title: Army Officer Sentenced for Theft of Government Property and Ordered to Pay Half a Million Dollars

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) Christopher Hammond, 38, was sentenced to 36 months for his role in a scheme that resulted in the theft of government property netted him at least $2 million in proceeds. Hammond was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $250,000 and forfeit $250,000. Hammond pled guilty to six charges, including theft of government property, wire fraud, money laundering, mail fraud and transportation of stolen goods. He was convicted by a jury on an additional count of money laundering and aiding and abetting. “We will not tolerate military members stealing from our armed services to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Hammond stole and then sold military scopes, weapons parts, tools, night vision goggles and ATVs meant to support our troops in the fight for freedom. Through his scheme, he had hoped to retire in style. Instead, he will be spending the next three years in prison.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, CW3 Hammond used his position to requisition government property intended for his unit at then Ft. Bragg, now called Ft. Liberty. The property was never logged into inventory at the base but was instead sold by Hammond to various individuals. In a two-year period, CW3 Hammond received at least $1.8 million in wire transfers and other payments related to the sales, which he deposited into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife. A search warrant executed at Hammond’s home resulted in the seizure of at least 98 firearms, at least 90 military-issued spotting scopes, hundreds of other military-issued firearm accessories and items including night vision goggles and electronic equipment, and more than $100,000 in cash. The investigation traced about 200 items sold by CW3 Hammond or held in his home as having been issued to Hammond’s military unit. The fraud was uncovered when a supplier noticed that items procured under a government contract were being sent in for warranty repairs by a private individual. Hammond’s wife, Major Heather Hammond, was also charged by the government, but was ultimately acquitted by a jury. “This sentencing is a result of a joint investigation and Army CID’s commitment to protect the government, the Army, and most importantly, the taxpayer, from those whose actions can erode the trust and confidence in our military and warfighting capability," said Keith K. Kelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Army Criminal Investigation Division, Fraud Field Office. “Army CID and our law enforcement partners remain committed to hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the government." “This sentencing sends a stark warning to those who put greed above their sworn duty," stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "DCIS and its investigative partners will continue to hold those accountable who abuse their official positions for personal gain and compromise the military's integrity." "Everyday service men and women make sacrifices for our country. It is appalling Christopher Hammond stole property his fellow soldiers needed to stay safe to line his own pockets. The FBI is thankful his criminal abuse of power and betrayal didn't go unpunished," said Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS), Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kocher and Logan Liles prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-00106-BO.


title: Atlanta Woman and Madison Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that an Atlanta woman and Madison man have been sentenced to federal prison in connection with fentanyl trafficking. Keyshawna D. Draper, 30, Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to two and a half years in federal prison for attempting to distribute fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release. Draper pled guilty to this charge on April 19, 2024. Jontell C. Shepherd, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, was also sentenced yesterday by Judge . Peterson to just over three and a half years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. Shepherd pled guilty to this charge on January 31, 2024. On January 26, 2023, law enforcement intercepted two suspicious packages being shipped to the Madison area from Arizona. After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the packages and inside each, found a stuffed animal containing approximately 2.2 kilograms of counterfeit prescription pills. In total, more than 40,000 pills were seized. Testing found that the pills contained fentanyl. Officers arranged for a controlled delivery of one package and Shepherd and co-defendant Alexis K. Davis were arrested after arriving at the delivery location to pick up the package. The government’s investigation revealed that co-defendant Brianna M. Reno arranged for Draper to ship the fentanyl pills to Madison from Arizona. On January 25, 2023, Draper travelled from Atlanta to Phoenix where she packaged the pills and mailed them to Reno and Davis in Madison. At both sentencings, Judge Peterson reflected on the serious harm that fentanyl causes to the community. He noted that the large amount of fentanyl involved in this case was especially concerning. All four defendants who were charged in this trafficking scheme have pled guilty. On July 10, 2024, Reno was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Davis will be sentenced on July 25. The charges against Reno, Shepherd, Davis, and Draper were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case.


title: Florida Telecommunications and Information Technology Worker Charged with Acting as Agent of PRC Government

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. According to the court documents, the PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses “cooperative contacts” located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS’ mission. The indictment alleges that Li was a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company. From as early as 2012, Li allegedly served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and to report that information to the MSS. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS. For example, according to the indictment, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li’s employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later. In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them. In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information. In March 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning Li’s new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. In June 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Karyna Valdes for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Providence Man Arrested, Detained on Federal Child Pornography Charges

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence man arrested early Wednesday has been ordered detained in federal custody on child pornography charges, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. James Moses, 30, is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. It is alleged in charging documents that Moses uploaded sexually explicit videos involving prepubescent males and adult males during online communications on multiple platforms, and that he allegedly was found to have stored videos of child pornography on personal digital devices. In May 2024, an FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force Officer assigned to the FBI Washington, D.C. Field Office established online accounts posing as a person interested in the sexual exploitation of children. It is alleged that in mid-May Moses responded to the undercover officer’s posting and began a series of discussions about his interest in having sexual contact with minors. During the discussion, which lasted for more than two weeks, Moses allegedly sent the undercover officer explicit videos of illicit sexual contact involving adult males and prepubescent males. On July 15, 2024, as part of their investigation of Moses, FBI Providence contacted the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Agents learned that the ICAC Task Force was in the midst of a separate investigation into Moses allegedly being in possession of child pornography. On July 17, 2024, members of the ICAC Task Force executed a state court authorized search of Moses residence. During a brief forensic review of Moses’ electronic devices, a member of ICAC Task Force allegedly identified more than 100 videos of child pornography. Moses was arrested on a Rhode Island state charge of possession of child pornography and was released on $2,500 bail with surety following his arraignment in Rhode Island state court. Moses was arrested today by the FBI on the federal criminal complaint charging him with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He was ordered detained in federal custody at his initial appearance in U.S. District Court. This Project Safe Childhood case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron. Project Safe Childhood is 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc ###


