title: Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Ammunition

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 15, 2023. Travis Maho, 34, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Maho was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He pleaded guilty on February 24, 2023. In June of 2022, in Rapid City, Maho, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing ammunition, was knowingly in possession of 7.62x54 caliber, .32 caliber, and .45 Auto caliber ammunition, which was found after Maho came into contact with law enforcement. Maho was also in possession of distributable quantities of methamphetamine. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Maho was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sioux Falls Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Robert Walter White, age 35, was indicted in May of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 10, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The Indictment alleges that White, who had previously been convicted of a sex crime and required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, failed to do so between February 23, 2023, and May 2, 2023. The charge is merely an accusation and White is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . White was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for July 18, 2023.


title: Redmond, Washington man sentenced to one year in prison for Paycheck Protection Program fraud

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 62-year-old Redmond, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one year in prison for conspiring to defraud the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $646,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Joseph M. Freeman used the names of two companies he registered to obtain forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans. After detecting the fraud, federal investigators froze approximately $220,000 that remained in Freeman’s bank account and returned it to the Small Business Administration. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said, “Other people who were in the same situation chose to suffer those circumstances rather than commit fraud on the Paycheck Protection Program… I think it is important to understand you cannot steal from the government.” “When Mr. Freeman obtained pandemic relief funds through fraud, it meant other legitimately needy business owners were delayed and possibly denied funds as there was a limited pool of relief money,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, it is critical that we uncover the fraud and hold accountable those who sought to unjustly profit from programs designed to keep the needy afloat.” According to records in the case, in May 2020, Freeman and his coconspirators used information about a company he formed in 2004 to claim $500,000 in PPP funds. Freeman claimed Special Delivery LLC had 15 employees and a payroll of $200,000 per month, when in fact it had no employees other than Freeman. Freeman used fake Internal Revenue Forms to make it appear the company had employees and sought $500,000 in PPP funds. On May 20, 2020, the loan proceeds were wired to Freeman’s bank. After receiving the funds, Freeman created an account with a payroll service to disburse the funds to individuals who were not employees of the company. In fact, the list included friends, family, and people to whom Freeman personally owed money. On June 15, 2020, Freeman and his coconspirators submitted a second fake application. Freeman claimed New Jack Trucking LLC had 10 employees and a monthly payroll of $58,400. Freeman and his associates claimed the business had been in operation in February 2020 even though the entity never had any genuine business activity. The coconspirators used fake IRS forms and a falsified bank statement to make it appear New Jack Trucking was a genuine business with employees. On June 16, 2020, Freeman and his coconspirators obtained $146,000 for that fraudulent application. Freeman supplied some of the loan proceeds to his coconspirators and used some of the funds for his own benefit. The account contained debits for airline travel, hotel expenses, and tickets to various venues and sporting events. In July 2020, after federal investigators detected the fraud and notified Freeman’s bank, approximately $220,000 of the loan proceeds were frozen and returned to the Small Business Administration. The net loss from the scheme is $426,666. As Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang noted, the damage was not just the stolen funds, but the strain fake applications put on the benefit system. “During major disasters and times of crisis, it is particularly important for the government to be able to disburse aid quickly to victims to mitigate the impact of the crisis. When individuals exploit these vulnerable periods, they not only drain finite monetary resources, they also burden limited infrastructure resources. For example, it was widely reported that the large volume of PPP applications in the first few months of the pandemic overwhelmed SBA servers and frustrated small business owners across the country who were unable to even submit an application, much less receive funds.” Judge Robart ordered Freeman to pay $426,666 in restitution and to be on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. This case was investigated by the U.S Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Greenville County Woman Indicted in Federal Court for Health Care Fraud

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 21-count indictment against Stamatina Bourret a/k/a Nina Bourret, 41, of Greenville, South Carolina, for health care fraud. The indictment alleges that Bourret, through her company Agapi Behavior Consultants, billed Medicaid for services to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder that were either not rendered and/or a portion of the services billed to Medicaid were not provided. Bourret faces a maximum penalty of ten years on each count. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Former Finance Director pleads guilty to embezzling $3 million+ from two local non-profits

body_text: Seattle – The former Finance Director at two Seattle area non-profits pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to embezzling more than $3 million from her employers, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Susana Tantico, 62, of Renton, Washington committed the embezzlement over a nine-year period. Tantico will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart for two counts of wire fraud on August 15, 2023. “Ms. Tantico was a trusted financial professional who sadly used her skills to steal from organizations serving those most in need of help,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. “Each time she used the organization’s credit card for trips, gambling, or clothing, she knew she was effectively stealing from people who depended on assistance from her employer. Then she used her access to the organization ledgers to cover-up the theft. The true victims are the clients who should have been served with the funds she stole.” According to the charging information and plea agreement, in 1999 Tantico began working for a non-profit that provides healthcare to underserved populations. Ultimately, Tantico became the non-profit’s Finance Director. Between 2011 and June 2020, Tantico embezzled nearly $2.3 million from the healthcare non-profit. She used the non-profit’s debit and credit cards to withdraw $1.6 million at casinos for gambling. She also used the debit and credit cards to pay for personal vacations, such as a $26,000 family trip to Disneyworld, and trips to Las Vegas and San Diego. Tantico also used the medical non-profit’s debit and credit cards for more than $83,000 worth of purchases at Nordstrom and $40,000 worth of purchases at Apple stores. After running up the big bills, Tantico used the non-profit’s funds to pay the credit card bills and disguised the payments as legitimate expenses, such as medical supplies. Throughout this timeframe, Tantico told the non-profit auditors that she was aware of no fraud at the non-profit. In 2020, Tantico went to work as Finance Director for a different non-profit -- one with a focus on criminal justice issues. Tantico used more than $485,000 of the non-profit’s funds for gambling at casinos. She transferred $21,000 from the non-profit to her mortgage servicer to pay her home mortgage. She also transferred money to her personal bank account. Tantico then altered the bank records to hide the embezzlement. At one point, she was questioned by one of the organization’s banks about all the withdrawals at casinos. She claimed that the non-profit held youth programs at the casinos and claimed the withdrawals were for cash prize giveaways. In all, Tantico stole nearly $893,000 from the non-profit. The non-profit has incurred $132,000 in costs to forensically audit its books, fix its accounting procedures and records, and reply to vendors. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a prison sentence of no more than 41 months in prison. Judge Robart is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Recognizes Police Week National Police Week honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Westphal stated, “This week we take time to pause and express our gratitude and thanks to the unwavering commitment, courage and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in protecting and serving our communities in Iowa. Every hour of every day, federal, state and local law enforcement officers place the safety of our communities above their own, and their dedication to this duty is one of the main reasons Iowa is such a great place to live. In particular, we honor the lives of Coralville Police Sergeant John Karl Williams and Fremont County Deputy Austin Melvin Richardson, who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving Iowans. We stand together in remembering the brave men and women who have died in the line of duty, here in Iowa and across the nation.” On May 5, 2023, Sergeant Williams and Deputy Richardson were honored at the 2023 Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony in Des Moines. Sergeant Williams was a 28-year veteran of the Coralville Police Department and experienced fatal health complications after responding to a report of a three-year-old child with gunshot wounds. He is survived by a wife, two sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren. Fremont County Deputy Richardson served as a police officer and deputy for 14 years. While responding to a call for service, Deputy Richardson’s patrol vehicle collided with a combine, resulting in his death. He is survived by a wife, and three daughters. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 226 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2022. 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.


