title: Quincy Man Sentenced to Over One Year in Prison for Hate Crime

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced today for committing a hate crime. John Sullivan, 78, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, Sullivan pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Sullivan was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023. On Dec. 2, 2022, Sullivan encountered an Asian American group he had never met before outside a post office in Quincy. Sullivan yelled to the group, which included three children under the age of 12, to “go back to China,” and threatened to kill them. He then drove his car into one of the adult members of the group, causing the victim to land on the hood of the moving car and remain there while Sullivan drove the car approximately 200 feet in traffic. After Sullivan slammed on his brakes, stopping the car abruptly and causing the victim to slide off, Sullivan again accelerated, hitting the victim a second time and causing him to fall face first into a 10-foot-deep construction ditch and suffer injury. “Every single man, woman and child living in Massachusetts has a fundamental right to be free from acts of hate and violence. The conduct here is truly despicable and this office will dedicate whatever resources are needed to vigorously prosecute these types of hate crimes. Fueled by his hate of Asian-Americans, John Sullivan twice used his car to strike and injure an innocent man. He engaged in these acts of hate in front of the victim’s friends, including three children under the age of 12, who all watched in horror,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These violent acts of hate spread fear throughout our community and will never be tolerated.” “Racially-motivated and hate-fueled attacks have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant targeted this man solely because he was Asian American. This behavior will not be tolerated, and the Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to vigorously prosecute those who commit unlawful acts of hate.” “A run of the mill trip to the post office turned into a nightmare for this Vietnamese man when John Sullivan decided to target him because of the color of his skin and the country of his ancestors. There is no way to undo the damage Mr. Sullivan caused with his hateful, repulsive, and violent behavior, but hopefully today’s sentence provides some measure of comfort,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “All communities in our Commonwealth – deserve respect and the ability to live, work, and raise their children without fear. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of or witness to a hate crime to report it to the FBI.” Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, AAG Clarke, FBI SAC Cohen and Chief Mark Kennedy of the Quincy Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Tara Allison of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: Clark County Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Winchester, Ky., woman, Irene Fike, 56, was sentenced to 36 months on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, following her convictions for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. From 2016 to 2021, Fike was employed by an accounting firm in Winchester, where she had access to financial information belonging to the victim and performed bookkeeping tasks for the victim. According to her plea agreement, in the fall of 2021, Fike left her employment at the accounting firm and the victim hired her as an independent contractor to assist with paying bills, creating and updating financial records, general bookkeeping, and other matters. She also had access to the victim’s bank accounts. As part of Fike’s scheme, from April 2018 until September 2022, she defrauded the victim through the unauthorized use of the victim’s credit cards and bank accounts to benefit herself. In total, Fike used $224,349.93 in the victim’s funds to pay her personal credit card. Additionally, she used the victim’s credit cards to make various online purchases totaling $139,307.74. To conceal her fraud, Fike misrepresented the expenditures and debits on financial reports to avoid raising the suspicions of the victim and family. As part of her sentence, Fike was ordered to pay $405,867.08 in restitution to the victim. Under federal law, Fike must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Huang and Andy Boone prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. — END —


title: Sex Offender Sentenced to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – MATTHEW RYAN STROBL , 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 30 years in federal prison for distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Strobl, charging him with attempted sexual exploitation of a child, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, commission of a felony sex offense by an individual required to register as a sex offender, and distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography. According to public record, beginning in March 2023, Strobl initiated and maintained contact on a social media app with a Homeland Security Investigations agent, who was undercover portraying a minor female. Despite the agent purporting to be 14 years old, Strobl repeatedly indicated he wanted to have sex with the fictitious minor and continuously asked the agent to send explicit photos. Strobl also sent the agent more than 1,000 child pornography files. During this same period, Strobl’s phone was confiscated by an Oklahoma Department of Corrections probation officer, who discovered Strobl attempting to procure explicit photos from another minor, on another social media app. On December 4, 2023, Strobl pleaded guilty to Count 4 of the Indictment, and admitted he distributed child pornography using his cell phone. At the sentencing hearing on August 29, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Strobl to serve 30 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Dishman noted the nature and circumstances of Strobl’s offense and Strobl’s criminal history. Public record reflects that Strobl has a history of sexually abusing minors, including felony convictions for second degree rape in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2012-2113 and sexual battery in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2018-4518. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case. This case is the result of an investigation by the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force. Members of the Task Force in the Western District of Oklahoma include Homeland Security Investigations, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma City Police Department, and Comanche County Police Department. The Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force is an implementation of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Public School Teacher Indicted on Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Mankato man has been indicted for using a messaging app to distribute and receive child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, between October 14, 2023, through January 29, 2024, Daniel John Janke, 54, used Kik, a messaging and chat application, to send and receive images and videos containing child sexual abuse material. The indictment charges Janke with one count of distribution of child pornography and three counts of receipt of child pornography. Janke made his initial appearance on August 29, 2024, in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former New Mexico Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting Arrestee and Obstruction of Justice

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A former New Mexico sheriff’s deputy was sentenced today to nine years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and required to register as a sex offender under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act for violating the civil rights of a female arrestee and for obstruction of justice. On April 23, Michael A. Martinez, 34, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a female arrestee inside his patrol car and for obstructing justice by attempting to destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which had recorded footage from his patrol car’s internal cameras of the sexual assault. “Sexual assaults perpetrated by police officers are heinous crimes and a disgraceful breach of the public’s trust in law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant’s misconduct — exploiting the power of his badge, weaponizing his authority as a police officer and sexually assaulting a handcuffed victim in the back of his patrol vehicle — violated the victim’s core civil rights and basic standards of decency. We encourage survivors to come forward and report these crimes to the FBI. The sentence imposed today should send a strong message that the Justice Department will do all it can to hold accountable those who abuse their authority by sexually assaulting people in their custody.” “Those that wear the uniform are expected to treat members of the public they serve with dignity and respect,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M. M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “This includes protecting the rights of those who are in their custody. When an officer abuses their position, they erode the trust of the community we serve. We will scrupulously investigate, and vigorously prosecute, those who abuse the public trust and then try to cover up their misdeeds. The badge will not shield you from justice.” “The violation of civil rights is a serious issue, especially when committed by those entrusted with enforcing the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “An officer who betrays their duty to protect and serve undermines the integrity of the entire profession. The FBI will not hesitate to investigate any officer or agent who breaks the laws they are meant to enforce or who infringes on the civil rights of others.” According to court documents, at the time of the offense, Martinez worked as sheriff’s deputy for the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. On April 30, 2023, Martinez responded to a car accident and placed the victim under arrest for driving while intoxicated and careless driving. Martinez transported the victim to a medical center and, after the victim received medical clearance, he handcuffed her hands behind her back and put her back inside his patrol car, where he proceeded to sexually assault her. Afterwards, he transported her to the Doña Ana Detention Center. Several hours later, Martinez attempted to physically destroy his patrol car’s WatchGuard DVR system, which is the patrol car’s internal video camera system that, among other things, records and stores footage from the patrol car’s backseat camera. Martinez, correctly, believed that that the DVR system contained a video recording of him sexually assaulting the victim in the backseat of his patrol car and attempted to destroy and conceal that recording from any future investigation. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matilda Villalobos for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Announces Civil Rights Investigation into Correctional Staff Sexual Abuse at Two California Prisons

