”
“Pennsylvania has taken substantial steps to ensure that children are not placed in an alternative disciplinary program simply because they have a disability,” said U.S. Attorney John Gurganus for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “We congratulate the Commonwealth for implementing numerous changes to improve the education of children with disabilities and provide opportunities to English learners.”
“We recognize and appreciate that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has demonstrated a commitment to implement its settlement agreement by enacting reforms which ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to learn,” said U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The settlement agreement resolved a Justice Department investigation under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits state and local government entities, including public schools, from discriminating based on disability. The agreement also addressed noncompliance with the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, which prohibits a state from denying equal educational opportunity based on national origin by failing to take appropriate action to overcome language barriers faced by students.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint by the Education Law Center, and was conducted jointly by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and all three U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Pennsylvania.
Under the settlement agreement, PDE implemented new monitoring systems to help ensure that students are not placed in AEDY in a manner that discriminates based on disability; that they are not denied equal educational opportunities; and that students with disabilities are transferred back to their home schools in a timely manner. Specifically, actions required by the settlement agreement included:
- Investigating, and in some cases closing, AEDY programs based on complaints and other information about the mistreatment of students in those programs;
- Providing technical assistance to AEDY programs to implement evidence-based approaches to improve school climate;
- Developing new trainings for school district and AEDY program staff to ensure that students are not placed in AEDY for disability-related behaviors;
- Implementing evidence-based interventions to keep students in general education settings;
- Developing new data collection tools and analyses to monitor AEDY programs and school districts for disproportionate placement of students in AEDY based on disability; and
- Creating corrective action plans when appropriate.
PDE coordinated with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, which provided important assistance in effectively implementing the agreement and to supporting students across Pennsylvania. PDE also implemented measures to ensure English learner students receive appropriate language assistance services in AEDY. After monitoring PDE’s compliance with the agreement, the United States determined that PDE was in substantial compliance. As a result, monitoring ended on May 31, 2022.
Protecting the rights of students with disabilities and English learners to inclusion and equal educational opportunities is a top priority of the Justice Department. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Jury finds Canal Winchester man guilty on all counts in romance scam money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Canal Winchester man of 35 counts of money laundering crimes related to an online romance fraud scheme.
The verdict was announced yesterday following a trial that began on May 16 before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Seth Nyamekye, 39, laundered the proceeds of online romance scams that generated millions of dollars of loss.
The perpetrators of the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites and then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere. The scammers cultivated a sense of affection and, often, romance, with the victims they met online before requesting money for investment or need-based reasons. The romance scam perpetrators then provided victims with bank account information where the money should be sent. Nyamekye controlled one of these accounts and received more than $1.3 million in romance fraud proceeds from victims.
The government proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Nyamekye laundered the victims’ money on behalf of the conspiracy. The defendant conspired with others from at least June 2016 until February 2018 to commit money laundering in multiple transactions of more than $10,000 with the purpose of concealing the fraudulent nature of the proceeds.
At least eight victims sent their money directly to Nyamekye’s bank account, which was in the name of Gloseth Ventures LLC. For example, one victim was defrauded by a purported member of the military and sent a $170,000 wire transfer to Nyamekye’s bank account. Another victim fell in love with a man he met online who also claimed to be in the military overseas and sent two wire transfers to Nyamekye totaling $73,000. A separate victim believed she was engaged to the man who was scamming her and sent $50,000 to the defendant’s bank account.
After the funds were deposited into Nyamekye’s bank account, Nyamekye took a cut of the victims’ money and then conducted financial transactions to move the funds where the perpetrators of the romance fraud could enjoy the criminal proceeds.
Nyamekye was charged by a criminal complaint in October 2020 and was later indicted in May 2021. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of 18 counts, and up to 10 years in prison on each of 17 other counts.
“If you believe you are the victim of an online romance scam, I urge you to file a complaint at ic3.gov,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.
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Independence Man Arrested in Home Invasion Indicted for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man who was arrested when he was engaged in a home invasion robbery was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Theodore Watkins Jr., 31, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed on May 13.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Independence police officers were called to a residence at 11:25 a.m. on May 12 by a neighbor who reported that he saw Watkins push his way into the residence of an elderly woman. The caller said they thought they observed something in the man’s hand when he forced entry.
Officers arrived at the residence and established a perimeter. A SWAT unit and hostage negotiators also arrived, and after making announcements on the loudspeaker, the victim came out of the residence through the front door. A short time later, Watkins came out of the residence and was taken into custody.
The victim, whom the affidavit says was visibly shaken and had bruising on her right arm, told investigators that Watkins originally came to her door and offered to mow her lawn. He came back a few minutes later, she said, and forced the door open, forcing his way into the residence. Watkins pointed a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun at her and said, “Where’s the money?”