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Matthew J. Yancey, 23, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Yancey pled guilty to this charge on February 24, 2023. Between June 13 and July 20, 2022, Yancey sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer in Madison, including a sale on July 7 that totaled 55.6 grams. Following Yancey’s arrest, officers searched the residence where he was staying and found fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. At sentencing, Judge Peterson stated that protection of the public “is the primary driver” of his sentence. The judge addressed the gravity of the conduct, calling this a “serious drug crime.” The judge remarked that Yancey had an “unrelenting criminal history.” The judge observed that Yancey had not “demonstrated yet a real ability to succeed in the community.” This is Yancey’s second federal conviction. The charges against Yancey were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn E. Ginsberg.


title: 18-Year-Old Man Charged for Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Alfredo Perez-Rodriguez, 18, of Mexico, was arrested by the United States Border Patrol last week for Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon. The government’s complaint alleges that on May 8, 2023, Border Patrol agents responded to a report of five undocumented non-citizens walking north in the San Pedro River area near the international border between the United States and Mexico. When the agents approached the group, they all fled on foot, including Perez-Rodriguez. After a brief pursuit, agents attempted to arrest Perez-Rodriguez, but he resisted and fought with the agent-victim. During the struggle, Perez-Rodriguez gained control of the agent-victim’s taser and pointed it at the agent-victim’s chest and face. The defendant continued to fight even after another agent arrived to assist the agent-victim, but was eventually taken into custody. A conviction for Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel J. Walters, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 23-00383MJ-1 RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-070_Perez-Rodriguez # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Former Apple Employee Charged With Theft Of Trade Secrets

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted former Apple Incorporated (Apple) employee Weibao Wang, charging him with theft and attempted theft of trade secrets in connection with a scheme to access, download, and steal Apple technology related to autonomous systems, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. According to the indictment, Apple hired Wang, 35, formerly of Mountain View, Calif., to work as a software engineer beginning in March of 2016. The indictment describes how Wang signed a confidentiality agreement with Apple. The indictment further states that Apple provided Wang with in-person secrecy training that covered the appropriate handling of confidential material, and established rules prohibiting the transfer and transmission of the company’s intellectual property without Apple’s consent. Wang was assigned to work with a team at Apple that designed and developed hardware and software for autonomous systems, which can have a variety of applications, such as self-driving cars. “Innovation is alive and well in Silicon Valley—indeed, throughout the Northern District of California,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsey. “Unfortunately, there will always be some who cheat the system by stealing and profiting from the fruits of others’ labor. The Wang prosecution is but one example. We are pleased that the Disruptive Technology Task Force renews energy and focus on securing innovation for those who actually create it.” “The protection of intellectual property rights is crucial to the economic security of our region, which is home to world-renowned ingenuity and innovation,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Tripp. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who cut corners by using deceptive and illegal methods to obstruct law enforcement investigations and benefit themselves.” According to the indictment, in November of 2017, a little more than two and a half years after being granted access to a range of Apple’s sensitive materials, Wang signed a letter accepting an offer of full-time employment as a Staff Engineer with the U.S.-based subsidiary of a company headquartered in the People’s Republic of China. The parent company is described in the indictment as “COMPANY ONE” and allegedly was working to develop self-driving cars. The indictment alleges Wang waited more than four months after signing the new employment agreement before informing Apple that he was resigning. After Wang’s last day at Apple on April 16, 2018, Apple representatives reviewed access logs documenting historical activity on Apple’s network. Apple identified Wang as having accessed large amounts of sensitive proprietary and confidential information in the days leading up to his departure from Apple. The indictment describes the June 27, 2018, search by law enforcement of Wang’s Mountain View residence and the discovery of large quantities of data taken from Apple prior to his departure. Wang was present during the search and told agents he had no plans to travel. Nevertheless, Wang purchased a one-way plane ticket from San Francisco International Airport to Guangzhou, China, and boarded a flight that night. Through subsequent investigation, law enforcement determined that Wang accessed Apple’s proprietary and confidential information after leaving Apple, during the period in which he was employed by the subsidiary of COMPANY ONE. The indictment describes six categories of trade secrets that Wang allegedly stole, or attempted to steal, and charges him with one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1832(a)(1),(2),(3), & (4) for each category as follows: Count Date Item Description One On or about August 11, 2016 Entire Autonomy Source Code Two On or about April 18, 2018 Tracking for an Autonomous System Three On or about April 15, 2018 Behavior Planner for an Autonomous System Four On or about April 14, 2018 Architecture Design for an Autonomous System Five In or about April 2018 Descriptions of Hardware Systems, Including Architecture, Modules, Power, and Inputs Six On or about April 15, 2018 Motion Planner for an Autonomous System An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Wang faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000 (or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the scheme) for each count of theft or attempted theft of trade secrets. As part of any sentence following conviction, the court also may order a term of supervised release, fines or other assessments, restitution, and forfeiture, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. The Special Prosecutions Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Wallingford Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation, Drug Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER LISCIO, 40, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 251 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child sexual exploitation and drug trafficking offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2016 and February 2020, Liscio used Snapchat to entice two minor girls to take sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves and send them to him via the social media application. The communication with one of the minor victims started when she was approximately 13 years old and continued until she was approximately 16 years old, and the communication with the second minor victim occurred when she was 15 and 16 years old. Liscio also engaged in sexual acts with the second minor victim on multiple occasions when she was 15 and 16 years old. In February 2020, Liscio was arrested on state charges related to the sexual assault of another minor. Between February and April 2020, while he was released on bond in his state case, Liscio sold 2,000 30mg oxycodone pills. Liscio has been detained since his federal arrest on May 26, 2021. On that date, a search of his Wallingford residence revealed approximately 500 grams of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and $22,440 in cash. On January 3, 2023, Liscio pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The state case against Liscio is pending. This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Wallingford Police Department, Middletown Police Department and Fremont (N.H.) Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes personnel from the DEA and the Manchester, Glastonbury, West Haven, Hamden, Newington, and Bristol Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Offices for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Middlesex for their close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Former CEO of Connecticut Energy Cooperative Sentenced to Prison for Misusing Funds

