title: Former Healthcare Executive Director Indicted for Mail Fraud

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kevin Harrington, age 50, of Oneonta, New York, was arraigned yesterday on a federal indictment charging him with two counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced. According to the indictment, Harrington was formally the executive director at First Community Care of Bassett, LLC (an affiliate of the Bassett Healthcare Network). During the course of his employment, Harrington submitted fraudulent expense reports seeking reimbursement for the purchase of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. As part of the scheme, Harrington provided invoices to his employer that falsely claimed he had paid thousands of dollars for medical equipment when no such equipment was ever purchased. Unaware that the invoices were fraudulent, First Community Care of Bassett issued and mailed checks to Harrington for reimbursement. The charges filed against Harrington carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting the case.


title: Schenectady Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Exploitation

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas Ullman, age 47, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. In previously pleading guilty, Ullman admitted that from at least March 2020 through June 16, 2021, he used the Internet to access a teen dating website, pretend to be a teenage boy, and persuade girls to communicate with him through video chat and messaging. Ullman admitted that he instructed the girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct during those chats, including a then-15-year-old girl. Ullman further admitted that he engaged in the same conduct with girls as young as 13. United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also sentenced Ullman to serve 15 years of post-imprisonment supervised release and ordered him to pay $5,000 in restitution to a victim. Ullman will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Rotterdam Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Iraqi Citizen Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal Officers

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Israa Sultan, age 43, of New York, New York, pled guilty today to making a false statement to federal authorities. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Port Director Timothy Walker of the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), made the announcement. On December 8, 2023, Sultan—an Iraqi national lawfully present in the United States—attempted to cross from New York into Canada using a United States passport. Canadian authorities refused to grant entry to Sultan, and they turned her over to CBP. Sultan falsely told a CBP Officer that she was the person depicted in the passport. When CBP searched Sultan, they recovered approximately 20 grams of cocaine. Sultan faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, when she is sentenced on July 26, 2024. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. CBP investigated this case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.


title: Charlotte Man Charged With Falsely Impersonating A Federal Officer

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A newly-unsealed criminal indictment charges William Mohr Eubank, 37, of Charlotte, with multiple counts of falsely impersonating a federal officer, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The indictment was returned on March 19, 2024, and was unsealed upon Eubank’s initial court appearance. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Kyle Burns, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to allegations in the indictment, between 2021 and 2024, Eubank falsely claimed to be a federal law enforcement officer on multiple occasions. Specifically, in April 14, 2021, Eubank purported to be a U.S. Department of Justice law enforcement officer working on a Joint Counterterrorism Task Force in order to obtain a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe outfitted with law enforcement emergency lights, siren, console, and partition push bar. The indictment further alleges that, on May 19, 2021, Eubank falsely claimed to be the Deputy Director of the Community Emergency Response Team for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and made false statements to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) in order to obtain CMPD radio codes for his handheld radio and his “DHS-issued” Chevrolet Tahoe. The indictment also alleges that, on January 21, 2024, Eubank pretended to be a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations and made false statements to Sugar Mountain police officers about working with and for various federal law enforcement agencies. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Eubank had his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Charlotte. U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez ordered that Eubank remain in custody until his detention hearing. U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and HSI for their investigation of the case and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Sugar Mountain Police Department, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.


title: Gastonia Woman Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud For COVID-19 Scheme

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Gastonia, N.C., woman pleaded guilty today to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining $125,317 in COVID-19 pandemic relief loans, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Kelly Bree Mosley, 48, entered her guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. According to plea documents and today’s court hearing, between May 2020, and April 2021, Mosley used false information to apply for loans from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). To obtain the loans, Mosley submitted applications on behalf of fictitious event planning businesses and in her own name that contained materially false information, including gross revenues, payroll expenses, number of employees, and operational costs and expenditures. Each time Mosley submitted an application, she certified under the penalty of perjury that the information was true and correct, and that Mosley would use the funds as directed by the EIDL and PPP programs. Based on the fraudulent applications, Mosley received approximately $125,317 in COVID-19 relief funds. Contrary to her claims, Mosley used the funds from the PPP and EIDL programs to pay her personal bills, invest in foreign currency, and to pay for plastic surgery, such as liposuction. Mosley is currently released on bond. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine Mosley’s sentence at a later time, after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Two Honduran Nationals Sentenced To Years In Prison For Selling Drugs In San Francisco

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Two defendants in separate cases have been sentenced to multi-year prison terms for selling or intending to sell drugs in the Bay Area, including in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. Marcos Carcamo, 25, a Honduran national who was living in Oakland, was sentenced to 48 months in prison following his conviction in December 2023 on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Carcamo’s sentence was imposed by the Hon. Jacqueline Scott Corley, United States District Judge. Raul Alexander Guisa-Ortega, 25, also a Honduran national who was living in Oakland, was sentenced to 36 months in prison following his conviction in December 2023 on a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Guisa-Ortega’s sentence was imposed by the Hon. Susan Illston, Senior United States District Judge. At sentencing, Carcamo admitted he possessed approximately 1.77 kilograms—that is, almost four pounds—of fentanyl, along with a lesser quantity of cocaine, all of which he intended to sell, when he was arrested in San Francisco on August 9, 2023. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Carcamo admitted he mixed fentanyl with cutting agents at his residence in Oakland and that he traveled from Oakland to San Francisco four or five times per week to sell drugs. In a search of Carcamo’s residence, which he shared with his brother, officers seized, among other things, additional suspected drugs, including methamphetamine and heroin; a firearm and ammunition; a pill press and materials for mixing drugs; and almost $59,000 in cash. According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Guisa-Ortega—who has three prior convictions, including one federal conviction, for selling drugs in the Tenderloin—sold drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer three times in August 2023. When officers arrested Guisa-Ortega on August 31, 2023, he admitted that he sold fentanyl, which he said he knew was often deadly. Officers found more drugs hidden in Guisa-Ortega’s car and in his house, both of which they searched following his arrest. In addition to sentencing Carcamo and Guisa-Ortega to prison, Judges Corley and Illston ordered both defendants to serve three years of supervised release to begin after their prison terms are completed. Carcamo was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 25, 2023, and has been in federal custody since October 6, 2023. Guisa-Ortega was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 26, 2023, and was remanded into custody following his sentencing last week. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Yeh is prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Laurie Worthen and Jessie Chelsea. These prosecutions are the result of investigations by the San Francisco Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and California Highway Patrol.


title: Oakland Resident Sentenced To One Year In Prison For Attempting To Illegally Export Firearms And Night Vision Rifle Scopes To The Sultanate Of Oman

