title: Whiteville Business Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Ponzi Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: GREENVILLE, N.C. – Joseph W. Floyd, IV, age 76, was sentenced to serve 42 months in federal prison for conspiracy to sell and deliver unregistered securities in connection with a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme that was operated under the guise of a purported investment program. Following his prison sentence, Floyd was ordered to serve three years on supervised release. Floyd was also ordered to pay $10,646,504 in restitution. Floyd’s brother and co-defendant, William Floyd, was previously sentenced. According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Floyds owned and operated Floyd’s Insurance Agency (FIA), an insurance business based in Whiteville, North Carolina. The Floyds, through FIA, also offered a purported “Loan Program” in which more than 150 individuals and businesses in southeastern North Carolina and elsewhere invested funds in exchange for interest-bearing promissory notes. The promissory notes were securities as defined by law and therefore required to be registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). As part of the registration process, the SEC requires businesses to provide important financial information that allows investors to make informed investment decisions. The Floyds never registered the investment offering with the SEC at any time. The Loan Program offering was portrayed as a safe and conservative investment, comparable to a traditional money market account or certificate of deposit (CD) but offering higher interest rates that varied from six percent to 10 percent. The promissory notes, which were personally guaranteed by the Floyds, stated that investor principal was repayable within one year. The Floyds initially used the borrowed funds to extend credit to Monthly Payment Plan (MPP), an affiliated company in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that was in the business of financing annual insurance premiums for consumers. Loan Program investors were falsely led to believe that FIA was earning sufficient profits from which to pay the promised rate of return and fund redemptions of principal upon demand. In truth, by 2012, FIA had borrowed more than $20 million from investors and did not have the means to service the debt through any legitimate business source. In order to forestall bankruptcy, the Floyds operated the Loan Program as a Ponzi scheme in which principal and profits were paid to existing investors with funds raised from more recent investors. Investors were never advised of this fact. Instead, the Floyds willfully concealed FIA’s insolvency while continuing to accept additional investments. In May 2020, FIA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At the conclusion of that proceeding, it is anticipated that assets will be available for distribution to the victims of the Floyds’ scheme. Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the arraignments were concluded. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, investigated the case. The Securities Exchange Commission, Atlanta Field Office, also provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-CR-1-BO.


title: Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices Celebrate Funding For Survivors Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- As part of a monthlong observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana are proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $790,618 to the state of Indiana to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Domestic violence rates are even higher for people of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals. The announced grants will reach historically marginalized and underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, Tribal nations, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes. Indiana received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year: OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. OVW awarded $450,000 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. “No one should be subjected to abuse, especially by those closest to them. Whether or not we’re aware, everyone knows someone impacted by domestic and intimate partner abuse, said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This trauma leaves an indelible mark on survivors and their families, from physical harm and psychological distress to negative impacts on housing, employment, and education. U.S. Attorney Johnson and I celebrate the Office of Violence Against Women’s support programs serving survivors across the state of Indiana.” “I am pleased to announce, along with U.S. Attorney Myers, that our State has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. Domestic Violence, in all forms, undermines the safety and security that one should have in their homes and intimate relationships. These grant funds will support the ongoing work being done to create communities free of domestic violence,” said Clifford D. Johnson, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.” The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a time to center the experiences of survivors; honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. ###


title: Decatur Man Convicted of Sexually Exploiting Minors

component: Department of Justice

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts on October 26, 2023, against Kevin Dial, 52, of Decatur, Illinois, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Sentencing for Dial has been scheduled for February 26, 2024, in front of United States District Judge Colin S. Bruce at the federal courthouse in Urbana, Illinois. Over three days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Dial directed another individual to sexually abuse three minor victims, all of whom were under the age of 11 at the time, and to video record that abuse. Dial then ordered the individual to send the video recordings of the sexual abuse to him. Dial remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. At sentencing, Dial faces statutory penalties of 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the sexual exploitation counts and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography. The district judge may order that the sentences on each count be served consecutively. The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Philippine National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand represented the government at trial.


title: Terry Man and Jackson Woman Sentenced to Prison  for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Jackson, Mississippi – A Terry man was sentenced to 93 months in federal prison and a Jackson woman was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl. Tyunna Lamar Jordan, 32, of Terry and Mercedes Shykeria Mitchell, 27, of Jackson, were sentenced on October 26, 2023, in U.S. District Court. According to court documents, Jordan and Mitchell conspired with others to distribute “M 30” tablets which contained fentanyl. Beginning in April 2022, Jordan recruited Mitchell to participate in his distribution of the tablets. In May 2022, Mitchell traveled to the UAC Packing & Shipping store in Byram, Mississippi, to assist Jordan in returning M 30 tablets to Jordan’s source of supply. The parcel was intercepted by agents and determined to have a fictitious recipient name. Further investigation revealed the package contained over 2500 small blue tablets marked “M 30.” The tablets were sent to the DEA Laboratory for analysis which determined the tablets contained fentanyl. Jordan and Mitchell were indicted by a federal grand jury on December 6, 2022. Both defendants subsequently pled guilty to the conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton. This case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal drug trafficking in Hinds County and surrounding areas. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office For The Western District Of North Carolina Announces Funding During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) draws to a close, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina announces that the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded funding to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes. Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals. In the Western District of North Carolina, OVW awarded $375,000 to the Town of Mooresville under the Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program to promote coordinated community responses among law enforcement agencies, courts, victim service providers, and other system partners. The Town of Mooresville, in collaboration with its project partners, will utilize this award to continue improving the jurisdiction’s criminal justice system response to domestic violence. Specifically, the funding will be used to develop and implement policies and training for police, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting crimes of domestic violence. Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina said, “I am pleased to announce that the Town of Mooresville has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. The funding will enhance a coordinated response to crimes of domestic violence and appropriate treatment of victims.” “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.” OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw .


title: Readout of the Tribal Nations Leadership Council Meeting

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department hosted a two-day conference of the Tribal Nations Leadership Council (TNLC), where council members met with Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and officials from across the Department to discuss a range of pressing issues impacting American Indian and Alaska Native people. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the TNLC participated in a roundtable discussion with Attorney General Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. Discussion topics included the Department’s prioritized efforts to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, as well as the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. Those efforts include the Department’s June 2023 creation of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program , which provides for placement of an MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and an MMIP Coordinator in five designated regions with Indian Country across the United States. Other topics raised included the need for additional law enforcement and other resources to address crime, substance abuse, and the needs of Native youth. Department officials also reflected on experiences and feedback gained during visits and consultations with Tribal leaders and communities this year, including in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Alaska, where the Department announced its implementation plan for the Alaska Pilot Program . This program was enacted as part of the 2022 Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization and authorizes the Attorney General to designate Alaska Tribes to exercise special Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians within their Villages for certain crimes. The TNLC also raised the need for increasing data sharing and cross-jurisdictional cooperation, with the potential for building on the success of the Tribal Access Program , and leveraging new MMIP resources. Earlier in the day, the TNLC met with officials from the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the FBI’s Violent Crime Section and Indian Country Violent Crime Unit, among others, to discuss pressing public safety issues. In addition, on Wednesday, the TNLC discussed civil litigation updates on issues of significant concern, such as Tribal water and natural resource rights and the Indian Child Welfare Act, with Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Civil Division. The TNLC discussed civil rights updates with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division, and issues surrounding the 2022 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act with the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Rosie Hidalgo. On Thursday, Oct. 26, the TNLC had a breakfast with U.S. Attorneys, and a conversation with Alison Ramsdell, the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota and Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s Subcommittee on Native American Issues. The TNLC also met with top officials from the Department’s grantmaking components: the Office of Justice Programs, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and OVW. The TNLC concluded with a meeting with Associate Attorney General Gupta focused on concrete steps related to the department’s Tribal grantmaking and civil litigation work. Established by the Justice Department by charter in 2010, the TNLC is a group of Tribal leaders from around the country selected by Tribal governments from each region. The Council is charged with providing perspective on emergent and ongoing issues across Indian Country as well as providing feedback on Justice Department activities in support of Tribes in each region. In addition to establishing a mechanism for regular insight and accountability, the structure of the group honors the United States’ government-to-government relationship with Tribes. The Department is grateful to the TNLC members who were able to attend this week’s meeting: Melanie Benjamin, Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Frank Star Comes Out, President, Oglala Lakota Nation Buu Nygren, President, Navajo Nation Gloria Burns, Vice President, Ketchikan Indian Community W. Ron Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Juana Majel Dixon, Councilwoman, Pauma-Yuima Band of Mission Indians


title: Lead defendant in a 15-defendant health care fraud conspiracy sentenced to federal prison

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Oct. 26, the lead defendant in a 15-defendant, $36 million health care fraud conspiracy scheme, was sentenced to 104 months in prison. Arisleidys Fernandez Delmas, 33, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to 104 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,671,377, for her participation in a health care fraud conspiracy that billed Blue Cross Blue Shield (“BCBS”) for more than $36 million for physical therapy services that patients never received. Fernandez Delmas and 11 other defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court in South Florida for their participation in the scheme. According to the factual proffers filed with the court, from August 2018 to February 2023, co-conspirators in the scheme paid kickbacks to beneficiaries of health insurance plans managed by BCBS. The co-conspirators offered these kickbacks to employees of JetBlue Airways, AT&T Inc., and TJX Companies Inc. to induce the beneficiaries to serve as patients at 30 South Florida physical therapy clinics. The co-conspirators who owned the clinics then submitted fraudulent health insurance claims to BCBS for health care benefits that were medically unnecessary and not even provided. According to the court documents, these co-conspirators also paid kickbacks and bribes to their co-defendants in return for referring additional BCBS beneficiaries to the physical therapy clinics so more fraudulent health care claims could be submitted. These co-conspirators also paid licensed massage therapists—several of whom were among the defendants convicted—to act as “nominee owners” and operators of the physical therapy clinics. This allowed the leaders of the scheme to avoid various medical clinic licensing requirements and attempt to evade criminal prosecution. The following defendants have pleaded guilty for their involvement in the fraudulent physical therapy billing scheme (sentencing information is noted where available): Pedro Hugo Prieto Garcia, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on July 27, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20560-Williams). Prieto Garcia was sentenced on Oct. 16, to 87 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $341,887. Leidys Delmas Garcia, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on July 24, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20560-Williams). Delmas Garcia was sentenced on Oct. 16, to 68 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $1,599,933.33. Carlos Jose Martin Gomez, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20249-Altonaga). Martin Gomez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled on Jan. 3, 2024. Julio Acosta Perez, of Homestead, Florida, pleaded guilty on June 14, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20561-Moreno). Acosta Perez was sentenced on Sep. 6, to 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $822,524.21. Yohana Iriza (aka Yohana Lozada), of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on April 4, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20562-Altman). Iriza was sentenced on Aug. 4, to 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $367,207.64. Gabriel Lozada, of Fort Meyers, Florida, pleaded guilty on May 1, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20561-Altman). Lozada was sentenced on July 31, to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $255,694.16. Emiliano Joaquin Garcia, of Lakeland, Florida, pleaded guilty on April 18, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20560-Williams). Garcia was sentenced on Oct. 24, to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Anthony Lozada, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on April 4, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20562-Altman). Lozada was sentenced on Aug. 4, to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $223,604.78. Daimara Borroto Garcia, of Hollywood, Florida, pleaded guilty on May 4, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20560-Williams). Borroto Garcia was sentenced on Sep. 18, to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Elias Caises Maurino, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on April 25, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 22-cr-20560-Williams). Maurino was sentenced on Aug. 9, to six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Linda Taylor, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud (Case No. 23-cr-20248-Scola). Taylor’s sentencing hearing is scheduled on Nov. 17. The following three other defendants have made their initial appearances in federal court, Gabriel Jaime Mejia, of Miami, Florida (22-cr-20560-Williams); Yarlon Valdes Morejon, of Miami, Florida (23-cr-20131-Scola), and Ariel Gonzalez, of Naples, Florida (23-cr-20248-Scola). A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will J. Rosenzweig and Michael B. Homer are prosecuting them. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-20560. ###