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney, for the District of Connecticut, announced that DREW RANKIN, 62, the former chief executive officer of the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Corporation (“CMEEC”), was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for misusing CMEEC funds. CMEEC is a cooperative public corporation that permits municipal electric utilities in Connecticut to join together to furnish electric power in the municipalities’ areas of operation. CMEEC’s members included the City of Norwich, the City of Groton, the Borough of Jewett City, the Second Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, the Third Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, and the Town of Bozrah. As the owners of CMEEC, each member town executed an agreement through its respective municipal electric utility outlining the terms and conditions under which the CMEEC members participated together in CMEEC. The CMEEC membership agreement provides that excess revenues are designated as “CMEEC Margin,” and that the excess revenues are to be returned to the member towns to help keep electricity costs stable for ratepayers. Between 2010 and 2015, CMEEC received more than $9 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy. CMEEC member towns also received funds from federal grants. According to the evidence and testimony presented during a trial in 2021, Rankin and certain members of the CMEEC Board of Directors others planned, organized, and directed lavish trips outside of Connecticut, including trips to the Kentucky Derby in 2015 and 2016, and to a luxury golf resort in West Virginia in 2015. These trips did not relate to CMEEC business, but were intended to personally benefit, compensate and reward Rankin, CMEEC Board members, their family members, friends, and associates. Costs for the trips, which totaled more than $800,000, included travel expenses, private chartered airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, meals, tickets to sporting events, golf fees, souvenirs and gifts. In response to reporter inquiries about the Kentucky Derby and golf trips, Rankin underreported the costs of the trips, omitted the names of attendees who were not CMEEC employees or board members, and made other false statements related to how the trips were funded. After the trips were known to the general public, CMEEC canceled a reservation it had made for the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and was refunded only approximately $90,000 of the $298,960 it had prepaid for the trip in May 2016. Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings. On December 10, 2021, a jury found Rankin; James Sullivan, former chairperson of the CMEEC Board of Directors; and John Bilda, former City of Norwich representative on the CMEEC Board of Directors; guilty of one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. Rankin, who is released on $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 11. Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow, and Bilda is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18. This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Energy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Michael S. McGarry and Tara E. Levens.


title: Kennett Man Sentenced to Serve 120 Months in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

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

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man from Kennett, Missouri to 10 years in federal prison on drug and gun charges. Steven Chunn, 40, pleaded guilty in February to p ossession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He admitted that on July 11, 2022, he was found to be in possession of 59 grams of methamphetamine and a Hi Point C9 9mm semi-automatic pistol following a traffic stop in Portageville, Missouri. Chunn further admitted he possessed the methamphetamine for distribution and the firearm was for protection of the drugs and money obtained from drug sales. The firearm was located underneath the driver seat and was loaded and ready to fire with eight rounds of hollow point ammunition in the magazine and a round in the chamber. At the time of his arrest, Chunn had an active warrant for a parole violation on a felony drug case out of New Madrid County. Judge Limbaugh ordered Chunn’s federal sentence to run consecutive to his state case. This case was investigated by the Portageville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter handled the prosecution for the government.


title: Tucson Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Alien Smuggling

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Michael Lopez-Loreto, 22, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On February 9, 2023, Lopez-Loreto pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person. On January 17, 2023, Lopez-Loreto was encountered by United States Border Patrol agents after a property owner reported a vehicle on their property. Agents subsequently observed individuals run from the desert and enter that vehicle that was being driven by Lopez-Loreto. Lopez-Loreto then drove toward an area where the roadway was blocked by agents. Lopez-Loreto was forced to slow to a near stop due to the obstruction. At that time, an agent activated his emergency equipment; however, Lopez-Loreto sped up and maneuvered around agents and their patrol vehicles to evade apprehension. As he sped away, Lopez-Loreto narrowly missed striking agents who were standing outside their vehicles. Agents pursued Lopez-Loreto and deployed spike strips to stop his vehicle. Lopez-Loreto swerved around one set of spike strips, attempted to avoid a second set by driving into an oncoming lane, and then crashed into water barriers, rolling the vehicle. The two passengers in Lopez-Loreto’s vehicle suffered injuries in the crash and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Both were determined to be undocumented non-citizens who Lopez-Loreto was smuggling further into the country at the time of this incident. Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-00164-TUC-RM (JR) RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-071_Lopez-Loreto # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Seattle man sentenced to ten years in prison for possession of drugs and a “ghost” machinegun

body_text: Seattle –A 32-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today to ten years in prison for his possession of a so-called “ghost gun” and drugs in a stolen vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Jade B. Irey was arrested at an auto parts store in Kent, Washington on March 24, 2022. On December 5, 2022, Irey pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said, Irey had been “a one-person crime wave.” Judge Robart noted that Irey had 700 fentanyl pills and the machinegun, making the case “one of the most serious I’ve seen in recent history.” “Unregistered, fully automatic, and with an extended magazine, this weapon and others like it are designed for one thing: to kill,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “We are intent on using all the tools Congress has given us to combat possession of such illegal weapons and the damage they do in our communities.” According to records in the case, Irey was under investigation for a December 2021 burglary in Bellevue, where he apparently dropped his cell phone while leaving the scene. The resident turned the cell phone over to police. Bellevue Police put Irey under surveillance, following him and an associate from his residence in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle to stops throughout the area. When a records check indicated the vehicle Irey was driving was stolen, police arrested Irey inside the auto parts store in Kent. A search of the car turned up the ghost gun and a pouch containing methamphetamine, black tar heroin, and 700 suspected fentanyl pills. Using court authorized search warrants, investigators reviewed information on Irey’s electronic devices detailing his drug sales and ownership of the firearm. Irey is also charged in state court for a number of crimes including burglary, identity theft, car theft and hit and run. The plea and sentencing in this case is part of a global resolution and the state sentences are expected to run concurrent with the ten year federal sentence. The case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department Special Operations Unit with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.