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Justice Department announced today that it has opened an investigation into the conditions of two prison facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR): Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino. Based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information gathered from stakeholders, the department has found significant justification to open this investigation. The investigation will evaluate whether CDCR protects people incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility and the California Institution for Women from sexual abuse by correctional staff. “The Central California Women’s Facility, located in the County of Madera, is the largest state prison in California for adult female inmates,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Ensuring that inmates in the California state prison system are treated consistent with Constitutional standards is a priority of my office since so many of the State’s adult prisons are located in the Eastern District.” “No woman incarcerated in a jail or prison should be subjected to sexual abuse by prison staff who are constitutionally bound to protect them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Every woman, including those in prison, retains basic civil and constitutional rights and should be treated with dignity and respect. California must ensure that the people it incarcerates are housed in conditions that protect them from sexual abuse. This investigation will determine whether California is meeting its constitutional obligations.” “Sexual abuse and misconduct will not be tolerated in prisons,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California said. “Together, with our colleagues in the Eastern District and the Civil Rights Division, my office will thoroughly investigate the conditions at Central California Women’s Facility and the California Institution for Women to determine whether California is meeting its constitutional obligations to incarcerated persons.” Women have filed hundreds of private lawsuits in the past two years alleging officer sexual abuse of people incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility over the last decade, ranging from allegations of inappropriate groping during searches and genital rubbing to forcible rape. This week in state court, a trial is scheduled to begin involving allegations that a former correctional officer at the Central California Women’s Facility engaged in widespread sexual assaults. Of course, these are allegations, and the state process will proceed. A civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of 21 women incarcerated at the California Institution for Women and included allegations of forcible rape and penetration, groping, oral copulation, as well as threats of violence and punishment with abusive conduct ranging from 2014 to 2020. Correctional staff at both facilities reportedly sought sexual favors in return for contraband and privileges. The correctional officers named in these allegations range in rank and have included the very people responsible for handling complaints of sexual abuse made by women incarcerated at these facilities. In March, a working group established by the State and composed of advocacy groups and community-based organizations published a report to the California Legislature that identified longstanding cultural deficiencies in addressing staff sexual abuse, including an unsafe and inaccessible reporting process and the absence of staff accountability. Justice Department officials have informed California state officials of the investigation. The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. This statute gives the department the authority to investigate systemic violations of the rights of individuals in institutional settings, including prisons. The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern and Central Districts of California. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-888-392-9490 or by email at Community.CAWomensPrisons@usdoj.gov . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work regarding correctional facilities is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt/rights-persons-confined-jails-and-prisons .


title: Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Identity Theft

body_text: BOSTON – A Brooklyn, N.Y. man pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to steal over $3 million in COVID relief tax credits using the stolen identity of a corporate executive in New Jersey. Isaac Aaron Tenryk, 28, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2024. Tenryk was arrested and charged in May 2024. Tenryk used a fraudulent driver’s license as well as the name and Social Security number of a corporate executive in New Jersey to open an account at a bank in Boston. He then deposited an approximately $3 million Employee Retention Tax Credit check, payable to the corporate executive’s company, into the fraudulent account. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two years in prison in addition to any sentence imposed on the bank fraud charge, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Repeat offender drug smuggler sent to prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 47-year-old resident of Matamoros, Mexico, has been sentenced for possession with intent to deliver cocaine and illegal re-entry after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ricardo Rios-Alanis pleaded guilty June 13. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Rios-Alanis to serve a total of 66 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Rios-Alanis is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing his lengthy criminal history, with many convictions dating back to 1997. The convictions include assaultive conduct, two for felony drug offenses and three for illegal reentry after removal. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that in 2021 he granted Rios-Alanis a “sentencing variance,” lowering his sentence to 30 months after Rios-Alanis promised not to return and not continuing to violate the law. On Feb. 21, law enforcement on routine surveillance of the Rio Grande River in Brownsville observed a vehicle speeding away from the area. Rios-Alani was driving. As authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, Rios-Alanis continued at a high rate of speed, eventually losing a tire. Law enforcement approached and removed him, at which time they noticed bundles within the vehicle. They conducted a further search of the vehicle and discovered 10 bundles containing marijuana with a total weight of 203.9 kilograms (448.5 pounds). Rios-Alanis told law enforcement in return for transporting the narcotics within the United States, he expected to not have to pay for his illegal entry into the country. Rios-Alanis has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce prosecuted the case.


title: Parkersburg Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jon Ryan LaFever, 29, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography. LaFever must also register as a sex offender. According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 16, 2023, LaFever posted a picture of a minor female on the Kik instant messaging mobile app. LaFever received a direct message after posting the photo from Kik user asking about the minor female. LaFever admitted that he messaged the user that the minor female was a 7-year-old girl to whom he had access. LaFever further admitted that he sent the user several additional photos through direct messaging. The photos included one image of the minor female in her underwear and with her legs spread open, and two images of a minor female’s nude genital area. LaFever also admitted to sending two videos of the minor female to the Kik user. In both videos, LaFever touches the minor female’s buttocks while she was asleep on a bed, attempts to pull her shorts and underwear aside to expose her genital and pubic area, and stops when she appears to be waking up. On March 20, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of LaFever’s Parkersburg residence. Officers seized LaFever’s cell phone during the search and a forensic analysis found it stored several images and videos depicting the minor female on a bed in his residence. LaFever admitted to creating the images and videos with his cell phone. The videos included two of the minor female that LaFever created with his cell phone on March 6, 2023. LaFever admitted to officers that he sent the videos on the Kik app. LaFever told officers that he had made approximately 50 images or videos of the minor female while she was asleep in her underwear. LaFever took steps to medicate the minor female and an adult present in the residence to ensure his nighttime sexual abuse of the minor female would not be discovered. LaFever distributed these images and videos of the minor female to other pedophiles in online forums in exchange for child pornography depicting the abuse of other children from around the world. LaFever admitted to possessing hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on his phone and an online file-storage account, and that some of this child pornography depicted prepubescent minors. LaFever further admitted that the two close-up nude images that he had sent the Kik user were not of his minor female victim, but were cropped from the prepubescent child pornography he possessed. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the West Virginia State Police. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-199. ###


