title: Longtime Hoover Criminal Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy, Murder in Aid of Racketeering

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A longtime Hoover Criminal Gang member who for more than thirty years engaged in a violent pattern of criminal racketeering activity, including numerous acts of murder, robbery, and drug distribution, was sentenced today to life in federal prison. Lorenzo Laron Jones, 50, a Portland resident, was sentenced to life in federal prison plus 10 years and five years’ supervised release. “The Hoovers are a notorious violent criminal organization and Lorenzo Jones was among the gang’s most senior and violent members,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This prosecution is an important milestone in our effort to combat gun violence in Portland and surrounding communities. We will continue working with our partners to investigate and prosecute violent gangs that disrupt the security and safety of our neighborhoods.” “Lorenzo Jones was not only a leader of a violent street gang, he was also recruiting and grooming kids on the streets of Portland to carry out violent acts on behalf of this gang. He’s been referred to as a ‘shot caller’, but he’s actually a violent criminal who used guns and drugs to wreak havoc on our shared community,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “Jones will now spend the rest of his life where he belongs, in federal prison. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to disrupting and dismantling the most violent criminal organizations in Oregon to ensure a safer community.” “For decades, the Portland Police Bureau has consistently worked to address the public safety threat posed by organized criminal gangs,” said Portland Chief of Police Bob Day. “This sentence will send a powerful message that organizations that engage in criminal violence will be held accountable. We are grateful for our partnerships with skilled investigators and federal prosecutors with whom we have collaborated to achieve this important sentence, and look forward to continuing this critical work toward making our community safer.” “Through years of collaboration and multijurisdictional cooperation, a violent criminal is no longer in our community,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “MCSO will continue investing in this important investigative work, so that crime victims and survivors get justice. Together with our partners, we are building safer and stronger communities.” According to court documents, the Hoovers are a criminal street gang operating in Oregon known to engage in acts of violence including murder, robbery, and drug dealing. The Hoovers originated in Los Angeles in the late 1960s and established a presence in Portland in the early 1980s. The gang has a loose hierarchical structure in which members have different amounts of power and influence based on age and gang activity. To maintain status and increase one’s position in the gang, members are expected to carry out violence on behalf of the enterprise. The Hoovers are rivals with many Portland gangs, including multiple Blood and Crip sets, and are self-described “everybody killers.” Hoover members are expected to use violence to retaliate any perceived slight or actual act of violence against a Hoover member or ally. Jones is longtime member and self-proclaimed “shot caller” of the Hoovers who rose through the ranks of the criminal organization from baby gangster to gangster to original gangster. Multiple witnesses described Jones as a “big homie” who played a leadership role in the gang, mentoring younger members and recruits, and using them to conduct business and violence for the gang. On November 7, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 13-count superseding indictment charging Jones; fellow senior Hoover gang member Ronald Clayton Rhodes, 38, also of Portland; and two accomplices with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence and causing death using a firearm. On October 19, 2022, a federal jury in Portland found Jones and Rhodes guilty on multiple counts including racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. During trial, the government proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Jones murdered Wilbert Butler on September 17, 2017, in Portland. Jones was also proven to have engaged in multiple attempted murders, illegally possessed firearms as a convicted felon, and distributed controlled substances throughout the Portland area. On October 27, 2023, Rhodes will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane. Like Jones, Rhodes faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. As part of the government’s ongoing investigation into the Hoover Criminal Gang’s racketeering activities, several other Hoover members and associates face pending federal charges or have been convicted and sentenced in federal court for crimes committed in support or on behalf of the gang’s criminal enterprise. This case was investigated by the FBI, Portland Police Bureau, and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Gresham Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Eugene Police Department, and Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. This prosecution is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Waterbury Man Caught Transporting Kilos of Drugs Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CYRELLE CONYERS, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 88 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 8, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury Police Department established surveillance at a Waterbury residence that was suspected of being used as a narcotics stash house. Officers observed several vehicles depart from the residence, including one driven by Conyers. Officers stopped and searched Conyers’ vehicle, which was unregistered, and seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, more than 1.5 kilograms of heroin, more than 500 grams of crack cocaine, and more than 350 grams of methamphetamine. A search of a second vehicle that was stopped after leaving the residence revealed two handguns, 18 boxes of ammunition, and more than $31,000 in cash. A search of Conyers’ nearby residence revealed distribution quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and more than $4,000 in cash. Conyers’ criminal history includes eight previous convictions, three of which involve the sale or possession of controlled substances. On June 27, 2023, Conyers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. Conyers, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 24, 2024. This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute 22 Kilograms of Cocaine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Gulfport, Miss. – A Hutto, Texas man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to court documents, Donald Lamont Griffin, 44, was stopped for a traffic violation on November 7, 2022, on Highway I-10, in Harrison County, MS. The Harrison County Deputy who initiated the stop requested assistance from a police K9. The K9 conducted a sniff of Griffin’s vehicle and alerted. A subsequent search yielded 22 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle. Griffin will be sentenced on February 7, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison as to each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose is prosecuting the case.