title: Two Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – GREGORY SMITH , age 41, of Slidell, and DARREN HULBERT, SR. , age 52, of New Orleans, were indicted on May 12, 2023 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. SMITH and HULBERT were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. SMITH was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). HULBERT was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). SMITH and HULBERT were also each charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to the indictment, SMITH and HULBERT conspired to distribute heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere. SMITH possessed with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base and HULBERT possessed with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. On or about May 4, 2023, SMITH possessed a Masterpiece Arms Model MPA Defender, nine-millimeter semi-automatic submachine gun and HULBERT possessed a Smith and Wesson Model 6906, nine-millimeter pistol, a Springfield handgun, and a Century Arms AK Style Rifle. If convicted of the drug conspiracy, SMITH and HULBERT each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release. SMITH also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release if convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin and up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release if convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. HULBERT faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release if convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, SMITH and HULBERT each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. For being felons in possession of firearms, SMITH and HULBERT face a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. SMITH and HULBERT each face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and André Jones of the Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former manager of two Skagit County dialysis clinics sentenced to 30 months in prison for bank fraud and identity theft

body_text: Seattle – A former Washington State resident who now resides in Texas was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 30 months in prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Bank Fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Jeanne Ang Rather, 51, was indicted in May 2021 for stealing the personally identifying information of at least ten people who worked under her at dialysis clinics. Between September 2019 and March 2020, she used the information to fraudulently open credit accounts and charge expenses for her family. She also stole and deposited checks from the clinics into her own bank accounts. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered Rather to be on three years of supervised release following the prison sentence. According to records filed in the case, Rather was the manager of two dialysis clinics in Skagit County. In addition to stealing the identities of her subordinates, she stole 20 checks from insurance companies written to one of the clinics and deposited the checks into her personal bank accounts. She defrauded the clinic of $98,511 and ran up credit card charges that defrauded a bank of $106,089 for a total loss amount of more than $204,000. In her plea agreement in February 2022, Rather agreed to make full restitution to the bank and clinic. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sok Tea Jiang and Yunah Chung.


title: Fort Myers Man Sentenced To More Than Seven Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jeffrey Brown (35, Fort Myers) to seven and six months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Brown had pleaded guilty on February 15, 2023. According to court documents, an undercover Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration was introduced to Brown and made a small introductory purchase of powder cocaine. Brown then told the undercover agent that he could supply the agent with large quantities of methamphetamine. Over the course of two ensuing transactions in late 2020, Brown sold the undercover agent approximately three-fourths of a pound of 99% pure methamphetamine. Each of the transactions occurred at residences associated with Brown in Fort Myers. Upon his arrest, Brown admitted he had been selling drugs since his childhood. He has multiple prior convictions for drug and firearms offenses. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.


title: Former Anheuser-Busch Employee Found Guilty of 26 Felonies Connected to Disability Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Tuesday found a woman from Jefferson County, Missouri guilty on all 26 felony charges she faced for defrauding the Social Security Administration and private disability insurers with false disability claims. Elizabeth Guetersloh, 67, was found guilty of two counts of mail fraud, 16 counts of wire fraud and eight counts of theft of government funds. The trial began May 8. Guetersloh is one of a series of former Anheuser-Busch employees who went to a Jefferson County chiropractor as part of a scheme to falsely claim disability payments. Guetersloh claimed she was severely restricted in her physical and mental functioning, and eventually received a total of $331,557 in disability payments. All the while, according to court exhibits and testimony, she danced, hiked through waterfalls, rode roller coasters, went to wineries, drove long distances and traveled domestically as well as internationally. The chiropractor, Thomas G. Hobbs, 65, pleaded guilty in January to a conspiracy charge and admitted conspiring to commit the crimes of health care fraud, making false statements, theft of government funds and Social Security fraud. Hobbs admitted exaggerating patients’ medical conditions so they would fraudulently receive more than $3.5 million in disability payments from the Social Security Administration and private disability benefit insurers. Hobbs co-owns Power-Med Inc., a chiropractic clinic in Arnold, Missouri. Hobbs charged patients between $2,000 and $8,600 to prepare disability forms and coached them to lie about their ability to perform basic activities such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, remembering and taking care of their personal needs. Guetersloh advised a family member that she paid $6,000 for Dr. Hobbs’ disability services. “Elizabeth Guetersloh lied about her physical condition to steal over $300,000 which she enjoyed on cruises, picturesque hikes, and other travel,” said Special Agent in Charge Jay Greenberg of the FBI St. Louis office. “In concert with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to ensuring these necessary safety-net programs are available to help those truly in need.” Hobbs’ former wife and Power-Med co-owner, Vivian Carbone-Hobbs, 60, of Fenton, as well as one current and one former employee, Christina Barrera, 63, of St. Louis, and Clarissa Pogue, 39, of DeSoto, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration by a different jury in February. Carbone-Hobbs was also convicted of 10 counts of health care fraud and two counts of theft of money from the United States. Pogue was convicted of one count of theft of money from the United States. The cases were investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Berry, Diane Klocke and Dorothy McMurtry are prosecuting the case.


title: 21-Year-Old Man Charged For Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Adbiel Martinez-Barrera, 21, of Mexico, was arrested on May 5, 2023, by United States Border Patrol agents for Assault on a Federal Officer and illegal entry into the United States. The government’s complaint alleges that on May 5, 2023, Border Patrol agents responded to a remote location near Douglas, Arizona, where a surveillance camera had observed two suspected undocumented non-citizens. An agent located two individuals, a female and Martinez-Barrera. As the agent was attempting to gain control of the female, Martinez-Barrera began vigorously pulling on the agent. Martinez-Barrera then climbed on the agent from behind, pinned the agent’s face to the ground, and placed his hand over the agent’s mouth, preventing the agent from being able to breathe. Martinez-Barrera told the agent to stop and let them go. Each time Martinez-Barrera removed his hand momentarily, the agent would yell and Martinez-Barrera would cover her mouth again, impeding the agent’s breathing. When the agent stopped struggling, Martinez-Barrera and the female undocumented noncitizen fled on foot. Border Patrol agents were later able to detain them and arrested Martinez-Barrera. Agents determined that he is a citizen of Mexico without proper immigration documents. He admitted to illegally crossing the international boundary without being inspected by an immigration officer at a designated port of entry. A conviction for Assault on a Federal Officer carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Serra M. Tsethlikai, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 23-00355MJ-1 RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-072_Martinez-Barrera # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Topeka Man Indicted for Child Sexual Exploitation

