United States v. Williams (2:25-cr-00020)

SEALED INDICTMENT as to Keith Williams (1) count(s) 1, 2-7, 28-33, 46-49, Janine Davis (2) count(s) 1, 15-20, 53, Morais Dicks (3) count(s) 1, 43-45, 55-56, James Hames, Jr. (4) count(s) 1, 25-27, 34-42, Jamari Lewis (5) count(s) 1, 8-10, 50, Ewendra Mathurin (6) count(s) 1, 11-14, 51-52, Tiffany Williams (7) count(s) 1, 21-24, 54. (Attachments: # 1 Criminal Information Sheet, # 2 Sealing Cover Sheet) (GO) (Additional attachment(s) added on 1/17/2025: # 3 Indictment with foreperson signature) (GO). (Entered: 01/17/2025)

MOTION to Unseal Case by USA as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams. (JC) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

INDICTMENT UNSEALED as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams (JC)

Letter Re: Bail Conditions as to Keith Williams (Toporovsky, Adam) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Lauriano Guzman, Jr appearing for Ewendra Mathurin (Guzman, Lauriano) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Arraignment as to Keith Williams (1); (2) Count 1,15-20,53; (3); James Hames, Jr. (4); Ewendra Mathurin (6); Tiffany Williams (7) held on 1/22/2025. Defts present in custody with some counsel in person and one via video. AUSA: A. Toporovsky, J. Simmons; USPO: T. Sarnelli; Counsel for all sides present. Defendants are informed of his/her rights. Defendants first appearance and arraigned. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(f), the court confirmed the Governments disclosure obligations under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), and its progeny, and summarized the possible consequences of violating those obligations. Written order to be docketed separately. Defendants waives public reading. Defendants enter a plea of not guilty to the Indictment. Set Status Conference for 5/1/2025 at 11:30 a.m. in-person. Motion for bail, argument heard. Bail package presented by defendant: Ruling: Order setting conditions of bond executed. Defendants continued: on bond. See attached. (FTR Log #3:00-4:00.) (JC) (Entered: 01/24/2025)

ORDER Setting Conditions of Release as to Keith Williams (1): It is hereby ORDERED that the above-named defendant be released subject to the Conditions of Release below and: Upon Bond executed by the defendant in the amount of $500,000 which shall be secured by Collateral set forth on the Appearance Bond Supplement. Release of the deft. is hereby ordered on 1/22/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 1/22/2025. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

ORDER Setting Conditions of Release as to Janine Davis (2): It is hereby ORDERED that the above-named defendant be released subject to the Conditions of Release below and: Upon Bond executed by the defendant in the amount of $1,000,000 secured by Collateral set forth on the Appearance Bond Supplement. Release of the deft. is hereby ordered on 1/22/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 1/22/2025. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

ORDER Setting Conditions of Release as to Morais Dicks (3): It is hereby ORDERED that the above-named defendant be released subject to the Conditions of Release below and: Upon Bond executed by the defendant in the amount of $500,000 which shall be cosigned by the financially responsible sureties identified on this bond. Release of the deft. is hereby ordered on 1/22/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 1/22/2025. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

ORDER Setting Conditions of Release as to James Hames, Jr. (4): It is hereby ORDERED that the above-named defendant be released subject to the Conditions of Release below and: Upon Bond executed by the defendant in the amount of $1,000,000 which shall be secured by Collateral set forth on the Appearance Bond Supplement. Release of the deft. is hereby ordered on 1/22/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 1/22/2025. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

REDACTION by Ewendra Mathurin to 28 Order Setting Conditions of Release. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

REDACTION by Tiffany Williams to 30 Order Setting Conditions of Release. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE Richard Kelley appearing for USA. (Kelley, Richard) (Entered: 01/23/2025)

Rule 5(c)(3) Documents Received as to Jamari Lewis. (GO) (Additional attachment(s) added on 1/31/2025: # 1 CJA23 Financial Affidavit) (GO). (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Letter re Stipulation and Protective Order as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Toporovsky, Adam) (Entered: 02/18/2025)

