title: Three-Time Federal Felon Sentenced to Seven Years  in Prison for Possessing a Firearm

body_text: A convicted felon who received his third federal conviction earlier this year was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison. Robert Hopkins, age 39, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence in the case showed that on December 1, 2022, Hopkins was driving a car at 1:19 a.m. when he ran a stop sign in Cedar Rapids. Officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department attempted to stop him. Hopkins pulled over briefly, but then sped away. Hopkins reached speeds of over 50 mph in 25 mph zones as he led officers on a chase through residential areas. Officers pursued him and saw Hopkins throw an object out his window. Hopkins eventually lost control of his car, spun out, and rolled into a squad car. He told officers that he was “severely intoxicated.” After taking Hopkins into custody, officers looked for the object he had thrown out of the car. They eventually located a loaded .40 caliber handgun laying on the driveway of a residence. The gun had previously been reported stolen from a Cedar Rapids resident in 2022. This conviction was Hopkins’ third federal conviction in the Northern District of Iowa. In 2007, he was convicted of distributing crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of ammunition. In 2015, he was convicted for distributing heroin. He also has state convictions for assault and drug related crimes. Hopkins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hopkins was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-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. Hopkins 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 Attorneys Jason Norwood and Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-30. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: 15 KC-Area Residents Indicted for PCP Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fifteen Kansas City, Mo., area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute PCP and for illegally possessing firearms. Russell L. Spencer II, also known as “Russ,” 44, Charles N. Hill, also known as “Chuck Wagon,” 42, Kessa R. Gines, 45, Charles J. Wiley, 44, Raven Hicks, 44, Dorothea L. Cain, also known as “Dea,” 52, Chaitez A. Sexton, also known as “Choddy,” 47, Bobby Graves III, 43, Robert E. Ridley, 46, Raymond D. Stewart, 31, Jabari M. Craddock, 28, Aaron J. Schultz, also known as “Tink,” 45, Austin W. Smith, 57, and Jimmy L. Abron, 41, all of Kansas City, Mo.; and Ra’Shaan R.Wilson, also known as “Rah Rah,” 28, of Belton, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Sept. 26. That indictment was unsealed and made public today following the arrests of all 15 defendants. The federal indictment alleges that each of the 15 defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP in Jackson County, Mo., from Oct. 15, 2021, to Sept. 16, 2023. In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Cain is charged with one count of possessing PCP with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cain allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun on March 24, 2023. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Cain has a prior federal felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute PCP, two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, two prior felony convictions for stealing, and prior felony convictions for robbery, distributing or manufacturing a controlled substances, In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Sexton and Graves are charged together with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being felons in possession of a firearm. Sexton and Graves allegedly possessed a Kimber .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun on Aug. 17, 2022. Sexton has a prior federal felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, two prior convictions for distributing a controlled substance near a school, and a prior felony conviction for burglary. Graves has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, two prior felony convictions for trafficking in drugs and a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Ridley is charged with one count of possessing PCP with the intent to distribute. In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Stewart is charged with one count of possessing PCP with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Stewart allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun on July 6, 2023. In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Craddock is charged with one count of possessing PCP with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Craddock allegedly possessed a Heckler & Koch 9mm semi-automatic handgun on July 6, 2023. In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Smith is charged with one count of possessing PCP with the intent to distribute. The federal indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government a residential property, two vehicles, and a money judgment in the amount of proceeds obtained as a result of their participation in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Justice Department Secures $9 Million Agreement with Washington Trust Company to Resolve Redlining Claims in Rhode Island

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced today that Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust), the oldest community bank in the nation, has agreed to pay $9 million to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island. Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color, or national origin of residents in those communities. “Everyone who pursues the American dream has the right to expect to be treated equally and with dignity, regardless of their race, their background, or zip code. When communities are denied access to fair lending, families are denied the opportunity to build stability and financial success,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “I am pleased that, as a result of the hard work of attorneys in my office and the Department’s Civil Rights Division, Washington Trust has agreed to take targeted and extensive measures to make meaningful lending services available for all Rhode Islanders, regardless of race or background.” “This settlement should send a strong message to banks regarding the Justice Department’s firm commitment to combat modern-day redlining and ensure that all lenders are providing equal access to home loan opportunities to communities of color,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This resolution will provide critical relief to impacted Black and Hispanic communities, enabling them to buy a home, keep their home or access the equity in their home. Ending redlining and providing relief to communities of color impacted by this unlawful practice is a necessary step in ongoing efforts to reduce racial wealth and homeownership gaps across our country.” The complaint alleges , from 2016 through at least 2021, Washington Trust failed to provide mortgage lending services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island. The complaint alleges that despite expansion across the state of Rhode Island, Washington Trust has never opened a branch in a majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhood. The complaint alleges that Washington Trust relied on mortgage loan officers working out of only majority-white areas as the primary source for generating loan applications, and Washington Trust failed to train or incentivize its lending staff or conduct outreach, marketing, and advertising of its mortgage services to compensate for its lack of branches and presence in majority-Black and Hispanic areas. The complaint further alleges that, compared to Washington Trust, over the same six-year period, other banks received nearly four times as many loan applications each year in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island. The complaint also alleges that, even when Washington Trust generated loan applications from majority-Black and Hispanic areas, the applicants themselves were disproportionately white. Under the proposed consent order , which is subject to court approval, Washington Trust has agreed to do the following: Invest at least $7 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase access to home mortgage, home improvement, home refinance and home equity loans and lines of credit for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island; Spend $1 million on community partnerships to provide services that increase residential mortgage credit access for residents of those neighborhoods; Spend $1 million for advertising, outreach, consumer financial education and credit counseling focused on majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods; Open two new branches in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island; and ensure at least two mortgage loan officers are dedicated to serving these neighborhoods; and Employ a Director of Community Lending who will oversee the continued development of lending in communities of color. Washington Trust also agreed to complete a community credit needs assessment, to assess and report on its fair lending program; and to train staff on the bank’s obligations under the consent order. Washington Trust worked cooperatively with the department to resolve and remedy the redlining concerns that were identified and agreed to settle this matter without contested litigation. In October 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke launched the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative , a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since 2021, the department has announced nine redlining cases and secured $98 million in relief for communities of color that have been the victims of lending discrimination across the country. A copy of the complaint and information about the department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing . Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online. ### complaint_exhibits_and_consent_order.pdf united_states_attorney_cunha_prepared_remarks_9-27-2023.docx washington_trust_branch_locations.pdf