title: Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced for Conspiring with Others to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced by a federal District Court Judge for her role in conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The defendant, Stephane Harrilla, had earlier entered a plea of guilty to a one count Indictment charging her with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a quantity of the drug Fentanyl. According to the facts presented to the Court at the time of her guilty plea Harrilla admitted receiving a package in the United States Mail which was found to contain counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” fentanyl tablets. The evidence showed that Harrilla was paid $200 by another individual to receive the package and was obligated to pass that parcel on to that person. Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand in sentencing Harrilla noted that she had no previous criminal convictions and was a minor participant in the drug distribution activity. Judge Weigand imposed a sentence of three years probation, including a period of 180 days of home detention with electronic location monitoring. Harrilla was also required to pay a $100 Special Assessment. The matter was investigated by the Pittsburgh Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: Federal Jury Finds Hartford Man Guilty of Gun Offense

body_text: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found DENROY FABLE, 40, of Hartford, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The trial before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams began on October 23 and the jury returned its verdict this afternoon. According to the evidence presented during the trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted an investigation of a business located at 136 Barbour Street in Hartford that was suspected of trafficking narcotics. The business, a purported clothing store, had an awning that read “The HOLE Ex-Con 360 the movement.” In October 2022, investigators made two controlled drug purchases of marijuana from the store. On October 5, 2022, Fable and others were in the store when investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the store and seized quantities of suspected crack cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, synthetic opioid pills, fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, MDMA, drug packaging and processing materials, U.S. currency, and five handguns. One of the handguns seized, a loaded .380 semiautomatic pistol, was found in a pocket of Fable’s jacket that was hanging on a shelf. Subsequent forensic testing of the firearm revealed the presence of Fable’s DNA. Fable’s criminal history in state convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit, and federal convictions for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack. In March 2019, Fable was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 37 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He was released from prison in August 2020, and was on supervised release when he possessed the firearm in October 2022. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Fable faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Fable has been detained since October 5, 2022. This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Reed Durham and Brendan J. Keefe.


title: Eastern Shore Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing More Than $1.8 Million From a Salisbury Corporation

