title: California Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Katherine Marie Tacheira, 51, of Walnut Creek, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Tacheira to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Tacheira will begin a five-year term of supervised release. In May 2020, the Holt County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol. and the United States Postal Inspection Service began investigating Lindsey Rokahr and Dallas Rhinehart for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Norfolk, Nebraska, area. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Tacheira was the source of the methamphetamine, who would mail multi-ounce packages from California to recipients in Nebraska. The USPS was able to determine that three packages of methamphetamine were sent by Tacheira in July, August, and September of 2020. The September package from Tacheira to Rokahr was intercepted and contained three ounces of methamphetamine. The total amount of methamphetamine sent by Tacheira was 13 ounces. Rhinehart was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to 130 months’ imprisonment. Rokahr has entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy and is set for sentencing on August 4, 2023. This case was investigated by the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: Three Lincoln Gang Members Sentenced for RICO Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Edward Dean Williams, Antonio Corell Shannon, and Emmanuel Charles Kuot were all sentenced this morning in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, following their guilty pleas to a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. Williams was sentenced to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, Shannon was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment, and Kuot was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. All three defendants were sentenced to serve a three-year term of supervised release after they complete their prison sentences. There is no parole in the federal system. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the case. Williams, 21, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty to the offense on December 16, 2022. Shannon, 21, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty on December 15, 2022, and Kuot, 21, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty on January 11, 2023. The charge to which they pleaded guilty alleges that the three defendants conspired to violate the racketeering laws of the United States. Each defendant was either a member or an associate of the Day One Brothers (or “D1B”) gang in Lincoln. The D1B gang was an enterprise which engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts involving murder or attempted murder, robbery, and the distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana. The gang became the focus of an intensive investigation following an incident on March 26, 2018, when a group of D1B members and associates feuded with a rival gang. The confrontation ended with a D1B member shooting and killing a rival. As the investigation continued, the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation uncovered the extent of the gang’s criminal activities. The defendants in this case were each charged with committing acts in furtherance of the conspiracy. Among those acts, all three defendants were alleged to have participated in a shooting on October 26, 2019, which targeted a rival gang member. On that day, the three defendants were at a residence in the 3400 block of Portia Street in Lincoln, a location which the D1B gang viewed as being under their control. They learned that a rival gang member, who was referred to in the indictment as “Victim 7,” was in a nearby apartment building. Using social media contacts, they attempted to lure him out of the apartment. Williams and Shannon were carrying firearms. As they approached on foot, the three defendants spotted a person near the apartment. Williams and Shannon each fired several shots in the direction of the apartment unit where they suspected Victim 7 was located. Some of the shots penetrated the apartment. People were inside the apartment, but thankfully nobody was hit. As part of his guilty plea, Williams further admitted to having assaulted people on a couple of occasions who Williams suspected had cooperated with law enforcement and who Williams believed had provided information about D1B members and associates. The gang would use such threats, intimidation, and violence to keep others in fear of the gang. Shannon admitted to having used Snapchat and Facebook to advertise the sale of illegal drugs, mainly marijuana. The sales would often take place within a neighborhood which D1B viewed as under their control. And as part of Kuot’s guilty plea, he admitted to having also participated in an attempted robbery of a UNL fraternity member who was collecting an entry fee to a party in Lincoln. FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The three gang members sentenced today used violence to terrorize and exert control over Lincoln neighborhoods. The FBI is dedicated to disrupting and dismantling the most violent gangs in our community. The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force in Lincoln will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate, arrest, and apprehend gang members to make our neighborhoods safer.” This case was primarily investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Marshals also assisted during the investigation of this case. This case was part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.


title: Sacramento Couple Sentenced for Mail Fraud and Identity Theft

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Roderick Rigmaiden, 37, and his wife Onjale Nettles, 33, both of Sacramento, were sentenced Tuesday to six years and nine months in prison and five years and 11 months in prison, respectively, for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Rigmaiden and Nettles stole mail, obtained the personal identifying information of others, and then assumed these victims’ identities to fraudulently purchase and finance almost $250,000 worth of cars from various auto dealerships in the Sacramento area, in the Bay Area, and in Orange County. Rigmaiden was a prolific mail thief and is tied to numerous postal burglaries—of postal boxes, of apartment complex mailboxes, and of mail trucks. During a search of their home, investigators found tens of thousands of pieces of stolen mail, as well as postal keys, key making equipment, and a credit card imprinter. Rigmaiden and Nettles used stolen identities to fraudulently purchase and finance at least seven cars (and attempt an eighth) from auto dealerships. The vehicle purchases were typically accomplished by providing a down payment in the form of cash, check, or other monetary instrument, with the remainder of the purchase price secured by an auto loan. The monetary instruments presented for the down payment typically turned out to be fraudulent, and no payments were ever made towards the auto loans. This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot C. Wong prosecuted the case.


title: Everett Eugene Miller, Jr. Sentenced To Life Plus 120 Months For Sex Crimes Against A Child And Escape

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 11, 2023, Everett Eugene Miller, Jr., age 56, currently of Sunbright, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Katherine A. Crytzer, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. At trial, Miller was convicted on all counts in the indictment. The indictment charged Miller with Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, Felony Offense Involving a Minor by an Individual Required to Register as a Sex Offender, and Escape. Miller was sentenced to life plus 120 months in prison, followed by a lifetime on supervised release. Miller will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release. The government’s evidence at trial proved that from July 2019 through January 2020, Miller’s minor niece was living with Miller and his wife. Miller was on the sex offender registry for sexual assaults against other children. Miller bought his niece a secret cell phone, and the two exchanged over 2900 messages. Miller told his minor niece he loved her and only wanted to be with her. Miller further told his niece he would divorce her aunt for her, and they would be married. From December 29, 2019, through January 2, 2020, Miller took his niece on a long-haul trucking run to New Mexico and during the trip raped her multiple times. On August 14, 2020, while incarcerated and awaiting trial, Miller was taken to a local hospital for a procedure where he attempted to escape. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources. ###


title: Prominent Ghanaian Influencer Charged For Role In Romance Scheme And Extradited From United Kingdom To The United States