component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust), the oldest community bank in the nation, has agreed to pay $9 million to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island. Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color or national origin of residents in those communities. “This settlement should send a strong message to banks regarding the Justice Department’s firm commitment to combat modern-day redlining and ensure that all lenders are providing equal access to home loan opportunities to communities of color,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This resolution will provide critical relief to impacted Black and Hispanic communities, enabling them to buy a home, keep their home or access the equity in their home. Ending redlining and providing relief to communities of color impacted by this unlawful practice is a necessary step in ongoing efforts to reduce racial wealth and homeownership gaps across our country.” “Everyone who pursues the American dream has the right to expect to be treated equally and with dignity, regardless of their race, their background, or zip code. When communities are denied access to fair lending, families are denied the opportunity to build stability and financial success,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha for the District of Rhode Island. “I am pleased that, as a result of the hard work of attorneys in my office and the department’s Civil Rights Division, Washington Trust has agreed to take targeted and extensive measures to make meaningful lending services available for all Rhode Islanders, regardless of race or background.” The complaint alleges, from 2016 through at least 2021, Washington Trust failed to provide mortgage lending services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island. The complaint alleges that despite expansion across the state of Rhode Island, Washington Trust has never opened a branch in a majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhood. The complaint alleges that Washington Trust relied on mortgage loan officers working out of only majority-white areas as the primary source for generating loan applications, and Washington Trust failed to train or incentivize its lending staff or conduct outreach, marketing and advertising of its mortgage services to compensate for its lack of branches and presence in majority-Black and Hispanic areas. The complaint further alleges that, compared to Washington Trust, over the same six-year period, other banks received nearly four times as many loan applications each year in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island. The complaint also alleges that, even when Washington Trust generated loan applications from majority-Black and Hispanic areas, the applicants themselves were disproportionately white. Under the proposed consent order, which is subject to court approval, Washington Trust has agreed to do the following: Invest at least $7 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase access to home mortgage, home improvement, home refinance and home equity loans and lines of credit for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island; Spend $1 million on community partnerships to provide services that increase residential mortgage credit access for residents of those neighborhoods; Spend $1 million for advertising, outreach, consumer financial education and credit counseling focused on majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods; Open two new branches in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Rhode Island; and ensure at least two mortgage loan officers are dedicated to serving these neighborhoods; and Employ a Director of Community Lending who will oversee the continued development of lending in communities of color. Washington Trust also agreed to complete a community credit needs assessment, to assess and report on its fair lending program; and to train staff on the bank’s obligations under the consent order. Washington Trust worked cooperatively with the department to resolve and remedy the redlining concerns that were identified and agreed to settle this matter without contested litigation. In October 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke launched the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative , a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. Since 2021, the department has announced nine redlining cases and secured $98 million in relief for communities of color that have been the victims of lending discrimination across the country. A copy of the complaint and information about the department’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing . Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online. washington_trust_consent_order.pdf washington_trust_complaint.pdf


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo que asciende a $9 millones con Washington Trust Company para resolver alegaciones de exclusión financiera en Rhode Island

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que Washington Trust Company (Washington Trust), el banco comunitario más antiguo del país, ha acordado pagar $9 millones para resolver las alegaciones que incurrió en un patrón o una práctica de discriminación crediticia al practicar la exclusión financiera en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Rhode Island. La exclusión financiera es una práctica ilícita en la que los prestamistas evitan la provisión de servicios crediticios a individuos que viven en comunidades de color por motivos de la raza, el color de piel o el origen nacional de las personas que viven en esas comunidades. “Este acuerdo debería enviar un mensaje sólido a los bancos con respecto al firme compromiso del Departamento de Justicia de combatir la exclusión financiera que existe hoy y garantizar que todos los prestamistas proporcionen la igualdad de oportunidades de préstamos hipotecarios a las comunidades de color”, dijo Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “Esta resolución proporcionará una compensación crítica a las comunidades negras e hispanas afectadas, así permitiéndoles comprar una casa, conservar su casa o acceder al valor neto de su casa. Poner fin a la exclusión financiera y proporcionar una compensación a las comunidades de color afectadas por esta práctica ilegal es un paso necesario en los esfuerzos continuos para reducir las brechas en la riqueza racial y las posibilidades de ser propietario de una vivienda por todo nuestro país”. “Todo aquel que persiga el sueño americano tiene derecho a recibir un trato igualitario y digno, independientemente de sus antecedentes, raza o código postal. Cuando a las comunidades se les niega el acceso a préstamos justos, se les niega a las familias la oportunidad de construir estabilidad y éxito financiero”, afirmó el Fiscal Federal Zachary A. Cunha. “Me complace que, como resultado del arduo trabajo de los abogados en mi oficina y en la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, Washington Trust haya acordado tomar medidas específicas y extensas para poner servicios crediticios a la disposición de todos los de Rhode Island, independientemente de su raza o antecedentes”. La queja alega que, desde 2016 hasta al menos 2021, Washington Trust no proporcionó servicios de préstamos hipotecarios a barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Rhode Island. La queja alega que, a pesar de su expansión en todo el estado de Rhode Island, Washington Trust nunca ha abierto una sucursal en un barrio de mayoría negra e hispana. La queja alega que Washington Trust confió en los agentes de préstamos hipotecarios que trabajaban solo en áreas de mayoría blanca como la fuente principal para generar solicitudes de préstamos, y Washington Trust no entrenó ni incentivó a su personal de préstamos ni llevó a cabo la difusión, comercialización y publicidad de sus servicios hipotecarios para compensar su falta de sucursales y presencia en áreas de mayoría negra e hispana. Más aún, la demanda alega que, en comparación con Washington Trust, durante el mismo período de seis años, otros bancos recibieron casi cuatro veces más solicitudes de préstamos cada año en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Rhode Island. La queja también alega que, incluso cuando Washington Trust generó solicitudes de préstamos de áreas de mayoría negra e hispana, los propios solicitantes eran desproporcionadamente blancos. En virtud de la orden de consentimiento propuesta, que está sujeta a la aprobación del tribunal, Washington Trust ha acordado hacer lo siguiente: Invertir al menos $7 millones en un fondo de subsidios para préstamos para aumentar el acceso a préstamos hipotecarios, mejoras en la vivienda, refinanciamiento y préstamos y líneas de crédito sobre el valor neto de la vivienda para residentes de barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Rhode Island; Invertir $1 millón en asociaciones comunitarias para proporcionar servicios que aumenten el acceso al crédito hipotecario residencial para residentes de esos barrios; Invertir $1 millón en publicidad, proyección comunitaria, educación financiera al consumidor y asesoramiento de crédito centrado en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana; Abrir dos sucursales nuevas en barrios de mayoría negra e hispana en Rhode Island; garantizar que al menos dos agentes de préstamos hipotecarios estén dedicados a servir a estos barrios; y Emplear a un Director de Préstamos Comunitarios que supervisará el desarrollo continuo de préstamos en comunidades de color. Por otra parte, Washington Trust acordó completar una evaluación de necesidades de crédito comunitario, para evaluar e informar sobre su programa de préstamos justos; y capacitar al personal sobre las obligaciones del banco en virtud de la orden de consentimiento. Washington Trust colaboró con el Departamento para resolver y corregir las preocupaciones de exclusión financiera que se identificaron y acordó resolver este asunto sin litigios impugnados. En octubre del 2021, el Fiscal General Merrick B. Garland y la Fiscal General Auxiliar Kristen Clarke lanzaron la Iniciativa contra la Exclusión Financiera del Departamento de Justicia, un esfuerzo coordinado de aplicación de la ley para abordar esta forma persistente de discriminación contra las comunidades de color. Desde el año 2021, el Departamento ha anunciado nueve casos de exclusión financiera y ha obtenido $98 millones por concepto de compensación para comunidades de color que han sido víctimas de discriminación crediticia por todo el país. Puede encontrar una copia de la queja e información sobre la aplicación de las leyes de préstamos justos del Departamento en www.justice.gov/fairhousing . Para informarnos de incidentes de discriminación en el ámbito crediticio, llame a la línea informativa del Departamento de Justicia para discriminación en la vivienda al 1-833-591-0291 o entregue un informe en línea .