title: Bakersfield Felon Charged in Connection with Destructive Device

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — On Aug. 29, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Robert Lawrence Hunt, 40, of Bakersfield, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, and manufacturing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in July 2022, Hunt possessed a destructive device that consisted of parts designed for conversion into an explosive and incendiary device containing screws, which meet the federal definition of a firearm. Hunt was previously convicted in Kern County Superior Court of two robberies and a burglary and is prohibited from possessing firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Hunt faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 if convicted of possessing an unregistered firearm and manufacturing a firearm. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Kicks Off Gun Safety Initiative at Sept. 19 Program

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – To help keep children, teens, and communities safe, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio has launched an awareness and education initiative to inform the public about the importance of securing firearms and storing them safely. As part of this initiative, the USAO is partnering with the Richmond Heights Police Department to present an information session, “Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives,” Thursday, Sept.19, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Richmond Heights Community Center, 27285 Highland Rd., Richmond Heights, OH 44120. The City of Richmond Heights will host the program, but residents of all communities are invited to attend. Topics include data and trends regarding firearms-related accidents and self-imposed harm, focusing on children and teens in particular; the connection between these tragedies and unsafe firearms-storage practices; the effects that such tragedies have on both individual families and the broader public; a gun lock demonstration and distribution; and steps to help prevent firearms-related tragedies by following and encouraging safe firearms-storage practices. The program features several speakers: U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio; firearms safety advocate Michelle Bell , the founder of M-Pac Cleveland, a local organization that aims to connect and support families affected by gun accidents and violence; MetroHealth Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator Anthony Zalewski, RN ; Richmond Heights Police Chief Calvin Williams ; and Richmond Heights Mayor Kim Thomas . As part of the program, local police officers will distribute free gun locks; attendees will not need to provide any personal information to receive one. Officers will also exhibit other types of safe storage devices, demonstrate how to use them, and individually discuss safe storage options with attendees. “When you make the choice to own a firearm, you owe it to your neighbors to do so responsibly. As a whole, our community must do a better job to ensure that we store firearms in a safe manner, where a curious child or a despondent adolescent cannot readily access them. In April, a three-year-old child in Brunswick died from a gunshot wound after he found a gun in his own home, and accidentally discharged it while playing with it. Just a month later, in May, a two-year-old toddler in Euclid similarly died when he accidentally shot himself after he found a firearm in his home. And just last week, a five-year-old boy in Utah died after—once again—finding his parent’s gun and accidentally shooting himself. Every one of these tragedies could have been prevented,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Instead, these children—and the thousands of people of all ages who use firearms to take their own lives each year—are gone, and their families’ lives are irrevocably changed. In launching this initiative, our goal is to protect children, at-risk teens, and young adults from grave danger in homes where firearms are present. Our kids’ safety is everyone’s joint responsibility.” The Safe Storage campaign’s message coincides with National Suicide Prevention Month, recognized annually each September by the National Institute of Mental Health. The number of firearm-related suicides rose nationally by 20% across the population from 2012 to 2022. The highest increases were found among younger people, according to fatal injury data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The risk of accidents also increases when firearms are easy to find and access. From 2003 to 2021, 85% of children fatally injured were located at a house or apartment, and 56% of incidents occurred in their own homes, according to the CDC report “Unintentional Firearm Injury Deaths Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 Years.” More than 70% of firearms used were stored loaded, and nearly 80% of firearms were stored unlocked and easily found on a bed, under a pillow, under a mattress, or inside or on top of a nightstand, according to the report. “We’re calling on our community partners and the public to help us spread awareness of these largely preventable accidents and instances of self-harm,” said U.S. Attorney Lutzko. “Much like seatbelt education helps to save lives of those involved in car accidents, spreading the word about safe storage will help save lives of children, teens, and young adults, who we have a special duty to protect. Our goal is to amplify the message of responsible firearm ownership through this community-centered, public-safety strategy.” The USAO has posted on its website a host of free community resources discussing safe storage practices and providing tools for community members to spread the word about safe storage practices and help encourage them. Among the items included are bulletin board flyers, adult and child’s safety pledge certificates, and owners’ firearms safety manuals. Visit justice.gov/usao-ndoh/safe-gun-storage to view them. The public is also encouraged to follow the USAO on Facebook (@usaondoh) and X (@NDOHnews) to reshare safe gun storage tips and information throughout the coming weeks. Additional safe storage community programs are slated to be announced.


title: Former Lauderdale County Teacher Arrested for Online Threats to  School Officials and Former Students

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MERIDIAN, MS – A Meridian man, who is a former teacher in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, was charged today with federal offenses related to his alleged online threats against school officials and former students. According to court documents, Daniel Christian Johnson, 36, made online threats over social media, including threats to kill named victims and commit other acts of violence using firearms and explosives. Additionally, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Johnson’s home last week and discovered what are alleged to be components of explosive devices or materials used for the manufacturing of explosives. Johnson is charged by federal criminal complaint with Interstate Communications with Threat to Kidnap or Injure and Willfully Making a Threat involving Explosive Materials. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Johnson has also been charged with Mississippi state offenses by the Office of the District Attorney for the 10 th Circuit Court District, and he is presently in custody. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The FBI and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Charleston Developer Sentenced to Prison for Bankruptcy Fraud