title: Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Crimes

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. — Raul Perales Guzman, 38, of San Luis, Mexico, was sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and distribution of fentanyl. Evidence presented to the court showed that in June 2023, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration observed Guzman and a co-defendant distribute one kilogram of fentanyl. Agents then obtained a search warrant for a residence in Conway, South Carolina, where Guzman was staying. During the execution of the search warrant, agents seized 43 kilograms of fentanyl, 23 kilograms of cocaine, 15 firearms, and approximately $407,000 in cash. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Guzman to concurrent sentences of 230 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Sowards is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Nineteen Alleged Members of Human Smuggling Organization  Charged for Illegally Bringing Migrants into United States

component: Office of the Deputy Attorney General

body_text: Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization were charged for coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the United States from Mexico, mostly aboard personal watercraft via the Pacific Ocean. Nine of the 19 are in custody. A grand jury returned an indictment against 14 members of the organization, and a complaint was filed against an additional five. “The Justice Department is committed to dismantling transnational human smuggling operations that prey on migrants and threaten our national security,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Nefarious organizations like the one charged in this case can expect to answer for their alleged crimes in American courtrooms.” The nine arrested defendants have been arrested at ports of entry or elsewhere in San Diego during a multi-agency enforcement effort last week; the remaining defendants are fugitives. Federal agents served court-authorized search warrants at suspected stash houses in San Diego and Los Angeles. Among other things, agents seized over $100,000 in U.S. currency and two boxes of ammunition during the enforcement operations. Agents previously seized more than $120,000 during the investigation. According to the indictment and complaint, the defendants participated in a long-running conspiracy to illegally bring people from Mexico into the United States by land and sea. The organization arranged for transport from Mexico by personal watercraft to coastal areas such as Sunset Cliffs, Bird Rock in La Jolla, and Imperial Beach, California, often at night and in dangerous conditions. Smugglers favor personal watercraft for their speed and ability to approach shore quickly, allowing rapid drop-offs and evasion of authorities. The charging documents allege the defendants were also responsible for transporting the migrants further within the United States, whether driving themselves or coordinating with other drivers, including to Los Angeles; Santa Barbara, California; and Las Vegas. The organization allegedly charged between approximately $7,000 and $16,000 per smuggled person and transported tens of thousands of dollars in profits from San Diego to Mexico. “Human smuggling cases are a top priority because lives are at stake,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “Whether racing a jet ski up the coast without lifejackets or hauling a tractor trailer packed with people, smugglers expose vulnerable migrants to extreme danger and prioritize profit over human life.” “Every aspect of human smuggling – whether it be by land, sea, or aircraft – puts lives at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Davis of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. “HSI and our partner agencies are committed to curbing this illegal activity that’s solely designed to enrich greedy smugglers’ financial pockets.” “This indictment serves as notice to those transnational criminal organizations operating along our coastal border that it is only a matter of time before they are brought to justice,” said San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “Our focus continues to be on protecting our nation, and we will leverage all available resources to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.” Defendants Edgar Jiminez Macias, 33; Alex Ceja Guzman, 30, also known as Alejandro and Gordo; and Tobias Julian Burgara Gonzalez, 32, all of Tijuana, Mexico, and Junior Zavala Ramirez, 34, also known as JR, of Tecate, Mexico, are currently in custody. They are charged with conspiracy to bring in aliens for financial gain and bringing in aliens for financial gain and aiding and abetting. If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Additional defendants Ivan Pulido Jauregui, 49; Manuel Gonzalez Lopez, 26, also known as Tortillero; Jesus Misael Molina Flores, 20; Alexis Adrian Villela Inda, 29; and Mateo Adrian Alduenda Gutierrez, 26, all of Nayarit, Mexico, are also in custody and are charged with conspiracy to bring in aliens for financial gain. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The names of the remaining defendants have not been publicly released. The HSI San Diego Marine Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Coast Guard investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Fawcett (who is detailed to Joint Task Force Alpha, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the Department of Homeland Security), Peter Horn, and Lawrence Casper for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. These actions are also the result of coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 310 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 250 U.S. convictions; more than 185 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. An indictment or complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dominican National Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl Pills and Crystal Meth

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AURELIA CAROLINA LARA-DIAZ, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Boston, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force investigation revealed that Lara-Diaz was trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. Between November 2022 and January 2023, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl pills and crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz. On January 26, 2023, investigators arranged the purchase of 3,000 fentanyl pills and 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz for a total price of $65,000. Lara-Diaz was arrested after she arrived at a meeting location in Norwalk in possession of the drugs. Lara-Diaz has been detained since her arrest. On November 8, 2023, she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and methamphetamine, Lara-Diaz, who was removed from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic in 2019, again faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term. This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.


title: Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving 7 Kilograms of Cocaine