Watkins dumped out her purse and took the money from it, the affidavit says, then began going through her dresser drawers, closets, and other areas of the house. He used her cordless phone and her cell phone to make calls, including a call to his wife. When police arrived, the affidavit says, Watkins hid his gun in a furnace return air vent in the bedroom. Police officers found the firearm when they searched the house.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Watkins has two prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for burglary, two prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, and prior felony convictions for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge 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 Stefan C. Hughes. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Houston area unlicensed cryptocurrency business results in convictionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 49-year-old out-of-state man has pleaded guilty to running an unlicensed money transmitting business, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Hien Ngoc Vo, Seattle, Washington, admitted that between March 16, 2016, and June 8, 2016, he operated a prohibited cryptocurrency business in the Houston area.
Vo used Paxful and LocalBitcoins to buy and sell Bitcoin - websites where people can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. He profited from sales by collecting a percentage of the transactions which ranged from 5-30%. During the transactions, Vo did not ask clients for any form of identification nor the purpose for which they were purchasing the cryptocurrency.
Vo received funds in the form of cash, direct bank deposits, American Express credit cards as well as Amazon and generic gift cards. He used several bank accounts to conduct his business, but the banks shut down the accounts after inquiring about the origination of the funds.
During the course of three months, the unlicensed money transmitting business received and transmitted approximately $515,147.19 in Bitcoin.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal will impose sentencing Sept. 5. At that time, Vo faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Healthkeeperz, Inc. to Pay $2.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that Pembroke, North Carolina based behavioral healthcare provider, Healthkeeperz, Inc. (Healthkeeperz), has agreed to resolve allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by billing claims to Medicaid programs that were not reimbursable under the applicable North Carolina Medical Clinical Coverage Policy. Healthkeeperz has agreed to pay $2.1 million to resolve the allegations.
Healthkeeperz provides case management services for Medicaid beneficiaries under the North Carolina Medicaid Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA). The settlement resolves allegations that from January 1, 2016, through October 31, 2019, Healthkeeperz submitted reimbursement claims to North Carolina Medicaid and received payment based on those claims for services that were not covered by Medicaid.
“Taxpayer-funded programs like Medicaid exist to provide critical services to beneficiaries in need of care, not to fill the coffers of healthcare providers,” said U.S. Attorney King. “When providers seek to divert resources from those who really need them, we will work with our state partners and use all tools at our disposal to pursue and hold accountable entities who perpetrate fraud on federal healthcare programs.”
“Protecting taxpayer resources requires strong partnership between the states and the federal government,” said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. “I appreciate U.S. Attorney King’s partnership. When we work together, we can hold accountable health care providers who break the law.”
The allegations arose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the federal False Claims Act and the North Carolina False Claims Act. Under the False Claims Acts, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. The act also allows the government to intervene and take over the action. The government conducted the investigation and intervened in this action to effectuate the settlement.
The settlement is a result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
The lawsuit resolved by this settlement is United States and the State of North Carolina ex rel. Ginger L. Hill v. Healthkeeperz, Inc. (1:20CV32). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 24 Months’ Imprisonment for Unlawfully Exchanging $1.8 Million in Federal Nutrition Assistance Benefits for CashRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jimmy Tran, age 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 24 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for the unauthorized use, acquisition, and possession of benefits of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
According to United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Tran previously admitted that while owning and operating Asia Market in Harrisburg, he unlawfully provided cash in exchange for SNAP benefits. The scheme ran between January 2017 and August 2020. Tran redeemed $1,843,534 in improper benefits, and he was ordered to pay restitution in that amount.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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Hammond Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False IRS Returns, Making False Statements to IRS and Department of EducationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – KENISHA R. CALLAHAN, age 44, and a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to one count of filing a false tax return, one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and one count of making a false statement to the Department of Education, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, Count One alleges that CALLAHAN, the owner of Callahan Tax Service, prepared and filed a false 2015 U.S. Individual Tax Return Form 1040, wherein she underreported her earned income for the alleged time. Count Two charges that in 2015, CALLAHAN aided in the preparation and filing of a client’s tax return that falsely stated to the IRS that the client owned a business and that the client had a business loss for the 2014 tax year. Count Three alleges that CALLAHAN committed financial aid fraud by falsely reporting the amount of income that she earned in 2015 to the Department of Education while applying for student loan forgiveness.