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Topeka, Kansas, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after traveling to Missouri to meet a 14-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover FBI employee, for illicit sex. William H. Reichart, 60, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. Today’s indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Reichart on April 28, 2013, and includes additional charges. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original federal criminal complaint, members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force were engaged in covert chat sessions on platforms known to be frequented by adults with sexual fetishes, including adults attempting to lure children into sexual acts. An online covert law enforcement officer, posing as a 14-year-old girl, communicated with Reichart through a social media application. Reichart engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the undercover law enforcement officer, the affidavit says, and sent pornographic images and video of himself. The affidavit says they made arrangements to meet in person for sexual contact. Law enforcement officers conducted surveillance of Reichart as he left his residence on April 27, 2023, and drove to the agreed-upon meeting location. When Reichart arrived for the meeting, he was arrested without incident. Today’s indictment charges Reichart with one count of attempting to travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempting to transfer obscene material to minor. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the FBI. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Charges filed against San Benito man for assault with vehicle

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21-year-old San Benito resident has been indicted for assaulting federal agents with his vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment today. According to the charges, on May 2, authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Hector Eduardo Gamez. He allegedly refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. Three federal agents arrived on scene, at which time Gamez nearly collided with three federal agents who arrived on scene to assist, according to the charges. Authorities allegedly apprehended him following the pursuit. If convicted, Gamez faces up 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The FBI conducted the investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Texas Rangers and the San Benito Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandra Andrade and Edgardo J. Rodriguez are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Lewiston Man Faces Up to 10 Years Following Guilty Plea to Being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court records, in December 2021, Shaiquan Moran-Stenson , 27, fired multiple shots near Bartlett Street in Lewiston. Video cameras at two residences recorded Moran-Stenson firing shots across the street before he ran into a parked car and fired additional shots as the vehicle drove away. Investigators recovered .40 caliber shell casings from the area. At the time of the shooting, Moran-Stenson was on supervised release for a prior conviction and was prohibited from possessing ammunition. Moran-Stenson faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. The Lewiston Police Department, Portland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Project Safe Neighborhoods : This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn . # # #


title: St. Petersburg Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Federal Prison For Dry Cleaner Armed Robbery And Murder Relating To Exotic Nightclub Drug Conspiracy

component: Professional Responsibility Advisory Office

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Corey Small (44, St. Petersburg) to 25 years in federal prison for to interfering with commerce by robbery, using and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiring to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, causing death by murder. Small had pleaded guilty on October 14, 2021. According to court documents, in 2014, Small robbed a St. Petersburg dry cleaning business of $51.41 after pointing a gun at the clerk. Four years later, in 2018, he conspired to distribute cocaine with an exotic night club employee. Small argued with an individual who attempted to persuade the nightclub employee to leave the club and stop selling drugs for Small. During the argument, Small shot the individual four times, killing him. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pinellas Park Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally. 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: Two admit to burglarizing British Consul General’s residence

body_text: HOUSTON – A Houston man and woman have pleaded guilty to damaging property occupied by a foreign government, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Today, Darion Benjamin Woods, 28, admitted he broke into, damaged and stole several items from the private residence of the Consul General for Great Britain. Christin Danielle Brinkley, 25, entered her plea May 11. At their respective plea hearings, both admitted to burglarizing the home on July 23, 2022. They stole multiple items including two vehicles, one of which was the property of the British Consulate. Nobody was in the residence at the time of the incident. Security cameras captured Brinkley and Woods pulling up to the gated residence with a U-Haul, jumping over the gate and eventually driving through it and causing significant damage. Once inside, they stole multiple items, including the two cars, jewelry, electronics, documents and a safe. Authorities later located the stolen vehicles at an address in Houston and observed Brinkley inside both vehicles at different times. They took Brinkley and Woods into custody and recovered the vehicles as well as some property from the residence, most of which was damaged. Damages have been calculated at approximately $56,636. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the pleas and set sentencing for Sept. 9. At that time, both face up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. They are also expected to have to pay restitution. Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. The Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard W. Bennett and Luis Batarse are prosecuting the case.


title: Lohman Man Indicted for Producing Child Pornography

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lohman, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges related to producing child pornography. Anthony D. Pitts-Fugate, 30, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a criminal complaint filed against Pitts-Fugate on April 17, 2023. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original federal criminal complaint, Pitts-Fugate engaged in a Kik chat group that was being monitored by an undercover law enforcement officer. Pitts-Fugate allegedly produced and sent to the undercover officer a video and a photo of a child being sexually assaulted. Pitts-Fugate was arrested at his residence on April 17, 2023, and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing. Today’s indictment charges Pitts-Fugate with one count of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Portland Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Abdulkadir Bile , aka “Ace,” 31, to 60 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. He also received a $6,900 fine. Bile pleaded guilty on March 29, 2022. According to court records, in October 2021, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Bile’s residence in Portland and recovered two firearms from a bed in which Bile was sleeping. Bile was convicted in 2013 of felony aggravated assault in Androscoggin County Superior Court and in 2017 of unlawful trafficking of Schedule W drugs in the Cumberland County Unified Criminal Docket. These convictions prohibited Bile from possessing firearms under federal law. ATF investigated the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods : This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about Project Safe Neighborhood, visit www.justice.gov/psn . ###


title: Marrero Man Pleads Guilty to a Violation of the Federal Gun Control Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On May 11, 2023, MELVIN WALKER , age 34, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, pled guilty to a one-count indictment, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. WALKER faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. According to court records, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested WALKER after he discharged a nine-millimeter firearm at the occupant(s) of a white SUV during a drive by shooting. Prior to WALKER discharging the firearm, the occupant(s) of the white SUV fired a .223 caliber firearm at WALKER as he stood outside of his residence. During a search of WALKER ’s residence, a nine-millimeter magazine, loaded with nine-millimeter caliber ammunition, was recovered from WALKER ’s residence. WALKER is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. The Honorable Jay C. Zainey, United States District Judge, will sentence WALKER on August 15, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Havre man admits assaulting woman on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS —A Havre man suspected of punching and strangling a woman on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to an assault crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Titus Lee Pedraza, 40, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury of a spouse, intimate or dating partner. Pedraza faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not more than three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 12. Pedraza was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on November 23, 2022, Pedraza was home with the victim, identified as Jane Doe, and the victim’s children. Jane Doe told Pedraza she wanted a babysitter so they could go gamble together. Pedraza, who was drunk, became enraged and accused Jane Doe of wanting to cheat on him. As Jane Doe walked out of the room, Pedraza assaulted her by strangling her and punching her, causing substantial injury. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Defendant Sentenced To 42 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Bribe High-Level Officials Of The Republic Of The Marshall Islands