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO –Fares Abdo Al Eyani was sentenced to twelve months and a day in prison for conspiring to export defense articles and attempting to export defense articles. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer, Senior United States District Judge. “Enforcing the nation’s export laws is an important objective for my Office,” said United States Attorney Ismail Ramsey, “because controlling our ports prevents the proliferation of weapons, protects our national security, furthers our foreign policy, and maintains our business competitiveness.” “The illicit export of weapons overseas will not be tolerated by the FBI, and anyone attempting to do so will be held accountable,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Our office, along with our federal law enforcement partners, are committed to protecting our U.S. technology and citizens from anyone who tries to evade our laws and threaten our national security.” “The sentencing of El Anayi for attempting to illegally export firearms and night vision rifle scopes to The Sultanate of Oman underscores the serious ramifications for international arms trafficking. Such actions not only pose significant risks to national security but also contribute to destabilizing regions and potentially fueling conflicts. It's crucial for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and prosecute individuals involved in such activities to prevent the illicit proliferation of weapons and technology. This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating arms trafficking and enforcing export control regulations. Justice has been served with the hard work and dedication of HSI, and partner organizations FBI, CBP Office of Field Operations San Francisco, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office San Francisco, and the Department of Justice National Security Division,” said San Francisco Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “Export controls exist to protect the security of the United States and its people,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp of the San Francisco Division. “Fares Abdo Al Eyani tried to move deadly weapons of war into a foreign country, and his actions had the potential to undermine U.S. foreign policy in a dangerously reckless manner. The FBI and our partners are committed to aggressive investigations that will keep U.S. citizens and interests safe both here and abroad.” According to court documents, Al Eyani, 41, of Oakland, acquired no less than four firearms, with magazines and ammunition, and at least 44 rifle scopes, monoculars, and goggles with night vision capabilities in 2019. In November 2019, Al Eyani attempted to send the firearms to the Sultanate of Oman in shipping containers departing from the Port of Oakland. He concealed the firearms by disassembling them, wrapping them in aluminum foil, and then secreting them within automobiles inside the shipping container. Then, in December 2019, Al Eyani attempted to export the 44 rifle scopes, monoculars, and goggles to the Sultanate of Oman in two shipping containers departing from the Port of Oakland. Law enforcement searched the containers and seized the firearms, the magazines, and the ammunition, as well as the 44 rifle scopes, monoculars, and goggles with night vision capabilities. These actions thwarted Al Eyani’s unlawful scheme. The commercial export of arms, ammunitions, implements of war and defense articles and services from the United States is governed by the Arms Export Control Act (“AECA”), 22 U.S.C. § 2778, and its attendant regulations, the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”), 22 C.F.R. §§ 120-130. The AECA authorizes the President, among other things, to control the export of “defense articles” deemed critical to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. The AECA also authorizes the President to designate goods as “defense articles,” require licenses for the export of such articles, and promulgate regulations for the export of such articles. By executive order, the President has delegated this authority to the United States Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”). Accordingly, the DDTC has promulgated regulations under the AECA, known as the ITAR. The ITAR defines a “defense article” as any item on the United States Munitions List (“USML”). Persons desiring to export items on the USML from the United States to a place overseas must first register with the DDTC and obtain individual export licenses prior to any shipment abroad. Court documents establish that the four firearms, the magazines, and the ammunition, as well as at least seven of the night-vision rifle scopes, were defense articles prohibited from export without a license by the AECA and the ITAR. Al Eyani did not have a license to export the defense articles. In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer ordered Al Eyani to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. In a separate sentencing, Al Eyani’s wife, Saba Mohsen Dhaifallah, 42 and also a resident of Oakland, was sentenced to three years of probation for making false statements to Federal Bureau of Investigation special agents during the investigation of this matter, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Her sentence was also imposed by Judge Breyer. The National Security and Cybercrime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is prosecuting the case in consultation with the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Customs and Border Protection.


title: Fort Wayne Man Convicted at Trial of Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

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

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Kendrick D. Bates, 39 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty of three drug trafficking offenses and one firearm offense late last night following a four-day jury trial, presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Fort Wayne Police Department, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, the Fort Wayne Police Laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Teresa L Ashcraft. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was also 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: Drug Conspiracies Spanning from about May 2020 to about May 2023 that Involved Over 35 Kilograms of Methamphetamine and other drugs from Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California to Northwest Iowa have been Dismantled

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: 12 persons were federally indicted in the Northern District of Iowa, 11 of whom were convicted by plea or trial and sentenced, namely: Jeffrey Linn (Cherokee, IA), 34 months’ imprisonment Dustin Martinez (Sutherland, IA), 87 months’ imprisonment Jason Werner (Cherokee, IA), 28 months’ imprisonment Lauretta Payce (Fontana, CA), 64 months’ imprisonment Christina Gianopoulos-Rohrer (Henderson, NV), 47 months’ imprisonment James Conlan (Las Vegas, NV), 100 months’ imprisonment Andrea Romo (Gardena, CA), 240 months’ imprisonment Carl Thompson (Larrabee, IA), 45 months’ imprisonment Craig Miller (Cherokee, IA), 36 months’ imprisonment Lenora Jennings (Las Vegas, NV), 3 years’ probation Sabrina Bradley (Pahrump, NV), 42 months’ imprisonment Jerilynn Wilson (Las Vegas, NV), Acquitted Two persons were charged and convicted in Nevada State District Court, namely: Robert Randall (Encino, CA) and Robert Allen (Sylmar, CA). Two persons have been charged in Kansas State District Court, namely: Ricky Lincoln (Tucson, AZ) and Keven Jones (Tucson, AZ). Two remaining federal targets of these conspiracies continue to be investigated. Over the course of the multi-jurisdictional investigation, various law enforcement agencies seized 46 pounds methamphetamine, ½ pound fentanyl (pills), ½ pound heroin and a firearm. Various defendants in the conspiracy, namely Martinez, Gianoplous-Rohrer, Payce, Thompson, Werner, Linn, Bradley, and Conlan also admitted to their involvement in the distribution of at least 30 more pounds of methamphetamine over about the same conspiracy time frame. In the Northern District of Iowa, the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and USAO for NDIA assisted by the; Tri-State DEA Drug Task Force, USPIS, Cherokee Police Department, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, FBI Las Vegas, Southern Nevada High Impact Narcotics Task Force, Colorado State Patrol, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation HSI and USMS. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file numbers are 22-4066; 22-4049; 21-4032; and 22-4002. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Felon Who Possessed Ghost Gun Sentenced to Prison

body_text: A man who possessed a ghost gun, a rifle, and high-capacity magazines was sentenced on March 28, 2024, to more than one year in federal prison. John Wayne Brooks, age 62, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 21, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Information from a plea agreement and sentencing showed that Marion police officers executed a search warrant at Brooks’s residence on January 25, 2022. Officers found a Polymer80 Inc. PF94c, 9mm caliber pistol without a serial number, a type of firearm known as a “ghost gun,” under a pillow on Brooks’s bed. They also found a 9mm fifty-round drum magazine, two 9mm thirty-round magazines, and a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, .22 caliber rifle in Brooks’s bedroom. Brooks was convicted of a felony narcotics offense in Illinois in 1999. Brooks was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Brooks was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Brooks is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Marion Police Department and the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-53. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Two Plead Guilty in Spree of Approximately Three Dozen Gunpoint ‘Hobbs Act’ Robberies and Attempted Robberies in the District and Maryland