title: Fulton County, Georgia, Jail Officer Indicted for Strangling Inmate

body_text: A former Fulton County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office detention officer was indicted on federal charges of depriving a pretrial detainee of her civil rights under color of law. The indictment charges former Detention Officer Monique Clark, 32, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against a pretrial detainee, who is identified in the indictment as C.B. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Clark, without legal justification, strangled C.B. while C.B. was handcuffed, resulting in bodily injury to C.B. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on 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 Ryan Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. clark_indictment_september_27.pdf


title: Justice Department and FTC Announce Additional Workshops on the 2023 Draft Merger Guidelines

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced today that they plan to hold two additional workshops to facilitate public dialogue on the 2023 Draft Merger Guidelines that the agencies announced in July. Like the agencies’ first workshop on Sept. 5 , these events will promote a detailed discussion about the Draft Guidelines to complement the thousands of public comments submitted to the agencies. Each of the two remaining workshops will be held in-person at an academic institution. The second workshop, co-hosted with the MIT Economics Department and the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School, will take place at the Harvard Kennedy School on Oct. 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET. Participants who register here will receive a link to view the event virtually. More information, including a tentative agenda for the workshop, can be found on the event page . The third workshop, co-hosted with the University of Chicago Law School, Coase Sandor Institute for Law and Economics, will take place on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. CT. More information about the workshop, including an agenda, will be updated on the event page in the coming weeks. If either event needs to be postponed for any reason, information on rescheduling will appear on the event page . The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the FTC are reviewing comments from the public on the Draft Guidelines, submitted online during the comment period, at www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2023-0043 . The agencies protect competition through enforcement of the antitrust laws and other federal competition statutes. Since 1968, the agencies have issued and revised merger guidelines to enhance transparency and promote awareness of how the agencies review mergers and acquisitions under the federal antitrust laws.


title: Westfield Child Predator Sentenced to 38 Years in Federal Prison for Seeking Sex with a 14-Year-Old and Trafficking in Child Sex Abuse Materials

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Erik Hanson, 31, of Westfield, Indiana, has been sentenced to 38 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child, and transportation of child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, after an online undercover investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation alerted detectives with the Westfield Police Department to evidence that Erik Hanson was using the Kik communications application solicit sex with a 14-year-old girl. In fact, an undercover FBI Special Agent was communicating with Hanson posing as the child and the child’s father. In the conversations, Hanson stated that 14-year-old girls were his “favorite age” for sex, and that it was not a fantasy, but something he intended to act on. Hanson asked the ‘girl” for sexually explicit photos, sent her images of his penis, and attempted to meet with her for sex at a hotel in Tennessee. Hanson asked how soon he could meet with the 14-year-old girl because he wanted her to be “as young as possible.” Investigators obtained a warrant to search Hanson’s Kik account and located 91 91 photos and videos of child sexual abuse material including the sexual abuse of infants, child bondage, and child bestiality. On April 22, 2022, Hanson’s Westfield home was searched by HCMCETF and Homeland Security agents, who located multiple electronic iPhones and an iPad Hanson admitted contained child sexual abuse material. During an interview with agents, Hanson admitted to owning two Kik accounts for the purpose of viewing child sexual abuse material, and that he belonged to many online groups that traded these images. Over a period of three months, Hanson used CashApp multiple times to pay another individual a total of $75 to produce child sexual abuse material involving Minor Victim 1, who Hanson believed was the producer’s 11-year-old daughter. Hanson directed the other user to engage in specific sex acts with the child, and distributed some of this material to another individual. “Child predators wrongly believe that the internet will protect them. This defendant’s actions demonstrate that he is a dangerous pedophile, who must be kept away from our children in person and online,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The sentence imposed here ensures that the defendant will not be in a position to exploit or abuse any more children for many years. I commend the work of the dedicated investigators at the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Westfield Police Department, to hold this predator accountable and remove him from our community.” “Today’s sentencing of Hanson sends an important message to all would-be predators: we will not allow this type of crime against children to go unpunished,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “HSI, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to the eradication of sexual exploitation and will continue to pursue those who seek gratification from the abuse and pain of the most vulnerable members of society, our children.” FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Westfield Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Chief Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Hanson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison. Hanson must also pay $30,000 in restitution to his victims. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa, who prosecuted this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. ###


title: Violent Recidivist Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After Car Chase

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

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond City man pleaded guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on November 17, 2022, Shalik Mitchell, 30, was pulled over by Richmond Police officers during a traffic stop. Officers on routine patrol on Hull Street noticed a vehicle speeding and swerving around other motorists while failing to use a turn signal. Officers tried to catch up to the vehicle, which was still gaining separation at nearly 80 mph. The vehicle nearly veered off the roadway as it came to a stop, and officers noticed the front seat passenger making stuffing movements. A loaded Stoeger STR-9, 9mm, semi-automatic pistol was stuffed in between the driver’s seat and center console, where Mitchell sat. At the time he possessed the pistol, Mitchell was a multiple time convicted felon and was approximately seven months into a term of supervised release for a 2019 conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mitchell was also previously convicted in 2015 by the City of Richmond Circuit Court of malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Mitchell is scheduled to be sentenced on December 21. He faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark R. Colombell accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Schulz and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Anthony are 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-39.


title: Bookkeeper Sentenced To Prison For Embezzling $304,903 From Labor Union

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Denise E. Kovacs (60, Clermont) to18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for embezzling labor union funds. Kovacs was also ordered to pay $304,903.27 in restitution. Kovacs had pleaded guilty on February 23, 2023. According to court documents and testimony presented at sentencing, Kovacs was the bookkeeper at Plumbers AFL-CIO Local 803, a labor union that represents plumbers and pipefitters in central Florida. During a nearly five-year period of employment, Kovacs stole $43,777 in cash from union dues and charged $261,126 in expenses on the union’s credit card. To conceal her theft, Kovacs altered internal business records which kept union officials in the dark about her ongoing embezzlement of funds. This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Labor- Management Standards. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.


title: California Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Assaulting Child On Aircraft

