title: Brooklyn Cardiologist Charged With Health Care Fraud And Bribery

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), Erin Keegan, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment today charging NIRANJAN MITTAL, a Brooklyn-based cardiologist, in connection with a scheme to fabricate patient records, pay physicians for patient referrals, and bill for medically unnecessary vascular procedures. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York also filed a civil fraud complaint today under the False Claims Act against MITTAL, DIVANSHU BANSAL, who manages MITTAL’s medical practice and supervises staff, and NIRANJAN K. MITTAL, PHYSICIAN, PLLC d/b/a/ CARECUBE, and NEW YORK PET IMAGING CENTER LLC, the entities that own MITTAL’s practice and diagnostic testing facility. MITTAL was presented in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “We put our faith in doctors and trust their expertise. As alleged, Dr. Niranjan Mittal betrayed that trust. He subjected patients to surgical procedures that they did not need. He directed his staff to make up patient symptoms in medical records to justify these unnecessary procedures so he could receive lucrative insurance payments, and he bribed other doctors to send him their patients. Thanks to our law enforcement partners, Mittal now faces criminal prosecution and civil penalties for his alleged conduct.” HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “Health care providers who falsify records and recommend medically unnecessary services to drive up profits pose a significant risk to patients. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who, to satisfy their own greed, exploit federal health care programs.” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “Niranjan Mittal is accused of defrauding the government and private insurers of millions of dollars while treating his patients like commodities he could use to further enrich himself. He put profit over patient well-being, convincing individuals who sought his care to undergo potentially unnecessary medical procedures. Through partnerships, such as those established within HSI's Document and Benefits Fraud Task Force, we are actively raising awareness among the public and deterring those who aim to exploit the vulnerable.” IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “While Dr. Mittal may have taken the Hippocratic Oath when he became a doctor, the irony is not lost on the hypocrisy of his alleged fraud, where instead of caring for his patients, he cared for himself and lining his own pockets. Mittal’s alleged schemes were devoid of concern for his patients, and his practice to treat certain patients with unnecessary procedures is outright dangerous. Today’s arrest ensures that he will no longer be able to continue his fraud and victimize those who sought legitimate care and treatment.” According to the Indictment: [1] Since at least 2016, MITTAL operated a medical clinic in Brooklyn, New York (the “Brooklyn Clinic”), with a patient base consisting of many individuals of limited economic means who were insured by government health care programs. In order to ensure a steady flow of new patients to the Brooklyn Clinic, MITTAL paid rental payments to other providers pursuant to purported “leases” for office space. Often, however, the timing and amount of the payments bore no relation to the terms of those leases. In fact, MITTAL made the purported lease payments to induce other providers to refer patients to MITTAL’s staff members, who, at the direction of MITTAL, periodically traveled to the providers’ offices, performed basic tests on the referred patients, and convinced the patients to attend follow-up appointments at the Brooklyn Clinic. Once patients arrived at the Brooklyn Clinic, often without understanding why they had been referred to the practice, they underwent a series of diagnostic tests and follow-up office visits. These tests and office visits generally were not based on the patients’ actual treatment needs. Rather, MITTAL and others acting at his direction ordered these tests and office visits to create documentation sufficient to justify subjecting patients to unnecessary peripheral vascular interventional procedures—surgical procedures focused on clearing purported blockages in the blood vessels in patients’ legs. MITTAL directed others to, among other things, fabricate the descriptions of patients’ symptoms recorded in the practice’s office visit notes, varying the symptoms across patients so that it was not apparent that the symptoms were fake. As a result of MITTAL’s scheme, patients at the Brooklyn Clinic, many of whom were already in poor health, routinely underwent medically unnecessary vascular interventions at MITTAL’s office, with some patients undergoing ten or more interventional procedures over the course of several years. The patients’ conditions often did not improve, despite these repeated interventions. Through his operating entity, MITTAL billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers over $100 million for the relevant vascular procedures. According to the Civil Complaint: [2] In addition to fraudulently billing Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary peripheral vascular procedures, fabricating patient records to make it appear these procedures were justified, and paying kickbacks for patient referrals: MITTAL, BANSAL, and MITTAL’s operating entities billed Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary cardiac diagnostic imaging studies, including but not limited to PET scans, stress tests, echocardiograms, and carotid artery doppler studies. These tests were repeatedly performed on the same patients without any clinical basis and without taking into account the results of prior, duplicative tests. At the direction of MITTAL and BANSAL, staff prepared fabricated medical records to make it appear that patients exhibited symptoms and complaints that would justify performing these tests. The lawsuit seeks to recover treble damages and civil penalties under the False Claims Act. * * * MITTAL, 70, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of health care fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG, HSI, and IRS-CI. The criminal case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick R. Moroney and Matthew Weinberg are in charge of the prosecution. The civil lawsuit is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey K. Powell and Pierre G. Armand are in charge of the civil case. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If you or someone you know has information about the conduct at MITTAL’s cardiology practice, please call the HHS-OIG tip line at 1-800-HHS-TIPS. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. [2] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Greene County Men Sentenced to Jail for Tax Evasion Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dennis Radcliffe, age 52, and Kenneth Radcliffe, age 50, each of Elka Park, New York, were each sentenced today to 6 months in jail, and to pay a $40,000 fine, for conspiring to evade taxes on income earned from stock sales. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement. Dennis Radcliffe and Kenneth Radcliffe, who are cousins, each previously pled guilty to two conspiracies. In the first conspiracy, they conspired with each other to avoid taxes on their personal income, by failing to report several million dollars of income earned principally from sales of penny stocks, from 2014 through 2017. The stock sales occurred in brokerage accounts that Dennis Radcliffe and Kenneth Radcliffe controlled, and which stood in the names of their companies Crackerjack Classics LLC (“Crackerjack”) and Universal Consulting LLC (“Universal”). In the second conspiracy, Dennis Radcliffe and Kenneth Radcliffe conspired with each other and with Joseph Radcliffe, Dennis’s father, to avoid taxes on approximately $500,000 in compensation that Crackerjack and Universal paid to Joseph, from 2013 through 2019. Joseph Radcliffe was a former Wall Street stockbroker and at the time he was evading the payment of taxes, he owed more than $1 million to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), after settling fraud allegations with the SEC in 2011 . Joseph Radcliffe has also failed to repay the SEC. United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Dennis Radcliffe to pay $77,552 in restitution to the IRS and ordered Kenneth Radcliffe to pay an additional $152,274 in restitution. In imposing sentence, Judge Suddaby noted that the defendants “come from good people” and that there was no excuse for their willful conduct. “This is just all about greed – pure, unadulterated greed,” said Judge Suddaby. Joseph Radcliffe, age 76, of Elka Park, was sentenced in August 2022 to 3 years of probation , to include 4 weekends in jail, and to pay $109,106 in restitution to the IRS, following his guilty plea to tax evasion conspiracy. IRS-CI investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted this case.