Sentencing will be on September 7, 2022, at which time CALLAHAN faces a maximum sentence of three years, up to one year of supervised release, and up to a $100,000 fine per tax count. The Department of Education count calls for a maximum sentence of five years, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. For each count, there is also a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Education for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
Gunman Sentenced to 20 Years for Shooting Port Arthur Man During CarjackingRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Charles Robert Knatt, 20, pleaded guilty on August 11, 2021, to carjacking and use of a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a carjacking and shooting in Port Arthur where they found a man shot in the arm at his residence. The victim told officers that as he walked out of his house to go to work, he was approached by an unknown male - later identified as Charles Knatt - who was armed with a gun. Knatt forced the victim to his knees and pointed a pistol at the victim’s head demanding money and the keys to his truck. When the victim gave Knatt his keys and wallet, Knatt got in the victim’s truck and backed out of the driveway. The victim attempted to run inside his house, however his front door was locked and he could not get in due to Knatt stealing his keys. The victim began to franticly ring his doorbell and beat on the door in order to wake his wife and get inside the house, at which point Knatt exited the truck and fired several shots at the victim, striking him one time in the arm. Security cameras at the victim’s home captured the carjacking and shooting on video. Three days later, Knatt turned himself in to police after seeing news reports about the carjacking and shooting. Knatt admitted to law enforcement that he stole the victim’s truck and shot him. Knatt was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 6, 2021.
“Make no mistake about it, there are predators out there like this guy,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “The Port Arthur Police and ATF have joined forces to stop violent offenders and we will pursue each one until they are in jail.”
“Working with our local, state, and federal partners is the most effective way to combat violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “This case sends a very clear message to those using firearms in crime and creating a threat to the public that law enforcement will work together at every level to keep the public safe.”
“I would like to thank United States Attorney Brit Featherston and his staff, Beaumont ATF, the dedicated women and men of the Port Arthur Police Department and citizens of Port Arthur for collectively bring this case to a successful conclusion,” said Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso. “Hopefully, the conclusion of this senseless and violent crime gives the victim and his family closure, and assures the public, law enforcement is working diligently to ensure their safety.”
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
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Gonzales Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEITH JENKINS, age 35, of Gonzales, pled guilty as charged on May 31, 2022 to a two count indictment, that charged him with participating in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846 and the possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B).
JENKINS will be sentenced on August 30, 2022 and will face a sentence of ten (10) years up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on the conspiracy charge and from five (5) up to forty (40) years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for the possession with the intent to distribute charge.
This case was investigated by members of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
Gillette Man Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay over $200,000 in Restitution for Wire Fraud and Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Bob Murray announced today that DAVID A. JACKSON, a/k/a GERALD DAVID JACKSON, a/k/a GERALD D. RODERICK-JACKSON, age 37 of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced for violations of wire fraud, willful failure to collect or pay over tax, and filing a false tax return. He appeared for a sentencing hearing before United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 24, 2022. Jackson received 46 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and willful failure to collect or pay over tax to the IRS, respectively, with three years of supervised release. As to the offense of filing a false tax return, he received 36 months’ imprisonment with one year of supervised release. The sentences will be served concurrently. Jackson was also ordered to pay $203,251 in restitution and a $300 special assessment.
From October 2017 to April 2019, Jackson worked as the officer manager for a Gillette-based company. Part of Jackson’s duties included handling all financial aspects of his employer’s businesses, including collecting, accounting for and paying over trust fund taxes to the IRS on behalf of his employer. Jackson also owned and operated a taxi business in Gillette and Casper under the names: Need A Ride Transportation, All Star Transportation, and WYRide LLC. From February 2018 to April 2019, Jackson committed wire fraud by embezzling money from his employer, diverting money from the employer’s bank account and misusing a company credit card for his own personal expenditures, to include expenses associated with his taxi business. As part of his scheme to defraud his employer, Jackson also failed to account for and pay over to the IRS the employer’s trust fund taxes, instead diverting those funds for his own personal use, to include paying expenses associated with his taxi business. In January 2019, Jackson filed a 2018 individual income tax return with the IRS in which he failed to report $136,008 in income from several sources, namely, the monies he embezzled from his employer and other income he earned that year.
“Jackson took advantage of his position and the relationship he cultivated with his employer for his own purposes,” said United States Attorney Bob Murray. “Thanks to our partnership with IRS Criminal Investigations and the Gillette Police Department, he will have almost four years in federal prison to reflect on his actions. Let this sentence serve as a warning to others who might be tempted to abuse their position for personal gain.”
“Jackson was aware of his responsibilities and the duties he was trusted to perform, and instead he chose to embezzle funds from his employer and hide money from the IRS,” said Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that these crimes will not go unpunished. Our special agents along with our law enforcement partners will continue to track down individuals who act with a blatant disregard for the law and use the proceeds for their own personal benefit.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Gillette Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Margaret M. Vierbuchen is prosecuting the case.
Case No. 21-cr-00087-NDF
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 156 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Austin L. Williams, age 33, of Fort Wayne, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Williams was sentenced to 156 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in July 2021, following a tip, Williams was observed by law enforcement along with multiple individuals coming and going from his apartment. In that same time period, a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Williams took place, and a handgun was observed in his proximity. In August 2021, Williams reportedly pulled a handgun during an altercation. When police arrived, they stopped Williams who had a loaded 9mm handgun under the passenger seat of his car and over 6 grams of methamphetamine on his person. Williams criminal history revealed he had a prior felony conviction for burglary. This conviction prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of Fort Wayne police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Ecenbarger.