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Duane G. Larmore, age 48, of Salisbury, Maryland, yesterday to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in connection with the theft of more than $1.8 million from Shore Appliance Connection, where Larmore worked. Judge Chasanow also ordered Larmore to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, which the parties stipulate is $1,850,488.94. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office. According to his plea agreement, from mid-September 2016 through about March 2020, Larmore conspired with others to steal more than $1.8 million from a Salisbury, Maryland company, Shore Appliance Connection, owned and operated by Owner #1 and Owner #2, that sold household appliances as well as mattresses and bedding. Larmore was an employee at Shore Appliance whose duties included maintaining the books and records for the company. Co-defendant Stephen Franklin was the chief operating officer of Accurate Optical, a chain of optometric shops on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and with the owners of Accurate Optical he also purchased East Coast Optometric, a chain of South Carolina optical shops. Larmore and Franklin met through the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and became friendly. According to court documents, Larmore and Franklin stole nearly $2 million from Shore Appliance to use for their own purposes, including to make investments and to pay business expenses for Franklin’s business, without the knowledge and consent of the owners of Shore Appliance. For example, at the urging of Franklin, Larmore invested in the following: in 2016, a $100,000 investment with T.H.; a $95,000 investment with GenFinance II, PLC, London, U.K., which then required an additional $300,000, and then additional funds for a surety bond and travel abroad; in 2018, an investment through W.S. of $35,000 and an investment of $50,000 through Gateway Capital; and in 2019 - 2020, investments and expenses through I.P. and E.P.S. to obtain U.S. currency purportedly returned to the United States from humanitarian relief projects abroad, and other similar investments. The charges included wire transfers from Shore Appliance’s account to Franklin’s business account and from there to banks in the U.K. and Hong Kong. No investment paid any return to Larmore or Franklin. To conceal how much money had been removed from Shore Appliance and to obtain cash, Larmore used the identities of the owners to enter into factoring contracts. Factoring is a means by which businesses, like Shore Appliance, can obtain cash quickly by leveraging accounts receivable. As detailed in court documents, the factoring contracts purportedly between Shore Appliance and various factoring companies, provided cash deposits to Shore Appliance's bank accounts but encumbered the accounts receivable of Shore Appliance and required payments and interest of more than $725,000. In addition, Larmore used his position of trust with Shore Appliance and signature authority over its bank accounts to draw on Shore Appliance’s lines of credit with two separate financial institutions to obtain another $200,000 in cash to conceal his use of Shore Appliance’s funds. To obtain contracts with factoring companies for Shore Appliance, Larmore used his own email address and cell phone number with factors but identified that email address and cell phone number as belonging to Owner #1. Larmore also provided the factors with details of the owners’ identities, including dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and Maryland drivers’ licenses, without their permission. To conceal the fact that the owners were not aware of and had not approved the factoring contracts, the signatures of the owners were forged and the fraudulent signatures were witnessed or notarized by Franklin; and Larmore and a female employee of Franklin’s posed as the owners in telephone conversations with representatives of the factoring companies. Finally, when Franklin’s business was having financial difficulties, at Franklin’s request, Larmore provided funds from Shore Appliance for Franklin’s companies. In all, Larmore paid $739,295.28 of Shore Appliance’s funds, without the officers and owners’ knowledge or consent, to invest in fraudulent schemes that never paid any money back. Larmore caused an additional loss of $171,548.67 by transferring funds to Franklin or Franklin’s companies. Larmore caused Shore Appliance to lose an additional $731,250.07 in fees and other payments to factors and to factoring brokers. Larmore also caused Shore Appliance to draw on its bank lines of credit and pay extra interest to those banks in the amount $208,395. Thus, the factoring arrangements and advances on Shore Appliance’s lines of credit in total caused Shore Appliance to lose in actual funds $939,645. However, Shore Appliance as of March 2020 still owed the factors almost $270,000. For all of Larmore’s conduct, actual cash losses to Shore Appliance totaled $1,850,488.94 and intended losses totaled $2,137,674.74. On September 7, 2023, Judge Chasanow sentenced Stephen Franklin, age 54, of Salisbury, Maryland, to 66 months in federal prison on the same charges and also ordered him to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn Lombardo Cusson, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . For more information about resources available to report fraud, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Man Convicted of $55M Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in the Northern District of Texas convicted a medical marketer today for his role in a $55 million fraud conspiracy involving TRICARE, a federal program that provides health insurance benefits to active duty and retired service members and their families, and several other federal health care programs. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Quintan Cockerell, 42, of Palos Verdes Estates, California, worked with others to create and market expensive compounded medications, which are medications intended to be custom-tailored to individual patient needs. However, instead of custom-tailoring these medications, a local pharmacy designed formulations to maximize TRICARE and other federal health care program reimbursements regardless of patient need or medical efficacy. Pharmacy owners and others paid illegal kickbacks to individuals like Cockerell, who recruited area doctors to write prescriptions for these expensive compounded medications, including by creating so-called investment opportunities so that doctors who wrote prescriptions to the pharmacy could profit from the pharmacy operations. Cockerell then spent the proceeds of the scheme on expensive vacations, trips on private jets, and a yacht charter. The jury convicted Cockerell of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of receiving unlawful kickbacks, and one count of money laundering. A sentencing date has not yet been set. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, five years in prison on the kickback count, and 10 years in prison on the money laundering count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael Mentavlos of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Dallas Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Casey J. Howard of the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) Central Regional Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) South Central Field Office made the announcement. The DCIS, HHS-OIG, FBI, DOL-OIG, and VA-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian and Assistant Chief Kate Payerle of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from Assistant Chief Brynn Schiess and Trial Attorney Lee Hirsch. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Oregon Company Pays $1.7 Million for Accepting Payments from Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that Oregon Tool, Inc., a Portland-based manufacturer of professional-grade cutting tools, which at all relevant times was known as Blount, Inc., has entered into a non-prosecution agreement and paid $1.7 million for accepting payments for products sold to two distributors transmitted through an unlicensed money transmitting business linked by the FBI to a trade-based money laundering scheme in Nigeria. In December 2019, the FBI began investigating a criminal organization based in Nigeria that operated several online fraud schemes, including romance scams, targeting elderly women in the United States. Over the course of this investigation, the FBI identified a Nigeria-based black market currency exchange network that offered U.S. dollar deposits into U.S.-based bank accounts in exchange for Nigerian currency provided in Nigeria. The U.S. dollars transmitted by the network were the proceeds of financial fraud schemes perpetrated against at least two dozen victims in the United States. Between 2012 and 2020, Blount’s two Nigerian distributors used the unlicensed money transmitting business to convert Nigerian naira to U.S. dollars which were used to pay for Blount products. In March 2012, the U.S. Secret Service notified Blount’s then-general counsel that the agency was preparing to seize one of the Nigerian distributor’s bank accounts, because it was allegedly being funded primarily by fraud and the proceeds were being used to pay Blount. From November 2016 to December 2017, Blount credited more than $974,000 in deposits to the distributor. Those deposits originated from sources including individuals, many of whom the FBI later assessed were women in the United States over the age of 60 who had been the victim of romance fraud schemes; various business LLCs; and other anonymous cash depositors with no logical business relationship or established history with the distributor or Blount. Two of the deposits were made by an individual who believed the money would purchase artwork for someone they had met on a dating website. Another payment was made by a person residing in Beaverton, Oregon at the request of someone on a dating website. Between April 2017 and February 2018, unbeknownst to Blount, a second Nigerian distributor received more than $652,000 to its U.S.-based bank account that the FBI linked to fraud. The distributor used these funds, which it received from multiple individuals in their late 60s, to pay Blount. As with the fraud victims associated with the first Nigerian distributor, the individuals who made these payments had no logical business relationship with Blount and several later reported being the victim of romance scams or other online fraud schemes. In January 2022, the FBI notified Oregon Tool of its investigations involving the company and provided details of the fraudulent deposits made by its Nigerian distributors. Prior to this notification, Oregon Tool had, in November 2021, terminated its relationship with one of the two distributors. After the FBI’s notification, the company promptly terminated its association with the second. Oregon Tool cooperated fully with the government’s investigation of this matter and, under new ownership, has implemented policies to prevent its future association with unlicensed money transmitting businesses. Among other remedial measures, the company has adopted a global anti-money laundering policy restricting third-party payments and an enhanced training program for relevant personnel. None of the senior executives implicated in the improper activity by Blount Inc. are currently employed by Oregon Tool. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI intend to file a civil forfeiture complaint against the $1.7 million paid by Oregon Tool and will seek to distribute those funds to victims of this fraud scheme. This case was investigated by the FBI. The terms of this non-prosecution agreement were negotiated by the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. The related financial forfeitures are being handled by the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. oregon_tool_npa_final_signed.pdf