title: Durham Crips Gang Member Sentenced for Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO – A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison, after pleading guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). TYRICO DEVONTE BOWENS, age 30, of Durham, was sentenced to a 120-month term of imprisonment by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. He pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023, to felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). According to court records, BOWENS, a member of the Eight Trey Gangster Crips street gang, was at a family gathering in Apex, North Carolina on December 31, 2022, when he retrieved a 10mm Glock handgun from his car after an argument with his girlfriend’s father. When family members attempted to intervene, BOWENS discharged the firearm in front of the home. Officers with the Apex Police Department recovered a S&B 10mm cartridge casing from the yard. Five days later, the gang unit with the Durham Police Department (DPD) arrested BOWENS at his residence on charges related to the December 31, 2022, incident and searched his home. They recovered three loaded firearms, including a 10mm Glock handgun. A forensic firearms examiner with DPD microscopically compared the S&B 10mm cartridge casing recovered from the December 31, 2022 incident with a cartridge casing test fired from the Glock 10mm handgun and determined that, based on similar class characteristics and sufficient agreement of individual characteristics, the 10mm cartridge casing recovered from the scene on December 31, 2022, was fired from the Glock 10mm handgun. At the time of these offenses, BOWENS had been previously convicted of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury and Second-Degree Kidnapping (Durham County – 2013); Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of Firearm by Felon, and Conspiracy to Intimidate Witnesses (Durham County – 2014); Possession of Firearm by Felon and Concealed Carry (Durham County – 2018); and Possession of Firearm by Felon and Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute Cocaine (Durham County – 2023). In connection with these offenses, BOWENS was sentenced to multiple terms of imprisonment exceeding one year. Thus, at the time of the offenses, BOWENS was legally barred from possessing a firearm due to his status as a felon. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF), the Durham Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Apex Police Department. The lead investigator was an FBI Task Force Officer from the Durham Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Jeanne Dildine and JoAnna G. McFadden. Since 1992, the FBI's Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has successfully aligned FBI Agents, state and local law enforcement investigators, and federal and state prosecutors onto SSTFs to reduce violent crime. This nationwide initiative brings resources together in a “force multiplier concept” and utilizes the expertise of each agency. SSTFs focus primarily upon street gang and drug-related violence through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations to obtain prosecutions on violations such as racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations. ###


title: Leeds Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug Conviction

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Leeds woman was sentenced today on drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Joannah Ruth Ruoho, 34, to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ruoho pleaded guilty to the charge in September. According to the plea agreement, in February 2022, a Moody Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on Ruoho. Ruoho rolled down the window and the police officer could smell the odor of marijuana. At the request of the police officer, Ruoho got out of the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle and found a bag with methamphetamine inside it, two prepackaged cannabis bags containing methamphetamine, two clear plastic bags containing marijuana, a plastic bag containing mushrooms, and a glass pipe with narcotics residue on it. The officer also found a loaded Taurus PT140 G2 40 SW pistol underneath the driver’s seat. The FBI investigated the case, along with the Moody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case.


title: Six Defendants Plead Guilty to Fraud Charges in Multi-Million-Dollar, Nationwide Skimming Conspiracy

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala – Six defendants indicted for defrauding credit unions across the country have pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and identity theft charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples, and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis. Maria Matei, 22, and Larisa Iordache, 28, each pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Florin Matei, 27, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Ionut Iamandita, 28 , and Milena Iamandita 25 , pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Marius Iordache, 29, pleaded guilty in November to conspiring to commit bank fraud. According to the plea agreements, between October 2022 and June 2023, the defendants defrauded credit unions in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Jacksonville, Florida; Philadelphia Pennsylvania; Albany, New York; Florence, Alabama; Dallas, Texas; Birmingham, Alabama; and Saginaw, Michigan. The defendants placed covert video cameras and skimming devices on the targeted credit unions’ Automatic Teller Machines, and then used the collected information to make fraudulent withdrawals for credit union customers’ accounts. The fraudulent withdrawals totaled more than $5 million dollars. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit bank fraud is 30 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The FBI and United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Hundscheid is prosecuting the case. The Lauderdale County’s Sherriff’s Office, Tuscaloosa County Sherriff’s Office, Hoover Police Department, and Vestavia Hills Police Department aided the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania also provided significant assistance.


title: Notice To Victims Of The Sentencing Of Former Nikola Motors CEO Trevor Milton

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is providing notice to individuals and entities that bought and sold stock of Nikola Corporation (ticker NKLA) or VectoIQ (tickers VTIQU, VTIQ, and VTIQW) between March and September 2020 of the upcoming sentencing of TREVOR MILTON, the founder and former CEO of Nikola. In October 2022, MILTON was convicted by a jury of securities fraud and wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud and mislead investors about the development of products and technology by Nikola. The sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. before the Honorable Edgardo Ramos in Courtroom 619 at the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007. The proceeding is open to the public. MILTON faces a maximum term of 60 years in prison, and the sentence will be determined by the court. If you believe you are a victim of TREVOR MILTON and have questions about the sentencing or wish to submit a victim impact statement, please email: USANYS.NIKOLAVICTIMS@USDOJ.GOV .