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Stephon Harrigan, 30, and Tavarus Thompson, 30, pleaded guilty this week to their roles in a 2022 spree of approximately three dozen armed robberies and attempted robberies of various commercial establishments, including gas stations, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, checking cashing businesses, and liquor stores in the District and suburban Maryland. The pleas were announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Harrigan pleaded guilty on Monday, March 25, 2024, and Thompson pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (also known as Hobbs Act robbery) and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence before U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton in Washington D.C. Judge Walton scheduled Harrigan’s sentencing for August 1, 2024, and Thompson’s for June 19, 2024. Harrigan’s brother, Aaron Harrigan, 28, pleaded guilty on October 3, 2023, to a charge of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery for his participation in four of the robberies. Aaron Harrigan was sentenced to 87 months in prison on September 25, 2023. According to court documents, the spree began on January 12, 2022, with the gunpoint robbery of a gas station on 18 th Street, NE, Washington, D.C. It ended on March 6, 2022, when law enforcement stopped a stolen car at the intersection of 1 st Street and Gallatin Street, NW, and its occupants fled on foot. Stephon Harrigan forced his way into a woman’s vehicle and ordered her to drive him away, but the car collided with an unmarked MPD vehicle. Law enforcement then arrested him. In the interim, Stephon Harrigan and/or Tavarus Thompson, along with, at times, other individuals, entered an additional 34 establishments while armed with at least one firearm. In general, they brandished at least one firearm and demanded money. They generally obtained money or other property of the establishments, as well as, at times, property belonging to individuals in the establishments.  On March 6, 2022, police captured Stephon Harrigan. Tavarus Thompson was arrested in South Carolina on March 18, 2022, and Aaron Harrigan was arrested on March 29, 2022. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina Field Office, and the Mount Rainier, Maryland; Prince George’s County, Maryland; and Montgomery County, Maryland Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Eppel of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Kinskey and Andrea Duvall, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Fletcher.


title: Inmate Sentenced To 15 Years For Federal Carjacking During Escape

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Preston Shawn Whittington, age 28, of Waurika, Oklahoma, was sentenced to a statutory maximum sentence of 180 months in prison for Carjacking. The charges arose from investigations by the McAlester Police Department, the Davis Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On May 31, 2023, Whittington pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, Whittington was an inmate at the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester, Oklahoma, serving a state sentence for kidnapping. On March 30, 2021, Whittington assaulted the victim, stole the victim’s vehicle, and escaped. During the assault, Whittington threatened to kill the victim. Officers with the Davis Police Department later spotted the victim’s vehicle at a local gas station with Whittington inside. Whittington led police on a high speed chase, exceeding speeds of 100 mph before crashing the victim’s vehicle and fleeing on foot. Whittington stole a second vehicle before being captured in Wichita Falls, Texas, one day after his escape from prison. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Whittington will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. First Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.


title: Wilburton Couple Sentenced For Role In Murder-For-Hire Scheme

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Courtney Nicole Deatherage, age 28, and Dustin Keith Deatherage, 27, both of Wilburton, Oklahoma, were sentenced for their roles in a murder-for-hire plot. On March 27, 2024, Courtney Deatherage was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Use of Interstate Facility in Murder-for-Hire, and Dustin Deatherage was sentenced to 97 months in prison for one count of Use of Interstate Facility in Murder-for-Hire. The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Latimer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilburton Police Department. In July of 2023, the Deatherages each pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 21, 2021, Courtney Deatherage contacted an individual to request a murder-for-hire and to negotiate terms. Over text messages, Courtney Deatherage specified the target, gave instructions, and agreed to an upfront fee, with the same amount to be paid out after the murder. On January 22, 2021, Courtney and Dustin met in person with the individual they believed they were hiring to perform the murder, paid a down payment on the contract, and produced a loaded 12-guage shotgun to be used in the murder. Courtney and Dustin Deatherage were arrested by law enforcement shortly after completing their transaction, and the target of the murder-for-hire plot was unharmed. United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson commended the OSBI and local law enforcement for their work in uncovering the defendants’ scheme. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. The Deatherages will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan represented the United States.


title: Alabama Resident Sentenced To 30 Years For Aggravated Sexual Abuse

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Dennis Hebert, age 39, of Phenix City, Alabama, was sentenced to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. On May 17, 2023, Hebert was found guilty of the charge by a federal jury. The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on July 21, 2021, Hebert engaged in a sexual act with a minor victim who had not reached 10 years of age. The United States also presented evidence that Hebert had previously sexually abused another child under the age of 10. The crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Hebert will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.


title: Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty To Arson

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Aaron Welch Earley, age 41, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Arson in Indian Country. On March 14, 2023, Earley intentionally and maliciously set fire to and burned down a family home in Westville, Oklahoma. The total reported loss exceeded $100,000. The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Jason. A Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Earley was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Virginia Man Charged for Attempted Church Shooting

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Rui Jiang, 35, of Falls Church, Virginia, with attempting to obstruct the congregants of the Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia, in the free exercise of their religious beliefs. The indictment charged that his attempted act involved a dangerous weapon and an attempt to kill, and included both a threats count and a firearms violation. According to court documents, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023. On the morning of Sept. 24, 2023, police began searching for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call about his online posts. Police officers located Jiang at the front entrance to the Park Valley Church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun and two full magazines of ammunition. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered five copies of a letter, each signed, which read in part, “To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do. May your tears not be cried in vain, but to celebrate how your loved ones had lived.” Jiang was arrested and detained by state authorities on Sept. 24, 2023. If convicted of all counts, Jiang faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of FBI Washington Field Office, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth for Prince William County, Virginia, made the announcement. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Prince William County, Virginia, and Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