title: Northshore Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CODY SHAUGHNESSY , age 38, was sentenced on October 18, 2023, after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with violating of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), respectively. As to the three charges for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and the one charge of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. SHAUGHNESSY was sentenced on each count to 84 months imprisonment, four years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee. All sentences were run concurrently with each other. According to court documents, between August 2022 and September 2022, SHAUGHNESSY sold 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to an undercover federal agent on three separate occasions . Additionally, at the time of his arrest, SHAUGHNESSY possessed, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse. The sentencing took place on October 24, 2023. Noah Virgil White Lance, III, age 34, was sentenced to a total of 18 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. White Lance was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on July 10, 2023. In early August of 2022, the Defendant and his two daughters relocated from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Mission, South Dakota. While residing in Mission, the Defendant would physically abuse his younger daughter by striking her in the head and body. The Defendant would also order his older daughter to abuse his younger daughter as a form of discipline. On August 11, the Defendant instructed his older daughter to discipline his younger daughter for violating bathroom privileges. In line with the Defendant’s orders, the older daughter abused her sister. The younger daughter became non-responsive during the abuse and succumbed to her injuries two days later after attempts at medical intervention were unsuccessful. An autopsy revealed traumatic head injuries, multiple rib fractures at various stages of healing, and multiple cuts and bruises. The cause of death was determined to be traumatic brain injury due to non-accident trauma. The fatal injury was likely inflicted previously and the symptoms were exacerbated by the older sibling. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case. White Lance was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Maryland Resident Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Submitting Fraudulent Applications for Cares Act Financial Assistance

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHANIQUA PAGE WILSON, age 32, a resident of Odenton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343. The charges stem from WILSON’S role in preparing and filing false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to court documents, between about April 19, 2021, and May 20, 2021, WILSON and (Co-Conspirator 1) recruited friends and family members, primarily via word of mouth and text message, to participate in a scheme whereby they would fraudulently obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with her assistance. WILSON and Co-Conspirator 1 then created and electronically submitted, loan applications. These loan applications falsely stated that the recruited applicant had a sole proprietorship in the beauty industry and generated substantial income from those businesses. Co-Conspirator 1 charged some applicants up to approximately $5,000.00 once the PPP loan was funded. Between about May 4, 2021, and May 5, 2021, WILSON and Co-Conspirator 1 prepared and submitted approximately five (5) fraudulent PPP loan applications, including for themselves and their relatives, that resulted in a loss to the United States Small Business Administration and other designated financial institutions of approximately $104,160. WILSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing before Judge Milazzo is scheduled for January 24, 2024. For more information on the Department of Justice’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 at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Using Social Security Number