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Brian Scott, age 44, of Albany, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and to distributing cocaine. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. Scott admitted that between June 2020 and October 2023, he was involved in a drug trafficking organization that trafficked cocaine and marijuana in the Capital Region and the North Country. Scott admitted that he and a co-conspirator routinely sent drug couriers, whom they referred to as “horses,” between the Capital Region and the North Country to transport cocaine to the North Country and marijuana to the Capital Region. Scott also admitted that he had obtained at least seven kilograms of cocaine from another co-conspirator and sold over 400 grams of cocaine to another person between May and September 2023. At sentencing on November 26, 2024, Scott faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. The judge will also be required to impose a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life. Scott has also agreed to forfeit $4,865 in seized drug money and to the entry of a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $17,180. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. FBI, HSI, and the New York State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Joseph Hartunian are prosecuting the case.


title: Admera Health Agrees to Pay Over $5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Kickbacks to Third Party Marketers

component: Civil Division

body_text: Admera Health LLC (Admera) has agreed to pay the United States $5,389,648 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying commissions to third party independent contractor marketers in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). Admera will pay an additional $147,851 to individual states for claims paid to Admera by state Medicaid programs. Admera is a New Jersey-based company that provides biopharmaceutical research services for healthcare institutions and provided clinical laboratory testing services to healthcare providers relating to pharmacogenetics until 2021. Pharmacogenetics analyzes how a patient’s genetic attributes affect their response to therapeutic drugs. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from Sept. 1, 2014, through May 21, 2021, Admera made commission-based payments to independent contractor marketers in return for recommending or arranging for the ordering of genetic testing services in violation of the AKS. The AKS prohibits offering or paying remuneration in return for arranging for or recommending items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. “The law prohibits health care providers, including those that provide laboratory services, from paying kickbacks in the form of commissions to third parties as an inducement to generate business,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to holding accountable those who engage in kickback arrangements that undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs.” “By entering into kickback arrangements, health care companies can cause providers to make medical decisions that are motivated by financial gain rather than the patient’s best interest,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Our office is committed to ensuring the accountability of participants in the health care system who put their own financial needs ahead of patient welfare.” “Kickbacks can negatively influence medical decision making and corrupt the legitimate doctor-patient relationship,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who allegedly engage in unlawful financial relationships at the expense of Medicare patients and the taxpayer.” As part of the settlement, Admera has admitted that it made millions of dollars of commission payments to independent-contractor marketers (the Marketers) to induce them to arrange for or recommend that healthcare providers order and refer clinical laboratory services to Admera, including genetic tests, that were reimbursable by Medicare and/or Medicaid, that it paid Marketers through arrangements that took into account the volume and value of genetic testing referrals, and that Admera was informed that the payment of commissions to independent contractors did not comply with the AKS but continued to enter into such contracts. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators, Sunil Wadhwa and Ken Newton, co-founders of Financial Halo LLC/MedXPrime, a former third-party marketer for Admera. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Wadhwa and Newton v. Admera Health, LLC et al (E.D. Cal.). Relators will receive $862,343 of the proceeds from the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, with substantial assistance from HHS-OIG. Trial Attorney Elizabeth J. Kappakas of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Kennedy for the Eastern District of California handled the matter. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. Settlement


title: Hyannis Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Hyannis man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ryan Diefenbach, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Senior District Judge William G. Young who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2024. In November 2022, Diefenbach, along with co-defendant Donnell Pina, was indicted by a federal grand jury. In September 2021, Diefenbach, and allegedly Pina, possessed a Chinese SKS .762 caliber rifle when they sold it to a confidential informant in Hyannis. Due to previous felony convictions, including prior convictions for carrying a firearm without a license, unlawfully possessing a firearm, possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number and assault with a dangerous weapon, Diefenbach was prohibited from possessing firearms. At the time Diefenbach committed the offense, the charge of being a felon in possession provided for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, 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 . The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization Which Operated Out of the  Former Victory Inn Was Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: D ETROIT – Darrick Bell, the leader of a large-scale drug conspiracy that operated out of the former Victory Inn hotel in Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced today to 28 years in prison based on his conviction on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Joining Ison in the announcement was Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Detroit, Charles Miller, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office and Chief James White, Detroit Police Department. Bell, age 55, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith. The charges on which Bell was convicted stemmed from the operation of a large-scale drug operation Bell created utilizing the Victory Inn, a motel formerly located next to the main drag for prostitution on Michigan Avenue. The trial, which began on April 12, 2022, and concluded on June 2, 2022, involved more than 20 witnesses, including several of Bell’s co-conspirators and victims, along with hundreds of exhibits. The jury convicted Bell on three drug-related counts. The jury acquitted Bell on one count involving sex trafficking and was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the remaining four counts involving sex trafficking. The evidence presented at trial showed that as a part of the drug conspiracy, Bell sold drugs to vulnerable women to control them and used them to keep drug customers coming to the Victory Inn. Bell turned the Victory Inn into his own drug distribution business by gaining control of rooms at the hotel and moving his drug-dealing co-conspirators onto the premises. According to witness testimony, Bell employed drug dealers and enforcers to use manipulation, drugs, and violence to control the Victory Inn. There was often no vacancy at the Victory Inn because the rooms were full of women and victims living in unspeakable conditions as severe drug addicts. Bell would supply drugs to these women. The women would use the drugs, engage in commercial sex acts, and then would use the money from their dates to purchase more drugs. The women were trapped in a vicious cycle of addiction, which Bell exploited for financial gain. Bell and his co-conspirators would use violence or the threat of violence to ensure that the women continuously paid their ever-growing drug debt. This would include physically striking them or withholding drugs so they would go through excruciating withdrawal symptoms. In one instance, Bell shaved the head of one of the women. “Today’s sentencing closes a chapter on the house of horrors that was the Victory Inn. Just as the motel was demolished, so too was the drug network Bell had organized and led for nearly a year. Bell’s rein and control over the women living at the Victory Inn was nothing short of abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Bell’s attempt at evading justice for over two and a half years failed, and he will now spend the next 28 years in prison for his actions.” “This sentencing is the culmination of years of hard work from the men and women of HSI Detroit,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “I commend the HSI special agents, law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and support personnel who were relentless in their pursuit of justice. We must remain vigilant moving forward and ensure that similar trafficking organizations are promptly reported and dismantled before they can take root in our communities. Lastly and most importantly, it is my hope that this sentence brings some measure of comfort and resolution to the victims in this case.” “Today’s sentencing shows the power that law enforcement collaboration has to protect victims by stopping violent criminals who believe they can commit heinous acts without consequence,” said Chief James E. White. “The hardworking women and men of the Detroit Police Department remain committed to working with our partners to root out violence and make Detroit a safer place for all.” This investigation resulted in 9 individuals being charged with various drug and sex trafficking offenses. The remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The investigation was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Gorgon, Matthew Roth, Blake Hatlem, and Lisandra Fernandez-Silber.