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – John H. Wellford III, 73, of Charleston, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $730,326.43 in restitution for falsification of bankruptcy records. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 29, 2019, Wellford filed for bankruptcy on behalf of Corotoman Inc., a real estate development company he owned and operated. As part of the bankruptcy, Corotoman’s Statement of Financial Affairs required Wellford to disclose all monetary transfers from Corotoman outside the ordinary course of business that had occurred in the two years prior to filing for bankruptcy. Wellford admitted that, despite this requirement, he did not disclose that he had transferred $925,326.43 from Corotoman on or around May 2, 2018 to another of Wellford’s businesses, Marsh Fork Development. Approximately 10 months prior to the bankruptcy filing, Corotoman received a large influx of cash while it was struggling financially and while one of its creditors was actively trying to collect on an outstanding debt. Wellford deposited a $1,978,101.40 check from American Electric Power in Corotoman’s bank account on or around April 30, 2018. Wellford then transferred $925,326.43 of the funds to Marsh Fork Development on or around May 2, 2018. From that money, Wellford transferred $680,000 to his lawyer’s client trust account. Over the next five months, Wellford caused his lawyer to transfer the entire $680,000 back to various businesses that Wellford owned, primarily Marsh Fork Development. Wellford admitted that all of these transactions were to ensure that he maintained possession and control over the money so that he could use the money for his businesses. Additionally, when Wellford attended a May 28, 2019 meeting of creditors, he testified that Corotoman had not made any payments to creditors outside the ordinary course of business in the year prior. When Wellford twice amended Corotoman’s bankruptcy filings to account for other undisclosed transactions that took place at the same time as the transfer, he failed to disclose the transfer. “Today’s sentence is at the upper range of the advisory guideline range and reflects the nature and seriousness of Mr. Wellford’s offense. It is also appropriate given his background. Simply put, he should have known better and he should have done better,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Mr. Wellford went to great lengths to carry out this crime of deception. Each transfer was a deliberate act of duplicity, and there are more than thirty of them. Each failure to disclose was an act of dishonesty.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU) and the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner-Special Investigations Division. The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. “This sentencing sends a clear message: the FBI and our partners will continue to go to great lengths to root out those who think fraud and deception mean more money in their own pocket,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Bankruptcy fraud not only impacts financial institutions and creditors, but it also impacts the everyday person with higher fees and higher taxes. We stand committed to ensuring financial fairness at all levels.” “Debtors’ responsibility to provide truthful, accurate, and complete information is essential to the proper function of the bankruptcy system,” said Acting United States Trustee Gerard Vetter of Region 4, which includes West Virginia. “This case demonstrates the dedication of the United States Trustee Program and the Justice Department to enforce the statutes imposing that responsibility and to ensure a fair process for debtors, creditors and other stakeholders. We thank U.S. Attorney Thompson and our law enforcement partners for their commitment to protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system.” Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-63. ###


title: Three-Time Federal Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years’ Imprisonment

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on September 3, 2024, Ramone J. Locke, Sr. (age: 37) of Milwaukee, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, followed by four years’ supervised release. According to court records, a proactive law enforcement investigation revealed that Locke was supplying cocaine traffickers operating on Milwaukee’s North Side. That investigation culminated in Locke’s arrest in June 2022, with two kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a secret compartment in his car. As part of Locke’s guilty plea in this case, he admitted that his drug trafficking with this group involved five-to-fifteen kilograms of cocaine. Locke had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including federal convictions for money laundering involving cocaine and using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. Before imposing sentence, United States District Judge Lynn Adelman found that Locke had obstructed justice while this case was pending, by attempting to intimidate a witness against him. Judge Adelman also found that Locke had supervised others beneath him in the drug distribution trade. Court records also revealed that Locke was also involved with violence or threatening violence, messaging with his family members regarding firearms; their rivals; and Locke’s intention to “kill” another individual himself. “Despite prior federal convictions, Mr. Locke returned to drug trafficking and to conduct involving firearms, violence, and witness intimidation,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “The sentence imposed in this case was the direct result of tireless work by federal, state, and local law enforcement – all of whom are dedicated to making the Eastern District of Wisconsin as safe as possible for everyone who lives and works here.” “The severity of this sentence illustrates the importance of holding accountable those who threaten the community with violence and drug trafficking” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the Milwaukee Police Department and Racine County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in investigating this case and the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecuting it.” Sheriff Schmaling stated, “I am extremely proud of the work done by the deputies involved in this case. From a simple traffic stop, the deputy performed an interview of the driver who gave answers that aroused the deputy’s suspicions. The back-up deputy used K9 Zeke to establish probable cause of the presence of contraband, and the deputies thoroughly and meticulously searched the vehicle – ultimately defeating a sophisticated trap compartment to locate four and a half pounds of cocaine. It is impossible to measure the number of lives saved by these deputies, the subsequent prosecution, and ultimately conviction of this dangerous criminal.” This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Halopka-Ivery and Kevin Knight. ### For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Repeat Offender Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on September 4, 2024, Brandon R. Gerry (Age: 39) of West Bend, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography, or child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court records, in 2023, investigators identified multiple online accounts, later determined to be used by Gerry, which had possessed, received, and distributed CSAM. Gerry used the internet platforms Discord, MeetMe, Reddit, and MeWe to trade CSAM. Gerry’s accounts also contained sexualized conversations concerning children. Gerry was previously convicted of distribution of child pornography in 2018 and was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. At the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Lynn Adelman noted the serious nature of the offense and a strong need to deter Gerry and others who might engage in similar crimes. After serving his 12 ½ year term of imprisonment, Gerry will spend 10 years on supervised release and will be required to continue to register as a sexual offender under state and federal law. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick ### For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Aliquippa Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The one-count Indictment named Tyland Witherspoon, 27, as the sole defendant. Witherspoon was arrested on August 30, 2024, related to this federal charge. According to the Indictment, on or about June 19, 2024, Witherspoon, who was previously convicted of a felony, was found to be in possession of a Glock 23 40 caliber pistol along with Smith & Wesson 40 caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Fayette County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jeff Allen Adkins, 66, of Fayetteville, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 8, 2022, Adkins was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers in Oak Hill. Officers searched the vehicle and found approximately 116 grams of fentanyl and 112 grams of methamphetamine. Adkins told officers he possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them. Adkins is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Oak Hill Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell have prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-57. ###