Former U.S. Postal Service worker sentenced for stealing gift cards from mailRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A former U.S. Postal Service employee who admitted to stealing gift cards from the mail was sentenced today to two years of probation and ordered to pay $440 restitution, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.
Lassana Diaby, 54, pleaded guilty in January to an indictment charging him with theft of mail by officer or employee, a felony.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. Judge Christensen followed recommendations in a plea agreement and imposed a probationary sentence.
In court documents, the government alleged that on March 26, 2021, a U.S. Postal Service customer reported items were stolen from a birthday card that was sent to his locking mailbox in Missoula. The sender confirmed that she mailed the card on March 20, 2021 from Whitefish and that it contained a $200 gift card to Costco, two $100 gift cards to Amazon and $40 cash. An investigation determined that Diaby presented his Costco membership card and the gift card to complete a purchase at the Costco in Missoula. At the time, Diaby worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail processing clerk and completed night shifts on March 20 to 23, including working several hours in the manual letter sorting section.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
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Former U.S. Marine Angel Dominguez Ramirez Jr. Sentenced for Leading International Cocaine Distribution OrganizationRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Kyle Martin (619) 546-7726
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 1, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Angel Dominguez Ramirez Jr., a former U.S. Marine with dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship, was sentenced in federal court to 195 months in prison for leading an international organization that transported ton-quantities of cocaine from South America to Mexico and into the United States.
Dominguez had previously entered a guilty plea to International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Money Laundering Conspiracy. In pronouncing sentence yesterday, U.S. District Judge William Q. Hayes noted the “staggering” amount of cocaine that Dominguez smuggled.
According to a court document, the organization Dominguez headed called itself El Seguimiento 39, El Seg 39, or simply “The Company.” According to the same document, Dominguez built his organization through cooperative alliances with the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), the Sinaloa Cartel, the Cartel del Golfo (CDG), and Los Zetas.
Other publicly filed documents note that El Seg 39 also used its contacts with corrupt high-level Mexican officials to thwart investigations into its drug trafficking activities. As noted in court documents, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) estimate that at its height El Seg 39 used these alliances to smuggle approximately 10 tons of cocaine into the United States each month and move at least $10 million dollars of drug proceeds back into Mexico monthly.
“Today’s sentence sends a message that the leaders of even the most powerful criminal organizations will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grossman thanked the prosecution team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Customs and Border Protection for their excellent work on this case.
“Today’s sentencing of Dominguez is a strong example of HSI’s ongoing efforts to target and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations in the world, whose multi-billion dollar criminal networks funnel drugs onto our streets and spread violence into our communities,” said Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners in Mexico to root out the leaders of these insidious cartels, wherever they may be found, and bring them to justice.”
“This case is a perfect example of how DEA and our law enforcement partners work together to dismantle criminal organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 19CR1996-WQH
Angel Dominguez Ramirez Age: 50 Tamaulipas, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963; Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine and 5 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2)(B)(i). Term of custody of up to 10 years, $500,000 fine.
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
Drug Enforcement Administration
Customs and Border Protection
Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
Former McKees Rocks Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) – all of which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law – which occurred from in and around September 2021 and continued through in and around February 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood (and elsewhere), and beginning in September 2021, as part of that investigation, agents began intercepting the wire and electronic communications of telephones used by codefendants charged in the same indictment as Fisher-Egleston. Through those intercepted communications and other investigative methods, the Government would have proven that codefendants obtained “bricks” (a slang term used to describe 50 individual dosage units containing substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and analogues of fentanyl) which were distributed to Fisher-Egleston. In intercepted communications with other codefendants, Fisher-Egleston expressed his intention to redistribute the “bricks” of heroin, etc., to various individuals in Washington, Pennsylvania. By pleading guilty, Fisher-Egleston admitted to conspiring with other named codefendants to distribute scheduled controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, which led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department. The prosecution of Fisher-Egleston was a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former McKees Rocks Gets Prison for Drug Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 54 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of federal supervised release on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Nehemiah Fisher-Egleston, 28, formerly of McKees Rocks, PA, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl) – all of which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law – which occurred from in and around September 2021 and continued through in and around February 2022 in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force investigated drug trafficking activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood (and elsewhere), and beginning in September 2021, as part of that investigation, agents began intercepting the wire and electronic communications of telephones used by codefendants charged in the same indictment as Fisher-Egleston. Through those intercepted communications and other investigative methods, the Government would have proven that codefendants obtained “bricks” (a slang term used to describe 50 individual dosage units containing substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and analogues of fentanyl) which were distributed to Fisher-Egleston. In intercepted communications with other codefendants, Fisher-Egleston expressed his intention to redistribute the “bricks” of heroin, etc., to various individuals in Washington, Pennsylvania. By pleading guilty, Fisher-Egleston admitted to conspiring with other named codefendants to distribute scheduled controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, which led the multi-agency investigation that also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Probation and Parole Office, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department, and Ligonier Township Police Department. The prosecution of Fisher-Egleston was a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former Malden Firefighter Charged with Possession and Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Malden firefighter has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with conspiring to distribute controlled substances including oxycodone, suboxone, Klonopin and Adderall.