title: Hawaii Woman Charged with Filing False Tax Returns

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Honolulu returned an indictment yesterday charging a Hawaii woman with filing false tax returns, wire fraud, money laundering and structuring related to her fraudulent application for unemployment assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the indictment, for 2016 through 2020, Heidi Cafirma, of Waipahu, filed with the IRS false joint personal tax returns for her and her spouse that underreported their total, business or other income and total taxes owed. Cafirma allegedly also submitted a fraudulent application requesting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. From approximately June 2020 through September 2021, Cafirma allegedly filed weekly unemployment benefit certification forms in support of her application, falsely claiming she was not working or earning any income during the certification period. As a result, Cafirma allegedly received approximately $70,500 in fraudulent benefit payments. She also allegedly laundered money, and on three separate occasions in August 2018, allegedly made cash deposits each under $10,000 into two separate bank accounts in an effort to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements. If convicted, Cafirma faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each false return count, 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, 10 years in prison for money laundering and five years in prison for illegal structuring. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: El Paso Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 240 months in prison for distribution of a controlled substance causing serious bodily injury. According to court documents, Patrick Harley Chaires, 28, sold a counterfeit M-30 pill containing fentanyl on Jan. 10. The purchaser consumed the pill and overdosed due to fentanyl poisoning. The victim was revived after receiving medical care and Naloxone. Chaires was arrested on Jan. 25 as the result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. “The victim in this case is incredibly fortunate that they were able to receive the necessary medical care following their overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Everyone must be aware of, and take seriously, the dangers of fentanyl and its abundant presence in counterfeit pills being sold on the streets and through social media. As long as fentanyl distribution persists, we will continue to heavily prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.” “This 20-year sentence sends a clear message to everyone in our community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Castañeda for the DEA’s El Paso Division. “The DEA is laser-focused on one goal – saving American lives. Regardless of the quantity of illicit drugs you sell, if you hurt someone in the process, we will build a case against you, and bring this elevated charge to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s office for your prosecution.” This case was investigated by the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT) of the DEA’s El Paso Division, which is a West Texas HIDTA Initiative. FORT is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Army Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Army National Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, and El Paso Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Countryman prosecuted the case. ###


title: Man Sentenced to 171 Months in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Shooting at Victim in Dothan, Alabama

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – On October 26, 2023, a federal judge sentenced 50-year-old Steven John Smalley, from Panama City, Florida, to 171 months in prison for carjacking and discharging a firearm during the crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. In addition, the judge ordered that Smalley serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. Smalley’s sentence follows a July 2023 trial where a jury found him guilty of shooting at a customer of a gas station on Ross Clark Circle in Dothan, Alabama then driving away in the customer’s vehicle. While questioning witnesses at the scene shortly after the carjacking, investigators spotted Smalley in the stolen vehicle as he drove by the gas station. Police arrested Smalley within walking distance of the crime scene. This case was 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The Dothan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Justin L. Jones and Joel Feil prosecuted.


title: Phoenix Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Voluntary Manslaughter

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Joel James Justin, 32, of Phoenix, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On October 3, 2021, Justin, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, stabbed the victim, killing him. The defendant pleaded guilty on February 7, 2023, to Voluntary Manslaughter. The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan and Vinnie Lichvar, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-00074-PHX-DJH RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-161_Justin # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Ganado Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Murder of Grandmother

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jedidiah Michael Noble, 35, of Ganado, Arizona, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 20 years in prison. Noble pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder. On January 13, 2021, Noble stabbed his grandmother approximately 50 times, killing her. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-21-08012-PCT-MTL RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-162_Noble # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Three Men Sentenced for Federal Drug Crimes in North Idaho

body_text: COEUR D’ALENE – Jack Joseph Magness, 35, of Spokane, Washington, David Christopher Churchill, 50, of Sandpoint, and Jonathan Robert Chrysler, 26, of Post Falls, were sentenced in separate cases for federal drug crimes involving methamphetamine and clonazepam, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. On October 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford sentenced Magness to 60 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After serving his prison sentence, Magness will be placed on supervised release for three years. According to court records, Magness was arrested by Idaho State Police in Shoshone County, Idaho, on July 16, 2021. During his arrest, Magness hid a small quantity of methamphetamine in his body and smuggled it into the jail. Once in the jail, Magness recovered the methamphetamine and began using it. One of Magness’s cell mates also accessed the smuggled methamphetamine and ultimately overdosed and died after consuming a portion of it. When officers investigated the death, they located 6 grams of methamphetamine on Magness’s bunk, within the cell. At his change of plea hearing, Magness ultimately admitted to smuggling the methamphetamine in and sharing it with others in the cell. In a separate case, on October 24, 2023, Judge Brailsford sentenced Churchill to 37 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. After his prison term, Churchill will be placed on supervised release for three years. Court records show that Churchill was distributing methamphetamine in the Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint area. Officers learned of Churchill’s activities and began to investigate. On April 13, 2022, Churchill sold four ounces of methamphetamine to another individual. After completing the drug deal, Churchill was arrested. In a third case, on October 23, 2023, Judge Brailsford sentenced Chrysler to 46 months in federal prison for distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21. After completing his prison sentences, Chrysler will be placed on supervised release for six years. According to court records, in May 2022, Chrysler met with a 14-year-old minor near Memorial Field in downtown Coeur d’Alene. During the meeting, Chrysler sold the minor multiple clonazepam pills, a Schedule IV controlled substance. The minor was ultimately rushed to the hospital and received medical care after consuming the pills mixed with alcohol. “These cases vividly show how illegal drugs threaten lives in North Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We are fortunate to work closely with law enforcement at all levels to address this danger, and we will continue to prioritize anti-drug enforcement in North Idaho and throughout Idaho.” These three cases were successfully prosecuted due to the collaborative efforts of multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including: the Shoshone County Sherriff’s Office, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Idaho Narcotics Enforcement Task Force which is comprised of the Idaho State Police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. ###


title: Justice Department and City of Albuquerque Seek Partial Termination of Consent Decree Covering the Albuquerque Police Department