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Clarence Montana Walls, 38, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 11, 2023, Walls sold a controlled substance containing methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Richwood. Walls is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Central West Virginia Task Force. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-77. ###


title: Three Indicted for Conspiracy to Launder Over $1 Million from Online Fraud Scams

body_text: WASHINGTON – Three alleged conspirators – Chidi Olujie, 36, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Maryland and the District of Columbia, Jennifer Chibueze, 36, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Maryland, and Jessica Nortey, 32, a Ghanaian citizen and resident of Maryland – are charged with conspiring to launder over $1 million in proceeds from a romance scam and other online frauds, according to an indictment unsealed today. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. “Online fraud schemes require people who are willing and able to launder the money stolen through these schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Today’s indictment reflects our commitment to aggressively prosecute the launderers whom we believe are enabling the fraudsters.” "In today's digital world, online scams are innumerable, so the FBI encourages you to remain vigilant whenever you're banking, shopping, or looking for a relationship online. The defendants in this case allegedly conspired to launder over $1 million in proceeds from multiple victims using various fraud schemes. Their indictment demonstrates the FBI's commitment to investigating fraudsters no matter what type of scam they perpetrate." As charged in the indictment, between 2016 and 2019, Olujie, Chibueze, and Nortey each played roles in laundering the proceeds of different online scams. Among other things, they allegedly created companies and bank accounts that they then used to move and launder money obtained in fraud schemes, which included: $774,150 from a victim of an online romance scam in 2017 through 2018; $84,320 from victims who believed they were consummating a business transaction in 2018; $140,000 stolen from a victim’s bank account in 2019; and over $37,000 in funds misdirected from a victim company in 2019 as a result of an email hack – commonly referred to as a “business email compromise” scheme. Each of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, the defendants would face up to 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy counts and an additional two years on the identity theft counts. Online fraud comes in many forms. Business email compromise (BEC) scams typically involve a combination of computer intrusion techniques and social engineering to misdirect a transfer of funds into a bank account controlled by the fraudsters. For example, conspirators might hack a victim company’s computers, monitor their emails, and then use the knowledge they gain to trick customers into sending their payments to a bank account controlled by the conspirators rather than the company’s real account. Romance scams involve impersonating a person who pretends to express romantic interest in a victim in order to build trust over time during an online relationship; scammers then later trick that victim into transferring funds, believing they are helping their romantic interest. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ## 22cr82


title: Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Against Asian American Man

body_text: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for a federal hate crime. On April 3, John Sullivan pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim, identified in court papers only by his initials, G.N., through the use of a dangerous weapon (a vehicle), because of G.N.’s actual and perceived race and national origin. “Racially motivated and hate-fueled attacks have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant targeted this man solely because he was Asian American. This behavior will not be tolerated, and the Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to vigorously prosecute those who commit unlawful acts of hate.” “Every single man, woman and child living in Massachusetts has a fundamental right to be free from acts of hate and violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The conduct here is truly despicable, and this office will dedicate whatever resources are needed to vigorously prosecute these types of hate crimes. Fueled by his hate of Asian-Americans, John Sullivan twice used his car to strike and injure an innocent man. He engaged in these acts of hate in front of the victim’s friends, including three children under the age of 12, who all watched in horror. These violent acts of hate spread fear throughout our community and will never be tolerated.” “A run of the mill trip to the post office turned into a nightmare for this Vietnamese man when John Sullivan decided to target him because of the color of his skin and the country of his ancestors. There is no way to undo the damage Mr. Sullivan caused with his hateful, repulsive and violent behavior, but hopefully today’s sentence provides some measure of comfort,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “All communities in our Commonwealth – deserve respect and the ability to live, work, and raise their children without fear. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of or witness to a hate crime to report it to the FBI.” According to documents filed in connection with this case, Sullivan encountered G.N., who is Vietnamese, and other individuals he was with, who are also Asian American, outside a post office. Sullivan had never met the victim or the group before. In front of the group’s three children under the age of twelve, Sullivan yelled for them to “go back to China,” threatened to kill them — pointing in turn members of the group, including two of the children, and separately telling them, “I’m going to kill you” — and twice drove his car into G.N., causing G.N. to land on the hood of the moving car and remain there while the car moved approximately 200 feet while keeping pace with traffic. Eventually Sullivan stopped the car, causing G.N. to fall into a construction ditch and suffer bodily injury and pain. The FBI Boston Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey Cummings for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: Browning man admits abusive sexual contact with girl, sending nude images of self to minor girls

body_text: GREAT FALLS —A Browning man accused of having sexual contact with a girl on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and to sending nude images of himself to minor girls using social media admitted to charges yesterday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, Treston Lane Kickingwoman, 28, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact and to two counts of transfer of obscene material to a minor. Kickingwoman faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the abusive sexual contact charge and a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the transfer of obscene materials charge. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 15, 2025. Kickingwoman was detained pending further proceedings. In a plea agreement filed in the case, the parties agreed that a sentence of between 10 years and 15 years in prison is appropriate. In court documents, the government alleged that in 2022, a victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, disclosed to law enforcement that when she was about six years old, Kickingwoman sexually abused her one time while she was staying at a house in Browning. Kickingwoman lay down on the bed by Doe 1 and began touching her legs and back. Doe 1 cried and told Kickingwoman that she was going to tell. Kickingwoman responded to the effect that if she did, he would hurt her. Doe 1 further described Kickingwoman touching her inside her underwear and vagina. He stopped when another person started moving in the room. The government also alleged that in March 2023, an FBI undercover employee with a fictitious persona as a juvenile girl began communicating with Kickingwoman on Facebook. Kickingwoman sent the undercover explicit pictures of his penis and solicited sexually explicit pictures from the undercover. During a search of Kickingwoman’s Facebook account, law enforcement discovered Kickingwoman had sent picture of his nude genitalia to dozens of separate Facebook accounts. Two of the Facebook accounts were for juvenile girls, Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3, who were living on the Blackfeet Reservation. Both Doe 2 and 3 confirmed that they had messaged with Kickingwoman on Facebook Messenger in the summer of 2023 when they were 12 years old and that they told Kickingwoman they were 13. Kickingwoman sent both girls pictures of his nude genitalia and solicited sexually explicit pictures from them. Doe 2 provided the requested photographs to Kickingwoman through his Facebook account. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. XXX


title: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violation for Violent Altercation with Woman