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count Indictment charging MONA FAIZ MONTRAGE for her role in a series of romance schemes and for laundering the proceeds of those schemes. MONTRAGE was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and was extradited from the United Kingdom on May 12, 2023. MONTRAGE will be presented before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, to whom the case is assigned, later today. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Mona Faiz Montrage was a member of a criminal conspiracy that specifically targeted older Americans through romance scams. These scams can be both financially and emotionally devastating for vulnerable victims. Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, Montrage was arrested abroad and has been brought to the United States to face justice.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “We alleged today that Ms. Montrage participated in multiple romance scams – often targeting elderly victims – resulting in more than $2 million in fraudulent funds under her control. Romance scams – especially those that target older individuals – are of major concern. The FBI will be tireless in our efforts to hold fraudsters accountable in the criminal justice system.” As alleged in the Indictment and other publicly filed materials: [1] From at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, MONTRAGE was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in West Africa that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the United States, including romance scams. Many of the Enterprise’s romance scam victims were vulnerable, older men and women who lived alone. The Enterprise frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who had, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretenses, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise. MONTRAGE is a Ghanaian public figure who rose to fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile, under the username “Hajia4Reall,” which at one point had approximately 3.4 million Instagram followers and was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana. MONTRAGE received money from several victims of romance frauds whom members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money. Among the false pretenses used to induce victims to send money to MONTRAGE were (i) payments to transport gold to the United States from overseas; (ii) payments to resolve a fake FBI unemployment investigation; and (iii) payments to assist a fake United States army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan. As to one victim, MONTRAGE used her real name and spoke to the victim several times by phone. MONTRAGE sent the victim a tribal marriage certificate purporting to show that MONTRAGE and the victim had been married in Ghana. The victim sent MONTRAGE approximately 82 wire transfers totaling approximately $89,000 to purportedly help with costs associated with MONTRAGE’s father’s farm in Ghana. In total, MONTRAGE controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise. * * * MONTRAGE, 30, of Accra, Ghana, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and one count of money laundering, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. MONTRAGE is also charged with one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of MONTRAGE will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Marshals Services, the National Extradition Unit, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI Legal Attaché in London for their assistance in the investigation. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from the United Kingdom. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitzi Steiner and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Chicago Man Convicted of Drug and Firearm Offenses

component: Department of Justice

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on May 5, 2023, against Tyrone L. Fulwiley, 40, of the 12900 block of South Sangamon Street in Chicago, for possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. Sentencing for Fulwiley has been scheduled on September 11, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois. Over four days of testimony, the government presented evidence establishing that Fulwiley and his co-defendant, Deandre Maxwell, possessed over 630 grams of cocaine inside a shared apartment on Plymouth Drive in Champaign, Illinois, which was packaged and intended for distribution. Also inside the shared apartment, Fulwiley and Maxwell possessed two untraceable “ghost guns,” despite both men being convicted felons. Those firearms had a DNA profile matching Fulwiley’s DNA, and he possessed them in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Fulwiley remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service. At sentencing, Fulwiley faces statutory penalties of up to life imprisonment, fines not to exceed $8,000,000 and not less than an eight-year term of supervised release. Maxwell previously pleaded guilty in March 2023 to possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 24, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois. The case investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Forensic Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Bryan Freres represented the government at trial.


title: Honoring National Police Week

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson salutes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14, 2023 through Saturday, May 20, 2023. In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Today is Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 224 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2022, with four of those officers having served in the State of Indiana. One officer, Noah C. Rainey, from the Northern District of Indiana lost his life in 2022. “It is my solemn duty to honor all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “Law enforcement officers undertake great risks every day to protect others. These selfless acts deserve the upmost respect and honor. On behalf of my Office, I want to say to all law enforcement officers; we are grateful for the work that you perform each day.” The names of the 556 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial were read on Saturday, May 13, 2023, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. Starting last Friday and continuing throughout the current week, US Attorney staff will be attending District events in remembrance of fallen officers. ###


title: Indiana Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Michael Snyder, 35 years old, of Francesville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty in two cases, one for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Snyder was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. According to documents in these cases, in November 2021, Snyder, who was driving a stolen vehicle in Mishawaka, was stopped by law enforcement officers. A loaded, stolen handgun was recovered from under his seat. Snyder had a prior felony conviction, and as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm. In April 2022, an investigation revealed that Snyder was the source of a pound of methamphetamine that was sold in Winamac, Indiana. These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group, and the Mishawaka Police Department. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. 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: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson to Honor Excellence in Law Enforcement at Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, 2023

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will honor more than 60 law enforcement professionals during the 2023 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston. The annual awards ceremony recognizes the exemplary service of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have provided invaluable assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia in cases and initiatives. Thompson will present awards for outstanding law enforcement work on major cases involving drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes and the sexual exploitation of minors. Thompson will also present awards honoring the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year and the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force of the year. This year’s ceremony is in conjunction with National Police Week, a collaborative effort of many organizations to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. WHAT: 2023 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony WHEN: Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 1 p.m. WHERE: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, Charleston, Fifth Floor A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Franklin Naturopathic Practitioner Sentenced to Twelve Months’ Imprisonment for Unlawful Prescribing of Controlled Substances

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 12, 2023, Michele Nickels (48) was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release. On February 8, 2023, Nickels pled guilty to an information charging her with one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Nickels’ conviction stemmed from her practice, over at least a 4-year period, of prescribing medications, including controlled substances such as Adderall, without a medical license or a DEA registration. According to court documents, during the relevant time period, Nickels was a licensed Acupuncturist who had graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. Although Nickels owned and operated Self-Integrative Family Wellness Center between 2008 and 2022, Nickels was never licensed to practice medicine or prescribe medications in Wisconsin. Despite lacking the authority and licensure to prescribe medications or controlled substances, Nickels prescribed such substances over a four-year period by, among other things, using a DEA registration number that was not assigned to her. In announcing the sentence, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller focused on the trust that society places in licensing authorities to impose meaningful requirements in order to ensure the protection of the public. Judge Stadtmueller noted that individuals, like Nickels, who are unable to conform their conduct to the requirements of their licensing authorities must face appropriate consequences. The Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart prosecuted. ### For further information contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov (414) 297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Police Week 2023