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CARY YAN, a/k/a “Hong Hui Yan,” a/k/a “Chen Hong,” was sentenced today by United States District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald to 42 months in prison. YAN led a multi-year scheme to bribe government officials in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (the “RMI”) to pass legislation that would benefit his business interests. In addition, on February 16, 2023, Judge Buchwald imposed a sentence of approximately 31 months in prison on YAN’s co-defendant GINA ZHOU, a/k/a “Chaoting Zhou,” a/k/a “Angel Zhou,” for her role in the scheme. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Bribery of government officials erodes faith in democracy, and the effects of the corruption of government officials, whether in the United States or abroad, are felt worldwide. The defendants have now been held accountable for their corrupt and illegal conduct.” According to court filings in the case and publicly available information: Between 2016 and 2020, YAN and ZHOU sought to develop a semi-autonomous region within a part of the RMI known as the Rongelap Atoll. The creation of the proposed semi-autonomous region was intended by YAN, ZHOU, and those associated with them to obtain business by, among other things, allowing YAN and ZHOU to attract investors to participate in economic and social development projects that YAN, ZHOU, and others promised would occur in the semi-autonomous region. As proposed by YAN and ZHOU, the so-called Rongelap Atoll Special Administrative Region (the “RASAR”) would be created by legislation (the “RASAR Bill”) that, if enacted by the RMI legislature, would significantly change the laws on the Rongelap Atoll to attract foreign businesses and investors, such as by lowering or eliminating taxation and relaxing immigration regulations. YAN and ZHOU offered and provided a series of cash bribes and other incentives to induce RMI legislators to support the RASAR Bill. When, despite their bribes, the initial effort to pass the RASAR bill failed, YAN and ZHOU sought, unsuccessfully, to oust the then-President of the RMI, who opposed the bill. And, in 2020, following elections that resulted in a change in presidential administration, YAN and ZHOU resumed their efforts to create the RASAR. In the course of these renewed efforts, YAN and ZHOU continued to use bribery, and in March 2020, the RMI legislature passed a resolution endorsing the concept of the RASAR, with the support of legislators to whom YAN and ZHOU had provided bribes and other incentives. In imposing a 42-month sentence on YAN today, Judge Buchwald remarked that there was “no question that bribery of public officials undermines democracy, and that it is important as a matter of general deterrence to take crimes like this seriously. And the Court does.” * * * YAN, 51, and ZHOU, 35, both of whom have traveled on passports issued by the RMI, each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Williams additionally thanked the Royal Thai Government, the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, the Embassy of the United States in Bangkok, and the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs for their assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendants. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Lara Pomerantz, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant Chief Gerald Moody and Trial Attorney Anthony Scarpelli were also assigned to the prosecution.


title: Kanawha County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kathy Darlene Strickmaker, 63, of Dry Branch, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud. According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about January 15, 2015, through on or about November 21, 2018, Strickmaker devised a scheme to defraud a financial institution by writing fraudulent checks on accounts of a Charleston business where she was employed as an administrative assistant. Strickmaker’s duties as administrative assistant included paying bills on behalf of the business, which maintained multiple accounts at a bank in Charleston, and managing the business’s payroll and accounts payable. Strickmaker admitted that she wrote at least 80 unauthorized checks drawn from the business’s bank accounts and forged her employer’s signature on them. Strickmaker further admitted that she made the unauthorized checks payable to three individuals in amounts of between approximately $800 to $3,300. These individuals cashed or deposited the checks at local banks within the Southern District of West Virginia, keeping $100 per check and transferring the balance to another individual at Strickmaker’s direction. Strickmaker also admitted to writing fraudulent and unauthorized checks from the business’s bank accounts from 2016 through 2018 that she made payable to herself. Strickmaker also forged her employer’s signature on those checks. Strickmaker is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Strickmaker also owes at least $250,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO). Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-57. ###


title: Muskogee County Resident Sentenced For Assault And Firearm Offenses In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Eugene Meyer, age 39, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Muskogee Police Department, and Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office. Between December 7 and December 10, 2019, Meyer beat the victim with a revolver and other objects. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered from a subdural hematoma, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and other wounds, bruises, and contusions. On November 2, 2021, Meyer pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and one count of Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the victim is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Meyer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.


title: Newtown Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS R. SAINT, 67, of Newtown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion. According to court documents and statements made in court, Saint is the sole owner of Tom Saint Painting and Remodeling LLC, a Schedule C business engaged in painting and home renovation services. From 2013 through 2019, Saint attempted to evade the assessment of federal taxes by cashing business checks instead of depositing them into his business’s bank account, depositing cash and business checks into his personal bank account, and failing to inform his tax preparer of this conduct, which resulted in the filing of false returns with the IRS that substantially understated his gross receipts and income. For the 2013 through 2019 tax years, Saint failed to report a total of $2,163,645 in gross receipts, resulting in a tax loss to the government of $791,500. Saint has paid restitution of $791,500, and has agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay interest and penalties. On February 22, 2023, Saint pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Saint, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 4. This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.


title: Former Missouri Postal Worker Sentenced for Stealing Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a former postal worker who stole cash and gift cards from mail in the Poplar Bluff, Missouri area to probation and ordered her to pay restitution and perform 200 hours of community service. Brittney D. Bulliner, 29, was caught in a sting stealing Walmart gift cards and a gift card for Kohl’s and admitted stealing and rifling through 17 greeting cards two days before she was confronted. The investigation began after postal customers in the Poplar Bluff area began complaining in April 2022 about mail that was missing contents. On Aug. 18, 2022, Bulliner was identified as a possible suspect. She was a sales and service distribution clerk at the time. On Aug. 20, 2022, an agent of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General placed a blue envelope containing a greeting card and two $25 Walmart gift cards into mail which was to be worked by Bulliner. The cards, along with a third gift card, were used by Bulliner on Aug. 23, 2022 to buy two bicycles at Walmart. On Sept. 15, 2022, the agent placed a blue greeting card containing a Kohl’s gift card with no value into mail at the Broseley, Missouri Post Office. Agents confronted Bulliner after she opened the card, and she admitted stealing it. She also admitted stealing and opening 17 greeting cards before taping them shut and returning them. Agents found those cards in the Post Office the day they confronted Bulliner. The investigation identified at least 45 Postal Service customers who were missing mail taken by Bulliner. Bulliner, who lives near Poplar Bluff, was indicted by a federal grand jury in October on two counts of theft of mail. She pleaded guilty to both charges in February. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn prosecuted the case.