title: Baltimore Woman Admits to Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniela Marie Giancoli, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to supplying fentanyl to dealers in West Virginia. Giancoli pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Giancoli supplied large amounts of fentanyl to dealers in Grant County and elsewhere. Nearly 9,000 fentanyl pills, weighing more than two kilograms, were found during the investigation. Giancoli and Michael Matthews, co-defendant, worked together out of their Baltimore apartment to sell drugs to more than 10 dealers in the area. Giancoli is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Matthews pled guilty in 2023 and will be sentenced in April. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Samuel Bankman-Fried Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General of the United States; and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, announced that SAMUEL BANKMAN-FRIED, a/k/a “SBF,” was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for his orchestration of multiple fraudulent schemes. The defendant, who was the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and the cryptocurrency trading firm Alameda Research, misappropriated billions of dollars of customer funds deposited with FTX, defrauded investors in FTX of more than $1.7 billion, and defrauded lenders to Alameda of more than $1.3 billion. BANKMAN-FRIED was previously found guilty on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit commodities fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering following a one-month trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who imposed today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Samuel Bankman-Fried orchestrated one of the largest financial frauds in history, stealing over $8 billion of his customers’ money. His deliberate and ongoing lies demonstrated a brazen disregard for customers’ expectations and disrespect for the rule of law, all so that he could secretly use his customers’ money to expand his own power and influence. The scale of his crimes is measured not just by the amount of money that was stolen, but by the extraordinary harm caused to victims, who in some cases had their life savings wiped out overnight. As a result of his unprecedented fraud, Bankman-Fried faces 25 years in prison and forfeiture of over $11 billion. Today’s sentence will prevent the defendant from ever again committing fraud and is an important message to others who might be tempted to engage in financial crimes that justice will be swift, and the consequences will be severe.” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “There are serious consequences for defrauding customers and investors. Anyone who believes they can hide their financial crimes behind wealth and power, or behind a shiny new thing they claim no one else is smart enough to understand, should think twice. I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI for their outstanding work in bringing Mr. Bankman-Fried to justice.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Sam Bankman-Fried was justly sentenced to significant time behind bars for his multibillion-dollar defrauding of FTX customers. The FBI will remain relentless in our efforts to ensure the perpetrators of fraud—no matter the nature—face appropriate punishment in the criminal justice system.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, the evidence offered at trial, and matters included in public filings: BANKMAN-FRIED was the founder and chief executive officer of FTX, an international cryptocurrency exchange. From 2019 to 2022, BANKMAN-FRIED was the leader and mastermind of a scheme to defraud customers of FTX by misappropriating billions of dollars of those customers’ funds. BANKMAN-FRIED took FTX customer funds for his personal use, to make investments and millions of dollars of political contributions to candidates from both parties, and to repay billions of dollars in loans owed by Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading fund that BANKMAN-FRIED also founded. BANKMAN-FRIED also defrauded lenders to Alameda and equity investors in FTX by providing them false and misleading financial information that concealed his misuse of customer deposits. BANKMAN-FRIED repeatedly told his customers, his investors, and the public that customer deposits into FTX were kept safe and were held in custody for the customers, that customer deposits were kept separate from company assets, and that customer deposits would not be used by FTX. He also repeatedly claimed that his trading company, Alameda, did not have any privileged access to FTX and did not receive special treatment from FTX. Those statements were false, and BANKMAN-FRIED in fact channeled billions of dollars in customer deposits from FTX to Alameda, and then used those funds to make investments for his own benefit, to make political contributions, and to spend on real estate, among other expenditures. He employed a variety of fraudulent means to perpetrate this fraud. For instance, BANKMAN-FRIED directed co-conspirators to alter FTX’s computer code to allow Alameda to withdraw effectively unlimited amounts of cryptocurrency from the exchange and made false statements to financial institutions to conceal his misuse of customer dollar deposits. He also directed the creation of false financial statements for Alameda’s lenders, inflated FTX’s revenues and profits in numbers provided to investors, and backdated contracts and other documents to conceal his fraudulent conduct. * * * In addition to the prison term, BANKMAN-FRIED, 32, of Stanford, California, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and over $11 billion in forfeiture. Judge Kaplan authorized the Government to use the funds recovered through the forfeiture process to provide compensation to victims of BANKMAN-FRIED’s crimes. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, with assistance from the Office’s Illicit Finance & Money Laundering and Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Roos, Danielle Sassoon, Samuel Raymond, Thane Rehn, and Danielle Kudla are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Fresh Express Abandons Proposed Acquisition of Dole’s Packaged Salad Business in Response to Antitrust Division’s Concerns

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, Fresh Express Acquisition LLC’s, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chiquita Holdings Limited (Chiquita), announced its decision to abandon its proposed $308 million acquisition of Dole plc’s Fresh Vegetables division. The abandonment comes in response to the department’s concerns about competition in the packaged salad market. The Justice Department issued the following statement from Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division: “At a time when food companies are already overcharging Americans for groceries, today’s abandonment preserves lower prices and availability for an essential kitchen staple. This merger would have reduced the number of competitors from three to two and raised grocery prices for food products that are purchased by 85% of American households. I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the Antitrust Division’s lawyers, economists, paralegals and professional staff who made this result possible.” Packaged salad represents $3.2 billion in spending by grocers and their customers each year.


title: Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Robbing Danville Food Lion

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A former Danville Food Lion employee, who pulled a gun on a Food Lion cashier and robbed the store of more than $1,200 in cash, pled guilty yesterday to federal charges. Christopher Rashard Harris, 30, pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery. According to court documents, on June 28, 2023, Harris entered the Food Lion grocery store where he used to be employed, placed two bags of Cheetos on the counter, and gave the cashier a $1 bill and some change. When the cashier opened the register, Harris pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the cashier, and said, “back the fu*k up.” The cashier put his hands up and backed away from the register while Harris grabbed the entire cash drawer and ran out with the contents, approximately $1,217. On July 6, 2023, law enforcement arrested Harris who confessed to robbing the store and described where he had abandoned the cash drawer, which was later recovered. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Craig B. Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Scheff is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Justice Department Announces Organizational Assessment of North Miami Police Department under Office of Community Oriented Policing Services’ Collaborative Reform Initiative