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS – In honor of National Police Week 2023, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends, and fellow officers they left behind. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. According to National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund, in 2021, 472 U.S. law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, including 319 who succumbed to COVID-19. The following seven officers who died in the line of duty in the Southern District of Indiana had their names read and added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial on Saturday, May 13, 2023, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. JOHN MEDLEY WHISMAN , 45, Charlestown P.D. EOW 10/1/1936 WILLIAM JAMES COX , 67, Fairmount P.D. EOW 6/26/1941 GARY LAYNE WEINKE , 67, Indiana Department of Correction. EOW 4/25/2020 NOAH CLEON RAINEY , 29, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. EOW 1/29/2022 NOAH JACOB SHAHNAVAZ , 24, Elwood P.D. EOW 7/31/2022 DOUGLAS WARREN SANFORD , 48, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. EOW 3/29/2022 SEARA BROOKE BURTON , 28, Richmond P.D. EOW 9/18/2022 “We honor these fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their communities.” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “We must never lose sight of the danger and difficulties that law enforcement officers face on our behalf. Without them, we cannot protect the public and maintain the rule of law. We are forever grateful for their bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice.” Additionally, according to 2022 Statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program , 60 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2022 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 58 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts decreased in 2022, lowering 17.8 percent from the previous year. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program. ###


title: Bedford Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison After Stealing 16 Firearms from Local Gun Shop

body_text: NEW ALBANY- Calvin Levi Johnson, 20, of Bedford, Indiana, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft from a federally licensed firearms dealer. According to court documents, on January 11, 2022, at approximately 2:11 in the morning, officers with the Bedford Police Department (BPD) responded to a burglary alarm at a local Knife and Gun shop. Investigation of surrounding security cameras showed Calvin Levi Johnson using a hammer to break a display case, remove 16 handguns from the case, and place them inside a backpack. BPD obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s residence where they found four firearms inside a black “Champion” book bag on the floor by his bed. All of the stolen firearms have been located and confiscated by law enforcement. “Thefts from gun retailers help to arm criminals and drive the violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Identification and prosecution of gun traffickers helps to stem violent crime at its source and is a top priority for federal law enforcement. I commend the ATF, Indiana State Police, and the Bedford Police Department for their efforts to hold this criminal accountable and track down all of the stolen guns to ensure they aren’t in the hands of dangerous, prohibited individuals.” “Stolen firearms are a significant source of crime guns for violent criminals,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “As the federal agency with both a responsibility to investigate violent firearms crimes and regulatory oversight of the firearms industry, we are committed to finding those responsible for burglaries like this one. We will join with our partners to bring them to justice and disrupt the flow of firearms from lawful commerce to the criminal element.” ATF investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the Indiana State Police and the Bedford Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Johnson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Meth Convictions

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced May 10, 2023. Kenneth John David Schneiders, 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted by a jury on December 13, 2022, after a two-day jury trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine all within 1,000 feet of a protected location, namely the Sioux City Alternative School and Opportunities School, each located in the Boys and Girls Home in Sioux City, Iowa. The evidence at trial showed that Schneiders was communicating with others for the sale of methamphetamine on December 2, 2019. Law enforcement was made aware of the discussions through a confidential source, and ultimately located Schneiders at the Boys and Girls Home parking lot with approximately two ounces of methamphetamine. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Schneiders was sentenced to 80 months’ imprisonment and must serve an eight-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Schneiders remains in custody of United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 20-4032. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Police Week

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – In honor of National Police Week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida recognizes the service and sacrifice of our local, state, and federal law enforcement officers. This year, national events are being held in Washington, D.C. between Wednesday, May 10 through Monday, May 15, 2023. “Every day our brave law enforcement officers face dangerous and difficult situations without reservation or expectation of thanks,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “These courageous individuals serve, not for fame or fortune, but act selflessly to protect their fellow citizens and keep our communities safe. This week we pay tribute to Tallahassee Police Officer Christopher Fariello and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Ray Hamilton, both of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation. We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. Moreover, we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives.” In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 224 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2022. Additionally, according to 2022 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program , 60 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2022 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 58 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts decreased 17.8% in 2022, when compared to the 73 officers who were killed as a result of criminal acts in 2021. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program. Each year, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The NLEOMF’s 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall in Washington, DC, memorializes the 556 fallen officers who sacrificed all for their communities. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website . The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.


title: United States Files Complaint Alleging Iowa Surgeon Caused Submission of False Claims to Medicare

body_text: Adam B. Smith, M.D., also known as “Adam Bryant,” has been sued by the United States for two counts of violating the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §3729 et seq. The claims are contained in a Civil Complaint filed by both the United States and the State of Iowa on May 9, 2023, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. The complaint alleges that from approximately August 2014 to August 2019, Smith, a plastic surgeon practicing in Sioux City during that time, submitted or caused to be submitted false claims for healthcare services to government payors, including Medicare. The complaint alleges Smith did so by: (1) billing government payors for services he claimed were medically necessary surgical procedures, but that were in actuality medically unnecessary cosmetic surgeries, which are not payable by government payors; (2) billing for services in excess of those actually rendered (“upcoding”) to increase reimbursement, or even billing for surgical procedures he didn’t perform at all; and (3) overstating the complexity of office visits with patients in order to obtain greater reimbursement from government payors. Under the federal False Claims Act, the United States is entitled to a judgment equal to three times the cost to the United States for any false claims. In addition, the United States is entitled to per-claim penalties, currently set by law at between $13,508 and $27,018. The United States alleged Smith caused the submission of over one thousand false claims. The United States previously entered into a settlement agreement for $612,501.44 with Smith’s employer during his time practicing in Sioux City, Tri-State Specialists, LLP, in December 2021. As with any civil case, a complaint is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed not liable until shown otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence. This civil matter arose from an action brought under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Pursuant to that Act, the whistleblower will share in any recovery obtained by the United States. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa A. Carrington and Matthew K. Gillespie and was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 5:19-cv-04011-CJW-KEM. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.