title: Two Plead Guilty, One Sentenced in Separate Fentanyl Cases

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MACON, Ga. – Two co-defendants pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and one defendant was sentenced to prison today resulting from separate investigations into the distribution of large amounts of fentanyl in the Athens and Milledgeville communities. James Hill, 41, of Athens, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum sentence of life in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Co-defendant Jasmine Jackson, 29, of Athens, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. Both defendants entered their guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Dec. 14 in Case No. 3:22-CR-25. Sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2024, at the U.S. Courthouse in Athens. Brandon Ector aka “Big,” 39, of Atlanta was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Dec. 14 after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Case No. 5:22-CR-40. Ector is not eligible for parole. “Stopping armed fentanyl trafficking and holding those associated with its distribution accountable is a top priority for our office and our law enforcement partners across the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thanks to the efforts of many law enforcement agencies in both investigations, nearly four kilograms of fentanyl was prevented from circulating in the Athens and Milledgeville communities. Law enforcement is facing unprecedented challenges, and I am grateful for their dedication to protecting our citizens.” “The success of these investigations demonstrates DEA will use all of its resources to destroy drug distribution networks that are endangering our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. According to court documents in the Hill and Jackson case, a confidential informant working with the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force provided information that Hill was mixing fentanyl into heroin and selling it inside his Athens apartment located on Chateau Terrace that he shared with his girlfriend, co-defendant Jackson. A search warrant was executed at the apartment on Nov. 11, 2021, and agents found two plastic bags later confirmed to contain heroin and fentanyl in one and fentanyl in the other. In a kitchen cabinet, investigators located a small laboratory with mixing containers, measuring utensils, Acetone and a mixer, which they suspected Hill was using to mix the narcotics he was distributing. Investigators located additional, but smaller, quantities of drugs in Hill’s automobiles. Another search warrant was executed on the same day at the Sleep Inn and Suites in Athens, where Hill was using rooms to store and distribute narcotics. Agents seized 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl, two pistols, $33,525 cash, approximately 70 grams of heroin and 27.8 grams of methamphetamine. According to court documents in the Ector case, law enforcement agents with the DEA Macon Resident Office, GBI and Ocmulgee Drug Task Force received credible information from multiple confidential sources regarding illegal drug activities occurring in the Milledgeville area in July 2020. Co-defendant Damon Hayes aka “D-5” was identified as a multi-kilogram distributor of methamphetamine, powder cocaine and crack cocaine operating in Milledgeville. Ector was a member of Hayes’ drug trafficking organization. Through surveillance, agents observed Hayes acquire bulk quantities of narcotics from co-defendant Lagary Williams aka “Frog” at his luxury high-rise apartment in downtown Atlanta, where Ector resided. On Sept. 10, 2021, a federal search warrant was executed at Williams’ Atlanta apartment. Both Williams and Ector attempted to flee law enforcement by jumping from the apartment’s balcony. Ector broke a bone from the jump. Agents recovered 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl in the apartment, as well as one kilogram of methamphetamine, two kilograms of cocaine, approximately 50 grams of cocaine base, approximately seven pounds of marijuana, a Glock 19 9mm pistol and a Ruger model 57 handgun. For more information about this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation and the other co-defendants in this case, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/atlanta-based-fentanyl-meth-supplier-central-georgia-pleads-guilty . The Hill and Jackson case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government. The Ector case was investigated by DEA, GBI, the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office, the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Atlanta-Carolina’s HIDTA Office and the Gwinnett Metro Task Force. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government. Former Middle District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim previously prosecuted the case.


title: Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Paying Philippine Sex Trafficker to Live-Stream Child Sex Abuse

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Maine man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting a minor in the Philippines. According to court documents, Joseph Daniel Zoll, 63, of Sanford, shared CSAM with a child sex trafficker in the Philippines and paid the trafficker to sexually abuse a prepubescent minor over a live-streaming videochat platform. For around two years, Zoll communicated with the trafficker and repeatedly instructed the trafficker to sexually abuse the minor over live-streaming video calls. Zoll engaged in similar conduct with multiple individuals in the Philippines over the same platform. In addition, Zoll frequently recorded the live-streaming video calls, which he would then show to other individuals when instructing them to sexually abuse children during their own calls. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine, and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England made the announcement. HSI New England investigated the case. Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig M. Wolff for the District of Maine prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Florida Man Charged with Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Kickback Conspiracy

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man was arraigned today on charges relating to his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by billing for medically unnecessary prescriptions, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced. Eric Van Vleet, 28, of Delray Beach, Florida, is charged in an eight-count indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute, and payment of illegal kickbacks. Van Vleet appeared today before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. According to the indictment: From February 2018 to September 2019, Van Vleet operated Hype Med LLC, which generated medically unnecessary prescriptions through a telemarketing and telemedicine scheme. As part of the health care, wire fraud, and kickback conspiracy, Van Vleet and Hype Med identified Medicare beneficiaries to target for expensive drugs. Call center employees contacted the beneficiaries by telephone to pressure them to agree to try expensive medications, such as pain creams, scar creams, eczema creams, migraine medication, as well as a combination of prescription medications intended to be used as a “foot soak.” Van Vleet and Hype Med then transmitted recordings of telephone calls with the beneficiaries, together with pre-marked prescription pads for particular drugs that would yield exorbitant reimbursements, to telemedicine companies. Hype Med paid the telemedicine companies kickbacks for every beneficiary referred for a prescription, and the telemedicine companies paid doctors to approve the prescriptions. Van Vleet then directed the prescriptions to pharmacies, including Apogee Bio-Pharm LLC, located in Edison, New Jersey, with which Hype Med had a kickback arrangement. The pharmacies filled the prescriptions and sought reimbursement from federal health care benefit programs, including Medicare. The pharmacies, including Apogee, then paid a portion of each reimbursement to Hype Med as a kickback. Van Vleet and Hype Med received at least $343,684 in kickback payments from the owners of Apogee. The principals of Apogee – William Welwart, Ethan Welwart, and Gary Kaczka – are charged with health care fraud and related offenses in a separate indictment. Elan Yaish, former president of Apogee, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback statute. The health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; the health care fraud charges carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison; the charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison; and the charges of payment of illegal kickbacks are punishable by 10 years in prison. All of the counts are also punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. vanvleet.indictment.pdf


title: St. Paul Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Drug Trafficking Case

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A South St. Paul felon has been sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to the defendant’s plea agreement and court documents, on December 4, 2022, Nicholas Neil Nikiforakis, 34, posted a photo on Facebook that showed him in possession of a black firearm with a tan-colored extended magazine. Based on his prior felony convictions, Nikiforakis was prohibited from possessing a firearm of any kind. Law enforcement officers successfully located Nikiforakis and conducted physical surveillance. When the defendant was spotted getting behind the wheel of a black Ford Explorer, officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Nikiforakis responded by ramming into a responding squad car and fled the area at a high rate of speed. He eventually crashed as he attempted a high-speed turn, hit a fire hydrant, and collided with a nearby building. The defendant fled on foot but was ultimately apprehended at the scene. A subsequent search of the black Ford Explorer revealed a black and dark green privately-made-firearm – PMF or “ghost gun” – with a tan-colored extended magazine in the center console with a large black bag that contained fentanyl pills, marijuana, and a digital scale. A subsequent review of Nikiforakis’s phone confirmed that he possessed the fentanyl for the express purpose of distributing the drugs to others. Nikiforakis pleaded guilty on June 23, 2023, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Aiming Laser at San Diego Sheriff’s Helicopter