title: Admera Health Agrees to Pay over $5 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Kickbacks to Third Party Marketers

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Admera Health LLC has agreed to pay the United States $5,389,648 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying commissions to third party independent contractor marketers in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). Admera will pay an additional $147,851 to individual states for claims paid to Admera by state Medicaid programs. Admera is a New Jersey-based company that provides biopharmaceutical research services for health care institutions and provided clinical laboratory testing services to health care providers relating to pharmacogenetics until 2021. Pharmacogenetics analyzes how a patient’s genetic attributes affect their response to therapeutic drugs. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from Sept. 1, 2014, through May 21, 2021, Admera made commission-based payments to independent contractor marketers in return for recommending or arranging for the ordering of genetic testing services in violation of the AKS. The AKS prohibits offering or paying remuneration in return for arranging or recommending items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. “By entering into kickback arrangements, health care companies can cause providers to make medical decisions that are motivated by financial gain rather than the patient’s best interest,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. “Our office is committed to ensuring the accountability of participants in the health care system who put their own financial needs ahead of patient welfare.” “The law prohibits health care providers, including those that provide laboratory services, from paying kickbacks in the form of commissions to third parties as an inducement to generate business,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to holding accountable those who engage in kickback arrangements that undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs.” “Kickbacks can negatively influence medical decision making and corrupt the legitimate doctor-patient relationship,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who allegedly engage in unlawful financial relationships at the expense of Medicare patients and the taxpayer.” As part of the settlement, Admera has admitted that it made millions of dollars of commission payments to independent-contractor marketers to induce them to arrange for or recommend that health care providers order and refer clinical laboratory services to Admera, including genetic tests, that were reimbursable by Medicare and/or Medicaid, that it paid marketers through arrangements that took into account the volume and value of genetic testing referrals, and that Admera was informed that the payment of commissions to independent contractors did not comply with the AKS but continued to enter into such contracts. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by relators, Sunil Wadhwa and Ken Newton, co-founders of Financial Halo LLC/MedXPrime, a former third-party marketer for Admera. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Wadhwa and Newton v. Admera Health, LLC et al (E.D. Cal.). Relators will receive $862,343 of the proceeds from the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, with substantial investigative assistance from HHS-OIG, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Kennedy for the Eastern District of California and Civil Division Fraud Section Trial Attorney Elizabeth J. Kappakas. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. admera_settlement_fully_executed_07.12.24.pdf


title: University City Felon Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Gun Crime

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Wednesday sentenced a felon who fled from police and was caught with a gun after a shooting to nine years in prison. On June 25, 2022, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers heard gun shots coming from the area of North Garrison Avenue and Magazine Street, in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood. Officers also saw a maroon Chevrolet Traverse, which was being driven by Sheltkeem Brown, speed away. Brown ignored officers’ lights and sirens and continued to drive recklessly until crashing into a parked vehicle at North Sarah Street and Cottage Avenue. He then fled on foot before being caught and arrested. Brown had fentanyl capsules in a plastic baggie in his pocket. Inside the Traverse, which had been stolen, was a loaded.40-caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number. Brown is a convicted felon and is barred from possessing a firearm. Brown, 31, of University City, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Goeke is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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: Three Charged with Trafficking Xylazine-Laced Fentanyl, Cocaine

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging LUIS RODRIGUEZ , also known as “Plum” and “Minnie,” 37, of Branford; JERMAINE MONTEETH , also known as “Skee” and “Maine,” 35, of New Haven; and ASHLEY CORDOVA , 27, of Branford; with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation identified a drug trafficking organization led by Rodriguez. Between February and July 2024, investigators made more than 20 controlled purchases of narcotics, including fentanyl laced with xylazine, and cocaine, from Rodriguez, Monteeth, Cordova, and others. Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova were arrested on federal criminal complaints on July 12, 2024. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Rodriguez’s and Cordova’s Branford residence, and other locations, and seized more than $97,000 in cash, drug ledgers, scales, and additional items used to process and package narcotics. On July 16, 2024, the grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine. Each defendant is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova appeared today in New Haven federal court and entered pleas of not guilty. Rodriguez is detained, and Monteeth and Cordova are released on $100,000 bonds. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the East Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. According to the court documents, the PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses “cooperative contacts” located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS’ mission. The indictment alleges that Li was a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company. From as early as 2012, Li allegedly served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and to report that information to the MSS. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS. For example, according to the indictment, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li’s employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later. In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them. In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information. In March 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning Li’s new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. In June 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Karyna Valdes for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER IN WISCONSIN