title: Northfield Man Charged with Wire Fraud for Embezzling $560,000

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that John Van Vught, 72, of Northfield, Vermont, was arrested on Friday, May 12, 2023 in Brunswick, Georgia. Van Vught is expected to have his initial appearance later today before a United States Magistrate Judge in Brunswick, Georgia. According to court records, on May 11, 2023, the federal grand jury in Burlington, Vermont returned a three-count wire fraud indictment related to Van Vught’s embezzlement of $560,000 from ValleyNet, a non-profit operating in the Upper Valley. Van Vught performed contract accounting work for ValleyNet between 2010 and July 2022. During that timeframe, Van Vught transferred $560,000 out of ValleyNet’s accounts into his personal bank account. Van Vught hid the transfers by underreporting the income ValleyNet received according to his accounting submissions. Van Vught also obfuscated his possession of the embezzled funds by purchasing properties in Georgia and Florida. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Van Vught remains presumed innocent until and unless he is convicted of a crime. Van Vught faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment on each wire fraud count. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Van Vught has not yet retained or been appointed counsel.


title: Former U.S. Army Employee Arrested In Bribery And Kickbacks Scheme Involving Defense Contracts

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and L. Scott Moreland, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division’s (“Army CID”) Major Procurement Fraud Field Office, announced today the arrest YOUNG BEOM KIM, a native of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”) and a United States citizen, on charges of honest services wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering. As alleged in an Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, KIM, while acting in his capacity as Chief of the Design Branch at Army Garrison Yongsan/Casey in Korea (“USAG-Y/C”), schemed to enrich himself through bribes and kickbacks from various manufacturers and suppliers of parts used in U.S. Army contracts. KIM is expected to be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Richard M. Berman. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Indictment, Young Beom Kim was responsible for overseeing construction contracts, including for the repair of bunkers, at Army Garrison Yongsan/Casey in Korea, located just miles from the North Korean border. The importance of Kim’s work and duties to the Army and its troops cannot be overstated. Kim betrayed those duties in exchange for a quick buck. Individuals who would betray their positions of trust for personal financial gain will continue to be held to account by this Office.” Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland said: “Today’s arrest should serve as a stark reminder that our agents are relentless in their pursuit of those who choose to defraud the government. We have a very robust group of highly trained special agents and analysts who are masters at combating and uncovering fraud, deception, and other criminal acts associated with government contracting and purchasing. CID will continue to see to it that anyone suspected of contract fraud and corruption is brought to justice.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and other publicly filed documents: [1] From at least May 2017 through at least August 2021, KIM was a civilian employee for the U.S. Army, primarily serving as Chief of the Design Branch for the Directorate of Public Works at USAG-Y/C in Korea. KIM’s responsibilities included designing, reviewing, approving, and/or amending various maintenance, repair, and construction contracts at USAG-Y/C. While acting in that capacity, KIM helped ensure that certain Army contracts included the use of parts manufactured or supplied by specific companies. Some of these parts included blast doors, blast valves, shock mounts, and shock isolators ( i.e. , equipment designed to protect Army personnel in the event of an attack). In return, the companies manufacturing or supplying those parts collectively sent over $400,000 in kickbacks to KIM. A significant portion of these funds were laundered through bank accounts controlled by KIM’s adult relatives – including one account held in the name of a shell company ( i.e. a company which existed in name only and which performed no legitimate business functions) – and were ultimately used to enrich KIM and to pay for bills and expenses incurred by KIM. * * * KIM, 62, a resident of Korea, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; two counts of honest services wire fraud; each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of bribery, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of Army CID and Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Williams thanked the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice for its assistance in this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank J. Balsamello and Jonathan E. Rebold are in charge of the prosecution. The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Cape Girardeau Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Possessing Machine Gun

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Monday sentenced a man from Cape Girardeau, Missouri who was caught with a fully automatic Glock pistol to 51 months in prison. Kaydence K. Robertson, 21, was driving a speeding vehicle that was pulled over by the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 23, 2022. A deputy found a backpack on the floor of the front driver’s side of the vehicle containing marijuana, suspected crack cocaine and a .45-caliber Glock pistol modified with an illegal 3D-printed “switch” to make it fully automatic. Under the driver’s seat, the deputy found pills containing oxycodone and a loaded 9mm Glock pistol. Glock switches, sometimes referred to as “ auto sears ,” are considered machine guns under federal law, even if not installed in a firearm. Robertson pleaded guilty in February to one count of possession of a machine gun. The case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.


title: Jefferson County Men Sentenced for Federal Firearms and Narcotics Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – The final members of a fifteen-person drug trafficking conspiracy were recently sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. Levontay Townes , 30, of Louisville, was sentenced on May 3, 2023, to 15 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts), possessing with the intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts). Deonte Beason , 34, of Louisville, was previously sentenced on April 18, 2023, to 6 years and 5 months in prison, followed by a 4-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Jean-Luc Henry , 32, of Louisville, was previously sentenced on April 18, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by a 4-year term of supervised release for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Co-conspirators Frank Trammell, 30, and Khalid Raheem , II, 26, also of Louisville, were previously convicted following a jury trial. On February 28, 2023, Raheem was sentenced to 11 years in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, for distribution of fentanyl, and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During the sentencing hearing, the court heard testimony concerning witness intimidation and applied an enhancement to Raheem’s sentence for obstruction of justice. On March 1, 2023, Trammell was sentenced to 32 years and 3 months years in prison, followed by an 8-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, for distribution of fentanyl, for possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 1, 2023, Destiney Rhodes , 25, of Louisville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by a 4-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, for distribution of fentanyl, for possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Also previously sentenced in this case were the following: On June 8, 2022, Kevin Henry , 26, of Louisville, was sentenced to 4 years in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. On December 1, 2021, James Bivens , 34, of Louisville, was sentenced to time served and 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Reginald Harris , 31, of Louisville, and Jason Logsdon , 43, of Elizabethtown, were each sentenced to 2 years of probation for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Harris was sentenced on November 30, 2021, and Logsdon was sentenced on February 1, 2023. K’lan Dunlap , 30, and Pierre Travis , 31, both of Louisville, were each sentenced to time served for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Dunlap was sentenced on December 1, 2021, and Travis was sentenced on October 20, 2021. On September 2, 2022, Daryion Newsome, 21, of Louisville, was sentenced to 41 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. On August 31, 2022, Kevone Evans , 21, of Louisville, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. On January 18, 2023, Ronnie Gadberry , 32, of Campbellsville, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. There is no parole in the federal system. “This successful prosecution resulted from the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and the strong working relationships that exist between the agencies,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “We all benefit from the combined effort of the agents, deputies, detectives, officers, and troopers who work to keep our communities safe.” This case was investigated by the FBI, the ATF, and the Louisville Metro Police Department, with assistance from the DEA, the IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Matthews Police Department, the Jeffersontown Police Department, the Shepherdsville Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, and the Indiana State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Dahl, III prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: Long Island Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing and Possessing Child Pornography Dating Back to the 1990s