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Brian Patrick Durning (52, Altadena, CA) to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a minor on an aircraft. A federal jury had found Durning guilty on June 22, 2023. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on June 23, 2022, Durning had boarded a redeye flight from Los Angeles to Orlando and was seated next to a 13-year-old girl. The child had been separated from the rest of her family, who were seated two rows away from her. After the cabin lights were dimmed and most of the passengers had fallen asleep, Durning assaulted the child. A nearby passenger awoke and observed one of Durning’s hands between the child’s legs and intervened. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Courtney Richardson-Jones. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Panama City Man On State Probation Sentenced To Federal Prison For Manufacturing Counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Neal Evan Pollman (42, Panama City) to 18 months in federal prison for manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. The court also ordered Pollman to pay restitution to the victims he defrauded. According to court documents and public records, in 2022, Pollman entered various businesses in Brevard, Clay, Duval, and Seminole counties and purchased gift cards, merchandise and food using counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Law enforcement subsequently determined that Pollman and his co-defendant, Lyndsey Rhea Markland (41, Panama City) were staying at a hotel in the City of Palm Bay. In November 2022, the Palm Bay Police Department (PBPD) executed a search warrant at their hotel room and located Markland inside the room. Also located in the room was approximately $30,000 in counterfeit currency and a printer, along with other tools used by Pollman to manufacture counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Shortly after the execution of the search warrant, the PBPD located Pollman in the vicinity of the hotel and arrested him. When the officers searched Pollman they recovered various counterfeit Federal Reserve notes on him which were traced back to his manufacturing activities. During a subsequent forensic examination of Pollman’s cellphone, law enforcement located images of Federal Reserve notes that Pollman used to manufacture the counterfeit currency. Pollman and Markland appeared in federal court on April 27, 2023, pursuant to a writ bringing them to Jacksonville from the Bay County Jail in Florida where they are serving time for violating their state probation on multiple charges related to passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. The Court had ordered Pollman and Markland detained pending trial. On June 8, 2023, Markland pleaded guilty to four counts of passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count and payment of restitution to the victims she defrauded. Her sentencing hearing is set for November 2, 2023. This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Orange Park Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.


title: Pinellas Man Sentenced To Prison For Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Brian David Johnson (38, Pinellas Park) to 7 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for receiving child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Johnson to pay $23,000 in restitution and forfeit various electronic devices, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Johnson had pleaded guilty on June 28, 2023. According to court documents, in November 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence after discovering Johnson was distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Johnson admitted to law enforcement that he downloaded thousands of child sexual abuse files over time and had viewed images depicting infants being sexually abused. A forensic review of Johnson’s devices revealed approximately 1,400 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, approximately 100 of which depicted toddlers. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officer Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Federal Prison For Attempted Online Enticement To Engage In Sexual Activity With A Minor

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Alejandro Carmona-Fonseca (49, Green Cove Springs) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison, followed by15 years of supervised release, for attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Carmona-Fonseca had pleaded guilty on December 14, 2022. He has been detained since his arrest on June 6, 2022. Carmona-Fonseca had been employed as an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). According to court documents, this case began when the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a report from a local gym about a gym member, Carmona-Fonseca, sending a nude photo to another gym member, who was a minor child - Minor Victim 1 (MV1). During an interview with CCSO, MV1 explained that Carmona-Fonseca had requested MV1’s Snapchat account, and MV1 provided it to him. MV1 told Carmona-Fonseca he was in high school. Carmona-Fonseca sent images and videos with his genitals exposed to MV1. At one point, Carmona-Fonseca sent MV1 a picture of himself in his police uniform and wrote “you can call me your police daddy.” At times, Carmona-Fonseca would ask for shirtless pictures of MV1. With the consent of MV1 and his parents, CCSO assumed MV1’s identity over Snapchat and, on March 3, 2022, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force Officer (TFO)/CCSO detective began communicating with Carmona-Fonseca using MV1’s Snapchat account. The TFO confirmed Carmona-Fonseca was friends with MV1 and that location services were turned on in Snapchat. The TFO observed Carmona-Fonseca’s location numerous times during the chat. Carmona-Fonseca’s location showed him next to a JSO substation on numerous occasions, the areas where he worked as a patrol officer, near his residence, and near the gym he frequented. The TFO communicated with Carmona-Fonseca on March 3 and March 4, 2022. During those conversations, Carmona-Fonseca sent a video in his police uniform. He also sent one in which he was nude with his genitals exposed. Carmona-Fonseca also made several requests for nude videos of MV1 flexing. Carmona-Fonseca said that everything stayed between them and because it was Snapchat, it would disappear. Further investigation by law enforcement also resulted in the identification of additional victims that had been exploited by Carmona-Fonseca over Snapchat. “Instead of honoring his oath to serve and protect, this former law enforcement officer chose to use his position of trust to exploit the innocence of the very children he was charged with protecting,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Alongside our law enforcement partners, HSI and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force will continue to aggressively target those who prey upon our children." This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Gainesville Business Owner Settles PPP Fraud Allegations

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Joe Slaiby, of Gainesville, agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a civil fraud case that alleged he falsified payroll and income documents to obtain loans through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for four businesses where he is the owner and President. The PPP offered loans to eligible small businesses for economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP borrowers were required to provide their income and supporting documents to qualify for the loan amount. Slaiby obtained seven PPP loans for his four businesses, Black Hat Transportation LLC, Green Team Limousine d.b.a. Choice Limousine & Sedan Services LLC, Health N Wealth World LLC, and Slaiby7 Investments LLC, by submitting loan applications with inflated income and fabricated payroll documents to SBA-authorized lenders. Based on these fraudulent applications, Slaiby and his corporations, with the help of co-conspirator Bennie E. Magee, obtained PPP funds. The settlement arises in connection with a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the FCA, United States ex rel. Salman v. Bull Run Capital Investments, Inc., et al. A whistleblower suit, or qui tam action under the False Claims Act, is commenced by an individual, known as a “relator,” filing a complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court, and providing a copy of the complaint and evidence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States then has an opportunity to investigate the claims. The False Claims Act provides whistleblowers with a share of the government’s recovery. The relator here will receive a share of this settlement. The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Fraud Task Force, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Starr. The civil claims settled by this False Claims Act agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia . Related court documents and information from the civil lawsuit can be accessed on PACER by searching for No. 1:21-cv-852. The criminal case against Bennie E. Magee can be accessed on PACER by searching for No. 1:23-cr-91.