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 23, 2024, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper sentenced Celio C. Deluna, aka “Cody Banks,” (age: 33) to 15 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for knowingly failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law. Deluna previously pled guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2250(a). According to court documents, on May 23, 2014, Deluna was convicted in Cook County, Illinois, for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm for having sexual intercourse on several occasions with a 13-year-old victim. He was sentenced to six years in prison for that offense. He completed that sentence on May 20, 2019, and signed documents indicating that he understood that he was required to register as a sex offender. However, after he was released from prison, he moved to Oklahoma and did not register as a sex offender. In September 2023, Deluna travelled from Oklahoma to Princeton, Wisconsin, where he began to reside using the alias of “Cody Banks.” He was ultimately arrested in Princeton. In court proceedings, DeLuna admitted to using an alias to circumvent his registration requirements as well as to conceal his status as an immigrant who is not authorized to live in the United States. 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 United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karine Moreno-Taxman. ### For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Grand Jury Returns Indictments

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Federal Inmate Charged with Possessing Contraband Marco Cota-Tamaura, 44, formerly of Lakewood, Colorado, is charged with possessing a prohibited object while an inmate at a Federal Correctional Institution in Oxford, Wisconsin. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2024, Cota-Tamaura possessed methamphetamine. If convicted, Cota-Tamaura faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the prosecution. Madison Man Charged with Gun and Drug Crimes James Stevens, 41, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine and fentanyl, possessing cocaine intended for distribution, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Stevens distributed cocaine and fentanyl on November 16, 2023, and distributed fentanyl on November 21, 2023. The indictment further alleges that Stevens possessed cocaine intended for distribution on November 29, 2023, along with a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Stevens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the drug charges. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of possessing a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charges against Stevens are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Madison Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louie Glinzak is handling the case. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms. Janesville Man Charged with Gun and Drug Crimes Cedric Sanders, 25, Janesville, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing fentanyl, possessing 40 grams of more of fentanyl intended for distribution, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Sanders distributed fentanyl on four occasions between November 3, 2023, and November 28, 2023. The indictment further alleges that on December 11, 2023, Sanders possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution as well as two handguns and ammunition despite being a convicted felon. Finally, the indictment alleges one of the firearms he possessed on December 11, 2023, was possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Sanders faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the drug distribution charges. If convicted of the charge involving possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of possessing a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charges against Sanders are the result of an investigation by the Janesville Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.


title: New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking Journalist

body_text: BOSTON – A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in two conspiracies to harass and intimidate two journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The harassment and intimidation of the victims included the vandalism – on five separate occasions – of the victims’ homes and the home of one of the victims’ parents with bricks, large rocks and red spray paint. Eric Labarge, 46, of Nashua, N.H., pleaded guilty to a five-count superseding Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and using a facility of interstate commerce; one count of conspiracy to commit stalking using a facility of interstate commerce; one count of stalking using a facility of interstate commerce and aiding and abetting; and two counts of stalking through interstate travel and aiding and abetting. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 18, 2024. Labarge was arrested and charged in September 2023 along with co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline, Michael Waselchuck and Keenan Saniatan. In March 2022, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. In response to this reporting, Labarge – who is a close personal associate of Subject 1 – conspired with Cockerline, Waselchuck and, allegedly Saniatan, to harass and intimidate Victims 1 and 2 and their immediate family members. Among other things, the indictment alleges that: On or about April 22, 2022, Labarge solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s former residence in Hanover, N.H., using a brick and red spray paint. On the evening of April 24, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a brick through an exterior window of the home; On or about April 22, 2022, in a conspiracy with Labarge, Saniatan allegedly agreed to vandalize Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H. and Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., using large rocks and red spray paint. On the evening of April 24, 2022, Saniatan allegedly spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a large rock at the exterior of Victim 2’s home; and he allegedly threw a softball-sized rock through a front exterior window and spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home; On or about May 18, 2022, Labarge solicited Cockerline to vandalize Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., and Victim 1’s home in Melrose, Mass., using bricks and red spray paint. Cockerline, in turn, recruited Waselchuck to vandalize Victim 1’s residence; and Thereafter, on the evening of May 20, 2022, Cockerline spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on one of the garage doors of Victim 1’s parents’ home, and left a brick on the ground near the front door. Several hours later, Waselchuck threw a brick through an exterior window of Victim 1’s home and painted the phrase “JUST THE BEGINNING” in large red letters on the front of the house. Cockerline and Waselchuck have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Saniatan is scheduled for trial on Sept. 9, 2024. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. 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 and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments, the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: British Man Admits Possessing Child Pornography And Traveling With Intent To Engage In Illicit Sexual Conduct