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department and the city of Albuquerque filed a joint motion today seeking court approval to terminate certain portions of the consent decree covering the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The joint motion is based on APD’s consistent progress towards achieving the goals of the consent decree. The independent monitor’s most recent report, from May 2023, concluded that APD had reached full compliance with 92% of the consent decree’s terms. In addition, APD is now monitoring its own compliance with some provisions, consistent with an agreement between the department and APD, which the parties previously filed with the court. In light of APD’s continued improvement, as well as its demonstrated record of sustaining compliance with some requirements, the parties ask the court to terminate certain provisions of the consent decree with which APD has been in full compliance for at least two years and that APD has been self-assessing. The provisions cover: a multi-agency task force; specialized tactical units; specialized investigative units; the Field Training Evaluation Program; public information on civilian complaints; recruiting, selection and promotion; and officer assistance and support. “Our filing with the court demonstrates that the Justice Department’s consent decree has been critical to driving real reform and moving the Albuquerque Police Department toward the goal of ensuring effective and constitutional policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our filing makes clear the real progress that has been made in transforming aspects of the department’s policing over the last eight years. The Albuquerque Police Department has demonstrated its ability to independently sustain compliance with important requirements of the consent decree. The Justice Department will continue to support police and city leaders as they forge ahead with full compliance with the consent decree, and we will continue to stand with residents of the city. The residents of Albuquerque deserve fair and constitutional policing, and nothing less.” “This move to partial termination is yet more evidence of the City of Albuquerque’s dogged pursuit of progress,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez for the District of New Mexico. “Work remains to be done, and the challenges facing us as a community are ever evolving. While we continue to work together to confront those challenges, we applaud the steady and unrelenting drive towards the type of policing that the people of Albuquerque deserve.” APD has made substantial change in reaching compliance with provisions of the consent decree, including: APD has a clear and reliable process for conducting criminal investigations of critical incidents through the multi-agency task force; APD significantly professionalized its SWAT team and brought its operations in line with national standards; APD’s investigative units operate with clarity about their scope and mission; Through APD’s Field Training Evaluation Program, new officers receive reinforcement about APD’s values and expectations, helping to ensure that officers provide constitutional and effective policing from their first days on patrol; APD and Albuquerque’s civilian oversight agency widely distributes information about filing complaints about police officers, ensuring that people across the city can easily access and submit complaint forms, and that APD and civilian oversight are aware of the issues that people are having with police officers; The independent monitor has found that APD has set new standards in police recruiting, increasing interest in joining APD at a time when police departments across the country face challenges in recruiting; and APD’s Behavioral Sciences Section provides industry-standard behavioral health and wellness services to APD personnel and their families, often exceeding the requirements of the consent decree. The District Court for the District of New Mexico entered the consent decree in June 2015. The decree, as well as information about the Civil Rights Division, are available on the Special Litigation Section Cases and Matters website . Additional information about implementation of the consent decree is also available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website . View the joint motion here.


title: Hacker Sentenced to 30 Months for SIM Swapping Conspiracy Resulting in Theft of Nearly $1 Million in Cryptocurrency

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jordan Dave Persad, 20, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Persad was also ordered to pay $945,833 in restitution. Persad pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Computer Fraud. Between March 2021 and September 2022, Persad and his co-conspirators hacked into victims’ email accounts, hijacked their cell phone numbers, and gained unauthorized access to their online cryptocurrency accounts. As a result of this scheme, often referred to as “SIM swapping,” Persad and his co-conspirators stole close to $1 million worth of cryptocurrency from dozens of victims, including approximately $30,000 from a victim in Arizona. Defendant and his co-conspirators then divided these stolen funds amongst themselves, with Persad keeping around $475,000. Investigators were able to recover some of these funds when they executed search warrants at Persad’s Orlando home. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Chang and Bridget Minder of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00680-PHX-DJH RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-163_Persad # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Distribution of Meth

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, ANTONIO MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ , 39, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction and for distribution of methamphetamine, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On December 7, 2022, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count Superseding Indictment against Rodriguez and co-defendant, Lisha Constantino, 37, for their role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The Superseding Indictment alleges both Rodriguez and Constantino conspired to distribute methamphetamine near an Oklahoma City elementary school. Court documents also allege Rodriguez was found to be in possession of several firearms and ammunition. Rodriguez holds multiple prior felony convictions, including assault and battery on a police officer in Tulsa County District Court case number CF-2002-1647, and three counts of drive-by shooting and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2003-3408. On March 13, 2023, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to Count 3 and Count 4 of the Superseding Indictment, illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, and distribution of methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearing on Monday, U. S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Rodriguez to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by six years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted Rodriguez’s criminal history, disciplinary record while incarcerated, and continued criminal behavior upon his release. Constantino was charged by a one-count Superseding Information with distribution of methamphetamine on April 6, 2023. She has pleaded guilty and is set to be sentenced next month. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Oklahoma City Office, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. It is also a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew P. Anderson and Chelsie A. Pratt are prosecuting the case.


title: Orange Park Man With History Of Mental Illness Indicted For Illegally Trying To Buy A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Timothy Crowe (54, Orange Park) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted, Crowe faces up to five years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Crowe completed an ATF Form 4473 during his attempted purchase of a firearm from Best Deal Gun and Pawn, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Crowe indicated on the required paperwork that he did not have a history of mental illness. The indictment alleges that this was a false statement, and that Crowe was previously adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity in two Clay County felony cases. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot. 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: Marrero Woman Pleads Guilty to Misprision of a Felony