component: Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

body_text: The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced that it will conduct an organizational assessment of the North Miami Police Department through its Collaborative Reform Initiative. Over approximately the next year, the North Miami Police Department will work with the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform Initiative Team to focus on: Crime Prevention and Analysis Community Engagement Technology Employee Wellness, Training and Development, and Retention Resource Analysis and Strategic Planning Oversight and Accountability “The Collaborative Reform Initiative is an important vehicle for law enforcement agencies that want to improve how they operate and how they work with their communities,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “The Organizational Assessment process is the most intensive form of review and support we offer under this program, and credit goes to the North Miami Police Department for requesting this assistance.” “This is a completely voluntary program, and it is always a significant step when a law enforcement executive asks for this type of review,” said Director Hugh T. Clements, Jr of the COPS Office. “We applaud Chief Cherise Gause for making this request. It is not just the agency that benefits from this type of work, but the entire community will reap the benefits of this in-depth examination.” Regular updates on the team’s work with the North Miami Police Department will be provided as part of the transparency and public accountability of this new organizational assessment effort at cops.usdoj.gov/active-oa-site-north-miami-fl-police-department . The Collaborative Reform Initiative encompasses three programs offering expert services to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies: the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, Critical Response, and Organizational Assessment programs (complete details of these programs can be found at cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform ). Managed out of the COPS Office, this continuum of services is designed to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness; enhance officer safety and wellness; build agencies’ capacity for organizational learning and self-improvement; and promote community policing practices nationwide. The Organizational Assessment program provides the most intensive form of technical assistance on the continuum, involving in-depth assessments and long-term assistance on systemic issues that can challenge community trust and confidence. A continual assessment and implementation process ensures that time and resources are used to focus on identifying areas for improvement, reinforcing agency strengths, and assisting with the implementation of improvements expeditiously. At the same time, the process provides transparency and accountability with routine public reporting. Each engagement will be supported by a multidisciplinary assessment team composed of subject matter experts with diverse experience and perspectives including in law enforcement, community engagement, research and evaluation, program management, and organizational reform. The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.


title: Arizona Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man faces federal charges for engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of 12 over a seven-year period. Cedric Martinez , 30, of Round Rock, Arizona, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court for an initial appearance where the Court temporarily detained him pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for March 27, 2024. The indictment alleges that between May 2009 and May 2012, Martinez engaged in sexual acts with a child who had not yet reached the age of 12 years. It further alleges that between May 2012 and May 2016, Martinez engaged in sexual acts with a child who had attained the age of 12 years, but had not attained the age of 16, by using force, threats, and instilling fear. Martinez is charged with five counts of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, Martinez faces a minimum sentence of 30 years up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Meg Tomlinson are prosecuting the case. View the Indictment An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Justice Department Continues Efforts to Stop Unlawful Tax Return Preparers

component: Tax Division

body_text: The Justice Department today urged taxpayers to choose their return preparers wisely as the April 15 federal tax filing deadline approaches. Unscrupulous preparers who include errors or false information on a tax return could leave a taxpayer open to liability for unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. “Taxpayers must look out for unscrupulous preparers, who often will promise refunds that are too good to be true,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “If your tax preparer asks you to sign a blank return, refuses to sign your return as your preparer or fails to give you a copy of your return, consult the IRS’s website to make sure that you are not exposing yourself to trouble. Taxpayers are responsible for the information on their tax return, so it is important to choose a tax professional that you trust to prepare your returns correctly.” “Tax preparers contemplating filing false returns for their customers should know that our criminal prosecutors are prepared for the filing season too,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “As the division’s work this past year reflects, we have the expertise and resources to identify and hold preparers fully accountable for their criminal conduct.” Over the last year, the Tax Division has worked with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country to bring civil and criminal actions against dishonest tax preparers. These actions seek criminal penalties and civil injunctions to stop ongoing fraud, civil penalties or disgorgement of ill-gotten proceeds. The Justice Department’s message has been clear: those who prepare fraudulent returns will face serious and lasting consequences. Examples of civil injunctions obtained by the Tax Division over the last and current filing seasons include: On March 2, 2023, a federal district court in the Southern District of Florida permanently barred Rudy Aly, Rhonda Hudge, Cindy Odige and TUPS Tax LLC from preparing tax returns for others or owning or operating a tax preparation business. The court also ordered Aly to disgorge approximately $400,000 in proceeds he received from preparing tax returns from 2018 to 2020. The court ordered Hudge to pay about $15,000 and Odige and TUPS Tax to pay $48,000 based on their settlement agreements with the United States. On May 17, 2023, a federal district court in the Eastern District of New York permanently barred Melida Portorreal individually and through her business, International Travel Multi & Tax Corp., from preparing returns for others and from owning or operating a tax return preparation business in the future. The government alleged that Portorreal prepared tax returns claiming fabricated business income and expenses, as well as various false tax deductions and false non-deductible expenses for her customers to receive the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit. The government estimated that Portorreal’s actions caused losses to the United States exceeding $3 million over a three-year period. On Sept. 1, 2023, a federal court in the Southern District of Texas permanently enjoined a Galveston-area tax preparer Johnathan Perry, doing business as X-Pert Taxes, from preparing tax returns or assisting or directing the preparation or filing of tax returns. The complaint says that Perry, over a six-year period, prepared over 4,000 tax returns that greatly overstated his customers’ tax refunds by claiming fictitious business income and expenses, fabricated household help income and fake education credits or fuel tax credits to which his customers were not entitled. The court also ordered Perry to pay around $325,000 to the United States in ill-gotten tax preparation fees. The Tax Division has also sought to strip fraudulent preparers of ill-gotten gains and to hold in contempt those who attempt to flout court-ordered restraints on further fraudulent activity. Over the last year, the division has brought cases to court including: On March 22, 2023, a federal district court in the Southern District of Florida held that Jeffrey Cadet violated a permanent injunction entered against him in August 2019 that barred him from acting as a federal tax return preparer or requesting, assisting in or directing the preparation or filing of federal tax returns for others. To remedy his contempt, the court ordered Cadet to disgorge $24,410 in ill-gotten fees he received for conduct violating the injunction and ordered him to pay the United States about $7,400 in reimbursement for the attorneys’ fees incurred in investigating and litigating his post-injunction conduct. On May 11, 2023, a federal court for the Southern District of Texas permanently barred Houston-area tax return preparer Hollins Ray Alexander from preparing tax returns for others and from owning, operating or franchising any tax return preparation business in the future. The terms of injunction required Alexander to send notices of the injunction to each person for whom he prepared tax returns and to post the injunction in places he conducts business, including social media accounts and websites. Finally, the court ordered Alexander to pay $165,940 to the United States in illicitly obtained tax preparation fees. On July 11, 2023, federal court in the Southern District of Florida found Rose M. Chazulle in contempt for violating the injunction that bars her from preparing tax returns. The court found that Chazulle continued to prepare tax returns despite the court’s order entered in 2016 prohibiting her from doing so by using the personal tax identification numbers (PTIN) assigned to her daughter and brother-in-law and electronic filing identification numbers (EFINs) associated with their businesses. As a contempt sanction, the court ordered Chazulle to disgorge $48,100 in tax preparation fees she earned in violation of the injunction. Criminal convictions against fraudulent preparers obtained by the Tax Division since the 2023 filing season began include: In February 2023, Thanh Ngoc Rudin and Seir Havana of California were sentenced to 34 months and 42 months in prison, respectively, for their role in a conspiracy to prepare and file false tax returns for professional athletes. Both were also ordered to pay over $38 million in restitution to the United States. In March 2023, Labanda Lody and Jaleesia Sais, Texas return preparers, were sentenced to over four and three years in prison, respectively, for their role in preparing and filing false tax returns on behalf of clients of their return preparation business. Lody and Sais were both ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution to the United States. In August 2023, Georgina Gonzalez, formerly a Miami-based return preparer, was sentenced to over three years in prison for her role in filing false tax returns that claimed false losses and tax credits on behalf of clients. She was also ordered to pay $423,917 in restitution to the United States. In November 2023, Adam Earnest, Christopher Randell and James Klish, return preparers in Jackson, Mississippi, were found guilty for their role in conspiring to file thousands of false income tax returns on behalf of customers of the tax return preparation business where they worked. For their conduct, Earnest was sentenced to more than eight years, Klish more than four years, and Wells to 15 months in prison for their role in a conspiracy to prepare and file false tax returns for their customers. In December 2023, Ronald Eugene Watson, a Maryland return preparer, was sentenced to over two years in prison for filing false returns for clients. He was also ordered to pay $268,634 in restitution to the United States. The Tax Division reminds taxpayers that the IRS has information, tips and reminders on its site for choosing a tax preparer carefully ( Choosing a Tax Professional and How to Choose a Tax Return Preparer ) and has launched a free directory of credentialed federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers taxpayers tips to protect their identities and wallets when filing their taxes. In addition, IRS Free File , a public-private partnership, offers free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner websites for individuals whose adjusted gross income is under $79,000. For individuals whose income is over that threshold, IRS Free File offers electronic federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free. The IRS has tips on how seniors and individuals with low to moderate income can get other help or guidance on tax return preparation, too. In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained civil injunctions and criminal convictions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.