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A British citizen today admitted possessing multiple images of child sexual abuse and traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Stephen Hudson, 53, of Ealing, England, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court to an information charging him with possession of child pornography and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From April 14, 2022, to May 6, 2022, Hudson used an encrypted email account to communicate with federal law enforcement, acting in an undercover capacity, to facilitate his access to and sexual abuse of two minor female children. Hudson agreed to travel from Massachusetts to New Jersey and pay approximately $1,200 in cash in exchange for, among other things: engaging in sexual acts with 11- and 12-year-old girls; supplying Hudson with illicit drugs; and administering the illicit drugs and alcohol to the 11- and 12-year-old girls. On May 6, 2022, Hudson traveled to an agreed-upon location in New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the two minors and provided approximately $1,200 in cash to the undercover law enforcement agents as previously agreed. After providing the cash to law enforcement, Hudson was arrested. A subsequent search of a laptop computer belonging to Hudson revealed 1,751 images depicting child sexual abuse, including material portraying prepubescent minor or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years and material portraying the sexual abuse and exploitation of infants and toddlers. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. hudson.information.pdf


title: Reading Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for the Attempted Murder of Three FBI Agents

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Rafael Vega-Rodriguez, 42, of Reading, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., to 540 months’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, a $4,500 fine, and an $800 special assessment for shooting at and attempting to kill three FBI special agents. In February of this year, Vega was convicted at trial of three counts of attempted murder of a federal law enforcement officer, three counts of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and two related firearms charges. On March 1, 2020, in Reading, FBI agents were conducting surveillance while looking for the defendant, who was the subject of an active state arrest warrant for a parole violation. At approximately 11:45 p.m., the agents observed the defendant walking with a second individual. When the agents attempted to stop and arrest him pursuant to the warrant, Vega-Rodriguez drew a handgun from under his sweatshirt and fired at the agents. Vega-Rodriguez continued to shoot as he and the second individual fled from the scene. In total, Vega-Rodriguez fired four rounds at the agents. After an intense manhunt, investigators discovered that Vega-Rodriguez had fled to Leola, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles southwest of Reading. In the early morning hours of March 3, 2020, FBI agents and Pennsylvania State Police Troopers located Vega-Rodriguez, who was hiding in a residence in Leola, and arrested him. “Rafael Vega-Rodriguez tried to murder three FBI agents doing their job, which, on that day, was to effect his lawful arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “He’s proven himself to be a violent, dangerous man, a threat not just to law enforcement, but the community, as well. We’re all safer with him behind bars and today’s sentence ensures that’s exactly where he’ll spend the next several decades of his life.” “The FBI does not tolerate acts of violence against anyone, let alone against our own,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Each and every day, FBI agents place themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow citizens. Today’s sentencing makes it clear that we will stop at nothing to bring to justice those who commit an act of violence against federal agents.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Stengel and Everett Witherell and former Assistant United States Attorney Mary Futcher.


title: Burlington County Man Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Cocaine Distribution

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute more than two kilograms of cocaine in Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Orlando Ayala, 30, of Westampton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on March 21, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams to a two-count information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Williams imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court. Ayala’s conspirator, Angel Correa, pleaded guilty before Judge Williams and is awaiting sentencing. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From February 2022 to January 10, 2023, Ayala conspired with Correa and others to distribute substantial quantities of cocaine. Ayala and Correa together sold more than one kilogram of cocaine during drug deals in 2022. On Jan. 10, 2023, they together picked up a package containing cocaine that had been mailed to a house in Philadelphia and drove the package to Correa’s residence in Camden. Law enforcement agents then searched Correa’s residence and recovered one kilogram of cocaine and two firearms located within several feet of the cocaine. In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Ayala to five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the FBI - Philadelphia Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service -Philadelphia Division, Willingboro Police Department, Burlington Township Police Department, Atlantic City Police Department, and Philadelphia Police Department. 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 government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.


title: New Jersey Man Charged with Terrorism Offenses Relating to His Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note : View the indictment here. Hadi Matar, 26, of Fairview, New Jersey, was arraigned today in federal court in connection with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization; engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and providing material support to terrorists. “We allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hizballah, a designated terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will prosecute those who perpetrate violence in the name of terrorist groups and undermine the basic freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.” “The defendant attempted to carry out a fatwa endorsed by Hizballah that called for the death of Salman Rushdie — a fatwa issued in 1989 by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Violence directed at Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights will never be tolerated. The FBI will work with our partners to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence.” “This defendant put time and effort into traveling to the Western District of New York with the intent of taking the life of another,” said U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York. “Only because of the brave efforts of those who were present that day, the defendant was prevented from completing his murderous intention. This indictment is a result of the collaborative efforts of our investigative partners in law enforcement, which is one step towards ensuring that the defendant be held accountable for his actions.” According to the court documents and statements made by the government in court, between September 2020 and August 2022, Matar attempted to provide material support and resources to Hizballah. Matar did this by attempting to carry out a fatwa calling for the execution of Salman Rushdie, which Matar understood was endorsed by Hizballah. The indictment further alleges that Matar attempted to kill and did in fact assault Rushdie. Matar was motivated, in part, by a 2006 speech given by Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, in which Nasrallah endorsed the fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death, which was originally issued in 1989. If convicted, Matar faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Charles M. Kruly for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Frank Russo of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Nineteen Alleged Members of Human Smuggling Organization Charged for Illegally Bringing Migrants into the U.S. via Personal Watercraft