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 14, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Ruben Ricardo Rodriguez pleaded guilty in federal court today to aiming a laser at a San Diego Sheriff’s helicopter. According to admissions in his plea agreement, on June 12, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) control tower at San Diego International Airport received multiple reports of a green laser striking commercial aircraft while they were landing. The FAA notified the San Diego Sheriff’s helicopter ASTREA of the laser strikes and gave the approximate location of the origin of the laser near National City, CA. ASTREA, an acronym for Aerial Support To Regional Enforcement Agencies, the air support unit of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, responded to the area and was struck in the cockpit by a green laser. The entire helicopter illuminated green in the sky. Video captured Rodriguez walking around a house while pointing the laser at the ground and across the street. Rodriguez then looked at ASTREA and aimed the laser at it again. The pilot said the laser strike created a bright dazzling effect on the aircraft’s glass. The laser struck the other deputy onboard in the eyes. “Laser pointers are not toys, and aiming them at aircraft is a crime, not a prank,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Pilots could be blinded or incapacitated, causing deadly accidents.” “Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious criminal act and can have potentially deadly consequences,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Jamie Arnold. “The FBI and its partner agencies take allegations of interfering with the operation of an aircraft seriously and encourage anyone with information about such incidents or if they see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft to report it to the FBI.” Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2024, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaclyn Stahl, Edward Chang, and Shivanjali Sewak. DEFENDANT Case Number 23-CR-1467-BAS Ruben Ricardo Rodriguez Age: 33 Logan, UT SUMMARY OF CHARGES Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft – 18 U.S.C. § 39A Maximum penalty: Five years in custody and a $250,000 fine AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation


title: Justice Department Announces Numerous Firearms, Illegal Narcotics, and Conspiracy Charges in Multi-Agency Take Down

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department today announced that 20 individuals were charged in federal court in connection with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a targeted violent crime reduction initiative in West Columbia, South Carolina. The indictments are a result of a series of coordinated arrests made following a targeted multi-agency operation that spanned several months. “This operation targeting gun and drug trafficking in South Carolina exemplifies the Justice Department’s partnership-centered, community-tailored strategy to combat violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will continue to work closely alongside our local law enforcement and community partners to target the most significant drivers of violent crime and keep people safe.” “Partnerships are a powerful tool in combatting violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “The significant impact of this operation is the product of hundreds of manhours from multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Our communities are safer today because of their collaboration.” In June 2022, in response to rising violent crime in the West Columbia area, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Columbia launched an advanced, intelligence-based, multi-faceted law enforcement operation. The purpose of the operation was to target criminal entities and groups in the area, specifically those engaged in the illegal use, sale, and possession of firearms and narcotics. ATF established a controlled buy location, and ATF undercover agents and confidential informants began conducting controlled purchases of firearms and narcotics from criminal targets in the area, while local agencies conducted crime suppression operations. Defendants included members of the Bloods, Crips, and Gangster Disciple street gangs. The joint investigation has led to 20 defendants facing federal charges. Federal agents purchased or seized 210 firearms, including several machine gun conversion devices or “switches” designed to convert a firearm to a fully automatic weapon, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Additionally, law enforcement purchased or seized approximately 12 kilograms of methamphetamine, 500 grams of powder cocaine, 500 grams of powder fentanyl, 280 grams of crack cocaine, 2,826 fentanyl pills, and over 2,100 polydrug pills. Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually. The following charges have been filed in United States District Court, according to court documents: Christopher Huntington, also known as Crazy, 32, of Lugoff, was charged with multiple counts of distributing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearms. Tyrek Carroway, also known as Everything, 24, of Columbia was charged with multiple counts of distributing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Marcelleus Robinson also known as Drawdown, 31, of Columbia and Howard Parker, 31, of West Columbia, were charged with unlawful possession of a firearms and unlawful possession of machineguns. Joseph Wadsworth, also known as J-Roc, 39, of Gaston, and Curtis Hill III, 33, of Lexington, were charged with multiple counts of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearms. Sean Smith, also known as D, 40, of Cayce, was charged with multiple counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearms. Lamark Gill, also known as Lamont, 47, of Lexington, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearms. Ricky Bell Jr., 35, of Columbia, was charged with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of firearms. Dequincy Marquez Jordan, 37, of Florence, was charged with two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jordan Deshawn Waden also known as Yayo, 24, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Joel Jeremiah Williams, 35, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Angela Peterson Black, 51, of Lexington, was charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Michael Wright, 45, of Greenville, was charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as six counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Terrance Myers, also known as Terrance Toomer, 47, of Orangeburg, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kendolius Jones, also known as Duke Brim, 30, of West Columbia, was charged with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle. Reginald Pearson, 40, of Columbia, was charged with three counts possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine, as well as felon in possession and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Everette Wanamaker, 36, of Columbia, was charged with two counts possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, as well as six counts of felon in possession. Sean Dunagan, 44, of Marietta, Georgia, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, with possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and destruction of evidence. Davarious Keith, 30, of West Columbia, was charged with dealing in firearms without a license, distribution of crack cocaine, as well as felon in possession and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. David Smith, 36, of West Columbia, was charged with distribution of crack cocaine. Gregory Huggins, 30, of Lexington was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution of additional defendants facing state charges related to this investigation. The federal cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by a team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein for the District of South Carolina. The case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Justice Department's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jury Convicts Three Men for Violent Hobbs Act Conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Dec. 12, a federal jury found Palacio Valdes Farley, a/k/a “Bobo” and “Bo,” Joassaint Josiah Aristil, Jr., a/k/a “JoJo,”, and Jamar Brandon Nattiel, a/k/a “Debo” and “D-Boy,” guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. According to evidence presented at trial, during 2016 and 2017, Farley organized and led a South Florida-based conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Farley sought to obtain marijuana for free, so that he could sell it at a 100 percent profit. To obtain free marijuana, Farley would obtain marijuana on credit, fail to pay for it, and conspired with others to rob suppliers of their product. Farley’s conspiracy to rob drug-traffickers of their marijuana began on or about May 22-23, 2016, when Farley, co-defendant Andrew Francois Martin, and Farley’s known associate and unindicted co-conspirator, “John Doe,” flew from Florida to Los Angeles for the purpose of robbing a supplier of his marijuana. On the morning of May 24, 2016, the three robbers met with a supplier in an apartment in Van Nuys, California, for the purpose of taking 25 pounds of marijuana that the supplier intended to sell them. When the supplier refused to sell the marijuana on consignment; the robbers shot the victim several times, took his marijuana, and fled the scene. Evidence was also introduced at trial that on April 20, 2017, Farley and Martin approached two additional victims, with guns drawn, as they exited a restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida and were walking to their car. One victim was pushed to the ground at gunpoint, while another was robbed of a chain, watch, pendant, and wallet. Martin shot at the owner of the restaurant when the owner came to the aid of his customers. The owner shot back and wounded Martin in the leg. Thereafter, the Hobbs Act conspiracy continued. In and around Nov. 2017, Farley enlisted co-defendants Lisa Ann Flood, Karen Xiomara Williams, JoAristil and Nattiel, to rob a victim in southern California. To set up the robbery, Farley told the victim that he would send one of his representatives to pay a drug debt and buy more marijuana. On the night of December 5, 2017, Flood, Williams, Aristil, Nattiel, and an unidentified male co-conspirator, met in a hotel room to prepare for the robbery. Aristil, Nattiel, and the unidentified male donned black. Lisa Flood loaded the 9 mm pistols and gave the firearms to Aristil and Nattiel. The group then drove to the victim’s neighborhood. At approximately 11:30 pm., Flood knocked on the front door of the marijuana distributor and was let in. After a brief conversation, Flood excused herself to return to her car and get money. A moment later, Aristil, Nattiel, and a third man burst through the front door. They pointed their guns at the victim, tied the victim’s hands and feet with zip ties, and confined the victim to a room. One of the robbers went upstairs and pulled the victim’s wife out of bed, put his arm around her neck, stuck his gun in her back, and marched her downstairs to the den, where they tied her hands and feet, and put a plastic bag over her head. The robbers then ransacked the victims’ house, stealing marijuana, jewelry, and currency. Martin and Flood previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and are pending sentencing. Williams pled guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 168 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman is scheduled to sentence Farley, Aristil, and Nattiel, on March 18, 2024. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announced the convictions. FBI and BSO investigated this case with assistance from Lauderhill Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Daytona Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dwayne E. Williams and Elena Smukler are prosecuting it. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-20556-Cr-Altman/Reid. ###