title: Zuni Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Contact of a Minor

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A federal judge handed down an eight-year prison sentence to a Zuni man after he pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. Upon his release from prison, Phillip Edward Lahi, Sr. , 72, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, will be subject to five years of supervised release with standard sex-offender-specific conditions, and must register as a sex offender. Lahi, Sr. must also pay a fine of $83,400.00 to offset the costs associated with his incarceration and supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to publicly available court records, between November and December of 2021, Lahi, Sr. engaged in sexual contact with Jane Doe, a child relative under the age of 12. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC. # # #


title: Peoria Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a man from Peoria, Illinois, to spend 10 years in prison after he traveled to southern Illinois to engage in sexual activity with a purported minor. Mitch M. Titus, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor on Dec. 14, 2023. “This federal prison sentence reflects the serious threat the defendant could have had on an actual minor, who luckily in this case was purported,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Illinois State Police are working in lockstep to prosecute minor enticement cases and apprehend those intent on victimizing children.” According to documents and evidence presented during court hearings, Titus responded to a forum on social media posted by an undercover detective with the Illinois State Police posing as an inexperienced minor. Titus had sexually explicit conversations with who he believed to be a 14-year-old minor from September 27 through October 4, 2022. “Preying on youth is a diabolical crime and ISP is relentless when it comes to investigating predators,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Through our partnerships with our prosecutorial partners at all levels, and training with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, we will continue to identify child predators and successfully bring them to justice." As the conversation progressed, Titus arranged to meet the purported minor in Carbondale, where instead law enforcement was waiting and detained him. The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Bloodworth prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.


title: Robeson County Murder Suspect Accused of Shooting Sheriff’s Deputies Charged in Five Count Federal Indictment

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County murder suspect accused of shooting two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies now faces five federal charges including one drug trafficking charge, three charges related to firearms, including possession of a machine gun, and carjacking with intent to cause serious bodily injury. The carjacking charge was included in a previous criminal complaint . Shawn Tobin Locklear, Jr., age 20, faces a minimum of 40 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted of all crimes. “Violence towards law enforcement will never be tolerated in North Carolina. We will use every resource necessary to hold accountable anyone who endangers police or first responders,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The conduct alleged in the indictment endangered the lives of two Robeson County Deputies and this indictment should serve as a warning to anyone who would consider similar conduct.” According to the indictment, Locklear is alleged to have possessed marijuana, and a machine gun in September of 2023. The indictment and previous complaint further allege that Locklear shot and injured two Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on him. After being struck by gunfire, both deputies took cover behind their patrol car. Locklear is then alleged to have entered the driver’s side of the patrol car and put the car into reverse as one deputy was located on the ground behind the patrol vehicle. The deputy was able to push himself partially out of the way before Locklear drove over his leg with the car. Locklear was able to drive away in the patrol vehicle and fled the scene. The incident was captured on the deputies’ body cameras. Locklear is also alleged to have discharged a firearm on the date of the carjacking. Locklear faces the following federal charge: Possession with intent to distribute marijuana; Possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Possession of a machinegun; Carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury; and Discharging a firearm in conjunction with a crime of violence. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Foxx and Robert Dodson are prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.7:24-cr-00033-FL-BM. A criminal indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. ###


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Directing a Scheme to Steal Diesel Fuel from Gas Stations and for Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that William Cole, 32, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh for directing a scheme to steal diesel fuel from gas stations and illegally possessing firearms. In October 2023, Cole pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. From March 2021 through June 21, 2023, the defendant purchased stolen credit card data and had co-conspirators fill up auxiliary tanks at Philadelphia-area gas stations, at his direction and using his trucks, with more than $750,000 worth of diesel fuel, using those unlawfully obtained credit card numbers. Cole would then resell the diesel fuel at a discounted rate. On June 26, 2023, during a court-authorized search of Cole’s residence, Homeland Security Investigations recovered a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and a Glock 27, which had been modified with a conversion kit into a fully automatic pistol. Cole had previously been convicted of state drug and gun offenses in Pennsylvania and was not permitted to be in possession of firearms. “Cole fueled his scheme using other people’s stolen information and armed himself with guns he knew he shouldn’t have,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “This sentence holds him accountable for both his financial and firearms offenses. We’ll continue to work with HSI and our other valued partners to prosecute repeat offenders like William Cole.” “Fraud through the manipulation of financial systems is one of the core investigative priorities of Homeland Security Investigations,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “Convicted felons like William Cole need to be held accountable for perpetrating fraud schemes targeting commercial businesses. Cases like this one are only accomplished when dedicated agents and prosecutors work side-by-side to bring fraudsters to justice.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia’s El Dorado – Cyber Crimes Investigations Task Force (C2iTF) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.