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Today a federal grand jury returned an indictment against a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy alleging that he used excessive force when he assaulted and pepper-sprayed a woman during a shoplifting investigation outside a WinCo Foods in Lancaster last year. Trevor James Kirk, 31, of Santa Clarita, is charged in a single-count indictment with deprivation of rights under color of law for the force he used during one of his shifts as a sheriff’s deputy in June 2023. Kirk caused injuries to, and used pepper spray on, victim J.H. Kirk will be arraigned on the charge in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles later this month. “When an officer violates the civil rights of another person, it undermines public safety for all of us,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Officers must be held accountable when they violate constitutional rights, and my Office is committed to prosecuting those who abuse their authority and breach the public’s trust.” “All law enforcement personnel who take an oath to protect and serve the American people must be held to a higher standard,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to holding those who do not meet this standard accountable for their actions.” According to the indictment, Kirk and another deputy were responding to a possible robbery at the WinCo by a male and female suspect. Kirk and the other deputy arrived on scene and handcuffed and detained a man matching the description of the male suspect, while a female, J.H., who matched the description of the female suspect, videotaped the deputies. While videotaping, J.H. told Kirk that he had a legal obligation to inform D.B. of the basis for his detention and that she was broadcasting his actions on social media. The indictment alleges that Kirk then approached J.H. and, without giving any commands, attempted to grab her phone. J.H. turned away, at which point Kirk allegedly grabbed J.H. by her arm, hooked his left hand behind her neck, and violently threw her to the ground. While on the ground, Kirk yelled at J.H. to “get on the ground,” and she told him that “It’s already on YouTube Life,” implying her video of Kirk and the other deputy handcuffing D.B. had already been made public. Kirk then placed his knee on J.H.’s shoulder and when J.H. yelled for Kirk to “stop” and called him an expletive, Kirk cocked his right arm back with a clenched fist and said, “Stop or you’re gonna get punched in the face.” Kirk then allegedly pressed his knee into J.H.’s neck, and she said, “Get your neck [sic] off my . . . off my . . . I can’t breathe.” While on top of J.H., the indictment alleges that Kirk used his LASD radio to misleading report that he was in a “fight.” The indictment further alleges that shortly thereafter, without giving any additional commands to J.H., Kirk sprayed her twice in the face with pepper spray. J.H. received medical attention for the pepper spray used on her and the injuries she received from being thrown to the ground. The indictment also alleges that Kirk then drafted and submitted a misleading report to LASD in which he portrayed J.H. as a threat to his physical safety, claiming that J.H. assaulted him, attempted to hit him, and took a “fighting” or “blading” stance. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court . If convicted, Kirk would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The FBI is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Mexican national admits laundering $1.5 million on behalf of Cartel

body_text: HOUSTON – A 40-year-old associate of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar H. Hamdani. Mexican national Victor Miguel Curiel Valadez admitted to conspiring to launder monetary instruments, possession with intent to distribute meth and that he was an associate of the CJNG. Members and associates of the CJNG hired Valadez to retrieve drug proceeds in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia and move them back to Mexico. From 2016 to 2019, Valadez recruited others in Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri, and other cities across the United States to pick up drug proceeds in the United States. Those individuals were in possession of drug proceeds that needed to be moved to Mexico. Valadez then coordinated the transfer of proceeds back to Mexico through financial institutions. Valadez and co-conspirators laundered more than $1.5 million in drug proceeds during the course of the conspiracy. He also admitted in February 2018 that he negotiated and coordinated the distribution of three kilograms of meth. He proceeded to direct a co-conspirator to deliver the meth to an individual in Houston. “The CJNG is one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico, characterized by a business model of extreme violence and trafficking in the most deadly of substances - cocaine, heroin, meth and fentanyl - relying on money launderers and drug distributors, like Valadez, to wash its ill-gotten gains and infect local communities with drugs,” said Hamdani. “This prosecution should serve as a warning to the Mexican cartels of my office’s focus on dismantling and disrupting their operations, while holding to account anyone who seeks to help launder monies and deliver dangerous drugs that destroy our neighborhoods and communities.” U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has set sentencing for Nov. 20. At that time, Valadez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $1o million maximum fine for the drug conviction. He also faces up to 20 years and a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, for the money laundering conspiracy. Homeland Security Investigations conducted investigation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation. These such cooperative matters provide for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Houston Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking organizations that are designated as Consolidated Priority Organization or Regional Priority Organization Targets and that impact Houston and south Texas. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.


title: Motocross Coach Sentenced for Child Exploitation Crimes

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A motocross instructor who mentored children was sentenced today to 40 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered to pay at least $193,500 in restitution for sexually exploiting numerous children. According to court documents, Ryan Meyung, 33, of no fixed address, sexually exploited multiple young children that he met and befriended while traveling the country as a motocross instructor between July 2019 and December 2021. As part of his predatory behavior, Meyung produced images and videos of six different minor victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including sex acts with him and with each other. The victims were between 6 and 13 years old at the time. Meyung also possessed and transported images and videos of child sexual abuse produced by other sex offenders and sexually abused and recorded other children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Meyung pleaded guilty in April to six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (producing child sexual abuse material) and has been in custody since his arrest in December 2021. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville made the announcement. HSI Chattanooga investigated the case, with assistance from HSI Dalton, the Hamilton County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Police Department, and HSI field offices throughout the country. Trial Attorneys Jessica L. Urban and James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin N. Spritzer for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Washington man sentenced to more than six years in prison for trafficking meth, fentanyl; illegal possession of firearm in Havre area

component: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Washington man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in the Havre area and to illegally possessing a gun was sentenced on Tuesday to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, Travis Lee Brown, 42, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in 2022, Brown worked as a meth and fentanyl distributor who was selling drugs from a hotel in Havre and sending proceeds back to Mexico. In October 2022, law enforcement saw Brown load a bag into the trunk of a car in which he was a passenger. After a traffic stop, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found a bag that contained 1,275 fentanyl pills, a small amount of meth and a 9mm pistol that Brown was seen holding in photographs. At the time of sentencing, Brown had been convicted of illegally possessing a firearm or being a felon in possession of a firearm five times since 2006. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Tri-Agency Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Federal Employee Charged With Defrauding U.S. Government Of More Than $1 Million