title: Former Special Agent in Charge of the New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Sentenced to 50 Months for Conspiring to Violate U.S. Sanctions on Russia

body_text: A former Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI Counterintelligence Division in New York, was sentenced to 50 months in prison and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit money laundering in connection with his 2021 agreement to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch. According to court documents and statements made in court proceedings, Charles McGonigal, 55, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty in August. “Charles McGonigal helped advance the interests of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, breaking his oath to safeguard our nation and uphold its laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for this betrayal and demonstrate this department’s commitment to deny designated individuals the means to circumvent U.S. sanctions.” “Charles McGonigal violated the trust his country placed in him by using his high-level position at the FBI to prepare for his future in business,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “Once he left public service, he jeopardized our national security by providing services to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian tycoon who acts as Vladimir Putin’s agent. Today’s sentence is a reminder that anyone who violates United States sanctions — particularly those in whom this country has placed its trust — will pay a heavy penalty.” “Charles McGonigal’s conduct can be summed up in one word – betrayal. He betrayed everything he once swore to protect.” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the National Security Branch. “Today’s sentencing is a message to all, no matter who they are, the FBI does not tolerate those who choose to jeopardize US National Security. Prioritizing personal gains over one’s oath to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” In 2014, the President issued Executive Order 13660, which declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in Ukraine. To address this national emergency, the President blocked all property of individuals determined by the U.S. Treasury to be responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threatened the security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, or who materially assist, sponsor, or provide support to individuals or entities engaging in such activities. Executive Order 13660 and regulations issued pursuant to it prohibit providing or receiving any funds, goods, or services by, to, from, or for the benefit of any person designated by the U.S. Treasury. On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Oleg Deripaska as a Specially Designated National in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. According to the U.S. Treasury, Deripaska was sanctioned for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation and for operating in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia affirmed the sanctions against Deripaska. It found, among other things, that OFAC’s determination that Deripaska acted as an agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin was supported by the evidence. As an FBI official, McGonigal helped investigate Deripaska and other Russian oligarchs. As a SAC, he supervised investigations into sanctions violations. Yet at the same time, he began building a relationship with an agent of Deripaska, in the hopes of doing business with Deripaska after he retired from the FBI. In 2021, McGonigal conspired to provide services to Deripaska, in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Deripaska in 2018. Specifically, following his negotiations with Deripaska’s agent, McGonigal agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska. While negotiating and performing services for Deripaska, McGonigal and the agent attempted to conceal Deripaska’s involvement by, among other means, not directly naming Deripaska in electronic communications, using shell companies as counterparties in the contract that outlined the services to be performed, using a forged signature on that contract, and using the same shell companies to send and receive payment from Deripaska. McGonigal hoped to do millions of dollars in business with Deripaska, but FBI agents from the same division McGonigal used to lead foiled his scheme after only a few months of operation. The FBI New York Field Office’s Counterintelligence Division investigated the case, with valuable assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the New York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Rebecca T. Dell, and Derek Wikstrom for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Christina A. Clark of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.


title: Former Special Agent In Charge Of The New York FBI Counterintelligence Division Sentenced To 50 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Violate U.S. Sanctions On Russia