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HENRY EDGARDO ORTIZ , age 44, plead guilty today to illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). According to court documents, ORTIZ applied to the Jefferson Parish Office of Motor Vehicles , for a Louisiana Identification Card. However, the Social Security Administration later confirmed that the identification card and its associated number, had been previously issued on May 4, 2018 in the name of another person in Puerto Rico, “ Individual A”. Later, when ORTIZ , appeared at the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office to handle another matter, he presented a Honduran passport in his real name. The District Attorney’s office became suspicious and contacted the Department of Homeland Security. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security located the Louisiana driver’s license paperwork, that showed the ORTIZ’s fraudulent use of a social security number. ORTIZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Buffalo man going to prison for 12 ½ years for  selling fentanyl that led to two deaths

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Reginald E. Alexander, 60, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that in 2003, Alexander was convicted of a felony in Erie County Supreme Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. On December 30, 2020, Alexander called 911 to report that an individual identified as N.P. was present and unresponsive in his Moselle Street residence. When first responders and Buffalo Police Officers arrived a short time later, N.P. was pronounced dead. Prior to N.P.’s death, N.P. consumed fentanyl which Alexander possessed for distribution in his apartment. Subsequently, investigators recovered approximately 17 grams of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, $3,798.00, and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition from Alexander’s apartment. On February 18, 2021, an individual identified as J.M. contacted Alexander by text message to purchase fentanyl. The two met on Main Street in Buffalo, where Alexander gave J.M. fentanyl. J.M. returned home, used the fentanyl, and was subsequently located by family members unconscious. First responders were called and administered Narcan and CPR to J.M., who was then transferred to a hospital where he later died. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Dienes, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division. # # # #


title: United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department Announce Drug Take Back Day

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced the date of its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, October 28, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications – those that are old, unwanted, or expired – that too often become a gateway to addiction. Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide . What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day When: Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Who: United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department Where: NorthTown Mall, 4750 North Division Spokane, WA 99207 (Northwest parking area) In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. “We have all witnessed the ravaging effects of the opioid epidemic in our region, and we are encouraged by the proactive efforts members of our communities are taking to prevent prescription drug misuse and addiction. This will make Eastern Washington safer and stronger,” U.S. Attorney Waldref stated. “We are honored to partner with the DEA, Spokane Police, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spokane Fire Department for this important event.” “DEA is committed to protecting the communities we serve, and one way we do this is by collecting unused and unneeded prescription medications,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Too often, substance misuse starts when young people take drugs they do not need from their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinet. National Prescription Take Back Day is an easy way that you can help protect our communities and our families from substance misuse.” “As overdose deaths and misuse of drugs continue to destroy lives, including families and loved ones, we as a community need to address this at every level. Drug Take Back Day is one of multiple efforts SPD collaborates with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Turning in unused, unwanted or dangerous drugs to be safely disposed of helps keep our family and loved ones safer. We hope the community takes advantage of this opportunity.” For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com .


title: Former Navy Civilian Employee Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bribery

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 26, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Dawnell Parker of Athens, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court today to bribery charges, admitting that while she was a public official at Naval Information Warfare Center in San Diego, she accepted thousands of dollars in free meals from defense contractors in exchange for helping them win and maintain millions of dollars in government contracts. As part of the conspiracy, Parker received the free dinners at various restaurants, including Ruth’s Chris, De Medici Cucina and the University Club. In return, she took official action to aid her benefactors, like allowing defense contractors to draft government documents and submitting those documents as part of the procurement process and advocating for their selection as defense contractors. According to Parker’s plea agreement, from approximately March 2016 through at least October 2019, she and a coworker received bribes from the president and CEO of a Fredericksburg, Virginia defense contractor. In return, Parker, acting under the direction of her coworker, used various methods to steer contracts to the contractor. Parker also admitted that she and the coworker separately received bribes from a different defense contractor, with offices in San Diego, California, and Stafford, Virginia, who also gave her things of value including expensive meals. “Corruption in the defense procurement process wastes taxpayer dollars and undercuts public confidence in government,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The contracting process must be reliable and honest to ensure our service members receive the best possible support.” “Ms. Parker selfishly chose to enrich herself at the expense of the Department of the Navy by accepting bribes in exchange for steering contracts worth millions of dollars to certain companies,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS is dedicated to rooting out bribery and fraud that damage the integrity of the Department of the Navy procurement process and threaten warfighter readiness.” “Ms. Parker’s guilty plea should act as a deterrent for individuals contemplating or attempting to misuse a position of public trust to subvert the integrity of the government’s acquisition process,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office. “DCIS remains committed to working jointly with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate and deter public corruption within the Department of Defense.” “Bribery as a means to fraudulently access federal programs for personal gain will not be tolerated,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Our office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.” “Ms. Parker’s actions directly undermined the fair competition that ensures our warfighters always have the technological advantage over potential adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “CI is committed to working with our fellow law enforcement agencies and will follow the money, wherever it may lead, to help protect our country.” DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr2192-TWR Dawnell Parker Age: 54 Athens, AL SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Commit Bribery - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371 Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; $250,000 fine AGENCIES Defense Criminal Investigative Service Naval Criminal Investigative Service Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General If you have information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse relating to Department of Defense personnel or operations, please contact the DoD Hotline at 800-424-9098.