title: Man is Sentenced 15 Years for Possession of Meth and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO – An Eagle Pass man was sentenced on Monday to 15 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on October 21, 2021, a search warrant was conducted at the residence of Mario Alberto Torres Jr., 30, and co-defendant Kayla Saldana, 27, of Batesville, Texas. During the search, law enforcement found over 350 grams of methamphetamine and two handguns. “Through the efforts of the Eagle Pass DEA, a significant source of narcotics supply at the community level was disrupted,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work hand in hand with law enforcement to rid our communities of these illegal and dangerous substances.” “Mario Alberto Torres Jr., was profiting off small communities by selling poison in the form of meth," said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division. "Let this sentence be a clear message to anyone considering harming our cherished communities. Our collaborative efforts with our federal, state, and local partners continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens' lives.” On July 18, 2022, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Torres has remained in federal custody since his arrest on October 21, 2021. On April 4, 2022, co-defendant Kayla Saldana pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 20, 2023, Saldana was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case. ###


title: Clay County Drug Dealer Sentenced To Over 6 Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Maria M. Howard has sentenced David Lee Rucker (35, Clay County) to six years and eight months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The court also ordered Rucker to forfeit a firearm and ammunition. Rucker had pleaded guilty on May 19, 2022. According to court documents, on July 1, 2021, Rucker went to a hotel in Clay County and obtained a large quantity of methamphetamine. Later that day, before he could sell the narcotics, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) pulled over a car Rucker was driving. During a subsequent search of the car and pat down of Rucker, the CCSO located multiple baggies of methamphetamine and a loaded Taurus .40 caliber pistol. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.


title: Chatham County man sentenced to federal prison for distributing sexually exploitive images of children

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: A Chatham County man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sharing images depicting sexual exploitation of children. Jason Arthur Holloway , 43, of Savannah, was sentenced to 135 months in prison after pleading guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Holloway to pay restitution of $23,000, to register as a sex offender, and to serve 15 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “The digital vigilance of agencies engaged in protecting vulnerable children helps ensure that online predators are discovered and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Removing such predators improves the safety of our communities.” As described in court documents and testimony, a CyberTip to the Savannah Police Department’s Special Victims Unit alerted investigators to the online transfer of sexually explicit images of children. With assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, agents identified the source of those uploaded images and searched Holloway’s Savannah residence. Investigators seized multiple electronic devices with dozens of images of child sexual abuse, and found evidence that those illegal images had been uploaded to the internet via multiple file-sharing applications. Holloway also faces state charges of sexual exploitation of children and child molestation in a case unrelated to the federal child pornography prosecution. “Jason Holloway shamefully exploited the most vulnerable members of our community, for his own perverse desires, and will now face the severe consequences for his actions,” said Acting Special Agent in charge Travis Pickard who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI Atlanta and its law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting children from abuse and holding accountable those individuals who would victimize minors.” The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland. Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/ .


title: Four Men Sentenced For Armed Robbery Spree

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced four individuals in connection with their robbery spree of businesses in Florida. The four men were responsible for the armed robberies of seven convenience stores and one towing business. Each pleaded guilty to several counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm and received the following sentences: Name Date of Plea Sentencing Date Sentence Imposed DaMarris Jean Saint-Juste (20, Orlando) 06/26/2023 09/14/2023 17 years, 10 months Marcus Terrell Ellington, Jr. (22, Orlando) 06/26/2023 09/14/2023 16 years Nelson Ross Henderson (21, Orlando) 07/10/2023 09/26/2023 15 years, 6 months Rodreakas Deshay Smith, Jr. (19, Orlando) 02/14/2023 09/27/2023 10 years, 6 months According to court records, Saint-Juste and Ellington were involved in all eight robberies, Henderson was involved in three robberies, and Smith was involved in two robberies. The first robbery occurred on August 26, 2022, at approximately 3:21 a.m., at TL Towing located at 605 Ferguson Drive in Orlando. Saint-Juste, Ellington, and Henderson were involved in robbing an employee of the business at gunpoint and stealing $3,000 cash from inside the office. The fourth male involved in this robbery was not identified. The defendants can be seen on surveillance video (pictured above) as they approached the business. Moments later, the men confront the victim with guns and chase after him before breaking into the office of the business. The second robbery occurred less than an hour later, on August 26, 2022, at approximately 4:05 a.m. at a 7-Eleven located at 1439 West Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka. The clerk was robbed at gunpoint by Saint-Juste, Ellington, and Henderson. Approximately $200, an iPhone, and tobacco products were stolen during the robbery. The third robbery occurred on August 30, 2022, at 4:06 a.m. at the 7-Eleven convenience store located at 1117 East Semoran Boulevard in Orlando. Saint-Juste (left), Smith (middle), and Ellington (right) stole approximately $270 from two registers and are depicted in the video still images below: The fourth robbery occurred on August 30, 2022, at approximately 5:28 a.m., at the Circle K convenience store located at 2202 West McCormick Road in Apopka. Sain-Juste, Ellington, and Smith entered the store wearing similar clothing as the third robbery described above, which occurred 82 minutes earlier. They stole $70-$90 in cash from the cash register, several tobacco products, and a roll of $50 Florida lottery tickets. The defendants were unsuccessful in their attempt to enter the store’s safe. The fifth robbery was committed by Saint-Juste, Ellington, Henderson, and a juvenile who was prosecuted in state court. It occurred on August 31, 2022, at 4:46 a.m., at the 7-Eleven located at 5492 International Drive in Orlando. The clerk complied with the armed men as they stole cash from the registers and scratch-off lottery tickets. Surveillance shows Saint-Juste (left) and Ellington (right) below: Henderson was also captured on video after he stole the cash and lottery tickets from behind the counter: The last three robberies were committed by Saint-Juste and Ellington. In each robbery, the men used firearms to steal cash, tobacco, and lottery tickets. The sixth robbery occurred on September 11, 2022, at 2:31 a.m., at the Rebel Gas station located at 2294 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. The seventh robbery occurred on September 11, 2022, at 2:45 a.m., at the 7-Eleven located at 901 E. Vine Street in Kissimmee. The eighth robbery occurred on September 14, 2022, at 3:15 a.m., at the Speedway convenience store located at 27345 US Hwy 27 in Leesburg. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from many local law enforcement agencies, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Apopka Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Kissimmee Police Department, and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranganath Manthripragada and Michael P. Felicetta. 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: St. Louis County Man Accused of Paying to Watch Sexual Abuse of Children

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri appeared in court this week to answer charges accusing him of coercing children overseas into engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Sanel Smajlovic was indicted Sept. 13 on four counts of attempted production of child pornography. The indictment accuses of Smajlovic of coercing a total of six minors on four occasions in 2018 and 2019 into engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A motion seeking to have Smajlovic held in jail until trial says Homeland Security Investigations identified traffickers in the Philippines who were providing access to pre-produced child sexual abuse material as well as live-streaming the sexual abuse of children to paying customers worldwide. Smajlovic directed the sexual abuse of children and then paid the adults who provided the children, the motion says. The motion calls it part of a growing transnational child-sexual-abuse industry and says the Smajlovic case is part of a larger investigation. Smajlovic was arrested at St. Louis Lambert International Airport Sunday upon his arrival on an international flight. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at an appearance in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Monday. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with the assistance of forensic specialists from the Justice Department Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team . Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division'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 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: Deltona Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images And Videos Over The Internet

body_text: Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Troy Mitchell McGowan (25, Deltona) has pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse images and videos over the internet and possession of child sexual abuse images and videos. McGowan faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, and up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for December 6, 2023. According to the plea agreement, McGowan used a particular chat application to download images and videos depicting children being sexually abused and distributed them over the internet. McGowan also distributed some of these materials to an undercover FBI agent. On March 29, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at McGowan’s residence and located a phone that belong to McGowan. A subsequent forensic review of McGowan’s phone revealed at least 769 videos containing child sexual abuse material and at least 66 images containing child sexual abuse material of young children under the age of 12 which included, infants, toddlers, bondage and bestiality. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Georgia man sentenced for key role in drug trafficking ring that engaged in COVID fraud