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, announced today that CHARLES MCGONIGAL, a former Special Agent in Charge (“SAC”) of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division in New York, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden to 50 months in prison for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and to commit money laundering in connection with his 2021 agreement to provide services to Oleg Deripaska, a sanctioned Russian oligarch. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Charles McGonigal violated the trust his country placed in him by using his high-level position at the FBI to prepare for his future in business. Once he left public service, he jeopardized our national security by providing services to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian tycoon who acts as Vladimir Putin’s agent. Today’s sentence is a reminder that anyone who violates United States sanctions — particularly those in whom this country has placed its trust — will pay a heavy penalty.” Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Charles McGonigal was justly punished today for knowingly aiding the agents of foreign adversaries who targeted the United States through his fraud and deception to satisfy his own greed. The FBI is determined to ensure any individual who commits federal crimes – even a former FBI Special Agent in Charge – is held accountable to face the consequences. This sentence marks not only an important outcome by the U.S. justice system, but also reflects the dedication of the men and women of the FBI to investigate crimes, regardless of who commits them.” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said: “Charles McGonigal helped advance the interests of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, breaking his oath to safeguard our nation and uphold its laws. Today's sentence holds him accountable for this betrayal and demonstrates this department’s commitment to deny designated individuals the means to circumvent U.S. sanctions.” According to publicly filed court documents and statements made in court proceedings: In 2014, the President issued Executive Order 13660, which declared a national emergency with respect to the situation in Ukraine. To address this national emergency, the President blocked all property of individuals determined by the U.S. Treasury to be responsible for or complicit in actions or policies that threatened the security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, or who materially assist, sponsor, or provide support to individuals or entities engaging in such activities. Executive Order 13660 and regulations issued pursuant to it prohibit providing or receiving any funds, goods, or services by, to, from, or for the benefit of any person designated by the U.S. Treasury. On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) designated Oleg Deripaska as a Specially Designated National in connection with its finding that the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to Ukraine constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. According to the U.S. Treasury, Deripaska was sanctioned for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a senior official of the Government of the Russian Federation and for operating in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia affirmed the sanctions against Deripaska. It found, among other things, that OFAC’s determination that Deripaska acted as an agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin was supported by the evidence. As an FBI official, MCGONIGAL helped investigate Deripaska and other Russian oligarchs. As an SAC, he supervised investigations into sanctions violations. Yet at the same time, he began building a relationship with an agent of Deripaska, in the hopes of doing business with Deripaska after he retired from the FBI. In 2021, MCGONIGAL conspired to provide services to Deripaska, in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed on Deripaska in 2018. Specifically, following his negotiations with Deripaska’s agent, MCGONIGAL agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska. While negotiating and performing services for Deripaska, MCGONIGAL and the agent attempted to conceal Deripaska’s involvement by, among other means, not directly naming Deripaska in electronic communications, using shell companies as counterparties in the contract that outlined the services to be performed, using a forged signature on that contract, and using the same shell companies to send and receive payment from Deripaska. MCGONIGAL hoped to do millions of dollars in business with Deripaska, but FBI agents from the same division MCGONIGAL used to lead foiled his scheme after only a few months of operation. * * * In addition to the prison sentence, MCGONIGAL, 55, of New York, New York, was ordered to pay a fine of $40,000, to forfeit $17,500, and sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI New York Field Office’s Counterintelligence Division and the valuable assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as the New York City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Rebecca T. Dell, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Christina A. Clark of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.


title: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Distribution

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Valentino Lovato, 34, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, in April 2022, Lovato engaged in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in Sacramento. During the conspiracy, Lovato sold fentanyl pills to a law enforcement source on multiple separate occasions. He also sold 4 pounds of methamphetamine to the source. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura are prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley is scheduled to sentence Lovato on March 28, 2024. Lovato faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine on each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Armed Robbery And Shooting At Pensacola Bar

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Quinton L. Pete, 35, of Ocala, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, for Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. A federal jury found Pete guilty of all charges related to the incident in August 2023 after a three-day trial. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. “The investigation and prosecution of violent crime – in this case by an armed repeat offender – is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with such federal crimes of violence.” The evidence produced at trial revealed that, on March 9, 2022, a few minutes before 4:00 a.m., two employees at Coyote’s Sports Bar on Bayou Blvd. in Pensacola were shot at point blank range by the defendant during an attempted robbery of the business. The victims were not able to identify the shooter at the time because of their wounds, but they provided a general description to law enforcement. Law enforcement obtained surveillance videos from surrounding businesses and noticed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in the area at the time of the crime. The Pensacola Police Department put out a BOLO (be on the lookout), and the defendant was apprehended the next day in Dallas, Texas, driving a matching white Jeep Grand Cherokee that was registered to him. The defendant was in possession of the firearm that was used in the commission of the robbery, as later identified by ballistics comparison. The defendant’s phone location also placed him in the area at the time he committed the crime. The defendant has prior felony convictions for Burglary of a Dwelling with a Firearm, Grand Theft, and Shooting at within or into a Dwelling, and was released from prison only seven months prior to these offenses. He is also pending other firearm related charges in central Florida. “This is a huge win for public safety in Northwest Florida,” said Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard of ATF’s Tampa Field Division. “The sentencing decision matches the severity of the crimes, and we’re glad to have contributed our expertise in federal firearm laws to the joint investigation.” “This case is another excellent example of the collaboration between local, state and federal partners working together to ensure the safety of our community,” said Chief Eric Randall, Pensacola Police. “We will continue to utilize every resource available to ensure our community is safe. This sentence should serve as a reminder there are consequences for your actions.” Pete’s imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of multiple other law enforcement agencies to include the Pensacola Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Grand Prairie Police Department in Dallas, Texas, the United States Marshals, and the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit. Assistant United States Attorneys David Goldberg and Jessica Etherton prosecuted 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. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brian E. Drake, 56, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion. Drake admitted to evading payroll and corporate income taxes while the owner and operator of River City Chem Dry (RCCD). According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2008 and continuing through 2021, Drake owned and operated RCCD, which provided general building and specialty contracting services throughout West Virginia. Drake admitted that as an employer, he had a legal responsibility to collect and pay over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from his employees’ wages and complete and file IRS Form 941. Drake further admitted that he knew that after he reorganized RCCD as a C corporation in 2012, he was required to pay corporate income taxes on earned income and complete and file IRS Form 1120 on behalf of RCCD every year. Beginning no later than 2005, Drake amassed a significant tax debt due to unpaid personal income taxes. Drake admitted that while his tax problems began as personal in nature, they later extended to RCCD. Drake’s tax delinquencies grew exponentially from 2005 through 2016, despite IRS attempts to collect his outstanding balances and work with him to help him attain compliance. Drake admitted that he willfully evaded payment of $299,765 in payroll taxes, including federal taxes and the employer-due portion of Social Security and Medicare, for reported wages paid to RCCD employees from at least 2016 through 2019. Drake further admitted that he evaded the assessment of $347,054.87 in payroll taxes by routinely paying RCCD employees substantially in cash from at least 2017 and continuing through 2021. Employees would receive paychecks reflecting a portion of their hourly wages and withheld taxes each payday along with envelopes containing cash for the hours they worked for which no federal taxes were withheld or paid over to the IRS. Drake also admitted that he failed to report money earned by RCCD for tax year 2016 and continuing through tax year 2021 and did not file corporate income tax returns for RCCD for tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 to evade payment of corporate income taxes. Drake is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2024 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Drake also owes restitution. The tax loss from Drake’s conduct exceeds $646,819.87 United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Ryan Blackwell are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-192. ###