title: Fugitive From Jamaica Sentenced To More Than Four Years For Aggravated Identity Theft And Fraud Involving Cellphone Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Rohan Conrad Campbell (50, Jamaica) to four years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Campbell to forfeit $4,207, which represents the proceeds of his offenses, and pay restitution of $80,208.08 to the victims he defrauded. Campbell entered a guilty plea on December 13, 2023. According to the plea agreement and public records, on August 5, 2017, Campbell entered a cellphone store in Clay County and used a fraudulently established account and a counterfeit Washington state driver license, both in the name of a victim, and obtained multiple cellphones. On August 15, 2017, Campbell visited another cellphone store in Clay County to collect cellphones he had fraudulently ordered using another victim’s identity. A store employee recognized Campbell and called the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Upon arriving and making contact with Campbell, Campbell provided a deputy with a counterfeit Washington state driver license in the identity of a third victim. As a deputy was talking with him, Campbell attempted to flee but was apprehended. Further investigation by the CCSO and the U.S. Secret Service determined that Campbell had set up numerous fraudulent accounts using counterfeit identification documents in the identity of 10 different victims. He obtained thousands of dollars of cellphones from multiple stores in Florida. Campbell was arrested on May 31, 2018. After being released on pre-trial supervision, he fled the jurisdiction in August 2019 and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Campbell remained a fugitive for more than three years until law enforcement in Florida arrested him in early 2023. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.


title: Latvian Broker Arrested for Allegedly Smuggling Advanced U.S. Aircraft Technology to Russia

body_text: In a superseding indictment returned by a grand jury, a citizen of the Republic of Latvia is charged with crimes related to a years-long conspiracy to sell sophisticated avionics equipment to Russian companies, in violation of U.S. export laws. The defendant is the third to be arrested and charged in connection with the conspiracy led by a Kansas company and two U.S. nationals. According to the superseding indictment, Oleg Chistyakov, also known as Olegs Čitsjakovs, 55, conspired with U.S. citizens Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky and Douglas Edward Robertson, of Kansas, to facilitate the sale, repair and shipment of U.S. avionics equipment to customers in Russia and in other countries that operate Russian-built aircraft, including the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB). Chistyakov was arrested on March 19 near Riga, Latvia, and remains detained pending extradition proceedings. In December 2023, Buyanovsky pleaded guilty to conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering, and consented to the forfeiture of over $450,000 worth of avionics equipment and a $50,000 personal forfeiture judgment. “As alleged, Mr. Chistyakov facilitated hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit transactions to funnel sophisticated U.S. aerospace technology to companies in Russia,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This arrest is another example of the Justice Department’s unwavering mission to hold accountable those who enable Russian aggression, including those involved in facilitation networks that fuel the Russian war effort.” “The Justice Department upholds the laws of the United States and prosecutes those who break them regardless of whether those individuals are on U.S. soil or the other side of the world,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “Oleg Chistyakov’s arrest was only possible due to the assistance and cooperation of authorities in Latvia. This type of international cooperative effort makes it immensely challenging for those accused of committing crimes against the U.S. to find safe havens beyond reach of our judicial system.” “The FBI and our partners continue to pursue anyone who aids Russia in its unjust and autocratic behavior or to violate export control laws or any other law for that matter,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Today’s indictment and forfeiture judgment should serve as a reminder that we will not tolerate attempts to transfer sensitive avionics equipment and technology to hostile nations.” “It doesn't matter if you’re in Kansas or in Latvia — if you violate American law, you risk facing American justice,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce Matthew S. Axelrod for Export Enforcement. “We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to pursue those who seek to send military-grade aerospace equipment to support the Russian military.” According to court documents, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and despite additional U.S. economic countermeasures levied against Russia, Chistyakov and his conspirators continued to smuggle and export sophisticated and controlled avionics equipment to companies in Russia without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As further alleged, Chistyakov, while operating from Latvia, worked with Buyanovsky and Robertson through their U.S. company, KanRus Trading Company Inc. (KanRus), to circumvent U.S export laws by purchasing avionics equipment from U.S. companies for customers in Russia. Chistyakov allegedly acted as a broker for KanRus by soliciting quotes, negotiating prices and terms of delivery, and facilitating payments between KanRus and customers in Russia. The superseding indictment details actions allegedly taken by Chistyakov and his conspirators to conceal their illegal activities including by creating false invoices, transshipping items through third-party countries, such as Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), using bank accounts in third-party countries, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the UAE, and exporting items to intermediary companies which then reexported the items to the ultimate end destinations. On Dec. 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce added many of the entities and individuals involved in Chistyakov’s alleged illegal export scheme to the Commerce Department’s Entity List as part of the U.S. government’s interagency efforts to dismantle Russian procurement networks designed to circumvent U.S. export controls and sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Entity List imposes specific license requirements on all listed individuals and entities. Chistyakov is charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of violation of Export Control Reform Act, multiple counts of smuggling goods from the United States, conspiracy to commit international money laundering and two counts of international money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy, 20 years in prison for each Export Control count, 10 years in prison for each smuggling count and 20 years in prison for each money laundering count. The FBI and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement are investigating the case, including participation in Latvia following Chistyakov’s arrest. Procedural actions were carried out in close cooperation with the State Security Service of the Republic of Latvia and assistance of the Prosecutor-General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Rask and Ryan Huschka for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is providing valuable assistance. The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Selling $3.5M in Counterfeit and Deficient Electronics for Use in Military Systems

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to a scheme to defraud the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) by selling over $3.5 million worth of fan assemblies to the DLA that were either counterfeit or misrepresented to be new. “The defendant sold counterfeit and deficient fan assemblies for use in military systems to increase his profit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Criminals who cheat the U.S. military by selling deficient or counterfeit goods put our national security at risk. This case demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the military supply chain and Americans’ security.” “Through his company, Kim delivered counterfeit products to our armed services and tried to pass off non-conforming products with fake invoices,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Swindling our military is a sure way to find oneself in jail. This office is always on the lookout for fraudsters and will prosecute anyone caught cheating our military by providing products that endanger our service people or compromise our readiness.” According to court documents, Steve H.S. Kim, 63, of Alameda County, controlled Company A, which sold fan assemblies to the DLA that were either counterfeit or were used or surplus fan assemblies that he claimed were new. To trick the DLA into accepting the fan assemblies, Kim created counterfeit labels — some of which used Company B’s registered trademarks — that he attached to the fan assemblies he sold to the DLA. When the DLA questioned Kim about the origin of the fan assemblies, Kim concealed his scheme by giving the DLA fake tracing documents that he created and often signed using a false identity. Some of these counterfeit fans were installed or intended to be installed with electrical components on a nuclear submarine, a laser system on an aircraft, and a surface-to-air missile system. “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the integrity of the DoD supply chain,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan D. Denny of the DCIS Western Field Office. “Supplying counterfeit products to the DoD endangers the mission and betrays the public’s trust. This investigation demonstrates DCIS’ ongoing commitment to working with its law enforcement partners to hold individuals who defraud the DoD accountable.” “The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and our law enforcement partners work diligently to thwart attempts to infiltrate the DoD supply chain with potentially damaging counterfeit product,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “This case highlights the efforts of the investigative team to expeditiously shut down such a scheme and prevent possible grievous harm to our ability to conduct effective combat operations.” “This case reflects Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) core mission set of investigating national security threats as well as protecting global trade and government supply chains,” said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of HSI San Francisco. “In this case, the serious risks posed to mission readiness were especially alarming. HSI appreciates the joint efforts of NCIS, DCIS, and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), together with the Justice Department, in bringing the violator to justice.” “The result of this joint investigation underscores the importance of our federal law enforcement partnerships and shows that by working together we can identify, prosecute, and dismantle businesses that supply the U.S. military with fraudulent parts and services,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Army CID Fraud Field Office. “Our Army communities and the public can rest assured that we are committed to pursuing anyone that would defraud the U.S. government for their own personal gain and put combat readiness at risk.” Kim pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count and 10 years in prison on the trafficking in counterfeit goods count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. DCIS, NCIS, HSI, and Army CID are investigating the case. Assistant Chief Kyle C. Hankey and Trial Attorneys Louis Manzo and David D. Hamstra of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. Assistant Deputy Chief Adrienne Rose and Senior Counsels Jason Gull and Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section provided substantial assistance with the investigation.