title: East St. Louis Woman Sent to Prison for 44 Months and Ordered to Pay More Than $800,000 in Restitution for Unemployment Insurance Scam

component: Criminal - Criminal Fraud Section

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a woman from East St. Louis to spend the next 44 months in federal prison and ordered her to pay more than $800,000 in restitution for her involvement in an unemployment insurance scheme that victimized three state unemployment agencies. Talfanita M. Cobb, 51, previously pled guilty to three counts of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, Cobb conspired with other individuals to use multiple stolen identities to apply for unemployment insurance benefits in Arizona, Ohio and Texas from at least September 2020 through January 2021. The fraudsters listed Cobb’s address in East St. Louis on the applications, and once the applications were approved, debit cards containing unemployment benefits were mailed to Cobb. Cobb used various ATMs in Belleville, Fairview Heights and O’Fallon, Illinois, to withdraw the funds from the debit cards. She then used Bitcoin to transfer most of the funds to her overseas co-conspirators. Cobb kept a percentage of the money for herself as her cut for assisting with the fraud. The total amount of restitution Cobb was ordered to pay is $862,625. That restitution will be repaid to the following entities: $789,384 to the Arizona Department of Employment Security; $54,443 to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services; and $18,798 to the Texas Workforce Commission. “In an effort to enrich herself and dupe unemployment benefits programs, the defendant stole hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for pandemic relief support,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Federal authorities and prosecutors are cracking down on unemployment insurance fraud, and the Southern District of Illinois is committed to protecting the integrity of government programs." “Today’s sentencing closes the book on the defendant’s mail fraud scheme in which she stole the identities of over 600 victims to obtain over $800,000 in benefits ear-marked for those suffering from unemployment at the height of the Covid pandemic,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue fraudsters who are driven by greed.” “Talfanita Cobb engaged in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme targeted at the state workforce agencies of Ohio, Arizona, and Texas. Cobb conspired to file false UI claims in the names of identity theft victims to obtain debit cards loaded with stolen UI benefits. Today’s sentencing affirms the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the unemployment insurance program. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Individuals like Cobb who help move funds for foreign fraud organizations are known as “Money Mules.” The U.S. Department of Justice is cracking down on Money Mules; many are being prosecuted and sent to federal prison. Members of the public should be aware that if someone asks them to receive and transfers funds, there’s a good chance they could be assisting with a crime and could end up behind bars. The investigation was conducted by the St. Louis offices of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman prosecuted the case.


title: Man Accused of Setting Fire at Ex-Girlfriend’s St. Louis County Home

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Tuesday to face an indictment accusing him of setting fire to a St. Louis County home last month. Christopher Willis, 39, pleaded not guilty to the felony charge of maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire. The indictment says the fire occurred in a rental home on April 29 on Nero Drive in unincorporated St. Louis County. A motion seeking to have Willis held in jail until trial says that six days after Willis and his girlfriend broke up, Willis entered her home with a key, took her cellular phone and piled some of her clothing in the basement. Willis then set fire to the clothing and walked away as the girlfriend, her daughter and her aunt slept, the motion says. Smoke alarms sounded and the three were able to escape the home, the motion says. The charge carries a potential penalty of at least five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, a $250,000 fine or both. A charge set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated by the St. Louis regional Bomb and Arson Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.


title: Independence Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth Conspiracy

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Louis Melvin Williamson, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Williamson’s sentence to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed in a separate case in Clay County, Mo. On Oct. 4, 2022, Williamson pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Aug. 11 to Oct. 14, 2020. Co-defendant Kurt Thomas Kingsley, 40, of Independence, was sentenced on April 6, 2023, to seven years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The court ordered his sentence to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed in a separate case in the District of Kansas. Co-defendant Kenneth James Paulson, 52, of Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty on Nov. 16, 2022, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing. Williams sold bulk quantities of methamphetamine to other dealers, including Kingsley, who in turn sold to Paulson. Williamson also sold smaller quantities to methamphetamine users. Paulson admitted that he purchased methamphetamine from Kingsley and sold bulk quantities to lower level dealers. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, through undercover agents and confidential informants, made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Paulson at his home and at a movie theater parking lot in Grain Valley, Mo. On Oct. 13, 2020, DEA agents stopped Paulson’s car in Blue Springs while he was on his way to another undercover controlled purchase. Agents found 145 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine in his car. Agents also searched his residence and found 226 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine in his garage. Agents also found a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver in his garage. On Oct. 14, 2020, Kingsley arrived at Paulson’s residence for an arranged drug sale. DEA agents found a black backpack on the passenger’s seat of Kingsley’s Ford F-150 that contained 46.7 grams of pure methamphetamine. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 28+ Years in Prison for Carjacking, Crime Spree

body_text: ST. LOUIS –U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Tuesday sentenced a St. Louis, Missouri man to 28 years and three months in prison for a “rampage” that involved carjackings, burglaries and a home invasion in May of 2021. Drew Clark, 37, started his spree by stealing a man’s Jeep Cherokee at Union Station in St. Louis on May 22, 2021 as the victim was unloading the vehicle. Inside was the man’s 9mm handgun and a Gibson guitar. Four days later, Clark committed a series of crimes in less than four hours, often discarding items he’d stolen earlier and stealing new clothing, vehicles and other items. Just before noon on May 26, 2021, Clark left the stolen Jeep near a commercial business in the 3700 block of South First Street and stole a worker’s truck before quickly abandoning it. He then stole a white Dodge Ram belonging to the business. One worker tried to block Clark in with his own truck, until Clark forced him to move out of the way by pointing the stolen handgun at the worker. About 30 minutes later, Clark burglarized a home in the 2700 block of South 13th Street, taking a wallet and debit card, running shoes and a set of keys and leaving behind the Dodge Ram and work boots. He unsuccessfully tried to use the debit card, then tossed it in a dumpster behind a nearby deli. Shortly thereafter, in the same block, he entered the home of a woman and demanded money at gunpoint. He forced the terrified woman into her bathroom and zip-tied her on the floor before stealing her keys, her husband’s work safety vest and helmet and her Jeep Cherokee. At roughly 1:30 p.m., he left the Jeep in the 1100 block of South 7th Street, along with a blue jacket he had been wearing. He put on the vest and helmet and walked towards the Purina facility just south of downtown. After wandering around the grounds and buildings, stealing items and changing into clothing he stole from an employee’s locker, he carjacked a Subaru Impreza from a different employee who was on his way to happy hour. He left the Subaru in the 1600 block of South 9th Street, leaving behind a Purina vest, temporary contractor badge and radio in the Subaru. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers spotted him nearby. Clark fled on foot, running through another victim’s home before officers were able to catch and subdue him. He had a backpack containing an unused zip tie, keys from Purina and items from the Jeep stolen at Union Station: a business card, gift card envelopes and a charging plug. He hid the stolen firearm after his arrest, but it was spotted by a detective and wrestled away from him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen summed up the crimes for jurors at Clark’s January trial by calling it an “absolute rampage.” Clark, of the 4000 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, was convicted of all charges: three counts of carjacking, three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Finlen and Jennifer Szczucinski are prosecuting the case.