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – ROSE B. DEMERS , of Marrero, LA, age 68, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon to misprision of a felony related to funds received from a fraud victim, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the charging documents, DEMERS received $8,600 from an out of state fraud victim on or about July 9, 2021. Rather than contact the authorities, DEMERS converted some of the funds to her own use and attempted to wire the funds to a person posing as an Internal Revenue Agent. DEMERS was acting as a middleman for a fraudster who directed financial fraud victims to send her money, which she would then convert to MoneyGrams, etc., and forward to the fraudster. Sentencing is set for February 22, 2024. DEMERS faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov. If you need assistance or to report elder abuse, please contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by call the helpline at 1-800-677-1116 Monday – Friday 9am - 8pm EST. To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Economic Crimes Section, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Texas Man Sentenced for Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RANDY HARROD , age 45, a resident of Trinity, Texas, was sentenced on October 26, 2023 by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 108 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841 (b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, between May 25, 2020, and July 2, 2020, Ryan Fremin traveled from the Eastern District of Louisiana to the Houston, Texas area on five occasions to purchase kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Leonel Gonzalez, a Houston-based narcotics trafficker. On three of those occasions, Fremin arranged the transactions with HARROD , who negotiated the price with Fremin or accepted payment from Fremin for the drugs at a hotel in Houston reserved by HARROD before Gonzalez arrived later with the drugs. On July 12, 2020, a confidential source contacted HARROD to purchase of a kilogram of methamphetamine from HARROD . HARROD met the confidential source in Houston and drove him to a hotel where Gonzalez met them and sold the methamphetamine to the confidential source. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: De Kalb Woman Pleads Guilty to Misappropriation of Postal Funds

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, MS – A De Kalb woman pled guilty to misappropriation of postal funds while serving as Postmaster. According to court documents, Stacey Eldridge Parker, 45, while serving as Postmaster of the Marion Post Office and Administrative Postmaster of the Bailey and Daleville Post Offices, took cash and other property of the United States Postal Service for personal use. A federal grand jury indicted Parker on August 8, 2023. Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant Inspector in Charge Dana Carter of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Houston Divison, made the announcement. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen is prosecuting the matter.


title: U.S. Citizen Indicted For Filing False Tax Returns, Failing To Report Foreign Bank Account

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE - A federal grand jury has indicted Chunsheng “Jay” Huang on charges of filing a false tax return and failing to file a report of a foreign bank or financial account, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Darren Lian; and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The indictment was handed down on November 1, 2022, but unsealed this week. According to the indictment, Huang, 67, of San Jose, is alleged to have been an employee of a company based in Milpitas, California, for over 15 years while also working for companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for at least six of those years. The indictment alleges that Huang used an account with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in his sister-in-law’s name to receive payments from two companies in the PRC. The indictment alleges that Huang failed to report that income on his federal tax returns for 2016 through 2020. In addition to the obligation to report foreign income for tax purposes, the indictment alleges that United States citizens and residents who have a financial interest in, or signature or other authority over, a bank account in a foreign country with an aggregate value of more than $10,000 at any time during a particular calendar year are required to file with the United States Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (“FBAR”) for that year. The indictment alleges that Huang failed to file the required FBAR report for the ICBC account for 2019 and 2020. Huang has not made an appearance in the case. An arrest warrant was issued at the time of the indictment. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Huang faces a maximum sentence of (i) three years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count of violating 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1) (Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return); and (ii) 10 years of imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count of violating 31 U.S.C. §§ 5314 and 5322(b) (Failure to File Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts). However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions section of the United States Attorney’s Office. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI and the FBI.


title: Mission Man Sentenced for Prohibited Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Possession of a Firearm. Sentencing took place on October 23, 2023. Paris Bordeaux, age 33, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bordeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 27, 2023. On August 28, 2022, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle near Mission for a vehicle safety violation. The Defendant was the driver of the vehicle. As information developed during the stop, it was determined the vehicle would be searched. The search revealed a Glock pistol, a box of 9mm rounds, a plastic bag with methamphetamine, two digital scales that tested positive for narcotics, and a glass pipe with residue. The Defendant admitted to possessing the firearm and claimed ownership of the drug-related items in the vehicle. As an unlawful user of a controlled substance, the Defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The Defendant also has a prior conviction for domestic violence which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. 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. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler. Bordeaux was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Eight Years and Four Months for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on October 25, 2023. Jeremiah Little, 40, was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to forfeit two firearms. Little was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on August 11, 2023. In the spring and summer of 2021, Little distributed methamphetamine primarily in Kyle and Pine Ridge, South Dakota. On May 13, 2022, law enforcement located two firearms and drug paraphernalia in a vehicle operated by Little after he fled from them. During the time frame of the conspiracy, Little was responsible for distributing around 200 grams of methamphetamine. On a second occasion in August of 2022, Little again fled from law enforcement, this time leading to seizure of drug paraphernalia. This case was investigated by Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Little was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Parmelee Man Sentenced for Assault

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota man convicted of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation. The sentencing took place on October 24, 2023. Allen Eugene Two Eagle, age 31, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Two Eagle was indicted for Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation by a federal grand jury in April of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 27, 2023. The Defendant and the victim began dating in November of 2020. In September of 2021, they were living together at the Defendant’s residence in Parmelee. On September 12, 2021, the Defendant and the victim argued about their relationship and the argument continued into the following day. The confrontation became physical when the Defendant assaulted the victim. During the assault, the Defendant put his knee into the victim’s stomach and put his hand around her neck. The victim was not able to breathe as the Defendant applied pressure to her neck. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. Two Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Fayetteville Check Fraud Ringleader Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Fayetteville, North Carolina man, Alvester Aaron Williams, Jr., was sentenced today to 44 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On May 24, 2023, Williams pleaded guilty to the charge. According to court documents and other information presented in court, the United States Postal Inspection Service initiated an investigation of Williams following a state probation search of Williams’s hotel room in Fayetteville. The search recovered approximately 500 stolen checks and other pieces of stolen mail, X-ACTO blades for altering the checks, over a dozen debit cards in the names of other people, and bank account usernames and passwords. At the time of the search, Williams was on state probation for obtaining property by false pretense related to the theft and alteration of checks, among other convictions. Analysis of the stolen checks, together with other evidence, indicated that Williams resumed his check fraud activities shortly after the imposition of his state sentence. According to the subsequent federal investigation, between approximately July 2020 and August 2021, William conspired with others to steal checks from mailboxes in and around Fayetteville, alter the checks to reflect the names of co-conspirators (i.e., money mules), change the payment amounts, deposit the checks into co-conspirator accounts, and withdraw the proceeds at ATMs. When law enforcement authorities arrested Williams on the federal indictment, Williams was found in possession of 97 stolen checks, multiple debit cards in the names of other people, and X-ACTO blades. Michael Easley, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The United States Postal Inspection Service, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-CR-227-M .