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: A Laurens County, Ga., man identified as a drug supplier in a Southeastern drug trafficking organization has been sentenced to federal prison, and his four co-defendants are serving prison terms after all pled guilty to charges related to the conspiracy. Dennis Rodriguez Kinchen , 46, of Dublin, Ga., was sentenced to 150 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and an Amount of Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Marijuana; and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker also fined Kinchen $40,000 and ordered him to serve four years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “The defendants in this case not only distributed massive amounts of addictive, illegal drugs throughout middle and coastal Georgia, but also defrauded taxpayers through blatant abuse of COVID-19 relief programs,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “All of them deservedly have been sentenced to long prison terms for their crimes thanks to outstanding investigative work from our law enforcement partners.” As part of his guilty plea, Kinchen agreed to forfeit an Atlanta condominium purchased with COVID-19 relief funds, and a certificate of deposit of $297,336 purchased with pandemic relief funds. Kinchen and his co-defendants were identified during “Operation All Eyes On Me,” an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation of drug traffickers distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana in middle and south Georgia and in Florida. The five co-conspirators were identified through a series of controlled purchases, phone surveillance and searches of multiple properties conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and agents from the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team. The investigation identified Angel Amaral , 57, of Hollywood, Fla., as the supplier of illegal drugs to Kinchen, who delivered the drugs to distributors in Georgia. Amaral is serving a 70-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine. Kinchen used the Savannah residence of his girlfriend, former Savannah-area strip club owner Jaqueline Somesso , 54, as a stash house for drugs and firearms. Somesso is serving an 18-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to Misprision of a Felony for knowingly allowing her home to be used in illegal activity and to Bank Fraud for submitting a fake pandemic relief application resulting in losses of $570,236.54. She was ordered to pay restitution in that amount. The court also entered a consent order forfeiting her interest in a certificate of deposit of $350,236 and a bank account of $3,520, both containing fraud money seized from her during the investigation. Two other defendants are serving prison terms after pleading guilty in the conspiracy: Sherman Levon Scott , 54, of Pooler, Ga., who was identified as a drug distributor; and Tony Heldore , 52, of Richmond Hill, Ga., a marijuana supplier who worked at two of Somesso’s clubs – Karma Entertainment and Lux Gentlemen’s Club, in Hardeeville, S.C. Scott is serving 145 months in federal prison, and Heldore is serving a 35-month term. “Poisonous drugs continue to flow into our communities at the expense of too many lives,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “These traffickers must now face the consequences of their actions.” The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Operation All Eyes On Me was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Savannah District Office and the Savannah-Chatham County Counter Narcotics Team, with assistance from the DEA Miami Field Division, the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Secret Service, and prosecuted for the United States of America by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Bishop Ravenel and Lindsay Berman-Hansell.


title: Downriver Man Sentenced to 20 years for Distributing Deadly Narcotics

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – After a joint investigation between local and federal law enforcement, Scott Sams, 54, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today. United States District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson sentenced the defendant after he pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine that killed two victims. Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division. Scott Sams, of Southgate, Michigan, was identified by law enforcement as a methamphetamine distributor in the Downriver area. Investigators discovered that Sams often convinced his customers to “party” with him, concocting “hot shots” of methamphetamine and Alka-Seltzer tablets to purposely increase their high. In May 2021, Sams met one of the victims at a hotel room in Allen Park. There, he gave her a fatal amount of methamphetamine and fled the hotel room as she overdosed and died. Despite this victim’s death, Sams continued to distribute methamphetamine. Just weeks later, Sams delivered a second fatal dose of methamphetamine to a male victim in Farmington Hills. U.S. Attorney Ison said. “My office will use every resource available to combat drug dealers who push controlled substances into our communities with indifference to the tragedy it inflicts. We will not hesitate to seek stiff penalties to keep this community safe.” “We are hopeful this sentencing brings a sense of justice to the victims’ families, whose loved ones were recklessly endangered by the defendant,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their support throughout this investigation, particularly the Southeast Michigan Region Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force.” The case was investigated by federal agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret Smith and Caitlin Casey prosecuted the case for the United States. The FBI Detroit Field Office asks that anyone who believes they may have been victim of the type of crime as committed by this defendant contact 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit tips online to http://tips.fbi.gov


title: Undercover jaguar cub deal results in Big Cat Act charges

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – An Alamo couple have been arrested for selling protected wildlife in the first case filed under The Big Cat Act, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Legal permanent resident Rafael Gutierrez-Galvan, 29, and his wife Deyanira Garza, 28, made their initial appearances in federal court in McAllen Sept. 27. According to the criminal complaint, Gutierrez-Galvan had sold a margay cub Aug. 24 for $7,500 in a local Academy Sports and Outdoors parking lot. On Sept. 26, Gutierrez-Galvan then attempted to sell a jaguar cub to the same individual. He allegedly instructed his wife to bring a case of cash from their residence to the location. However, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop before she could arrive and discovered the money. Neither Gutierrez-Galvan or Garza possess a license to buy, sell, trade or transport exotic animals such as margays and jaguars. Authorities recovered both animals. The Big Cat Act was enacted in December 2022 and prohibits the importation, transportation, sale and possession of prohibited wildlife species. A jaguar is a prohibited species. Additionally, the Endangered Species Act prohibits the importation, exportation, sale and transportation of threatened and endangered species. Jaguars are listed as an endangered species. If convicted, Gutierrez-Galvan and Garza face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $20,000 maximum fine. Fish and Wildlife Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Houston and San Antonio Zoos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: United States Files Civil Complaint Against eBay Alleging its Sales of Illicit Products Results in Environmental Harm