title: Savage Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Savage man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, in September of 2022, the FBI received tips from concerned citizens reporting disturbing behavior of a man at a firearm range, later identified as River William Smith, 21. In November and December 2022, Smith began communicating via a social media platform with an FBI confidential human source (the “CHS”). The FBI’s investigation revealed evidence that Smith was preparing for a violent exchange with police. Smith stated he is “pro mass shooting,” sympathized with the Parkland school shooter, and expressed admiration for the individual charged with the recent shooting at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub. The FBI also discovered Smith had access to an AR-style rifle, handguns, body armor, and a Kevlar helmet. In online messages, Smith discussed learning about his “enemy” by watching police bodycam shootings online. According to court documents, on November 17, 2022, Smith asked a second CHS for auto sears to convert his AR-15 style rifle and his Glock handgun into fully automatic machine guns. The CHS told Smith that he could obtain the auto sears for him, and Smith provided the CHS with a down payment of $60. On November 28, 2022, Smith asked whether the CHS knew about M67 fragmentary grenades, which are hand grenades used by the U.S. military in close combat. Smith told the CHS that he wanted three hand grenades to outfit his tactical vest and discussed a plan to purchase the grenades. On December 5, 2022, Smith provided the CHS with a $200 down payment for three hand grenades, priced at $250 per hand grenade. According to court documents, on December 14, 2022, under supervision of law enforcement, a meeting between Smith and the second CHS was arranged. At the meeting, Smith took possession of three auto sears and three inert hand grenades in exchange for $690 in cash. Smith was then placed under arrest by law enforcement. Smith pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge David S. Doty to one count of possession of a machine gun. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Savage Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Manda Sertich and Andrew Winter, and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Justin Sher.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Allocation Of New Positions To Advance Public Safety And Promote Community Engagement

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that new positions for Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support personnel have been allocated to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, to advance the Office’s work in promoting public safety, Department of Justice initiatives, and community engagement. Districts were asked to submit requests for additional prosecutors and support personnel in areas they deemed needed additional resources. The funding for the new positions was provided by the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office requested and received seven new positions to be allocated as follows: An Assistant U.S. Attorney dedicated to Civil-Civil Rights enforcement. An Assistant U.S. Attorney to support Indian Country cases. An Assistant U.S. Attorney and a support staff to focus on investigating and prosecuting Violent Crime/Domestic Terrorism cases. An Assistant U.S. Attorney and a Litigation Support Technologist dedicated to supporting the Justice Department’s work on E-litigation. An Investigative Specialist to support the investigation and prosecution of white collar crimes. In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney King said, “I am thankful my Office was allocated the additional resources. The much-needed prosecutor and support personnel positions will be used to address public safety challenges, implement solutions, and advance our engagement efforts in communities across the Western District and in Indian Country.” Those interested in applying for one of the positions in the near future can do so through https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/careers or through www.usajobs.gov .


title: Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Albert A. Childress, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, announced today that Arturo Archuleta pleaded guilty to five counts of tax evasion. Archuleta, 50, of Albuquerque, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement, from 2014 to 2018, Archuleta worked as an office manager at ABQ Injury Clinic, a chiropractic medicine practice in Albuquerque. During that time, Archuleta derived approximately $200,000 from his role at ABQ Injury Clinic. In the same period, Archuleta also took checks made out to ABQ Injury Clinic and diverted them to a separate bank account he controlled. Archuleta did not report any of his income to the IRS between 2014 and April of 2019 and took affirmative acts to avoid creating records of the income. The tax evasion offenses carry a statutory maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment but, according to the terms of his plea agreement, Archuleta faces up to two years of imprisonment at sentencing. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Taylor F. Hartstein is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-105


title: Navajo Man Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Sheldon Carlton Daye was charged with involuntary manslaughter. Daye, 29, of Vanderwagen, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to the indictment, on Oct. 2, 2022, Daye allegedly hit and killed two people who were stopped on the shoulder of Highway 602, repairing a flat tire, near Bread Springs, NM. Daye was allegedly driving while under the influence at the time. The incident occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Daye faces up to 8 years in prison. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander F. Flores is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-106


title: Former Commercial Pilot Found Guilty of Internet Stalking

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a Chesterfield, Missouri man today for internet stalking. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from May 2020 to September 2020, Mark Joseph Uhlenbrock, 69, with the intent to harass and intimidate another person, used the internet to engage in a course of conduct that caused substantial emotional distress to his victim. This course of conduct included posting nude photographs of the victim on the internet without the victim’s consent. The conduct from this crime occurred while Uhlenbrock was still on supervised release for a 2016 federal conviction for internet stalking the same victim. In 2016, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Uhlenbrock to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after Uhlenbrock plead guilty to internet stalking. As part of his plea in that case, Uhlenbrock admitted that from January 2006 to August 2015, he caused substantial emotional distress by posting nude photographs of his victim on the internet without the victim’s consent. Uhlenbrock is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2023. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on December 10, 2020, for violating conditions of his supervised release. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Calve and Karina O’Daniel are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Buffalo Man Going To Prison For Selling Heroin Which Led To The Death Of A 24-Year-Old Man

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Orlando Albert-Arroyo, 28, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on February 27, 2019, Buffalo Police Officers responded to a drug overdose call and found a 24-year-old male deceased. The deceased man’s girlfriend told officers that the day before, she met Arroyo and co-defendant Genesis Tolentino-Cruz at a gas station in Cheektowaga to purchase heroin. Later that night, the girlfriend said that she and the deceased male used some of the heroin purchased from the defendants. The girlfriend went to sleep, and when she awoke, she found her boyfriend was deceased. In March and April, 2019, investigators conducted six controlled purchases of heroin from Arroyo and Cruz. On April 19, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Arroyo and Cruz’s residence, during which heroin, ammunition, a rifle, a pistol, and drug processing items were seized. Cruz was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 120 months in prison. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould. # # # #