title: Two Great Falls residents arraigned in fentanyl trafficking investigation

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

body_text: GREAT FALLS — Two persons arrested recently as part of a multi-agency narcotics investigation appeared for arraignment on Oct. 26 on federal indictments alleging fentanyl trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Officers from multiple federal, state and local agencies previously arrested five persons on warrants as part of a coordinated takedown conducted on Oct. 12 in Great Falls. The two defendants appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty were: Nicholas Cocklin, 28, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cocklin faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Cocklin was arrested on Oct. 21. Cocklin was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 23-95. Courtney Price, 27, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Price faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and at least three years of supervised release. Price was arrested on Oct. 19. Price was detained pending further proceedings. PACER case reference. 23-94. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Co-defendants or defendants in associated cases previously arraigned and pending trial are Alanna Corcoran, Natalie Crawford, Michael McIntire, Terry McIntire, all of Great Falls, and Paul Regimbal, of Fort Benton. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Great Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Russell Country High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Marshals Service, conducted the investigation. 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: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona Celebrates Funding Awarded During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

number: 2023-164_OVW Grant Awards

body_text: The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors; honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is proud to announce that the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $1,990,618 to the District of Arizona to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals. The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes. Specifically, the District of Arizona received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year: OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. OVW awarded $400,000 under the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program (Culturally Specific Program) to help community-based organizations develop culturally relevant programs specific to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Tribal communities to support survivors. OVW awarded $350,000 under the Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program (Engaging Men and Boys Program) to support educational programming and community-based organizations that encourage men and boys to work with allies with women and girls to prevent crimes. OVW awarded $900,000 under the Training and Technical Assistance Initiative to support training and technical assistance programs to enhance the efforts of grant recipients to implement projects supported by OVW funds successfully. “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.” ### OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw . For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news. RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-164_OVW Grant Awards


title: Marfa Youth Softball Coach Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALPINE, Texas – A Marfa man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alpine today to possession of child pornography and transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting. According to the affidavit in a criminal complaint, which was filed in May, Patricio Javier Serrano, 36, was in possession of multiple photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse material stored on his cell phone and in his phone’s web browser. Serrano pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting and one count of possession of child pornography. He faces no less than five and up to 20 years in prison for the transportation charge, and up to 20 years in prison for the possession charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Marfa Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Greenbaum and Kevin Cayton are 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Federal grand jury indicts 3 defendants for Trapper Creek murders

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment last week charging three defendants with crimes connected to the murders of two women in Trapper Creek this May. According to the indictment, Heraclio Sanchez-Rodriguez, 56, Tamara Denise Bren, 41, and Kevin Glenn Peterson II, 29, engaged in a drug conspiracy and conspired to kidnap and murder Sunday Powers and Kami Clark in furtherance of a drug trafficking enterprise on May 22. The drug conspiracy resulted in the distribution of over 33 kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of meth, four kilograms of heroin and 57 grams of cocaine. The indictment further explains that Sanchez-Rodriguez was an inmate in a California prison and used contraband phones to run his enterprise. The indictment alleges the defendants communicated in person and through phone calls and text messages to coordinate the kidnapping of Powers and Clark. They used tracking applications on cell phones to confirm the location of Powers and Clark the day of the murders. They further organized multiple vehicles to meet the co-conspirators near Trapper Creek and have a conspirator carry a firearm to carry out the kidnapping. According to the indictment, conspirators restrained Powers and Clark under the threat of force by carjacking the vehicle they occupied. During the kidnapping and carjacking, Powers called 911 but a conspirator ended her call. Powers and Clark were driven to a hidden location, where they were executed and buried in a shallow grave near Trapper Creek. The indictment charges all three defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, killing in furtherance of continuing criminal enterprise, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death and use of a firearm to commit murder in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Bren and Sanchez-Rodriguez are also charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. If convicted of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, Bren and Sanchez-Rodriguez face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for the remaining charges is life imprisonment. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes made the announcement. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Division, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, U.S Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department and the Palmer Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Vandergaw and Christopher Schroeder are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Bronx Man Pleads Guilty To Coordinating Role In International “Grandparents” Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Josiah DeJesus, age 22, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty on October 26, 2023, before United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to serving as a coordinating courier in a Dominican Republic-based “grandparents” fraud scheme that preyed upon elderly, American victims from states across the country. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from approximately June 2020 to October 2020, along with four other Bronx men whom he recruited, DeJesus regularly traveled from New York City to various locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio to retrieve UPS and Fed Ex packages containing thousands of dollars in cash. These packages were sent by elderly victims, who were induced to send the money based upon false claims that their grandchildren had been arrested and charged with serious vehicular crimes and, consequently, were in immediate need of money. These false claims were made to the elderly victims in phone calls that they received from DeJesus’ oversees co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic, who posed either as the victims’ grandchildren or as attorneys representing the victims’ grandchildren. DeJesus acknowledged that the monetary loss attributable to his conduct was between $250,000 and $550,000, that his conduct resulted in substantial financial hardship to five or more victims and involved the unlawful use of the means of identification of five or more victims. DeJesus agreed to make restitution to the victims in the amount of $328,780.00. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation –Philadelphia Division, and its state and local law enforcement partners in Berks County, PA. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery St John is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: DOJ awards more than $2.5 million to Western Washington non-profits who assist survivors of human trafficking