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 24, 2024 SAN DIEGO – Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization have been criminally charged for coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the U.S. from Mexico, mostly aboard personal watercraft via the Pacific Ocean. Nine of the 19 are in custody. A grand jury returned an indictment against fourteen members of the organization, and a complaint was filed against an additional five. “The Justice Department is committed to dismantling transnational human smuggling operations that prey on migrants and threaten our national security,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Nefarious organizations like the one charged in this case can expect to answer for their alleged crimes in American courtrooms.” “Human smuggling cases are a top priority because lives are at stake,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Whether racing a jet ski up the coast without lifejackets or hauling a tractor trailer packed with people, smugglers expose vulnerable migrants to extreme danger and prioritize profit over human life.” The nine arrested defendants were taken into custody at ports of entry or elsewhere in San Diego during a multi-agency enforcement effort last week; the remaining defendants are fugitives. Federal agents served court-authorized search warrants at suspected stash houses in San Diego and in Los Angeles. Among other things, agents seized over $100,000 in U.S. currency and two boxes of ammunition during the enforcement operations. Agents previously seized more than $120,000 during the investigation. According to the indictment and complaint, the defendants participated in a long-running conspiracy to illegally bring people from Mexico into the U.S. by land and sea. The organization arranged for transport from Mexico by personal watercraft to coastal areas such as Sunset Cliffs, Bird Rock in La Jolla, and Imperial Beach, often at night and in dangerous conditions. Smugglers favor personal watercraft for their speed and ability to approach shore quickly, allowing rapid drop-offs and evasion of authorities. The charging documents allege the defendants were also responsible for transporting the migrants further within the U.S., whether driving themselves or coordinating with other drivers, including to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Las Vegas. The organization allegedly charged between approximately $7,000 and $16,000 per smuggled person and transported tens of thousands of dollars in profits from San Diego to Mexico. “Every aspect of human smuggling - whether it be by land, sea or aircraft - puts lives at risk,” said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI and our partner agencies are committed to curbing this illegal activity that’s solely designed to enrich greedy smugglers’ financial pockets.” “This indictment serves as notice to those transnational criminal organizations operating along our coastal border that it is only a matter of time before they are brought to justice,” said San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “Our focus continues to be on protecting our nation, and we will leverage all available resources to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Horn, David Fawcett (who is detailed to Joint Task Force Alpha, a partnership between the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and the Department of Homeland Security) and Lawrence Casper for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. These actions are also the result of coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, the District of Arizona, the District of New Mexico, and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 310 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 250 U.S. convictions; more than 185 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. DEFENDANTS IN CUSTODY Case Number 24-CR-1448-AJB Edgar Jimenez Macias Age: 33 Tijuana, Mexico Alex Ceja Guzman, aka “Alejandro, aka “Gordo” Age: 30 Tijuana, Mexico Tobias Julian Burgara Gonzalez Age: 32 Tijuana, Mexico Junior Zavala Ramirez, aka “JR” Age: 34 Tecate, Mexico Case Number 24-MJ-2728-SBC Ivan Pulido Jauregui Age: 49 Nayarit, Mexico Manuel Gonzalez Lopez, aka “Tortillero” Age: 26 Nayarit, Mexico Jesus Misael Molina Flores Age: 20 Nayarit, Mexico Alexis Adrian Villela Inda Age: 29 Nayarit, Mexico Mateo Adrian Alduenda Gutierrez Age: 26 Nayarit, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Case Number 24-CR-1448-AJB Conspiracy To Bring in Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii); Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371 Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Aiding and Abetting – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii); Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2 Penalties (for bringing in aliens for financial gain and aiding and abetting): Mandatory minimum of five years and maximum of 15 years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine Case Number 24-MJ-2728-SBC Conspiracy To Bring in Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii); Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371 Penalties: Maximum of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine *The names of the remaining defendants have not been publicly released. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations – San Diego Marine Task Force United States Border Patrol United States Coast Guard *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Joplin Man, Woman Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man and woman have pleaded guilty to stealing mail from Joplin residents as part of a conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Emily Anna-Lee Sturgis, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Monday, July 22, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and to one count of bank fraud. Co-defendant Aaron M. Blake, 28, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2024, to the same charges, as well as to one count of aggravated identity theft. Sturgis and Blake admitted they conspired from December 2022 to Jan. 26, 2023, to steal mail out of residential mailboxes and off porches in Joplin. The stolen mail included credit cards, debit cards, checks, cash, jewelry, and documents that contained personal identifying information (such as names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account information). They stole Pandora jewelry from one victim’s mailbox, and a Christmas card that contained a $500 check from another victim’s mailbox. They used the stolen credit cards to unlawfully make purchases. Blake, with the knowledge and assistance of Sturgis, used the stolen personal information to open credit card accounts and bank accounts under those stolen names. He then used these fraudulently created credit and bank accounts to make unlawful purchases. Sturgis and Blake attempted to obtain at least $13,845 from their victims and did obtain at least $12,482 from their victims. Under federal statutes, Sturgis and Blake each is subject to a sentence of up to 60 years in federal prison without parole. Blake is also subject to a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Carthage, Mo., Police Department and the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.