title: Former Resident of Clarendon Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Clarendon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 25 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and ordered to pay $8,300 in restitution, on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie Haines imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Colin Rogers, age 60. The evidence presented at trial established that in November 2017, Rogers used his cellphone to take multiple sexually explicit photos of two minors after providing them marijuana and alcohol at his apartment in Sheffield, Pennsylvania. Rogers then stored the photos on his phone. The Pennsylvania State Police discovered the illegal images after executing a search warrant at Rogers’ apartment in February 2018 and seizing Rogers’ phone. 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 . Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rogers.


title: Raleigh County Man Sentenced for Export Fraud Violation

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Rana Zeeshan Tanveer, 42, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and fined $5,000 for committing an export fraud violation. Tanveer admitted that he knowingly submitted false export valuations for two high-technology devices that Tanveer shipped to Pakistan. According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2017, Tanveer ordered the two high-technology items, paying more than $4,000 for both items. The two items were shipped to Tanveer in Beckley and he received them on June 7, 2017. Tanveer admitted to creating a false invoice that intentionally understated the value of the items as less than $200. Tanveer further admitted to using the false invoice to ship the items to Pakistan using a freight forwarding service in July 2017. Tanveer also admitted that he intentionally used false invoices on at least six other occasions, from June 14, 2014 through August 20, 2018, that deliberately undervalued the purchase cost of U.S.-origin technology that Tanveer exported to Pakistan. Federal law requires the filing of accurate Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) about certain items that are exported from the United States. It is a federal crime to knowingly submit false or misleading Electronic Export Information. The purpose of this export requirement is to strengthen the ability of the United States to prevent the export of certain items to unauthorized destinations or end users. Accurate information in the Automated Export System also aids the United States in targeting, identifying, and, when necessary, confiscating suspicious or illegal items or shipments prior to export. “Mr. Tanveer’s criminal conduct was deliberate, intentional, and spanned many years,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Every time Mr. Tanveer misrepresented the price of export items to Pakistan, he committed a separate crime. Today’s sentence should send a message to anyone engaging in international trade throughout West Virginia, and the United States, that there are consequences for such criminal conduct.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Today’s sentencing sends a clear signal that knowingly submitting false export information to evade U.S. export controls will not be tolerated,” said OEE Washington Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Dugan. “This case demonstrates how BIS works with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate export violations and protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.” “Mr. Tanveer knew what he was doing was wrong, and today he faces the consequences of his actions,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. “I want to commend the determined efforts of the agents and our partners at the Department of Commerce for their countless hours of work and analysis throughout this lengthy investigation. These types of successful joint cases continue to strengthen the national security of the U.S. by protecting its economic interests.” United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and National Security Division Trial Attorney R. Elizabeth Abraham prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-26. ###


title: West Plains Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A West Plains, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a 13-month-old child and distributing child pornography. Kenneth Howard Worthy, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Worthy to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration. Worthy will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. On Dec. 6, 2022, Worthy was found guilty at trial of one count of the sexual exploitation of a child by producing child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography. Worthy’s criminal activities came to light during an investigation of another individual involved with child pornography. That individual informed investigators that Worthy had transmitted images of himself engaged in sexual acts with a child. On March 4, 2021, law enforcement officers contacted Worthy at his residence. Worthy admitted that he had used a child victim under the age of two, identified in court documents as “John Doe,” to produce child pornography. Worthy also told investigators he sent pornographic images of the child victim to another person. Officers seized Worthy’s cell phone. Investigators found 10 images of child pornography that depicted John Doe and Worthy. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Beaver, James J. Kelleher and Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the West Plains, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Cruise Ship Counselor Charged with Sexually Abusing Minors

body_text: MIAMI – On Dec. 13, a federal grand jury charged Filipino citizen Cris John Pentinio Castor, 35, by indictment, with two counts of abusive sexual contact with a minor in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. According to allegations in the indictment and previously filed criminal complaint, and presented at prior hearings, in November 2023, Cris John Pentinio Castor engaged in abusive sexual contact with two six-year-old girls entrusted to the care of the Camp at Sea Youth Center on a Celebrity Silhouette cruise, owned by Royal Caribbean Group, that departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Castor was working as a Camp at Sea youth counselor at the time of the sexual contact. An arraignment hearing is scheduled in this matter for tomorrow, Dec. 15. If convicted of the charges contained in the federal indictment, Castor faces up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the charges. FBI Miami investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Royal Caribbean Group security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Pence Tomanelli is handling the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 the PSC initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Anyone with information regarding suspected child abuse (to include physical and sexual abuse) is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. A criminal complaint and an indictment contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-mj-06575 and 23-CR-60234. ###


title: Former Maryland Correctional Officer Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Civil Rights Violations

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced former Correctional Officer Owen Nesmith, age 54, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and to making a false statement, all related to his sexual contact with three victims who were incarcerated at the Maryland Correctional Institution Jessup. The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. According to his guilty plea, Nesmith was employed as a Correctional Officer (“CO”) Lieutenant at Maryland Correctional Institution Jessup (“MCIJ”). Nesmith admitted that from 2005 to 2017, he deprived three incarcerated individuals of their civil rights by sexually assaulting them. Specifically, in February 2005, Nesmith followed Victim 1 back to his cell. No other inmates were present in the housing unit at that time. Nesmith told Victim 1 that he wanted Victim 1 to perform a sex act on Nesmith, which he did. Victim 1 did not consent to this act, which was a deprivation of rights under color of law. As detailed in the plea agreement, in July 2015, Victim 2 needed an identification badge (“ID”) and Nesmith offered to take Victim 2 to the ID office. On the way to the office, Nesmith grabbed Victim 2’s genital area, then shut a gate in the area and told Victim 2 that he needed to conduct a strip search. After removing Victim 2’s pants, Nesmith sexually assaulted Victim 2, causing him pain and bodily injury. Nesmith further admitted that in December 2017, he engaged in a sex act with Victim 3, without his consent, when Victim 3 came to Nesmith’s office to discuss obtaining a job in sanitation. At that time, Nesmith was the acting lieutenant of the building and Victim 3 needed Nesmith’s approval to obtain that job. Finally, Nesmith admitted that when questioned by law enforcement, he falsely stated that he had never had any inappropriate relationships or sexual contact with any inmates while he was at MCIJ. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Katelyn Semales, who are prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms Laws