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, New York, United States District Judge Gary R. Brown sentenced Daniel Mullan to 30 years’ imprisonment for sexually exploiting a child and the possession of child pornography. According to court filings and facts presented during the sentencing, Mullan sexually exploited a child in between 1999 and 2006 as part of his ongoing sexual abuse of children and production of child pornography. Mullan was also convicted of possessing large quantities of child pornography between 2014 and 2017, much of which he produced over the course of decades. Based upon the criminal statutes in place at the time of Mullan’s offenses, 30 years’ imprisonment was the maximum term allowed by law. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. Today’s sentence is a just punishment for the defendant’s years of heinous acts against minors, and sends a message to all who seek to harm innocent children,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to make every effort to ensure that those who contribute to the exploitation and victimization of children will be brought to justice.” Mr. Peace extended his grateful appreciation to the FBI Long Island Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is made up of FBI and local law enforcement agencies, for its investigative work and assistance in the case. According to court filings, in the summer of 2017 the FBI and the Suffolk County Police Department executed search warrants on Mullan’s Elmont, New York residence and a storage unit Mullan had rented in Melville, New York. During the searches, law enforcement recovered hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse. Several of the videos depicted Mullan engaged in sexual acts with minor teenage boys dating back to the early 1980s. Additional investigation by the FBI located numerous victims, including a minor who Mullan had travelled with domestically and internationally between 1999 and 2006. Mullan had recorded his sexual abuse of this victim. Another search warrant executed by law enforcement on a safe deposit box located over $300,000 in cash that Mullan had intended to use as “hush money” for one of his victims. Mullan was extradited to the United States from Ireland on August 15, 2019. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The government’s case is being handled by the Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Maffei and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the extradition. The Defendant : DANIEL MULLAN Age: 83 Elmont, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-495 (GRB)


title: South Texan admits to receiving child porn via messaging app

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 20-year-old resident of Edinburg has pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Lazaro Segundo-Vazquez admitted to receiving over 1,800 images and video files containing child sexual abuse material. An alert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led authorities to a residence in Edinburg appearing to be uploading child pornography to a Google account. The investigation revealed Segundo-Vazquez received images and videos containing child sexual abuse material via a third-party messaging application on his cellular phone. Segundo-Vazquez admitted to receiving child sexual abuse material that included videos and images of prepubescent children and toddlers. The material depicted children engaged in sexual acts with adults and other children. Segundo-Vazquez then uploaded several images of child sexual abuse material to a Google account. U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing Aug. 18. At that time, Segundo-Vazquez faces up to 20 years in prison. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.


title: Mexican man guilty after car battery reveals cocaine

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old resident of Tamaulipas, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to importing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Felipe Abad Medina-Rubio admitted he attempted to smuggle approximately four kilograms of cocaine into the United States through the Hidalgo port of entry. On Dec. 2. 2022, he arrived at the checkpoint, at which time he stated he had no illegal drugs in his vehicle. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics near the battery of his vehicle. An X-ray examination revealed several anomalies which resulted in the discovery of four bricks of cocaine weighing approximately four kilograms. It had an estimated street value of $16,000. At his plea today, he admitted he expected to be paid $2,000 to smuggle the cocaine into the united states. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing Aug. 17. At that time, he faces up to 40 years in prison and a possible $5 million fine. Medina has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.


title: Woman admits to smuggling minors

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old resident of Toledo, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to transporting an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. On Jan. 29, Maria Aguilar arrived at the Hidalgo port of entry with three minors in her vehicle. At that time, she claimed they were her relatives and presented Ohio birth certificates. Law enforcement noticed the children appeared nervous and ultimately discovered the birth certificates were for other people. Aguilar admitted the minors were not relatives, but undocumented aliens, and expected to be paid $4,700 to smuggle the minors into the United States. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing Aug. 17. At that time, Aguilar faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office For The Eastern District Of Tennessee Recognizes Police Week

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14th through Saturday, May20th. Again, this year, communities across the United States will honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends, and fellow officers left behind. In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15 th , specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. This year, the names of 556 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These 556 officers include 224 officers who were killed during 2022, plus 332 officers who died in previous years, but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now. For more information, go to https://nleomf.org . For more information about National Police Week, please visit https://nleomf.org/policeweek . ### Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.


title: Massachusetts Dentist Sentenced for Embezzling Over $1.2 Million and Defrauding the Government

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Massachusetts dentist was sentenced today for embezzling over $1.2 million from his employer and fraudulently obtaining government benefits in his employer’s name. Jack Massarsky, 65, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. Massarsky also paid more than $1.2 million in restitution prior to sentencing. On Jan. 25, 2023, Massarsky pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud. Between 2015 and 2021, Massarsky worked as a dentist and bookkeeper for a general dentistry practice in Massachusetts. In 2015, Massarsky opened a secret bank account in the name of the dentistry practice. Massarsky then intercepted insurance reimbursement checks sent to the dentistry practice in the mail and deposited those checks in the secret bank account. He continued this practice for over five years and embezzled over $1.2 million. Massarsky used the stolen funds for personal and family expenses. Additionally, Massarsky used the dentistry practice’s name to defraud the United States. In July 2020, he submitted a fraudulent application to the Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund (HRSA PRF) in the name of the dentistry practice. The HRSA is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides health care to people who are geographically isolated or otherwise vulnerable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HRSA PRF provided economic assistance to qualifying healthcare providers, including certain dentistry practices. By submitting the fraudulent application to the HRSA PRF, Massarsky obtained over $52,000 in pandemic relief funds that were deposited in the secret bank account Massarsky had opened in the name of his employer. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Manager admits to key role in Indian Call Center scam