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that James Montoya, 54, of Lakewood, was indicted by a federal grand jury on eight counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Montoya worked as a federal employee at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) office in Lakewood, Colorado. USGS is part of the United States Department of the Interior (DOI). During a routine initiative to identify misuse, DOI identified numerous questionable transactions on Montoya’s government charge card. The indictment alleges that Montoya concealed these improper purchases by altering documents to indicate these purchases were for work-related items. The alleged actions defrauded the government of approximately $1,223,009.42 over approximately fifteen years beginning around December of 2008 and continuing through at least November 2023. The defendant made his initial appearance in Denver on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, in front of Magistrate Judge Susan Prose. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent of the charges unless and until proven guilty. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Sonia Dave. Case Number: 24-cr-248-PAB


title: Jamestown man pleads guilty for his role in narcotics conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Curtis Snyder, 51, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that Snyder was an associate and co-conspirator of Rocco Beardsley, who sold large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, an individual identified as J.A. was discovered deceased from an apparent overdose at a residence in Jamestown and Beardsley was believed to be involved in the overdose. About a month after J.A.’s overdose death, Beardsley sent Snyder to the residence of another individual to force this individual to make a video regarding Beardsley’s lack of involvement with J.A.’s overdose death. In exchange, Snyder would receive a “bundle” of heroin/fentanyl. The individual complied and made the video, stating that Beardsley was not present at J.A. residence the date of J.A.’s overdose death. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. Sentencing is scheduled for January, 9, 2025, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Buffalo man who left halfway house charged with escape

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Walter Stewart, 33, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with escape from custody, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on September 15, 2022, Stewart was sentenced to serve 58 months in prison after being convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On May 20, 2024, the Bureau of Prisons furlough transferred Stewart from the Ray Brook Federal Correctional Institution, in Ray Brook, New York, to a community-based placement at CRJ Lighthouse Residential Reentry Center in Buffalo, where he was directed to serve the remainder of his sentence with a projected release date of August 10, 2024. On June 26, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service was notified by the Bureau of Prisons that Stewart left the center without authorization. Stewart was taken into custody on August 30, 2024. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina. 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. # # # #


title: Niagara Falls man sentenced for selling cocaine

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ronald Rowles, 37, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of distribution of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that between December 2016, and June 13, 2019, Rowles sold cocaine in and around Lewiston, NY. In January 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, seizing approximately 59 grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. On June 13, 2019, while on federal pre-trial release, Rowles sold approximately an ounce of cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger. # # # #


title: Buffalo man sentenced for his role in three armed credit union robberies

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adrian D. Applewhite a/k/a Boons, 37, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of aggravated bank robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and violating supervised release, was sentenced to serve 229 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Applewhite participated in the robbery of three credit unions: On the morning of October 26, 2017, Applewhite and two other associates robbed the Lakeshore Federal Credit Union on Erie Road in Evans, NY. Applewhite planned the robbery and provided instructions and a firearm to a co-defendant to assist in the robbery. On July 25, 2019, two co-defendants entered the South Towns Community Federal Credit Union on South Park Avenue in Lackawanna, NY, while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. The two co-defendants sprayed the bank tellers with pepper spray, and went to an unlocked safe, stealing $290,500 in United States currency. Applewhite took a share of the proceeds for his role. On November 7, 2019, two co-defendants, armed with a pistol and donning masks and gloves, entered the Clarence Community and School Federal Credit Union on Sheridan Drive in Clarence, NY, and conducted a bank robbery while Applewhite, the getaway driver, sat in a car nearby. A total of $148,793.90 in United States currency was taken. Applewhite took a share of the proceeds for his role. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard; the Evans Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory J Szarowicz; and the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. # # # #


title: Ontario importer pleads guilty to trafficking $4.2 million dollars in counterfeit merchandise

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wasseem Ramjaun, 48, of Vaughan, Ontario, pleaded guilty to before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to trafficking in counterfeit goods, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that Ramjaun operated various importing and exporting businesses in Canada. From approximately October 2016 to August 1, 2017, Ramjaun agreed to provide an individual with authentic Yeti, Vera Bradley, and Lacoste merchandise. However, Ramjaun was not authorized to use the trademarks of these companies. As a result, in January 2017, Ramjaun contacted a manufacturer in China and ordered bags that appeared identical to genuine Vera Bradley bags. To make sure the bags appeared authentic, Ramjaun provided the manufacturer with photographs and tags of authentic Vera Bradley bags. Between June 1 and June 8, 2017, Ramjaun imported the counterfeit Vera Bradley bags into the United States through a port of entry in Western District of New York. To conceal the fact the bags were fraudulent, Ramjaun provided United States Customs and Border Protection with a fraudulent manufacturing agreement. $4,216,025 is the total loss associated with Ramjaun’s conduct. The plea is the result of of an investigation by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny. # # # #


title: Man Arrested For Making Threats To Elected Officials

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – A Palo Alto man was arrested today for sending threats of violence to a United States Congresswoman and a Florida State Representative. The defendant, Aaditya Chand was arrested earlier today. According to the criminal complaint unsealed earlier today, on Feb. 15, 2024, Chand, 22, allegedly used an Instagram account to send direct messages to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (identified in the complaint as “Victim 1”). The messages stated, “I’m gonna shoot up ur office tomorrow u Palestinian scum,” and “Get ready.” The complaint alleges that the messages were received by Victim 1’s staff in Washington, D.C. In addition, Chand allegedly used his Instagram account to send another direct message over Instagram to a Florida State Representative (identified in the complaint as Victim 2). Federal agents allegedly viewed Chand’s Instagram messages to the Florida representative during an interview of the defendant. The threatening Instagram message allegedly states, “I’m gonna bring a gun to ur office tomorrow and shoot u and ur staff.” The complaint charges Chand with a felony, transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce a communication containing a threat to injure a person, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Chand is scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance later today before United States Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. If convicted, Chand faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment. In addition, the defendant may be ordered to pay restitution if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey and United States Capitol Police Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Johnny James, with assistance from Susan Kreider. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Capitol Police.


title: Dothan Woman Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Her Role in a COVID-19 Era Unemployment Scheme

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On September 4, 2024, a federal judge ordered that 47-year-old Sommer Le Morris, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, receive a sentence of 65 months in prison for her role in filing fraudulent unemployment claims through an expanded Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act program, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin P. Davidson. Following her prison sentence, Morris will be on supervised release for three years. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. Beginning in March 2020, the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act provided for additional funding and expanded access to unemployment insurance programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Alabama, a person entitled to unemployment benefits could receive additional funding from the Alabama Department of Labor. Alabama law also allowed an employer to file what is called a “partial” claim on behalf of an employee who had been temporarily laid off due to a lack of available work during the pandemic. According to the plea agreement and other court records, from March 2020 through February 2021, Morris filed partial claims for 15 individuals falsely stating that they were entitled to the expanded unemployment benefits. Based on Morris’s false representations, ADOL made significant payments, some through wire transfers, to Morris and others that they were not eligible to receive. In her plea agreement, Morris admitted to using the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of others to carry out her scheme. On May 30, 2024, Morris pleaded guilty to mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. During her plea hearing in May, Morris also acknowledged that her scheme caused ADOL to issue $186,478 in fraudulent unemployment claims. The judge ordered Morris to pay restitution to ADOL in that amount. The United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Department of Labor investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Russell T. Duraski prosecuted. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Former International Cyclist Sentenced To Seven Years In  Federal Prison For International Gun Smuggling