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Gilbert S Bayonne appearing for Tiffany Williams (Bayonne, Gilbert) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown:Status Conference as to Jamari Lewis held on 3/13/2025. Defendant not present. AUSA Toporovsky and defense counsel Glenn Obedin present. Defendant could not afford to appear at the conference. Defense counsel is going to make arrangements using CJA funds. The court authorizes the application. The court further cautions the defendant that failure to appear at the next conference will result in bond being revoked and a remand to USMS custody. ( Arraignment set for 4/28/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 940 before Judge Gary R. Brown.) (Court Reporter Paul Lombardi.) (KM)

Consent MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release as to Morais Dicks to Travel to South Florida April 10 - 14 and New Jersey without Restriction by Morais Dicks. (Crosland, Darnell) (Entered: 03/27/2025)

ORDER granting 45 Motion to Modify Conditions of Release as to Morais Dicks (3). Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 3/31/2025. (KM)

First MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release by Keith Williams. (Cassar, Christopher) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

Letter Regarding the Government's Third Discovery Production as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams (Toporovsky, Adam) (Entered: 04/23/2025)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Status Conference as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams held on 5/1/2025. Counsel for all sides present. Defendants are informed of his/her rights. Set Status Conference for 8/26/2025 at 11:30 a.m. in-person. OTHER: Discovery is being turned over. Parties request additional time due to the volume of discovery and pleanegotiations. defts continued on bond. (Court Reporter Lisa Schmid.) (JC) (Entered: 05/02/2025)

ORDER granting 55 Motion to Travel as to Ewendra Mathurin (6). Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 5/12/2025. (KM)

Letter MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release by Tiffany Williams. (Bayonne, Gilbert) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

Letter Regarding the Government's Fifth Discovery Production as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams (Toporovsky, Adam) (Entered: 06/03/2025)

ORDER granting 61 Motion to Modify Conditions of Release as to Morais Dicks (3). Approved on consent. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 6/10/2025. (KM)

ORDER as to Janine Davis re 62 Letter : As permission was not sought in connection with defendant's travel to Pennsylvania, request to travel to North Carolina is denied.. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 7/21/2025. (KM)

Second MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release by Keith Williams. (Cassar, Christopher) (Entered: 08/07/2025)

Letter MOTION for Special Appearance To Allow the Defendant to Appear for his Status conference by Telephone by Jamari Lewis. (Obedin, Glenn) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

Letter Travel Request - Drop Daughter off at School as to Janine Davis (Garcia, Felipe) (Entered: 08/26/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Keith Williams Time excluded from 8/26/2025 until 12/5/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 8/26/2025. (JC) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Morais Dicks Time excluded from 8/26/2025 until 12/15/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 8/26/2025. (JC) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Jamari Lewis Time excluded from 8/26/2025 until 12/5/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 8/26/2025. (JC) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

ORDER as to Janine Davis granting the 66 Letter.. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 8/27/2025. (KM)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Change of Plea Hearing as to Tiffany Williams held on 9/15/2025. Deft. present on bond with retained counsel G. Bayonne; AUSA: A. Toporovsky; Defendant waives public reading. Defendant is sworn to their statements. Defendant is questioned as to whether s/he has read and understands the charging instrument and the plea agreement. Defendant has. Defendant enters a plea of guilty to count 21 of the Indictment. The defendant explains the offense committed, the Government offers the proof they would present to the Court during trial. PROB notified. Sentencing date set for 1/30/2025 at 11:00am. Deft. continued on bond. (Court Reporter Denise Parisi.) (JC) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

Case unsealed as to Louewanda Benjamin (CT) [2:25-mj-00192-ARL]