body_text: HOUSTON - A 28-year-old Indian citizen has entered a guilty plea in a years-long international conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Between 2017 and 2020, Zaheen Malvi, who was illegally residing in Heber Springs, Arkansas, assisted Indian call centers in a telemarketing scheme that extorted millions of dollars from hundreds of victims in the United States. Malvi first acted as a runner in the scheme, going to different Target stores in the Chicago area and depleting funds from gift cards that victims had transferred to the call centers. In later years, Malvi managed other runners as they traveled around the country, picking up packages filled with cash that call center victims had mailed. “The Indian call centers perpetrating these scams are relentless,” said Hamdani. “They prey on the fears and insecurities of the most vulnerable among us, such as the elderly. But we are relentless too. Today, one more criminal is finally held to account for the many years he helped funnel money from victims into the pockets of overseas scammers…and tomorrow, we keep working.” One common script used in the scheme involved coercing victims into believing federal agents were investigating them. The “agent” on the phone would convince the victim the only way to clear his or her name from investigation was to buy gift cards and transfer the redemption codes to the call center or mail cash in a package to a name and address the call center provided. Runners in the United States would then deplete the gift card funds and pick up the packages. As part of his plea agreement, Malvi will pay restitution to the scheme’s identified victims. U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 14. At that time, Malvi faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations in Houston and Fayetteville, Arkansas, conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and Heber Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Kate Suh are prosecuting the case. The SSA and its OIG consistently warns people of similar scams . Protect yourself!


title: Portland School Employee Sentenced to 22 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Elementary School Student in 2021

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District in Portland for the sexual exploitation of a minor. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Benjamin Conroy , 34, to 22 years followed by 15 years of supervised release. The court deferred its decision on restitution to a later date. Conroy pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022. According to court documents, in the fall of 2021, Conroy sexually exploited a young student at an elementary school in Portland and then sent explicit images of the abuse to a third person using a dating application. The concerned recipient notified the Portland Police Department. During the investigation, law enforcement also discovered video of the sexual exploitation on Conroy’s phone. Conroy was employed as a special education technician by the Portland School District. “Benjamin Conroy sexually exploited a vulnerable child in a place where parents should feel confident their children are safe and protected, at school,” U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee said. “He used his position as a school employee to victimize a young child with special needs. If not for a concerned citizen who received the child sexual abuse material from Mr. Conroy, we might never have known that a crime occurred. I commend that individual for not hesitating to report this conduct as well as HSI and the Portland Police for the diligent and thorough investigation.” Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Department. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Protecting Houses of Worship Training Seminar in Denver

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces it will co-host a Protecting Houses of Worship (PHOW) event in Denver next week. This interfaith event is open to the public and will focus on providing faith-based institutions with information from law enforcement and faith-related security experts about the threats of violence facing houses of worship and responsive measures to counter potential risks. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 24 th , from 6-8 p.m. at the Colorado Muslim Society , 2071 S Parker Rd, Denver, CO 80231. If interested in attending, please RSVP to Jillian Dardani at Jillian.Dardani@usdoj.gov . The PHOW programs are interfaith events hosted at a community center, church, mosque, synagogue or other faith-based facility for participation by all interested faith-based organizations in the city or region. The upcoming event is sponsored by The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, Denver District Attorney’s Office, Denver Police Department, and the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, Rocky Mountain Region.


title: Akron Man Sentenced on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CLEVELAND – Alex R. Andrus, 31, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, to 115 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Andrus’ Akron home on March 8, 2022, Andrus possessed fentanyl and more than 200 pills containing methamphetamine, which he intended to sell to drug customers, as well as a loaded pistol. Andrus is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Akron Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly.


title: Two Northeast Ohio Men Sentenced for Armed Carjacking Spree

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – Thomas J.D. Williams, 19, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was sentenced on Monday, May 8, 2023, to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin after he pleaded guilty to three counts of carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Donteze Congress, 19, of Maple Heights, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin after he pleaded guilty to three counts of carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to court documents, in three separate incidents on August 9, 2022, Congress, Williams, and co-defendant Kenneth Franklin used firearms and threats of violence to steal vehicles. During two of the armed carjacking incidents, court documents say that the defendants, riding together in a vehicle, intentionally crashed their vehicle into the rear of the victim’s vehicle to cause a minor traffic incident. In the third incident, the defendants followed the victim’s vehicle to a shopping center parking lot. Court documents state that on each occasion, as the victim exited their vehicle, they were confronted by two or three of the carjackers brandishing firearms, threatening violence, and demanding the keys to the vehicle. Court documents state that later that day, officers with the Solon Police Department, along with assistance from other jurisdictions, located Williams driving in one of the stolen vehicles. Williams was later arrested and found to be in possession of a victim credit card and a loaded pistol. Co-defendant Kenneth Franklin is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2023. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Solon Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Streetsboro Police Department, and the Garfield Heights Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter E. Daly and Christopher J. Joyce.


title: Lake County Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Fentanyl Resulting In Death

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Jermaine Lamar Harvard (41, Eustis) to 30 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in death. A federal jury had found Harvard guilty on February 23, 2023. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Harvard distributed a quantity of fentanyl to the victim, “M.R,” in October 2019. Harvard represented that the substance was heroin. An analysis of the victim’s cellphone revealed that Harvard had set up multiple drug transactions with the victim. The drugs supplied by Harvard led directly to the victim’s death. A medical examiner subsequently confirmed that the victim had died of acute fentanyl toxicity. Harvard has prior state convictions for the sale of cocaine in 2013. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah J. Nowalk.