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice is awarding more than $2.5 million in grants to three non-profit organizations that work to combat human trafficking and support survivors, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The three non-profits focus their work on different geographic areas of Western Washington. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Western District of Washington is a leader in prosecuting cases of human trafficking – whether it is sex trafficking of vulnerable victims or labor trafficking of immigrants who feel helpless to escape,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This grant funding will ensure the victims of modern-day slavery are rescued and supported as they put their lives back together.” The largest grant, $950,000, is awarded to Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative (IHTC) to provide support and resources to 300 survivors of sex and labor trafficking in the South Sound region. Specifically, the organization will focus on Thurston, Lewis, Pierce, and Mason counties and among ten tribes: Nisqually, Chehalis, Tulalip, Puyallup, Cowlitz, Quileute, Lower Elwha Klallam, Muckleshoot, and Hoh tribes. IHTC will provide training on best practices for local law enforcement, health, mental health, and social services providers while also mobilizing a network of non-profits, government agencies, the faith community, tribal elders, and businesses who can assist those seeking to escape human trafficking. Seattle’s International Rescue Committee was awarded $800,000 to provide evidence-based and trauma informed Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services to survivors of human trafficking in King County. Primary activities include individual counseling, group support, and case management services to survivors and training and technical assistance to providers to increase their capacity to serve survivors. Finally, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIP) was awarded $800,000 to provide legal services to human trafficking survivors in southwest Washington and on the Olympic Peninsula. Two other non-profits will have services funded through this grant award: Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia (CIELO) an organization dedicated to meeting the human service needs of Latino residents of three rural counties with high risk for labor trafficking, specifically in non-timber forest harvesting, fishing/shellfish, and agriculture; and Pueblo Unido PDX, an organization dedicated to more effectively serving the immigration legal needs of indigenous language speakers. NWIP will oversee these subgrants.


title: Convicted Felon Arrested for Shooting of a Federal Officer

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Jerardo Jay Rosales, 39, of Tucson, was arrested Wednesday and charged in a two-count complaint with Assault on Federal Officer Using a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon and Prohibited Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The complaint alleges that, on October 17, 2023, Rosales, a convicted felon, shot a federal officer in the left arm with a pistol, then fled in a vehicle. The officer suffered a non-life-threatening injury. A conviction for Assault on Federal Officer Using a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a maximum term of three years supervised release. A conviction for Prohibited Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon carries a maximum of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a maximum term of three years supervised release. A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 23-02095MJ RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-165_Rosales # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Joplin Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Following High-Speed Motorcycle Chase in Newton County

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm after he led law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit on his motorcycle across state lines from Kansas to Newton County, Mo. Douglas Eugene Alexius, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Thursday, Oct. 26, to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. On April 13, 2023, Alexius pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Alexius was arrested on Oct. 9, 2022, after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase. Alexius was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle on U.S. Highway 166 in Cherokee County, Kan., when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop him for failing to stop at a stop sign. Alexius accelerated his motorcycle and led law enforcement officers in pursuit into Newton County. Officers observed the motorcycle swerving into the oncoming lane of travel on multiple occasions. Alexius lost control of his motorcycle and crashed at the intersection of Greenwood Drive and Birch Drive. Alexius was taken into custody after being tased three times because he refused to follow an officer’s order to lie on the ground and kept reaching into his jacket pocket. Officers searched Alexius and found a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol in his jacket pocket. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Alexius has four prior felony convictions for resisting arrest and two prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in relation to a drug offense, receiving stolen property, and unlawful use of a firearm. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Cherokee County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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: Readout of Office for Access to Justice Director Rachel Rossi’s Trip to Alaska

component: Office for Access to Justice

body_text: This week, Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) traveled to Anchorage and Bethel, Alaska, to engage access to justice stakeholders in the state and deliver keynote remarks at the launch event for Alaska Legal Services Corporation’s (ALSC) Community Justice Worker Resource Center. Director Rossi and ATJ met with executives and staff from ALSC and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) in Anchorage. Director Rossi was briefed on ALSC’s Community Justice Worker Program, an innovative program designed to utilize trained, authorized community members to provide basic legal assistance in Alaska. At ANTHC, she met with leaders of the Distance Learning Initiative, which builds the curriculum used to remotely train community justice workers, and she toured the ANTHC campus to learn more about health and justice efforts faced by Alaska Natives and the role of health centers and medical-legal partnerships in increasing access to legal assistance. Director Rossi also traveled to Bethel, the regional hub for the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. She visited Kuskokwim Consortium Library to hold a discussion with the library director to discuss the role of libraries in assisting and referring people to appropriate legal services. Director Rossi visited the Bethel courthouse and met with the recently appointed Chief Public Defender for the state of Alaska, as well as staff from the Bethel Holistic Defense Project, to discuss the need for rural public defenders and civil legal aid attorneys, and recent ATJ events at law schools to encourage law students to build careers in rural communities. To conclude her visit to Bethel, Director Rossi met with leaders and staff from the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP), a consortium of 56 Tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region that provides social services, community development and advocacy. Director Rossi learned about the social service needs of ACVP communities and specific efforts by community justice workers at ACVP to provide legal services to individuals in need. Concluding the trip in Anchorage, Director Rossi participated in a panel discussion on current issues in access to justice. In her remarks, Director Rossi highlighted recent office initiatives related to criminal justice, rural access to justice, innovative access to justice solutions and language access, among other topics. Director Rossi also met with Alaska Supreme Court Justices to discuss Alaska Supreme Court’s efforts to support access to justice programs in Alaska, including the Community Justice Worker Program. She then met with the Alaska Federal Defender and met with community justice workers to hear about their efforts. Director Rossi also met with the President of the Alaska Federation of Natives to discuss current access to justice needs in Alaska Native communities. On Wednesday evening, at the invitation of the Alaska Supreme Court, Director Rossi delivered keynote remarks at the launch event for the Community Justice Worker Resource Center at Alaska Pacific University. In her remarks, she highlighted the need for bold, creative solutions to the nation’s civil justice gap, like the Community Justice Worker Program. Read her full remarks here . Director Rossi delivers keynote remarks during the launch of the Community Justice Worker Program at Alaska Pacific University. Director Rossi delivers keynote remarks during the launch of the Community Justice Worker Program at Alaska Pacific University. Alaska Legal Services Corporation Executive Director Nikole Nelson briefs Director Rossi and group on ALSC’s Community Justice Worker Program. Director Rossi and ATJ team meet with Alaska Supreme Court Justices. Pictured left to right, National Legal Aid & Defender Association Vice President of Civil Programs Radhika Singh, Alaska State Court Administrator Stacey Marz, Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Henderson, Supreme Court Justice Dario Borghesan, Office for Access to Justice Senior Counsel Charlie Gillig, Supreme Court Justice Susan Carney, Manilaaq Health Center Medical Director Bob Onders, Director Rachel Rossi, Alaska Director Rossi and the group meet with Kuskokwim Consortium Library Director, Theresa Quiner at the Yup’ik Museum, Library and Multipurpose Center in Bethel, AK. Pictured left to right, Alaska Legal Services Corporation Justice for All Coordinator Sarah Carver, Kuskokwim Consortium Library Director, Theresa Quiner, National Legal Aid & Defender Association Vice President of Civil Programs Radhika Singh, Office for Access to Justice Senior Counsel Charlie Gillig Director, Community Justice Worker Disaster Relief Grant Project Manager Izzy Williamson, American Bar Foundation Senior Program Officer Matthew Burnett, Alaska Legal Services Corporation Executive Director Nikole Nelson, Director Rachel Rossi and Alaska Legal Services Corporation Advocacy Director Leigh Dickey. Director Rossi and ATJ team meets with staff from the Association of Village Council Presidents. Director Rossi is joined by National Legal Aid & Defender Association Vice President of Civil Programs Radhika Singh, American Bar Foundation Senior Program Officer Matthew Burnett, Manilaaq Health Center Medical Director Bob Onders, and Alaska Court System Administrative Director Stacey Marz on a panel moderated by Alaska Legal Services Corporation Executive Director Nikole Nelson.