Minute Entry for proceedings held on 9/17/2025 before Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst: Criminal Cause for Arraignment on Complaint as to Louewanda Benjamin. Counsel for Defendant: Joseph Ferrante, CJA. AUSA: James Simmons. FTR #: 2:32-2:42. Case called. Counsel for all sides present. Initial appearance, arraignment on complaint. Waiver of Speedy Indictment executed, time excluded from 9/17/2025 through 11/17/2025. Order setting conditions of release and bond entered. Rule 5F order executed. Defendant released on bond. (CT) [2:25-mj-00192-ARL] (Entered: 10/08/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Louewanda Benjamin - Time excluded from 9/17/2025 until 11/17/2025. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Lee G. Dunst on 9/17/2025. (CT) [2:25-mj-00192-ARL] (Entered: 10/08/2025)

Letter Requesting Bond Modification to travel to and from Philadelphia, PA as to Janine Davis (Garcia, Felipe) Modified event type from Letter TO Motion to Travel on 9/24/2025 (GO). (Entered: 09/23/2025)

PRETRIAL MEMORANDUM as to Jamari Lewis (Attachments: # 1 Sealing Cover Sheet) (JC) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

ORDER as to Morais Dicks re 82 MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release to Permit Critical Business Trip from 11/1/2025 to 11/10/2025 filed by Morais Dicks. The government is to submit a written response detailing why it objects to this request due by 10/28/2025. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 10/24/2025. (KM)

Rule 5(c)(3) Documents Received as to Jamari Lewis from Middle District of Georgia (Macon) 5:25-mj-00076-CHW. (Attachments: # 1 Transfer Documents from Middle District of Georgia (Macon)) (GO) (Entered: 10/27/2025)

SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT (S-1) as to Keith Williams (1) count(s) 1s, 2s-7s, 23s-28s, 41s-44s, Janine Davis (2) count(s) 1s, 11s-16s, 46s, Morais Dicks (3) count(s) 1s, 38s-40s, 47s-48s, James Hames, Jr. (4) count(s) 1s, 17s-19s, 29s-37s, Jamari Lewis (5) count(s) 1s, 8s-10s, 45s, Louewanda Benjamin (8) count(s) 1, 20-22. (JC) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release by Morais Dicks. (Crosland, Darnell) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

RESPONSE in Opposition re 87 MOTION to Modify Conditions of Release (Simmons, James) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Consent MOTION to Continue for Permission to Be Excused from Dec 5 Conference Due to Jury Trial by Morais Dicks. (Crosland, Darnell) (Entered: 12/03/2025)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Status Conference as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Louewanda Benjamin held on 12/5/2025. Counsel for all sides present. Defendants are informed of his/her rights. Set Status Conference for 4/13/2026 at noon. in-person; Motion to exclude time through 4/13/25026. Motion granted. The findings required by 18 USC 3161(h)(7)(A) were made on the record, as was defense counsels' consent to the exclusion of time. EXCLUDABLE DELAY CODE TYPE: XT - Interest of Justice; PERIOD OF EXCLUDABLE DELAY/SPEEDY TRIAL START: 12/5/2025; PERIOD OF EXCLUDABLE DELAY/SPEEDY TRIAL STOP: 4/13/2026. OTHER: Discovery has been turned over but additional computer software is needed to review it. Parties areworking towards several plans to get the extensive discovery reviewed. Defendant Lewis bond is executed. Defendants continued: on bond. (Court Reporter Lisa Schmid.) (GO) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Janine Davis Time excluded from 12/5/25 until 4/13/25. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 12/5/2025. (GO) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Louewanda Benjamin Time excluded from 12/5/25 until 4/13/25. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 12/5/2025. (GO) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

ORDER TO CONTINUE - Ends of Justice as to Morais Dicks Time excluded from 12/5/25 until 4/13/25. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 12/5/2025. (GO) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

MOTION to Continue Sentencing by Tiffany Williams. (Bayonne, Gilbert) (Entered: 01/19/2026)