title: Jury Convicts Insurance Agent Of Defrauding Elderly Investors

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that today, following a six-week trial, a jury has returned guilty verdicts on nine counts of the superseding indictment charging Phillip Roy Wasserman (66, Sarasota) with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and substantive counts of wire fraud and mail fraud. Wasserman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud counts. The United States is also seeking a money judgment in the amount of at least $6.3 million, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Prior to trial, the tax counts in the superseding indictment were ordered to be tried separately at the request of Wasserman. On July 21, 2021, Wasserman’s codefendant, Kenneth Rossman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud as well as aiding and abetting the preparation of a false and fraudulent income tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2023. According to the evidence presented at trial, Wasserman, a former lawyer and licensed insurance agent, and Rossman, a Florida certified public accountant and licensed insurance agent, made false and fraudulent misrepresentations and concealed material information to convince elderly victim-investors to put their money into Wasserman’s new insurance venture – “FastLife.” Some victim-investors were persuaded to liquidate traditional investments such as annuities and/or to borrow funds against existing life insurance policies to generate cash to invest in the venture. These victim-investors were not told about surrender fees and other costs associated with said liquidations, or about negative personal tax consequences resulting from liquidations. Wasserman paid Rossman a percentage of the victim-investors’ money as compensation for his role in the conspiracy. Wasserman also used victim-investors’ money to make payments to earlier victim-investors in the FastLife venture, as well to as other earlier creditors. Wasserman spent a significant amount of the victim-investors’ money to finance a lavish lifestyle that included a luxury personal residence, a beach house on Casey Key, Tampa Bay Lightning season and playoff tickets, concerts and other shows, vehicles, jet skis, jewelry, personal celebrity entertainment, gambling, retail shopping, home improvements, personal insurance, and a host of other expenses for his personal benefit and the benefit of family members. The evidence also established that Wasserman took numerous affirmative steps to evade payment of more than $900,000 in taxes due and owed. Wasserman also failed to disclose a multitude of civil judgments and other debts pending against him at the time he solicited victim-investors to put their money into FastLife. In addition, Wasserman took steps to conceal FastLife’s mounting business debts to various business vendors and service providers, employees and independent contractors, and victim-investors. The investigation revealed that Wasserman had created a second set of books and fabricated a compensation agreement in an effort to convince investigators that he had not made improper personal use of victim-investors’ funds. Moreover, Wasserman urged one witness to lie to investigators, attempted to dissuade several victim-investors from cooperating with law enforcement, and requested that one victim-investor make a baseless complaint against an investigator. In a further effort to thwart the investigation, Wasserman falsely and fraudulently represented that he had an audit from a highly regarded financial services firm that would show neither he nor FastLife had committed any wrongdoing. In fact, Wasserman had never even engaged the firm to perform an audit and never received any final work product of any kind from the firm. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and Rachel K. Jones.


title: Rockford Man Sentenced to 36 Years in Federal Prison for the Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to 36 years in federal prison on charges of sexual exploitation of children. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the sentence Friday on NATHAN TAUCK, 32, and ordered that it be followed by a lifetime of court-supervised release. Judge Reinhard also ordered Tauck to pay $60,000 in restitution to his victims. The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and R. Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Homeland Security Investigations. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus. Tauck admitted in a plea agreement that in 2015 he knowingly persuaded and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material, which he then shared online via a social media application. Tauck further admitted to possessing more than 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, three of which he shared on social media. Shortly after committing the exploitation offense in Rockford, Tauck moved to Europe and later to China, where he worked as a teacher and engaged in the possession and distribution of child pornography. While in China, Tauck exchanged sexual exploitation materials online with another individual, to whom Tauck indicated he was attempting to purchase an infant with the intent of sexually abusing the child. Tauck was detained in China and sent back to the United States in 2018 after Homeland Security Investigations collaborated with Chinese authorities.


title: Former Indianapolis Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force During Arrest on Monument Circle

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- A former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of an arrestee by using excessive force. According to court documents, on Sept. 24, 2021, Eric Huxley, 44, of Indianapolis, then a sergeant with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, was on patrol in downtown Indianapolis when another officer requested his assistance in confronting a disorderly person on Monument Circle. After officers placed the victim, identified as J.V., under arrest for disorderly conduct, Huxley assisted other officers with conducting an inventory of J.V.’s property. When officers began to remove J.V.’s belt, J.V. became confrontational with the officers. The primary arresting officer used a department-approved takedown maneuver to bring J.V., who had already been handcuffed, to the ground. The arresting officer held J.V. down with one hand while a second officer restrained his legs. This reasonable and appropriate use of force effectively overcame J.V.’s resistance and rendered him physically unable to move. Despite knowing that J.V. had been effectively restrained and posed no further danger to officers or the public, Huxley then intentionally raised his right foot and drove it down onto J.V.’s head and face. “This police officer violently and callously assaulted a homeless man who posed no threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute law enforcement officers for violating federal civil rights laws.” “In addition to the trauma inflicted on victims, police officers who break the law and use excessive force damage the community’s trust in the law enforcement profession,” said United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Officers put themselves at risk every day doing a difficult and sometimes dangerous job to uphold the law and protect their communities. Those who instead commit crimes must be identified and prosecuted. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the FBI, Department of Justice, and our U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to seeking accountability for those who violate people’s civil rights under the color of law.” “Everyday law enforcement officers in this country face dangerous situations which require the application of reasonable force to protect themselves and others. Unfortunately, some officers fail to adhere to the applicable standards of law and policy, inflicting harm instead of preventing it,” said Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the Indianapolis Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This guilty plea reflects the FBI’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all citizens, and I commend the work of the Special Agents and prosecutors who helped ensure the defendant was held accountable for his illegal conduct.” Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Huxley faces a maximum of 10 years in prison followed by supervised release. A federal judge will determine sentencing guidelines based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, and Special Agent in Charge Stapleton made the announcement. The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Preston for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. Prior release here ###