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza today sentenced Varun Maharajh (32, Trinidad and Tobago) to seven years in federal prison for smuggling firearms overseas and possessing firearms as an unlawful alien. The court also ordered Maharajh to forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized in the case. Maharajh entered a guilty plea on March 21, 2024. According to court documents, on June 28, 2022, Maharajh shipped a parcel to London containing a microwave with five concealed pistols inside. The package contained a Taurus G2C pistol, a Glock 17 Gen 5 pistol, two Glock 19 Gen 5 pistols, and 59 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. The serial numbers were obliterated on the firearms and Maharajh used a fake name, “Kelvin Singh,” to ship the package. On July 18, 2022, Maharajh dropped off a package at a freight forwarding company in Miami. The package was addressed to Trinidad and Tobago and Maharajh worked with an intermediary who filled out the paperwork. The package contained a tent with two AK-47 style firearms concealed within its folds along with a microwave containing pistols. All of the serial numbers on the firearms were obliterated. While Maharajh worked with another individual, he did show a fake ID with the name “Kelvin Singh” to the freight forwarding company when he dropped off the package. Maharajh was arrested in Indian River County on November 19, 2023, and engaged in a high-speed chase on I-95 before totaling his vehicle and attempting to flee on foot. Maharjh had entered the United States in 2020 and stayed without legal status after he was scheduled to depart. Maharajh was previously a World Cup cyclist for Trinidad and Tobago and qualified for the Olympics in 2016. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Diesel Repair Shop and Owner Sentenced to Probation and Criminal Fines for Violating the Clean Air Act

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Lane County, Oregon, diesel repair shop and its owner were sentenced in federal court today for knowingly and intentionally tampering with pollution monitoring devices on at least 184 vehicles in violation of the Clean Air Act. Diesel & Offroad Authority, LLC, located in Veneta, Oregon, and its owner and operator, Christopher Paul Kaufman, 39, were each sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to pay $150,000 in criminal fines. In addition, the sentencing court ordered Kaufman to include a disclaimer on his company’s website declaring that Diesel and Offroad Authority no longer provides “delete and tune” tampering services because they are illegal. “The defendants in this case illegally tampered with the onboard diagnostics systems and removed the emissions control components from hundreds of diesel trucks,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division in Oregon. “Their actions directly contributed to the release of significant amounts of dangerous air pollutants, which leads to serious health conditions such as respiratory diseases like asthma. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals and their companies will be held criminally responsible if they deliberately threaten human health and the environment by violating our nation’s environmental laws.” According to court documents, beginning in at least 2018 and continuing through 2022, Diesel & Offroad authority tampered with and disabled emissions control systems of at least 184 diesel vehicles in violation of the Clean Air Act. Diesel & Offroad Authority charged its customers approximately $2,300 each for the emissions modifications and collected more than $378,000 for the unlawful services over an approximately four-year period. As owner of Diesel & Offroad Authority, Kaufman oversaw and participated in the illegal modification of vehicles, including by procuring various automotive parts used in the process and engaging in and directing employees in the removal of emissions control equipment. On March 12, 2024, Diesel & Offroad Authority and Kaufman were charged by federal criminal information with violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with pollution monitoring devices. On April 10, 2024, Diesel & Offroad Authority and Kaufman pleaded guilty . This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Gwendolyn Russell, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency. If you witness an environmental event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA’s Report a Violation website ( https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations ) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Armed Bank Robbery

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Andrew Kincaid, age 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 4, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of the bank robbery. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Kincaid to a total sentence of 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kincaid’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Kincaid was also ordered to pay $269,822 in restitution. In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Buescher stated, “What happened here was sickening.” On January 26, 2023, Kincaid and co-defendant Taliaferro D. Thompson while armed with handguns entered the First National Bank of Omaha location at 2625 S. 175 th Streets in Omaha. Upon entering the bank, Thompson and Kincaid brandished the handguns pointing them at the employees and customers. Kincaid shoved a victim customer to the ground. During the robbery, Thompson pistol whipped a bank employee in the head and then forced that bank employee to open the vault while holding a gun to his head. Thompson also drug a pregnant bank employee across the floor by her hair before forcing her to open the teller drawer while putting a gun to her head. Thompson and Kincaid stole $348,920 from the bank which they placed in a trash bag before fleeing. Thompson was identified as a potential suspect based on a facial recognition match from the surveillance video. Law enforcement learned of a possible residence that Thompson and Kincaid were located at. Thompson was stopped leaving that residence and found to be in possession of approximately $76,000 in currency and a handgun; a second handgun was also located in the vehicle. Kincaid was located by law enforcement in the residence and had apparent red dye on his face and head. A dumpster nearby included burnt money with red dye on it that would have been consistent with the stolen money from the bank robbery that contained a hidden red dye pack within it. Officers searched the residence and found a white belt and black mask that were consistent with items worn by Thompson during the robbery. Thompson was sentenced on May 22, 2024, to 270 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. This case was investigated by officers with the Omaha Police Department’s Robbery Unit and Gang Unit as part of the FBI’s of Great Plains Violent Crimes Task Force.


title: South Carolina Man Sentenced for 2022 Patrick County Gun Store Burglary

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A South Carolina man, who burglarized a Patrick County, Virginia gun store in the pre-dawn hours of September 22, 2022, was sentenced recently to 100 months in federal prison. Bradley Wayne McGraw, 43, of Gaffney, S.C., pled guilty earlier this year to one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A second defendant, Justin Whitaker, of Mooresville, North Carolina, was sentenced earlier this month. According to court documents, in September 2022, McCraw and Whitaker stole a truck, attached a chain from it to the back door of the Rabbit Ridge Guns Shop and Range, and yanked it open. Surveillance video captured them wearing masks and entering the store where they proceeded to steal more than a dozen firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and pistols. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriffs’ Offices in Cherokee County, South Carolina, Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Cleveland County, North Carolina also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin B. Johnson is prosecuting the case.