title: Washington County Man Admits Stealing 31 Firearms from Hudson Falls Gun Store and Using the Firearms in Relation to Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Martin Taft, age 48, of Salem, New York, pled guilty today to one count of theft of firearms from a licensed dealer and one count of using firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); New York State Police (NYSP) Acting Superintendent Dominick Chiumento; and Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy made the announcement. Taft admitted to stealing firearms from Calamity Jane’s Firearms and Fine Shoes, a federally licensed firearms dealer, in Hudson Falls, New York, on October 21, 2022. Taft and co-conspirator Jonathon Combs used a sledgehammer to break into the store when it was closed and steal 31 semi-automatic pistols. Taft and Combs then exchanged most of the stolen pistols to another individual in return for cocaine that they intended to distribute. Taft faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 5 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on February 24, 2024. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. On April 27, 2023, Combs pled guilty to the same charges as Taft, as well as an additional count of theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer . Combs faces the same minimum and maximum penalties as Taft when he is sentenced on November 28, 2023. The following defendant still faces charges in this case, which carry the following penalties: Name Age Minimum Maximum Kwahpreme Mitchell 32 5 years Life The charges against Mitchell are merely accusations. Mitchell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. NYSP, ATF and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance provided by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmet O’Hanlon and Allen J. Vickey are prosecuting this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Offices For Northern And Southern Districts Of Indiana Celebrate Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND-The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors; honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its’ monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana are proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $790, 618 to the state of Indiana to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals. The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes. Specifically, Indiana received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year: OVW awarded $340,618 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. OVW awarded $450,000 under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to support programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “I am pleased to announce, along with U.S. Attorney Myers, that our State has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. Domestic Violence, in all forms, undermines the safety and security that one should have in their homes and intimate relationships. These grant funds will support the ongoing work being done to create communities free of domestic violence.” “No one should be subjected to abuse, especially by those closest to them. Whether or not we’re aware, everyone knows someone impacted by domestic and intimate partner abuse, said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “This trauma leaves an indelible mark on survivors and their families, from physical harm and psychological distress to negative impacts on housing, employment, and education. The grants provided by the Office of Violence Against Women this fiscal year will fund valuable resources bolstering the many dedicated organizations serving survivors across the state of Indiana.” “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.” ### OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw .


title: United States Attorney’s Office for Middle District of North Carolina Celebrates Funding Announced During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO - The Department of Justice joins survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $2,133,002 to the MDNC to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals. The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes. Specifically, MDNC received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year: OVW awarded $108,034 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. OVW awarded $108,034 under State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. OVW awarded $575,000 under the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program (Culturally Specific Program) to help community-based organizations develop culturally relevant programs specific to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Tribal communities to support survivors. OVW awarded $399,968 under the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program ) to support colleges and universities to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies for such crimes and to develop prevention education and awareness programs. In addition, OVW awarded $300,000 under the new Strengthening Culturally Specific Campus’ Approaches to Address Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Initiative to support new programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). OVW awarded $750,000 under the Emerging Issues and Training and Technical Assistance Initiative to organizations exploring new issues in technical assistance projects that address the needs of OVW grantees. United States Attorney Sandra Hairston commented: “I am pleased to announce that the MDNC has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women. We are looking forward to continuing our fight to protect victims of domestic violence with the help of these grants and in partnership with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.” “Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.” OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw . ###


title: Construction Firm CFO Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Employment Tax Crime

component: Tax Division

body_text: WASHINGTON – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for willfully failing to report and pay over the IRS employment taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks. According to court documents and statements made in court, Julian Russ of Houma, was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Community Construction Company LLC, a pipeline-maintenance and construction company based in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. As CFO, Russ was responsible for collecting, accounting for and paying over the company’s employment taxes. From at least 2012 to 2018, Russ did not file the company’s quarterly employment tax returns or pay the IRS the taxes withheld from employees’ wages, despite knowing of his legal obligation to do so. In total, Russ caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $6 million. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Senior Judge David Bramlette III ordered Russ to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $2,714,280.71 in restitution to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Curtis J. Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Fort Towson Resident Of Murder