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – Raesean M. Wilson, age 21, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two charges of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. According to information presented to the court, in March 2022, Wilson was convicted in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas of being a person not to possess firearms, a felony offense. On or about September 21, 2022, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police observed Wilson in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with an extended magazine and 30 rounds of ammunition in the Northview Heights community in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing ammunition. On January 3, 2023, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Wilson for this incident and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On or about January 26, 2023, after being indicted for the previous incident, Wilson was stopped by Pennsylvania State Troopers in downtown Pittsburgh for a moving traffic violation and found to be in possession of a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with an extended magazine and 23 rounds of ammunition. On February 28, 2023, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Wilson for this second firearms offense. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 15 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; Pennsylvania State Police; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and 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: Bronx Woman Convicted At Trial For Laundering Over $2 Million In Funds From Victims Of Romance Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that a jury returned a guilty verdict against NADINE JAZIMNE WADE on all four counts in the Indictment, which contained money laundering and bank fraud charges. The defendant was found guilty following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Nadine Wade used a sham women’s clothing company as a front to launder over $2 million in fraud proceeds on behalf of scam artists in Nigeria and South Africa. The romance scams perpetrated by Wade’s partners were cruel, targeting vulnerable, elderly men and women and tricking them into transferring their life savings to the defendant, who then took her cut and sent the money to other members of the scheme. Money launderers who assist online scammers abroad will be held accountable for their crimes by this Office.” According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial: From in or about 2016 through in or about 2021, co-conspirators of WADE based in Nigeria and South Africa committed a series of romance scams against individuals located across the United States. Those co-conspirators used aliases, including the names “Diego Francisco” and “Richard Francisco” (the “Francisco Alias”), to meet victims on various dating websites. The co-conspirators used online photographs of a male model when providing victims with photos of the Francisco Alias. After engaging in romantic conversations with the victims via phone, text, and email, those co-conspirators, posing as the Francisco Alias, asked victims for money. The reasons why the Francisco Alias needed money varied. In one version of the scheme, the Francisco Alias supposedly worked on an oil rig and needed funds to repair the rig. The Francisco Alias then instructed the victims to transfer funds to bank accounts controlled by WADE and others. The means of transfer also varied. In some cases, for example, the Francisco Alias instructed victims to obtain cashier’s checks made payable to WADE or her shell company and to mail those checks to WADE. WADE received fraud proceeds from victims of the Francisco Alias in personal bank accounts and business bank accounts for her shell company Royal Treasure Chest LLC, a company purportedly involved in, among other things, the sale of women’s clothing and accessories. Once WADE received fraud proceeds, she rapidly depleted her bank accounts of those funds through cash withdrawals, cashier’s checks, and the purchase of vehicles, among other means. After taking her own cut of the money, WADE transferred the bulk of the funds to other members of the scheme. From in or about 2016 through in or about 2021, WADE controlled more than 18 bank accounts that had deposits totaling over $2 million. Most of those deposits consisted of wire transfers and check or cash deposits from U.S.-based individuals who were victims of the romance fraud scam described above. * * * NADINE JAZMINE WADE, 30, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the U.S. Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for their assistance in this investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah F. Fergenson, Matthew J. King, and Dina McLeod are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jayda Foote.


title: Dunlap Felon Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – A Dunlap, Illinois man, Donald L. Yarber, 29, was sentenced on December 13, 2023, to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by a 3 year term of supervised release, for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. At the sentencing hearing before U.S. Senior District Judge Michael M. Mihm, the government provided information that Yarber was the driver of a car stopped by the Peoria Police Department for a traffic violation in July 2023. Police became aware of the unlawful presence of cannabis in the vehicle and, during a search, located a high-capacity magazine loaded with ammunition and a 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number in the passenger area of the car. While booking Yarber at the county jail, officers located a live round of ammunition in his shoe. The ammunition matched that of the ammunition found in Yarber’s car. Based on further examination, the firearm located in Yarber’s car was found to be associated with two prior shooting incidents, one in Chicago in 2021, and another incident in the City of Peoria four days prior to Yarber’s arrest in July 2023. Yarber was indicted in July 2023 and pled guilty in August 2023. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service while his case has been pending. The statutory penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm is up to 15 years imprisonment, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Yarber 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: Maryland Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $2 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for illegally obtaining more than $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Mohamed Kamara, 43, of Greenbelt, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to two counts of an indictment charging him with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Salas imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. “The defendant was sentenced today for submitting falsified applications to the government to obtain business loans to which he was not entitled. These relief programs were set up to provide financial help to Americans who were struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Trying to turn them into a cash machine for personal benefit will only earn you what this defendant got today – a prison sentence.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “Criminals have shown over and over again they will find ways to steal money that isn't theirs in times of crisis, like a hurricane, war, and in this case COVID,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “Kamara admitted he lied when applying for federal loans meant for struggling business owners who were forced to close their doors during the height of the pandemic. Fraudsters should stop assuming with so much red tape, and so much money being offered that they won't get caught. We found Kamara, and we'll continue to find others who thought the same thing.” According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: From March 2020 to October 2020, Kamara and others made fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) using information belonging to other individuals and entities without their knowledge and consent. They also opened bank accounts using fraudulent documents. Kamara and his conspirators caused the SBA to grant fraudulent applications and send the proceeds of those loans to the fraudulent bank accounts by wire communication. Kamara then deposited or attempted to deposit checks from fraudulent bank accounts into a bank account in his name. Kamara and his conspirators fraudulent EIDL applications caused the SBA to provide more than $750,000 in EIDLs. From January 2020 to September 2020, Kamara also submitted fraudulent applications to the state of New Jersey and six other states for unemployment insurance benefits using the names, dates of birth, and/or Social Security numbers of other individuals. The states provided more than $1 million, including funds to an account Kamara controlled, in response to these fraudulent applications. In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Mohamed to three 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, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Jonathan Mellone in New York, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the FBI Baltimore Field Office; the Small Business Administration, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development for their assistance. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.