title: Human smuggling family admits to over $2M money laundering conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Four Mission residents have entered guilty pleas for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related conspiracy to transport aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Luis Enrique Moctezuma-Acosta, 36, Elizabeth Acosta, 52, and Keysi Fuentes-Gavarrete, 27, admitted to laundering over $2 million in monetary instruments. Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette, 35, entered her plea March 26 to the same charge. She and her husband - Moctezuma-Acosta - also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. All four are either related through blood or marriage. “In the heart of South Texas, where the borders converge, we confront the stark reality of money laundering and the smuggling of undocumented individuals,” said Hamdani. “From the distant lands of Honduras to the bustling streets of Boston, Massachusetts, this illicit network spans continents, but our resolve to dismantle it remains unwavering. By safeguarding against these criminal enterprises, we not only uphold the rule of law but also ensure the safety and dignity of all members of our community.” The conspiracy involved a sophisticated network of alien smugglers across the United States utilizing commercial airplanes, tractor-trailers and various other smuggling methods. An investigation began in November 2019 and revealed the smuggling organization brought approximately 300 undocumented migrants from the Southwest border regions further into the northern parts of the United States. The network spanned from Honduras to as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, with a heavy emphasis on smuggling Brazilian nationals. On March 9, 2023, Authorities executed multiple search warrants at the properties of Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette and Moctezuma-Acosta, at which time they seized over $1.5 million in cash. The locations included their residence and a purported car dealership they operated as a front business. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement also seized approximately $2.69 million in assets and several luxury vehicles, such as a 2023 Escalade, 2021 Ford Shelby Truck, jewelry and several pieces of real property. U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing June 6. At that time, they all face up to up to 20 years in federal prison. Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette and Moctezuma-Acosta also face an additional 20 years. Both convictions also carry fines up to $250,000. All will remain in custody pending sentencing. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case. Assisting with forfeiture proceedings is Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster.


title: Keene Couple Indicted for the Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Keene couple has been indicted in connection with their production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Paul Baird, 43, of Keene and Krystal Baird, 38, of Keene were charged by complaint and arrested on March 20, 2024 for the production of child pornography. They were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 27, 2024. According to the indictment, on or about January 29, 2024, Paul and Krystal Baird knowingly attempted to and knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor female under the age of 12 years, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. At the time of his arrest, Paul Baird was employed as a bus driver by the Student Transportation of America, which is a school transportation company that services the Contoocook Valley (ConVal) School District. This investigation is ongoing. Members of the public who have information regarding this case should call the Homeland Security Investigations’ New England Field Division’s Manchester Office at 603-629-2716. The Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation. The Keene Police Department is providing valuable assistance with this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Bear Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Second Conviction Involving Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: Wilmington, Del. – A Delaware resident was sentenced on March 25, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), announced David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. Following his time in prison, he will spend 10 years on federal supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence. According to court documents, a task force consisting of Homeland Security Investigations, the Delaware State Police, and Delaware Internet Crimes Against Children investigated James Pickett, 26, of Bear, Delaware, after receiving a cyber tip indicating he uploaded a video of CSAM to the Internet in August 2021. Law enforcement later found approximately 4,468 media files suspected to contain CSAM on Pickett’s electronic devices. The files found on Pickett’s devices included images and videos of prepubescent minors and material portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence. Pickett had previously been convicted in October 2019 in the State of Delaware for dealing in CSAM and served two years in prison. U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Our office is dedicated to protecting children and prosecuting those engaging in the sexual exploitation of minors through the heinous shadow industry that produces, distributes, and collects child sexual abuse material. I thank Homeland Security Investigations and our Delaware law enforcement partners who tirelessly pursued this case.” “HSI is at the forefront in the fight to end child sexual exploitation. Our global reach, significant Agent experience and extensive knowledge of the cyber domain, allow us to rapidly develop cases such as the one against James Pickett,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. “Our outstanding relationship with the Delaware State Police and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware has garnered incredible success and we know that our cooperation will continue to do so as we work to protect our children.” Homeland Security Investigations, the Delaware State Police, and the Delaware Internet Crimes Against Children investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Briana Knox and Bryan C. Williamson prosecuted this case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-1-CFC. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, 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: Repeat Felon Who Possessed Stolen Gun  And Drugs Sentenced to Over Nine Years in Federal Prison

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

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a Wilmington man was sentenced on March 25, 2024, to more than nine years in federal prison for his 2021 possession of a stolen gun in the area of 24 th and Carter Streets in Wilmington. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence. According to court documents, Jethroe Tickles was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department after police found a stolen gun in his possession during a traffic stop. While searching the car, officers also found approximately one ounce of marijuana, a pill bottle containing 113 Ecstasy pills, 57 Hydrocodone pills, Alprazolam, and other miscellaneous pills. Upon searching Mr. Tickles, officers recovered more than $3,000 in cash. At the sentencing hearing, the government highlighted Mr. Tickles’ criminal convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms. U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The combination of guns and drugs fuels the violence in our communities. This sentence reflects the severity of Mr. Tickles’ disregard for the rule of law. Our prosecutors will continue to partner with the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives to protect our communities from gun violence and to hold individuals who choose to violate the law accountable.” “The combination of drugs and firearms is one that is destined to end in violence. It is not a matter of if, but when someone will end up hurt or worse,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue working every day to identify, investigate, and incarcerate the individuals who threaten violence in our communities.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-cr-0023 (MN).