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Thomas Raymond Phillips, III, age 36, of Fort Towson, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of First Degree Murder in Indian Country, one count of Use, Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence, and one count of Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The jury trial began with testimony on October 23, 2023, and concluded on October 25, 2023, with the guilty verdicts. During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on the evening of December 19, 2020, Phillips fired multiple shots into a Fort Towson bar after being ejected by management for instigating a fight. One bullet struck a patron, killing the victim on the scene. The crime occurred in Choctaw County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable John F. Heil, U.S. District in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. The defendant will remain in custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Dean Burris and Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Hugo Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ashton Boyd Smith, age 19, of Hugo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country relating to his role in a November 2021 robbery-homicide. The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Hugo Police Department, the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On September 13, 2022, Smith pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. On November 15, 2021, Smith and an accomplice lay in wait for the victim outside the victim’s Hugo residence in order to rob him. During the robbery, Smith stood by, armed with a rifle, while his accomplice shot the victim several times with a .22 caliber handgun, killing him. Before fleeing the scene with the victim’s personal effects, Smith and his accomplice stopped to steal items from the victim’s vehicle. The crime occurred in Choctaw County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John C. Coughenour, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Smith will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.


title: Stilwell Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug And Firearm Crimes, And Eluding Peace Officers In Indian Country

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kenneth Lee Kelley, age 58, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 70 months of imprisonment for one count of felon in possession of ammunition, and 60 months of imprisonment for one count of eluding a peace officer in Indian country. The sentences will run concurrently. The charges arose from investigations by the Westville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On October 12, 2022, Kelley entered a guilty plea to the three counts. According to investigators, on April 2, 2022, while attempting to evade arrest on an outstanding warrant out of Adair County, Kelley led police officers on a high-speed chase, exceeding speeds of 70 miles per hour, and colliding with multiple police vehicles. Officers brought Kelley to a stop by deploying stop sticks and forcing him into a ditch. When officers arrested Kelley at the scene, they found him in possession of more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, over 90 rounds of ammunition, and a large sum of cash. The crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Kelley will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Richmond, Kevin Gross, and Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Seminole Resident Sentenced For Murders In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Kadetrix Devon Grayson, age 30, of Seminole, Oklahoma, was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 324 months imprisonment in connection with two homicides that took place in 2015. The charges arose from an investigation by the Seminole Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On April 14, 2022, Grayson pleaded guilty in federal district court to two counts of Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree. At the plea hearing, the defendant admitted to unlawfully killing two individuals with a firearm and with malice aforethought. According to investigators, on March 19, 2015, Grayson shot and killed two victims, leaving their bodies to be discovered by law enforcement officers in a parked SUV behind a shopping center in Seminole, Oklahoma. Both victims suffered a single gunshot wound to the head fired from a .22 caliber gun. DNA evidence recovered at the scene matched an existing sample belonging to Grayson. The crimes occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John C. Coughenour, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment, presided over the sentencing hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Grayson will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Johnston County Resident Pleads Guilty To Murder In Indian Country

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cecil Browning Higginbotham, age 32, of Mannsville, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information charging him with one-count of Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree. The Information alleged that on August 10, 2022, Higginbotham unlawfully killed the victim with malice aforethought. At the plea hearing, Higginbotham admitted to pushing the victim to the ground, knocking her unconscious, and dragging her inside his residence. He then repeatedly hit and kicked the victim, causing fatal blunt force trauma to her head and neck. The crime occurred in Johnston County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dickson Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Higginbotham was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys T. Cameron McEwen and Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.


title: Oklahoma Woman Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: ALPINE, Texas – An Oklahoma woman was sentenced in a federal court in Alpine to 168 months in prison for importing and possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. According to court documents, Cherakee Lee Perez, 33, provided a negative declaration during a Customs and Border Patrol vehicle inspection at the Presidio Port of Entry from Mexico into the U.S. A narcotic detection canine discovered more than three dozen packages hidden in the vehicle. 29 of packages contained approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, while the other 13 contained seven kilograms of fentanyl. Perez admitted to transporting the drugs for a drug trafficking organization. “The sentencing of Perez should serve as a warning to drug trafficking organizations and the individuals who attempt to transport drugs into the U.S. on their behalf,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to disrupt and dismantle these organizations.” “This HSI investigation demonstrates that we stand ready to aggressively investigate criminals who profit from distributing dangerous drugs, contributing to the devastating opioid epidemic in our country,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Division. “This sentence ensures one fewer person is out on the streets poisoning our community.” HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Greenbaum prosecuted the case. ###


title: Des Moines Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation, Sex Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Marijuana Offenses