title: Podiatrist Sentenced in Foot Bath Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: OXFORD – A Panola County man was sentenced today to two years in prison following his conviction for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and TRICARE by prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary foot bath medications and ordering medically unnecessary testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks and bribes. According to court documents, Marion Shaun Lund, D.P.M., 54, of Batesville, owned and operated a podiatry clinic, as well as an in-house pharmacy. Lund routinely wrote prescriptions for and dispensed antibiotic and antifungal drugs to be mixed into a tub of warm water for patients to soak their feet. Rather than prescribing drugs based on the individualized needs of patients, Lund prescribed foot bath medications in order to maximize reimbursements from Medicare, TRICARE, and other health care benefit programs, regardless of medical necessity. In addition, Lund took toenail clippings and wound cultures from patients and sent them to a lab for diagnostic testing, even though such testing was not medically necessary. From April 2020 through March 2022, Lund caused the submission of over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare and TRICARE for unnecessary prescriptions of foot bath medications and diagnostic testing of toenails, resulting in over $700,000 in reimbursements. In exchange for his prescriptions and orders, Lund was paid cash kickbacks by a purported marketer. On February 2, 2023, Lund entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. On Monday morning, U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson sentenced Lund to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered Lund to pay restitution in the amount of $851,428. Lund is the fourth defendant, including three medical professionals, to plead guilty and be sentenced for his role in the scheme. In October 2021, Logan Hunter Power pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive kickbacks, and in October 2022, Power was sentenced to 25 months in prison. In August 2022, Jared Lee Spicer, D.P.M., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced to serve a term of 3 years probation. In September 2022, Carey “Craig” Williams, D.P.M., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement. The HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter and Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs of the Northern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Kernersville Man Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay $956,028 for Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO, NC – A local man was sentenced in federal court today for filing false tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge William Osteen, Jr. sentenced Brandon Michalak, 41, to 15 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Michalak was ordered to pay restitution of $956,028 in tax loss to the IRS. In January of 2023, Michalak pled guilty to two counts of filing a false tax return, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). According to court filed documents, Michalak was part-owner of a metal recycling business known as Sarah’s Recycling that specialized in the collection and bulk resale of used catalytic converters. Michalak operated the business from his home in Forsyth County, North Carolina. The investigation revealed that during the years 2014-2018, Michalak omitted $11,022,953 in sales generated by his catalytic converter business. Each year, Michalak reported minimal taxable income and claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a refundable credit designed to provide relief for low-to-moderate-income working people. Simultaneously, Michalak led a lavish lifestyle that included home and property purchases without financing, home renovations, pool installation, extravagant jewelry purchases in cash, and at least 20 vehicle purchases for himself and family members. As an example, he paid approximately $136,788 in cash for the purchase of a 2018 BMW Alpina. “Honest, hardworking citizens should be appalled by the conduct of the defendant in this case,” said United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston. “Tax evasion hurts all of us, and we will aggressively prosecute anyone who willfully files false tax returns or fails to pay their fair share of taxes, especially in egregious cases like this.” “The license to run a business is not a license to avoid paying taxes,” said Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, SAC Donald “Trey” Eakins. "The defendant’s misconduct, hiding income, and having his business pay his personal expenses, cheated all Americans who pay their fair share for the government services and protections that we enjoy.” Sandra J. Hairston, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge William Osteen, Jr. sentenced Michalak. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifton T. Barrett prosecuted the case.


title: Joshua Pincoske Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Joshua Pincoske, 47, of Concord, New Hampshire pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in Concord, New Hampshire to one count of production of child sexual abuse materials (formerly called child pornography) and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante ordered that Pincoske remain detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Pincoske’s sentencing hearing is set to occur in Concord, New Hampshire on August 28, 2023. According to court records, on February 2, 2022, law enforcement executed search warrants authorizing the searches of Pincoske’s residence, his vehicle, and his person. During the execution of those search warrants, law enforcement seized a number of electronic devices, including his cellular phones. Examinations of the contents of Pincoske’s cellular phones revealed numerous visual depictions of minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In the plea agreement between Pincoske and the United States, Pincoske admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a fifteen-year-old female in the master bedroom of his home in Concord on October 4, 2019. During the sexual activity, Pincoske, using his cellular phone, created videos and images of the juvenile engaged in sexual activity. Pincoske also admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a second juvenile female on November 12, 2021 while in Massachusetts, and creating both images and videos of this juvenile female engaged in sexually explicit conduct. At sentencing, if the plea agreement is accepted by the Court, Pincoske will face a sentence of not less than 20 years and not more than 30 years of imprisonment, and a 10-year term of supervised release. Pincoske is required to pay restitution to the victims of his federal convictions and has agreed to pay restitution to four additional juvenile victims related to pending prosecutions in Merrimack and Strafford Counties. The resolution of Pincoske’s federal charges occurs in conjunction with coordinated resolutions concerning matters pending before New Hampshire state courts in Merrimack and Strafford Counties. Those resolutions are the subject of separate agreements with the prosecutors in those jurisdictions. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Concord Police Department and the Farmington Police Department. He also thanked the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Merrimack County Child Advocacy Center, the Yarmouth, Massachusetts Police Department, the Bangor, Maine Police Department, the El Dorado, Kansas Police Department, and the United States Secret Service for their vital assistance. The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont has been appointed to handle this prosecution under the authority described in 28 U.S.C. § 515. The prosecutor assigned to the matter is Jonathan A. Ophardt, an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Vermont. Pincoske is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Behzad Mirhashem. 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 Child Exploitation Obscenity Section, Criminal Division (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: Former Prince George’s County Police Department Lieutenant Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison for Tax Evasion—Failed to Report More Than $1.3 Million in Income From His Security Business

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Edward Scott Finn, age 48, of Dunkirk, Maryland, today to 16 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for a tax evasion charge. Finn is a former Lieutenant with the Prince George’s County Police Department and owned and operated Edward Finn Inc. (EFI), a private company. Judge Boardman also ordered Finn to pay restitution in the full amount of the loss, $367,765. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron said, “Law enforcement officers are not above the law and we will hold them accountable—as we would anyone—for their criminal actions.” “To maintain faith in our nation’s tax system, all Americans, including those in positions of public trust, must be held accountable for paying their fair share,” said Kareem A. Carter, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Washington D.C. Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to investigate those who intentionally conceal income and file false returns.” “Despite Finn’s position of trust as an officer of the law, he lied and stole from the government. He used his Secondary Law Enforcement Employment (SLEE) to propel his greed,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Today’s sentence articulates financial crimes do not pay.” According to his plea agreement and other court documents, from approximately December 26, 1995 to April 26, 2021, Finn was a member of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). Members of the PGPD were allowed to work part-time outside employment in addition to their full-time duties, known as Secondary Law Enforcement Employment (SLEE). According to the plea agreement and court documents, from 2014 to 2021, Finn used EFI and employed off-duty law enforcement officers to provide security services to apartment complexes and other businesses, primarily in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, to manage and operate his SLEE business. Finn admitted that he underreported a total of more than $1.3 million of EFI income on his 2014 through 2019 individual income tax returns. During that time frame, Finn deposited checks payable to EFI into personal bank accounts or non-EFI bank accounts over which Finn had signature authority. Finn also created false business expenses to lower his tax due by writing checks to relatives and friends for purported services performed; and used business funds to purchase a boat, a car, and other items for his personal use. This underreported income resulted in a total tax loss to the government of $367,765. Further, Finn admitted that on April 22, 2021, as federal agents announced their presence at his front door to execute a search warrant on his residence, Finn initiated the erasure and resetting of his cellphone. Finn then opened the front door to his residence and law enforcement recovered the phone in the master bedroom. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the IRS-CI and the FBI and for their work in the investigation and thanked the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy F. Hagan, Jr., who prosecuted this case. # # #