Letter MOTION to Appoint Counsel under CJA by Keith Williams. (JC) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Letter Regarding the Government's Sixth Discovery Production as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams, Louewanda Benjamin (Toporovsky, Adam) (Entered: 02/04/2026)

Attorney update in case as to Keith Williams. Attorney Christopher Joseph Cassar terminated. (KM)

Letter Regarding the Government's Rule 16 Discovery Production as to Morais Dicks (Toporovsky, Adam) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

First MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Joseph Ferrante. by Louewanda Benjamin. (Ferrante, Joseph) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

ORDER granting 110 Motion for Special Appearance as to Morais Dicks (3). Counsel is permitted to appear virtually, will call 571-353-2301 using Access code 975 842 145. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 4/8/2026. (KM)

PRELIMINARY ORDER OF FORFEITURE granting 111 Motion for Forfeiture of Property as to Tiffany Williams (7): IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, on consent, by and between the United States and the defendant as follows: All payments made towards the Forfeiture Money Judgment shall be made by a money order, or certified and/or official bank check, payable to the U.S. Treasury with the criminal docket number noted on the face of the instrument. The defendant shall cause said payment(s) to be sent by overnight mail delivery to the Asset Forfeiture Section, United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York, 610 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, New York 11722. The Forfeiture Money Judgment shall be paid in full 30 business days before the date of sentencing (the "Due Date"). Any person, other than the defendant, asserting a legal interest in the Seized Assets may, within thirty (30) days of the final publication of notice or receipt of notice or no later than sixty (60) days after the first day of publication on an official government website, whichever is earlier, petition the Court for a hearing without a jury to adjudicate the validity of his or her alleged interest in the Seized Assets, and for an amendment of the order of forfeiture, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 853(n)(6). Any petition filed in response to the notice of forfeiture of the Seized Assets must be signed by the petitioner under penalty of perjury and shall set forth the nature and extent of the petitioners right, title, or interest in the property, the time and circumstances of the petitioners acquisition of the right, title, or interest in the property, any additional facts supporting the petitioners claim, and the relief sought. SEE ATTACHED ORDER FOR FURTHER DETAILS. The Clerk of the Court is directed to send, by inter-office mail, two (2) certified copies of this executed Order to the United States Attorneys Office, Eastern District of New York, Attn: Kristen Lake, FSA Paralegal, 610 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, New York 11722. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 4/10/2026. (JC) (Entered: 04/10/2026)

MOTION to Dismiss (Memorandum of Law in Support of ECF 113 - Motion to Dismiss) by Morais Dicks. (Crosland, Darnell) (Entered: 04/12/2026)

ORDER as to Louewanda Benjamin re 109 First MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Joseph Ferrante. filed by Louewanda Benjamin. ( Status Conference set for 4/15/2026 at 12:00 PM in Courtroom 940 before Judge Gary R. Brown.). Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 4/13/2026. (KM)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Status Conference as to Louewanda Benjamin held on 4/15/2026. DEFENDANT: Louewanda Benjamin present on bond with Defense Counsel Joseph Ferrante and John Kaley, present in person. A.U.S.A.: Toporovsky, Adam. Case called. Counsel for all sides present. Status Conference set for 8/12/2026 at 11:00 AM in person before Judge Gary R. Brown. Motion to exclude time through 8/12/2026. Motion granted on consent. OTHER DISCUSSIONS AND RULINGS: Attorney Joseph Ferrante's 109 motion to withdraw is granted, counsel withdrawn. The court appoints John Kaley. Discovery needs to be reviewed by new counsel and possible plea negotiations. Defendant continued on bond. (Court Reporter Denise Parisi.) (NF) (Entered: 04/17/2026)