Joshua Eisnor, 43, of North Reading, was charged by an Information with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Eisnor is scheduled to plead guilty on June 23, 2022.
According to the charging document, while working as a firefighter at the Malden Fire Department, Eisnor distributed controlled substances to other members of the Malden Fire Department.
Sentences in a criminal case 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. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to a $500,000.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Brian McClune, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Merrimack Valley Transnational Organized Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, and Howard Locker, of Rollins’ Health Care Fraud Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Louisville, Kentucky Department of Corrections Officer Charged with Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Darrell Taylor, 32, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, for using unlawful force against a pretrial detainee while Taylor was an officer at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen for the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
Today’s indictment charges Taylor with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The indictment alleges that Taylor used unreasonable force when he assaulted pretrial detainee B.R., resulting in bodily injury to B.R., including a broken jaw.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky, and Special Litigation Counsel Sam Trepel and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Former Louisville Kentucky Department of Corrections Officer Charged with Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darrell Taylor, 32, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, for using unlawful force against a pretrial detainee while Taylor was an officer at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
Today’s indictment charges Taylor with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The indictment alleges that Taylor used unreasonable force when he assaulted pretrial detainee B.R., resulting in bodily injury to B.R., including a broken jaw.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory, and Special Litigation Counsel Sam Trepel and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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22-583
Former Employee of NFT Marketplace Charged in First Ever Digital Asset Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging NATHANIEL CHASTAIN, a former product manager at Ozone Networks, Inc. d/b/a OpenSea (“OpenSea”), with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to commit insider trading in Non-Fungible Tokens, or “NFTs,” by using confidential information about what NFTs were going to be featured on OpenSea’s homepage for his personal financial gain. CHASTAIN was arrested this morning in New York, New York and will be presented today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “NFTs might be new, but this type of criminal scheme is not. As alleged, Nathaniel Chastain betrayed OpenSea by using its confidential business information to make money for himself. Today’s charges demonstrate the commitment of this Office to stamping out insider trading – whether it occurs on the stock market or the blockchain.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “In this case, as alleged, Chastain launched an age-old scheme to commit insider trading by using his knowledge of confidential information to purchase dozens of NFTs in advance of them being featured on OpenSea’s homepage. With the emergence of any new investment tool, such as blockchain supported non-fungible tokens, there are those who will exploit vulnerabilities for their own gain. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue actors who choose to manipulate the market in this way.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
This case concerns insider trading in NFTs on OpenSea, the largest online marketplace for the purchase and sale of NFTs. In violation of the duties of trust and confidence he owed to his employer, OpenSea, CHASTAIN exploited his advanced knowledge of what NFTs would be featured on OpenSea’s homepage for his personal financial gain.
As part of his employment, CHASTAIN was responsible for selecting NFTs to be featured on OpenSea’s homepage. OpenSea kept confidential the identity of featured NFTs until they appeared on its homepage. After an NFT was featured on OpenSea’s homepage, the price buyers were willing to pay for that NFT, and for other NFTs made by the same NFT creator, typically increased substantially.
From at least in or about June 2021 to at least in or about September 2021, CHASTAIN used OpenSea’s confidential business information about what NFTs were going to be featured on its homepage to secretly purchase dozens of NFTs shortly before they were featured. After those NFTs were featured on OpenSea, CHASTAIN sold them at profits of two- to five-times his initial purchase price. To conceal the fraud, CHASTAIN conducted these purchases and sales using anonymous digital currency wallets and anonymous accounts on OpenSea.
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CHASTAIN, 31, of New York, New York is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas S. Burnett and Nicolas Roos are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Former Congressional Candidate Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Falsification of RecordsRead the Press Release
A former Congressional candidate pleaded guilty today for using COVID-19 relief funds for personal expenditures and for falsifying records to conceal thousands of dollars of in-kind contributions by employees in a report to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).
According to court documents, in 2020, Nicholas Jones, 36, of Boise, Idaho, a small business owner, applied for and received COVID-19 relief funds, including through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), totaling $753,600. Despite certifying that these funds would only be used for business-related expenditures, Jones used a significant portion of the funds for personal expenses, including car payments, life insurance policies, and political advertisements.
In 2020, Jones ran as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Jones told employees of his small business that they could continue to be paid their normal wages if they worked on his congressional campaign. Employees reported to work on behalf of Jones’s congressional campaign and were paid thousands of dollars in wages through Jones’s small business including, in part, with funds Jones had received as part of a PPP loan. After losing the primary election, Jones caused his campaign committee to file a campaign finance report with the FEC, which omitted any in-kind contributions from any entity or individual other than Jones, including the thousands of dollars of in-kind contributions to his campaign in the form of employee time and work.