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY — The United States, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a civil complaint today in federal court in Brooklyn against eBay Inc. (eBay) for unlawfully selling and distributing hundreds of thousands of products in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The complaint was filed in federal court in Brooklyn. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Todd Kim, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, announced the filing. “eBay’s sale of emission control defeat devices, pesticides, and other unsafe products poses unacceptable risks to our communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and health hazards,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Together with our partners, this Office will vigorously enforce federal law against those whose conduct endangers public health and the environment.” “Laws prohibiting the sale of products that harm human health and the environment apply to e-commerce retailers just as they do to brick-and-mortar stores,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kim. “The Department of Justice will pursue violators of these laws regardless of their place in the sale or distribution chain.” “Our nation’s environmental laws protect public health and the environment by prohibiting the unlawful sale of defeat devices; unregistered, misbranded and restricted use pesticides; and unsafe products containing toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride,” stated EPA Assistant Administrator Uhlmann. “The complaint filed today demonstrates that EPA will hold online retailers responsible for the unlawful sale of products on their websites that can harm consumers and the environment.” The Clean Air Act prohibits selling, offering for sale, or causing the sale or offer of aftermarket parts that defeat motor vehicle emission controls (commonly known as “aftermarket defeat devices”). Today’s complaint alleges that eBay sold, offered for sale or caused the sale of more than 343,000 such devices. By enabling vehicle emission controls to be evaded, aftermarket defeat devices contribute to air pollution and harm public health. They also impede efforts by the EPA, states, tribes, and local agencies to plan for and meet air quality standards. For example, the use of defeat devices significantly increases emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and nonmethane hydrocarbons. FIFRA prohibits the unlawful distribution or sale of unregistered, misbranded, and restricted use pesticides, and authorizes EPA to issue Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders to anyone with ownership, custody or control of such pesticides being unlawfully sold or distributed. Today’s complaint alleges that eBay unlawfully distributed or sold at least 23,000 such pesticides, and that some of those sales were in direct violation of a stop sale order issued to eBay in 2020 and amended in 2021. Examples of the pesticides at issue include a high toxicity insecticide banned in the U.S., a restricted use pesticide that only certified applicators may apply, and a product falsely claiming to protect users against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. TSCA’s Methylene Chloride Rule prohibits retailers from distributing in commerce products containing methylene chloride for paint and coating removal to prevent unreasonable risks, including the risk of death, presented by these types of products. The complaint alleges that eBay has distributed over 5,600 items in violation of TSCA’s Methylene Chloride Rule. The complaint seeks a Court order that eBay’s business practices as an e-commerce retailer violated the CAA, FIFRA, and TSCA and injunctive relief to enjoin eBay from further violations of the CAA, FIFRA, and TSCA, as well as civil penalties for each violation of the CAA. The lawsuit is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Blume and Paulina Stamatelos of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, James Freeman, Senior Attorney, Environmental Enforcement Section, working with Caitlin Meisenbach, Lindsay Simmons, and Adrienne Trivedi from EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. In June 2021, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York created an Environmental Justice Team within the Office’s Civil Division. The focus of the Environmental Justice Team is the protection of the rights of residents of the Eastern District of New York who are disproportionately burdened by environmental and health hazards.


title: Justice Department Files Complaint Alleging Environmental Violations by eBay

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a complaint against eBay Inc. today for unlawfully selling and distributing hundreds of thousands of products in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The complaint was filed on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in federal court in Brooklyn. The complaint alleges that eBay sold, offered for sale or caused the sale of more than 343,000 aftermarket defeat devices, which defeat motor vehicle emission controls, a violation of the CAA. Aftermarket defeat devices significantly increase pollution emissions – including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and nonmethane hydrocarbons – that harm public health and impede efforts by the EPA, states, Tribes and local agencies to plan for and attain air quality standards. The complaint also alleges that eBay has violated FIFRA by unlawfully distributing or selling at least 23,000 unregistered, misbranded or restricted-use pesticide products, even in violation of a stop sale order EPA issued to eBay in 2020 and amended in 2021. Examples include a high toxicity insecticide banned in the United States, restricted use pesticides that only certified applicators may apply and products fraudulently claiming to protect users against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Finally, the complaint alleges that eBay has distributed over 5,600 items in violation of the TSCA Methylene Chloride Rule. The rule prohibits retailers from distributing in commerce products that contain methylene chloride for paint and coating removal to prevent unreasonable risks, including death, presented by these types of products. “Laws that prohibit selling products that can severely harm human health and the environment apply to e-commerce retailers like eBay just as they do to brick-and-mortar stores,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of emissions-defeating devices and dangerous chemicals that, if used improperly, can lead to dire consequences for individuals and communities.” “Our nation’s environmental laws protect public health and the environment by prohibiting the unlawful sale of defeat devices; unregistered, misbranded and restricted use pesticides; and unsafe products containing toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The complaint filed today demonstrates that EPA will hold online retailers responsible for the unlawful sale of products on their websites that can harm consumers and the environment.” “eBay’s sale of emission control defeat devices, pesticides and other unsafe products poses unacceptable risks to our communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and health hazards,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Together with our partners, this office will vigorously enforce federal law against those whose conduct endangers public health and the environment.” The complaint seeks a court order that eBay’s business practices as an e-commerce retailer violated the CAA, FIFRA and TSCA and requests injunctive relief to enjoin eBay from further violations of these laws, as well as civil penalties for CAA violations. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, is being handled by Senior Attorney James Freeman for ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Blume and Paulina Stamatelos for the Eastern District of New York.


title: CEO Of Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme “IcomTech” Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of MARCO RUIZ OCHOA for his role in promoting a large-scale cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme known as IcomTech. OCHOA pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Again and again, we see perpetrators taking advantage of the hype around cryptocurrency to con unsuspecting victims into investing in pyramid schemes. IcomTech was one of these large-scale copycat cryptocurrency scams and Ochoa, as the purported CEO, played an important role taking IcomTech to scale and ultimately harming more victims. Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that we are coming after all of those who seek to exploit cryptocurrency to commit fraud.” According to the Indictment and statements made in court: DAVID CARMONA started IcomTech in 2018, and OCHOA was represented to be IcomTech’s CEO until 2019, when a new CEO replaced him. IcomTech was a purported cryptocurrency mining and trading company that promised to earn its victim-investors (“Victims”) profits in exchange for their purchase of purported cryptocurrency-related investment products. OCHOA and the other promoters of IcomTech, including his co-defendants CARMONA, JUAN ARELLANO, MOSES VALDEZ, and DAVID BREND, falsely promised their respective Victims, among other things, that profits from the companies’ cryptocurrency trading and mining would result in guaranteed daily returns on Victims’ investments. In reality, IcomTech did not engage in cryptocurrency trading or mining for its Investors, and OCHOA and IcomTech’s other promoters used Victim funds to pay other Victims to further promote the schemes and to enrich themselves. IcomTech promoters, including OCHOA, traveled throughout the United States and internationally, where they hosted lavish expos and small community presentations aimed at luring Victims to invest in the schemes, including in the Southern District of New York. During larger-scale events, IcomTech promoters presented on purported investment products and the compensation plan, encouraged Victims to invest as a means of achieving financial freedom, and boasted about the amount of money they were earning. IcomTech promoters often showed up at larger-scale events in expensive cars and wearing luxury clothing as a way of exhibiting their purportedly legitimate success from IcomTech. The atmosphere of these events was festive and designed to generate excitement about the schemes. Victims invested in IcomTech by purchasing investment products from promoters using cash, checks, wire transfers, and actual cryptocurrency. Following a Victim’s investment, a Victim would be provided with access to an online portal where the Victim could monitor the purported returns. While Victims saw “profits” accumulate on the online portal, most Victims were unable to withdraw any of these so-called profits and ultimately lost their entire investments. By contrast, IcomTech’s promoters, including OCHOA, siphoned off, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Victim funds, which they withdrew as cash, spent on IcomTech promotional expenses, and used for personal expenditures such as luxury goods and real estate. At least as early as August 2018, Victims who attempted to withdraw money from their online portal accounts had difficulty doing so and, when they complained to promoters, they were met with excuses, delays, and hidden fees, if they were able to make any withdrawals at all. Despite these complaints, IcomTech promoters, including OCHOA, continued to promote IcomTech and accept Victims’ investments. As complaints mounted, IcomTech began offering proprietary crypto tokens for sale as a means of injecting liquidity into IcomTech. Promoters of the schemes claimed that these tokens, known as “Icoms,” would eventually be worth a significant amount of money when they were accepted by companies for payment for goods and services. This was false. In reality, “Icoms” were essentially worthless and resulted in further financial loss to Victims. By in or about the end of 2019, IcomTech stopped making payments to Victims and IcomTech collapsed. * * * OCHOA, 35, of Nashua, New Hampshire, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force. Mr. Williams also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for their assistance. If you believe you are a victim of the IcomTech fraud, updated information regarding the case and victims’ rights, as well as contact information for the victim witness coordinator is available here . The case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Gianforti, Michael Maimin, and Cecilia E. Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Billings man charged with making threats to kill U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, threats against President Joe Biden