SENTENCING MEMORANDUM by Tiffany Williams as to Keith Williams, Janine Davis, Morais Dicks, James Hames, Jr., Jamari Lewis, Ewendra Mathurin, Tiffany Williams, Louewanda Benjamin (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit) (Bayonne, Gilbert) (Attachment 1 replaced on 5/6/2026) (KM). (Entered: 04/23/2026)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Sentencing held on 5/8/2026 for Tiffany Williams (7): Defendant present on bond. DEFENSE COUNSEL: GILBERT BAYONNE Retained. A.U.S.A.: Adam Toporovsky and Richard Kelley. PROBATION OFFICER: Gregory Giblin. SENTENCE HEARING HELD ON COUNT(S): 21. Victims and/or witnesses not present. Hearing not requested. Statements heard from defendant, defense counsel and government. The defendant is sentenced to: THIRTY SIX MONTHS, to be followed by 2 YEARS Of supervised release. The defendant shall surrender BY AUGUST 27, 2026. The court makes the following recommendation to the Bureau of Prisons: A DESIGNATION TO A FACILITY IN THE NYC AREA. The fine is waived based on the defendants inability to pay. Restitution is ordered: $46,806,794.65. Forfeiture imposed pursuant to: $135,809.39. Special assessment in imposed in the sum of: $100.00. The Govt. moves to dismiss the open counts. Motion Granted. The defendant is advised of his right to appeal. (Court Reporter ToniAnn Lucatorto.) (NF) (Entered: 05/12/2026)

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gary R. Brown: Change of Plea Hearing as to Janine Davis held on 5/14/2026. Deft. 2 present on bond with FD F. Garcia; AUSA: A. Toporovsky; Counsel for all sides present. Defendant is informed of his/her rights. Defendant waives public reading. Defendant is sworn to his/her statements. Defendant is questioned as to whether s/he has read and understands the charging instrument and the plea agreement. Defendant has. Defendant withdraws previous plea of not guilty and enters a plea of guilty to count 11 of the Superseding Indictment. The defendant explains the offense committed, the Government offers the proof they would present to the Court during trial. The Court finds a factual basis for the plea and accepts it. Probation notified. Sentencing date set for 9/25/2026 AT 11:00 A.M. Deft. continued on bond. (Court Reporter Paul Lombardi.) (JC) (Entered: 05/14/2026)

PRELIMINARY ORDER OF FORFEITURE granting 127 Motion for Forfeiture of Property as to Janine Davis (2): IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, on consent, byand between the United States and the defendant as follows: All payments made towards the Forfeiture Money Judgment shall be made by a money order, or ce1tified and/or official bank check, payable to the U.S. Treasury with the criminal docket number noted on the face of the instrument. The defendant shall cause said payment(s) to be sent by overnight mail delivery to the Asset Forfeiture Section, United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York, 610 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, New York 11722. The Forfeiture Money Judgment shall be paid in full 30 business days before the date of sentencing (the "Due Date"). Any person, other than the defendant, asserting a legal interest in the Seized Assets may, within thirty (30) days of the final publication of notice or receipt of notice or no later than sixty (60) days after the first day of publication on an official government website, whichever is earlier, petition the Court for a hearing without a jury to adjudicate the validity of his or her alleged interest in the Seized Assets, and for an amendment of the order of forfeiture, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 853(n)(6). Any petition filed in response to the notice of forfeiture of the Seized Assets must be signed by the petitioner under penalty of perjury and shall set forth the nature and extent of the petitioners right, title, or interest in the property, the time and circumstances of the petitioners acquisition of the right, title, or interest in the property, any additional facts supporting the petitioners claim, and the relief sought. SEE ATTACHED ORDER FOR FURTHER DETAILS. The Clerk of the Court is directed to send, by inter-office mail, two (2) certified copies of this executed Order to the United States Attorneys Office, Eastern District of New York, Attn: Kristen Lake, FSA Paralegal, 610 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, New York 11722. Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 5/21/2026. (JC) (Entered: 05/21/2026)

ORDER granting 129 Motion to Modify Conditions of Release as to Jamari Lewis (5). Ordered by Judge Gary R. Brown on 5/27/2026. (KM)