Jones pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court of Idaho to wire fraud and falsification of records. Jones will be sentenced at a later date. Jones faces a maximum total penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., for the District of Idaho; and Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
Former Brookfield Business Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on May 27, 2022, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller sentenced Kimberly Zulkowski (age: 43) to 15 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her willful failure to account for and pay over taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Zulkowski was also ordered to pay $731,970 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
According to court records, Zulkowski founded and managed Faith Family Services, Inc., a personal care business based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Her business was successful, with gross annual receipts exceeding $5 million and over 150 employees. Despite that success, Zulkowski refused to tender monies she had withheld from her employees’ wages as part of her company’s payroll tax obligations.
Court records reveal that although the IRS had warned Zulkowski in 2015 that she was violating the federal tax laws, she nevertheless persisted in her criminal conduct for nearly two more years. Zukowski ultimately pled guilty to a willful violation of the tax laws in February 2020.
When imposing sentence, Judge Stadtmueller emphasized that our tax system relies upon voluntary compliance, such that defendants who willfully flout the tax laws must be sentenced in a fashion that encourages compliance.
“Individuals and businesses who cheat on their taxes not only undermine the government’s ability to fund vital and necessary programs but also effectively steal from their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with IRS-Criminal Investigation and our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in these types of tax-related offenses.”
"Failure to pay over employment taxes taken from employee wages is a serious criminal offense,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “It not only harms the employee’s future Social Security and Medicare benefits, it’s also stealing from honest taxpayers and the United States Treasury. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to track down those who collect these taxes and use the funds for personal gain."
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Kate Biebel.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
414-297-1700
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Former Augusta man sentenced to prison for multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud a mortgage lenderRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A former Richmond County man has been sentenced to federal prison for bank and bankruptcy fraud related to his purchase of an Augusta apartment complex.
Jerome Walter Kiggundu, 38, now a resident of Commerce City, Colo., was sentenced to 48 months in prison after his conviction in a jury trial in December 2021 on charges of Bank Fraud, Bankruptcy Fraud, and False Statements Under Oath, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall also fined Kiggundu $2,500 and ordered him to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Financial fraud costs everyone – not just the institutions who are the immediate victims, but everyone who participates in the free market and sees their costs increase to make up what fraudsters steal,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “Jerome Kiggundu’s sentence should send an unmistakable message that our office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue such criminals and hold them accountable.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Kiggundu was the registered agent and managing member of Nakaddu LLC, a/k/a Kiggun Properties LLC, and borrowed $2,831,250 from a mortgage lender in March 2019 by submitting fraudulent bank statements to falsely claim that his company had an average monthly operating balance of approximately $100,000. During this period, his account actually had an average balance of approximately $500. Kiggundu also submitted a false personal financial statement overstating his net worth and assets to qualify for the loan, which he used to refinance an 80-unit apartment complex that the company owned at 405 Hale St., in Augusta.
When the scheme started to unravel, Kiggundu filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 to avoid foreclosure by the lender. Kiggundu then submitted another set of fake bank statements in his bankruptcy proceedings to conceal his bank fraud, and lied under oath about his finances when questioned by employees of the United States Trustee Program who suspected this fraud.
“Kiggundu’s extensive fraud scheme was motivated purely by personal greed,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence serves as a warning to others that the FBI will not let such lies go unchecked.”
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the United States Trustees Program, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Schwedler and Jennifer A. Stanley.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Nationwide Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida woman pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return with the IRS, whereby she obtained a refund she was not entitled to receive.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rebecca Cyphers, 65, of Winter Springs, participated in and helped facilitate a nationwide tax fraud scheme. As part of the scheme, individuals prepared and assisted in the filing of tax returns for scheme participants, such as Cyphers, falsely claiming banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income tax from the participants that entitled them to a refund. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to or withheld any taxes from these individuals.
As part of her plea, Cyphers admitted she filed a false 2013 amended income tax return claiming a refund she was not entitled to receive. As a result, the IRS issued her a refund of approximately $240,000. Cyphers then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to recover this ill-gotten refund by transferring funds into a trust, making a large cash withdrawal from the refund deposit and sending frivolous correspondence to the IRS. Cyphers also admitted to helping others promote the tax fraud scheme and recruit additional participants, even though she knew the scheme was illegal.
In March, the main promoter of the fraud scheme, Iran Backstrom, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison, and Backstrom’s second-in-command, Mehef Bey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Another individual, Aaron Aqueron, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for recruiting clients to the scheme and providing information to another co-conspirator for use in the preparation of false tax returns.