body_text: BILLINGS — A Billings man accused of threatening to kill Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and threatening President Joe Biden appeared on an indictment on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Anthony James Cross, 29, pleaded not guilty to threats to injure and murder a United States Senator and to threats against the President. If convicted of the most serious charge, Cross faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Cross was detained pending further proceedings. The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2023 in Billings, Cross threatened to assault and murder Sen. Jon Tester with intent to retaliate against Tester on account of the performance of his official duties. The indictment further alleges that on April 10, 2023 in Billings, Cross knowingly and willfully made a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States, in that he stated in part, “I will personally kill Joe Biden.” An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 23-101. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl XXX


title: Nurse Impostor Charged In Multi-Count Federal Indictment

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Leticia Gallarzo used the identity of a real nurse to obtain employment as a registered nurse GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Leticia Gallarzo, 48, of Allegan County, with wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of making false statements in medical records affecting health care benefit programs, and production of a false identification document, all charges relating to her scheme to defraud employers by posing as a registered nurse. “These allegations that Ms. Gallarzo faked her qualifications as a licensed medical professional are highly concerning and potentially put innocent patients at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “My office takes this threat to the public very seriously and thanks our law enforcement partners for their investigative work in this case.” If convicted, Gallarzo faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and two years mandatory imprisonment for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutively to the underlying sentence. According to allegations in the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, Gallarzo used the Michigan licensing number and the name of a person licensed as a nurse to obtain employment as a registered nurse at two different locations: an area nursing home and a hospice facility. Gallarzo did not possess a valid nursing license and represented that she earned a master’s degree in nursing from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Davenport University, despite not having a degree of any kind in nursing. Gallarzo produced a counterfeit Michigan nursing license that was also used to obtain employment with the hospice facility. The hospice facility learned that Gallarzo was a nurse impostor when her fingerprints matched the fingerprints on record due to her previous state and federal convictions for practicing nursing without a license in Texas in 2015 and 2016. The Michigan State Police arrested Gallarzo shortly thereafter. “As alleged in this case, the defendant recklessly and willingly put the lives of innocent patients at risk,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “The FBI remains committed to ensuring identity theft cases like this one are thoroughly investigated. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Michigan State Police for their outstanding work and support throughout this case.” “The defendant’s alleged actions demonstrate blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of those under her purported care,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “To ensure that patients receive appropriately qualified services, HHS-OIG will steadfastly pursue those who misrepresent their medical qualifications.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation Grand Rapids Field Office and U.S. Health and Human Service Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella is prosecuting the case. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. ###


title: Recidivist Defendant Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Orchestrating Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme Targeting Senior Executives Of Investment Firms

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JONATHAN GHERTLER was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos to six years in prison in connection with his scheme to impersonate senior leaders of two Manhattan-based investment firms, resulting in over $1 million in losses to their portfolio companies, and to impersonating a partner of a global law firm on telephone calls with federal law enforcement agents who were investigating the scheme. GHERTLER previously pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jonathan Ghertler orchestrated a sophisticated impersonation scheme by posing as prominent financiers and lawyers. He duped companies out of over $1 million. He also obstructed justice by brazenly impersonating a partner of a global law firm and urging federal agents to drop their investigation. But he did not get away with it. As today’s sentence demonstrates, serial fraudsters like Ghertler will be caught and held to account for their crimes.” According to the Indictment and other filings and statements made in court: From at least in or about December 2021, up to and including at least June 2022, GHERTLER impersonated the General Counsel of a global private equity firm (the “Private Equity Firm”). In doing so, GHERTLER fraudulently caused the Private Equity Firm’s portfolio companies to pay at least $200,000 to fund a non-existent internal investigation into alleged links between senior employees of the Private Equity Firm and Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier who, before he died on or about August 10, 2019, had been charged in the Southern District of New York with sex trafficking of minors and conspiring to commit sex trafficking of minors. In addition, from at least May 2021, up to and including February 2023, GHERTLER impersonated the founder of an investment firm (the “Investment Firm”), directing the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) of one of the Investment Firm’s portfolio companies (the “IF Portfolio Company”) to make at least $865,000 in payments to fund a non-existent internal investigation related to the founder’s alleged relationship with Epstein. Shortly before the fraud unraveled, GHERTLER, posing as the founder of the Investment Firm, had discussed with the CEO the possibility of making a large investment into a restaurant chain owned by another investment firm. On or about February 7, 2023, after learning from the CEO that federal investigators were investigating a potentially fraudulent payment made by the Investment Firm, GHERTLER, posing as a partner (the “Partner”) at a global law firm, spoke on the phone with Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). GHERTLER told the federal agents that the IF Portfolio Company had chosen not to report the fraud because it had been “made whole” by the fraudster. On or about February 10, 2023, GHERTLER, impersonating the Partner, spoke again with federal agents. GHERTLER said, after “consult[ing]” with “associates and lower-level partners” at the Global Law Firm who “used to work” at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, “our position is that, uh, the law states that, umm, you know, if the money was paid back prior to, uh, the crime being, uh, discovered, uh, it’s not a crime.” GHERTLER added that his “client [ i.e. , the founder of the Investment Firm] has a lot of other issues he is dealing with right now, so this is one he really doesn’t need to deal with.” This case resulted in GHERTLER’s 16th conviction — his prior convictions include fraud, theft, larceny, burglary, and forgery. In 2001, he was convicted of wire fraud in the Southern District of New York, and, in 2007, he was convicted of wire fraud in the Middle District of Florida. As here, in both the prior federal cases, GHERTLER was charged with impersonating prominent lawyers and business leaders and persuading companies to fraudulently transfer large sums of money to accounts under his control. * * * In addition to his prison term, GHERTLER, 61, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,065,000 and forfeit the same amount. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Sowlati is in charge of the prosecution.