title: Poway Man Sentenced to Prison after Concealing Mother’s Death for 32 years, Stealing Over $800,000 in Government Benefits

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 27, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Donald Felix Zampach, who concealed his mother’s death in 1990 then stole more than $800,000 in government benefits intended for her, was sentenced in federal court today to 24 months in prison. Zampach pleaded guilty to money laundering and Social Security fraud in June 2023. According to his plea agreement, Zampach’s mother died in Japan in 1990. At the time of her death, she was receiving a widow’s pension from the Social Security Administration and an annuity from the Department of Defense (DoD). Zampach maintained his mother’s bank accounts for over three decades after her death, forged her signature on certificates of eligibility to keep her government benefits in pay, and filed forged federal income taxes. Zampach admitted that between November 1990 and September 2022, he received at least $830,238 intended for his mother. Zampach used his mother’s identity to fraudulently open credit accounts with at least nine financial institutions, causing losses of more than $28,000. Zampach laundered the stolen monies in part to pay off the mortgage on his Poway home. Zampach was ordered to pay $858,876.28 in restitution and to forfeit more than $830,000, including his home. “This is theft on a grand scale,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “Mr. Zampach stole from service members and those who dutifully pay into Social Security, expecting that when their time comes to retire, the money will be there. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our Social Security Administration partners, Mr. Zampach must pay back what he stole, and be held accountable for this decades-long crime.” “Mr. Zampach’s sentencing culminates a more than 30-year fraud scheme that he knowingly and willingly implemented to the detriment of the American taxpayer by unlawfully obtaining Department of Defense and Social Security benefits,” said DoD Inspector General Robert P. Storch. “My office, working through its Defense Criminal Investigative Service and with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute criminal activities that siphon away the invaluable resources entrusted to the DoD.” “Mr. Zampach intentionally withheld material information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to fraudulently obtain more than $250,000 in SSA benefits. This sentence holds him accountable for his devious, decades-long fraud,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “In total, he stole more than $800,000 in public money; and my office will continue to partner with law enforcement to investigate those who defraud SSA and government agencies. I thank the investigators, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill for their successful efforts in investigating and prosecuting this crime.” This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill. DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr1268-CAB Donald Felix Zampach Age: 65 Poway, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine Social Security Fraud – Title 42, U.S.C. Section 408(a)(4) Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCIES Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General Department of Defense – Office of the Inspector General – Defense Criminal Investigative Service


title: Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison  for Escape from Reentry Center

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced today to five years in prison for escape from a Residential Reentry Center. According to court documents, David Black, 33, was in federal custody at Dismas Charities, a contracted Residential Reentry Center of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, after having served time in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On December 16, 2022, the U.S. Marshals Service was alerted that Black had not reported to work at his designated place of employment during his Reentry term, and he did not return to Dismas after failing to report to work. On December 19, 2022, Black turned himself back into federal custody. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury for this offense. U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Marshal Mark B. Shepherd made the announcement. The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Allen and Andrew Eichner prosecuted the case.


title: ‘Superman’ Robber Charged with Bank Robbery

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Southaven, Mississippi, man who wore a t-shirt with a Superman logo during a Springfield, Mo., bank robbery has been charged in federal court. Scott A. Tyner, 50, was charged in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., on Oct. 6, 2023. That complaint was unsealed and made public today following Tyner’s arrest in Alabama. Tyner remains in federal custody and will have an initial court appearance on Monday, Oct. 30. The federal criminal complaint alleges that Tyner robbed Legacy Bank and Trust in Springfield on Sept. 29, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tyner was wearing a blue t-shirt with the Superman logo on the front and blue athletic shorts when he entered the bank on Sept. 29, 2023. Tyner slid a note on a teller counter that read, “This is a robbery.” The teller gave Tyner $5,560, the affidavit says, and he left the bank. Investigators determined that Tyner was driving a silver, four-door Chevrolet Silverado. The vehicle was captured by a license plate reader in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Oct. 1, 2023. The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.