Cyphers is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. She also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd III of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Nationwide Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – A Florida woman pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return with the IRS, whereby she obtained a refund she was not entitled to receive.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rebecca Cyphers, 65, of Winter Springs, participated in and helped facilitate a nationwide tax fraud scheme. As part of the scheme, individuals prepared and assisted in the filing of tax returns for scheme participants, such as Cyphers, falsely claiming banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income tax from the participants that entitled them to a refund. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to or withheld any taxes from these individuals.
As part of her plea, Cyphers admitted she filed a false 2013 amended income tax return claiming a refund she was not entitled to receive. As a result, the IRS issued her a refund of approximately $240,000. Cyphers then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to recover this ill-gotten refund by transferring funds into a trust, making a large cash withdrawal from the refund deposit and sending frivolous correspondence to the IRS. Cyphers also admitted to helping others promote the tax fraud scheme and recruit additional participants, even though she knew the scheme was illegal.
In March, the main promoter of the fraud scheme, Iran Backstrom, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison, and Backstrom’s second-in-command, Mehef Bey, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Another individual, Aaron Aqueron, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for recruiting clients to the scheme and providing information to another co-conspirator for use in the preparation of false tax returns.
Cyphers is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. She also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd III of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Fleeing Felon Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Angelo Joseph Fernandez, 42, of Fresno, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to six years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Feb. 25, 2021, Fernandez was found to be in possession of ammunition after he led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase throughout Fresno reaching speeds of over 80 miles per hour on surface streets and at times traveling in opposing lanes of traffic. At the time, Fernandez was out on bail in another case. Fernandez is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing ammunition.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger prosecuted the case.
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.
Fentanyl Seizures in First Five Months of 2022 Surpass all of 2021Read the Press Release
Golden – Law enforcement partners across Colorado announced they have already seized more illicit fentanyl in the first five months of 2022 than they did in all of last year. In a press conference at the headquarters for the Colorado State Patrol in Golden, law enforcement officials presented data from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area showing that more than 2 million dosage units of fentanyl were removed from Colorado communities so far this year.
“We appreciate the work law enforcement is doing to take this deadly poison off our streets. We also need the help of the public in ending the demand for it. It is risky to take any drug not prescribed by a doctor and obtained from a pharmacy,” warned U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan.
"Presently the Patrol's Interdiction Section has seized more fentanyl in the first five months of 2022 than all of 2021," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "While I would love to tell you that our troopers have eliminated the threat of this deadly drug, what we remove is a drop in the ocean. It's cheap, it's everywhere, including a strong counterfeit market where people think they are taking other forms of pills. If you have a loved one struggling with any form of drug abuse, get them help."
“When we analyze data that indicates increases in drug seizures and dramatic rises in fatal overdoses, it becomes alarmingly apparent that the user market for illicit fentanyl in the state is expanding. To save lives, a unified response between public safety and health professionals will be essential to counter this dangerous trend,” said Executive Director Keith Weis from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.
"We have seen the harm that fentanyl brings to our communities. FBI Denver works closely with our partners to combat and prevent drug trafficking. The FBI will continue to use all resources necessary to thwart these deadly drugs and protect our citizens from harm," said FBI Denver Division Special Agent in charge Michael Schneider.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado will collaborate with law enforcement partners from around the state at the first ever Colorado Fentanyl Summit on June 2, 2022 and June 3, 2022. The summit is a two-day intensive training for law enforcement on all aspects of fentanyl enforcement from investigation and case-building through interdiction and prosecution. The Denver City Attorney is organizing the Summit, which is hosted by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Available resources:
Office of Behavioral Health: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/behavioral-health
Stop The Clock (where to get naloxone): https://www.stoptheclockcolorado.org/map
How to recognize an overdose: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/opioid-overdose
SAMHSA's National Helpline: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov
CDC 24/7 Saving Lives, Protecting people: https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/index.html
DEA One Pill Can Kill Website: https://admin.dea.gov/onepill
Rocky Mountain HIDTA Colorado Fatal Fentanyl-related Overdoses Rocky Mountain HIDTA Colorado Task Force Seizures Rocky Mountain HIDTA Colorado Fentanyl SeizedFederal Jury Convicts Mexican National for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury yesterday convicted Alexander Juarez-Sanchez, a/k/a Jose Manuel Flores, age 37, a citizen of Mexico most recently residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically fentanyl and heroin, and for illegally re-entering the United States after removal.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Field Office Director Lyle Boelens of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Baltimore Field Office; and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Baltimore District Office.