title: Four Tampa Men Arrested For Armed Robberies Of Convenience Stores

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrests and filing of a criminal complaint charging E’Barous Harris (25, Tampa), Ronald Brown (23, Riverview), Tra-Vontae Watson (30, Tampa), and Jermaine Dawes (32, Tampa) with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery. If convicted, each faces up to 40 years in federal prison. According to the complaint, on July 14, 2024, Harris, Brown, Watson, and Dawes robbed a convenience store in Tampa. One of the individuals carried a rifle, and another one forced a customer to the ground before stepping on the customer’s back and stealing money from the customer. The defendants also stole money from the store’s cash register. On July 16, 2024, Harris, Brown, Watson, and Dawes robbed a second convenience store. Again, one of the individuals carried a rifle and another carried a pistol. The pistol was pointed at the store clerk’s head and the clerk was struck as the defendants demanded money. The individuals stole money and tobacco products from the store. The robberies were linked, and the defendants identified based in part on surveillance videos from inside and outside the stores, as well as data from the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority and license plate reader data. In addition, surveillance footage from a location where the defendants were residing helped to confirm the defendant’s identities and their participation in the robberies. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case 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: Brooklyn Man Convicted of Money Laundering Scheme in Connection With Theft of Millions of Dollars from Foreign Banks

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: A federal jury in Brooklyn today convicted Alex Levin on both counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate the Travel Act in connection with his role in a scheme that resulted in the theft of millions of dollars and property from safe deposit boxes at multiple banks outside of the United States, including in Ukraine, Russia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Latvia, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The verdict followed a seven-day trial before United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. When sentenced, Levin faces up to 10 years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict. “The jury found that Levin played an integral role in a highly sophisticated and well-organized international crew of thieves who stole millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry and cash from banks in Eastern Europe,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Levin’s role here in Brooklyn of laundering the cash and purchasing equipment used in the break-ins of safe deposit boxes overseas was crucial to the crew’s success, but with today’s verdict, that role proved to be the defendant’s undoing.” Mr. Peace also thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their valuable assistance to the investigation. “Alex Levin’s conviction signals the downfall of an individual at the center of an international crime spree that utilized technology and illicit methodologies to exploit vulnerabilities within financial institutions around the world. Today’s verdict proves once again that even the most sophisticated bank heists are no match for HSI New York and our law enforcement partners, both domestic and abroad,” stated HSI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo. “I commend the Long Island-based HSI Financial Crimes Group, the Eastern District of New York and the FBI for consistently proving no criminal is too savvy to evade justice.” FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis stated: “Using sophisticated camera tools that he purchased here in Brooklyn, Levin and his international co-conspirators stole from safe deposit boxes belonging to innocent bank customers through a string of thefts across the globe. Today’s verdict is demonstrative of the FBI’s commitment to holding people accountable for their attempts to unlawfully obtain money and valuable items, and we applaud the investigative efforts of our office as well as our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s office in delivering this outcome.” As proved at trial, between March 2015 and October 2019, Levin was a member of a sophisticated group that targeted foreign banks that appeared to lack strong security features. Members of the conspiracy posed as customers at the target banks and rented safe deposit boxes. After gaining access to safe deposit box rooms, the conspirators used specialized medical equipment to take photographs of the inside of the locks of other customers’ safe deposit boxes. Using these photographs, the conspirators created duplicate keys for the safe deposit boxes in order to steal money and valuables from customers at the foreign banks. Levin’s role in the conspiracy was based in Brooklyn. He assisted in laundering the proceeds of the scheme to the United States. For example, around the time of various bank heists in Ukraine, a company used in furtherance of the unlawful scheme wired the unlawful proceeds to the defendant. Specifically, on July 31, 2015, Glenport Merchants LLP, a company with a Latvian bank account, wired $150,000 to Levin. Shortly thereafter, Levin wired $144,727 to a member of the conspiracy who personally participated in the bank heists. Levin also used bank accounts in the United States, including accounts located in the Eastern District of New York, to purchase sophisticated camera equipment used in the thefts, including borescopes, which are small, specialized, medical grade cameras. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level money launderers and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lorena Michelen, Lauren A. Bowman and Megan Larkin are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Wesley Roberts. The Defendant: ALEX LEVIN Age: 55 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-208 (LDH)


title: Franklin County Man Sentenced to Prison for Producing Counterfeit U.S. Currency

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a man from Christopher, Illinois, to 24 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to printing counterfeit money. Michael A. Eskew, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., one count of possession of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., and one count of possessing digital image of U.S. currency for counterfeiting. “Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.” According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce counterfeit U.S. Currency at his home. Following a search warrant of Eskew’s residence in July 2019, law enforcement recovered $33,826 in counterfeit bills. Eskew distributed the counterfeit bills to at least five individuals within his community. In addition to imprisonment, Eskew was ordered to pay a $600 fine and serve three years of supervised release. The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Gross and Kathleen Howard contributed to the prosecution.


title: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl And Firearm Offenses

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Sebastian Gabriel Lugo-Lugo (20, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lugo-Lugo faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, Lugo-Lugo sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover agent multiple times between November 2023 and February 2024. During some of those transactions, the undercover agent observed a handgun next to Lugo-Lugo inside his vehicle. Additionally, on February 14, 2024, Lugo-Lugo sold the undercover agent a Ruger 9 mm handgun along with 50 fentanyl pills. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office City-County Investigative Bureau, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. 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: Erie Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Attempting to Distribute Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distributing and attempting to distribute material depicting the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Michael Paul Ambrose, 43, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around November 2022, Ambrose distributed and attempted to distribute images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Court was also advised that the parties agreed as part of the plea agreement that the appropriate sentence in this case is a twelve-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie Police Department and the Erie County Detectives Bureau conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ambrose.