According to the evidence presented at his five-day trial, on August 5, 2020, Juarez-Sanchez and a co-conspirator were arrested near Hagerstown, Maryland, by officers of the Maryland State Police (MSP) following a traffic stop for following another vehicle too closely on I-81. The driver, who was driving a vehicle with expired Indiana license plates registered to another car, was not able to provide any identification, could not identify the passenger (Juarez-Sanchez), and fumbled through questions about where they were going. A K- 9 unit was subsequently called, and after the dog alerted for drugs, a search of the vehicle yielded approximately $47,000 in cash, just under two kilograms of fentanyl and one kilogram of heroin, and other indicators of drug smuggling. Juarez-Sanchez and the driver initially provided false names, however, their fingerprints and photographs matched those taken when they had previously been in United States Border Patrol or ICE custody. Evidence taken from the two men’s cell phones showed that, before their arrest, they had traveled directly from Burbank, California, where Juarez-Sanchez had obtained seven kilograms of drugs, four kilograms of which he had sold to a buyer in Kentucky the day before his arrest in Maryland for $44,000. Phone evidence also revealed that the men had conducted a similar trip to California in early July 2020 and transported an unknown quantity of drugs for sale to buyer in a northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
Juarez-Sanchez faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin; and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin has scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Maryland State Police, ICE ERO, and DEA for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam K. Ake and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy L. Schwartz, who are prosecuting the case.
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.
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Edmond Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Last Thursday, DEVIN DEWAYNE BENNETT, 31, of Edmond, was sentenced to serve 150 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 22, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against Bennett. Count 1 charged Bennett possessing a firearm. Counts 2 and 3 charged Bennett with possessing ammunition on two separate occasions. On September 21, 2021, Bennett pleaded guilty to the Indictment. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On May 20, 2021, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in Oklahoma City. Officers arrived and learned during their investigation that Bennett was involved. Officers then arrested Bennett that day after they located him nearby in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The investigation later determined that the firearm and ammunition found in Bennett’s possession were involved in the shooting.
Public records reflect that Bennett was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his lengthy criminal history. These convictions include: Oklahoma County case CF-2013-6234 – Burglary in the first-degree and felon in possession of firearm; Oklahoma County case CF-2014-6304 – attempted first degree burglary; Oklahoma County case CF-2015-1592 – felon in possession of firearm; Oklahoma County case CF-2018-3777 – domestic assault and battery with dangerous weapon; Oklahoma County case CF-2018-4083 – second-degree robbery and domestic assault and battery; and Oklahoma County case CF-2018-5214 – aggravated eluding a police officer.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Patrick Wyrick sentenced Bennett to serve 150 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Wyrick cited, among other reasons, the serious nature of the offense and Bennett’s lengthy criminal history. Judge Wyrick also ordered Bennett to serve three years of supervised release. Bennett has been in federal custody since July 23, 2021.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Altshuler and David Nichols, Jr. prosecuted the case.
Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Selling Counterfeit Pills that Caused Death of Thirty-Five-Year-OldRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Sean Van Demark (619) 546-7657
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY—June 1, 2022
SAN DIEGO — Drug dealer Saul Caro pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he sold the fentanyl that caused the fatal overdose of a thirty-five-year-old San Diego resident, identified in court records as M.S.
According to his plea agreement, on April 11, 2021, Caro and the victim exchanged text messages to coordinate the sale of counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. Caro delivered the pills to M.S.’s residence.
M.S. died in his apartment sometime on the evening of April 11, 2021. Caro admitted that the pills he gave to M.S. caused his death. When a search warrant was executed at Caro’s residence, a loaded, unregistered, semi-automatic privately manufactured firearm with no serial number, or “ghost gun” was located along with other drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Prior to this meeting, Caro had sold the counterfeit oxycodone pills to M.S., and the victim had told Caro that some of the pills had caused him severe unintended effects.
“Drug dealers are playing with fire when they sell illicit drugs because deadly fentanyl is everywhere. Dealers beware: the counterfeit pills or powder you sell will inevitably be laced with fentanyl. If you provide the fatal pill or powder, you will be held responsible for the victim’s death.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations for their excellent work to achieve justice in this case.
“Deaths caused by fentanyl continue to rise in San Diego County as the cartels and drug dealers, such as Saul Caro, drive addiction,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “In response, DEA has increased the number of investigators on our Overdose Response Team, making us laser focused on pursuing dealers who distribute deadly fentanyl.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, along with the DEA and our San Diego law enforcement partners, are prioritizing investigations targeting both the drug cartels who are smuggling fentanyl into the United States and the local dealers who peddle this lethal drug within our community,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz.
Caro is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and the DEA to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The DEA created Narcotics Task Force Team 10 as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County. Agents from Team 10 contributed to the investigation into M.S.’s death.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 21cr3100-GPC
Saul Caro Age: 33 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 18, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police Department
State of California Department of Health Care Services
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Julian Darnell Black, age 28, was sentenced today to 150 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Five Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Black was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and immediately pay a $200 Special Assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
According to court documents, the investigation into Black began when law enforcement was dispatched to a domestic incident where Black was identified as the suspect. A subsequent search of Black resulted in the seizure of two baggies containing methamphetamine and a loaded Draco rifle. Law enforcement also confirmed that Black had multiple state warrants outstanding. On January 24, 2022, Black pleaded guilty to the charges.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
This case was a 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.