body_text: DES MOINES, IA – A Des Moines man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for sex trafficking three adult females by force, fraud, and coercion and kidnapping one of the adult females; 30 years for sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor female; and 10 years for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently for a total term of 40 years in prison. According to public court documents, Richard Thomas Ball, 47, used deceptive and coercive tactics as well as physical assaults to compel three adult females to engage in sex acts in exchange for money. Ball trafficked the victims and received proceeds from the victims’ sex acts. Ball kidnapped one of the victims during the course of trafficking her. Ball admitted that he transported the victim against her will in a vehicle from Missouri to Des Moines so that he could physically assault her during the trip as a form of revenge against another victim. Ball also coerced three minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct and caused images and videos to be produced of those minor females engaged in such conduct. Ball sexually abused the three minor females, one of whom he began abusing at age 13 and continued for approximately five years. Additionally, Ball admitted to conspiring with others, including minors, to transport marijuana to Iowa and distribute it. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Victims particularly susceptible to being trafficked include those with criminal histories, a history of physical or sexual abuse, uncertain legal status, and dependency on controlled substances. Individuals who purchase sex from minors or from those who are otherwise exploited for commercial sex are also subject to prosecution for sex trafficking under federal law, if they knew or were in reckless disregard of the fact that they were under the age of 18, or that force, fraud, or coercion was used. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.


title: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson Affirms Commitment to Goals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) provides an opportunity to honor victims and survivors and recognize the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors. The prevalence of domestic, dating and intimate partner violence is alarming. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. Nearly 20 percent of all violent crime is categorized as domestic violence, as revealed by the 2021 National Crime Victimization Survey data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. “Domestic violence affects us all personally in some way, and can have long-lasting impacts and consequences,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “As federal prosecutors in the Southern District of West Virginia, it is incumbent upon us to deploy every available resource and forge strategic collaborations with local law enforcement and fellow prosecutors. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that victims have a viable path to safety and justice.” Thompson is promoting the importance of enforcing federal firearm prohibitions as part of the observance of DVAM. Domestic violence abusers with access to a gun are five times more likely to kill their partners. In West Virginia, 14 of the 19 domestic violence homicides reported in 2020 were committed with firearms. In addition to their lethality, firearms are used by abusers to inflict fear, intimidation, and coercive control. The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative helps support survivors and prevent this form of violence. PSN is a nationwide initiative that connects federal, state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders. The result is a collaborative approach to identifying the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and developing comprehensive solutions to address them. Under federal law, offenders with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions and those subject to domestic violence protective orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. Those who violate that prohibition face felony prosecution and the imposition of a federal prison sentence. “A crucial part of combatting domestic violence and reducing violent crimes includes enforcing federal firearm prohibitions,” Thompson said. “We want our communities to know that we are here to support victims and survivors in the Southern District of West Virginia, and not just in October but every month.” If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or need resources, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources . Immediate help for domestic violence victims: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (@ndvhofficial) at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv) at 1-844-762-8483. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Georgia Man Charged for Making Racially-Motivated Threats and Shooting at His Black Neighbor

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Georgia man was arrested for making racially-motivated threats and shooting at his neighbor, a Black man, in violation of the criminal provision of the Fair Housing Act, and for brandishing and using a firearm. According to court documents, Mark Wheeler, 73, shot a .22 caliber revolver in the direction of the victim and the victim’s dwelling while yelling racial slurs. If convicted, Wheeler faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for both the civil rights and firearm charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Peter Leary for the Middle District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Peach and Sonja Profit for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. View the indictment here.


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced to 105 Months in Prison for Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – 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 today that Christopher Kee was sentenced to 105 months in prison. A federal jury convicted Kee, 49, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, on June 17, 2022, of assault with a dangerous weapon. According to court records, Kee was in an intimate relationship with Jane Doe from 2019 to 2020. Throughout the relationship, Kee physically and emotionally abused Jane Doe. On April 19, 2020, during an argument at the home he shared with his parents in Shiprock, Kee threw Jane Doe onto a bed and stabbed her in the wrist with a pocketknife. When Jane Doe fought back, Kee stabbed her multiple times in the abdomen, thighs, behind her ear and the back of her head. Kee also punched and kicked Jane Doe several times. When he saw how badly Jane Doe was bleeding from a stab wound to her abdomen, Kee poured sugar in her wound and applied pressure. When Jane Doe cried out in pain, Kee slapped her. Later, when Kee was distracted, Jane Doe fled from the home shirtless and flagged down a motorist who took her to Northern Navajo Medical Center for treatment. Upon his release from prison, Kee will be subject to three years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-251


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 9 Months for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jesse A. McCarty, 55, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 9 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, in violation of the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA). McCarty pleaded guilty to this charge on July 18, 2023. SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. It aims to close potential gaps and loopholes that existed under prior law and generally strengthens the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In particular, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school. In November 2007, McCarty was convicted of sex offenses in Tennessee state court. In June 2018, he was convicted for failing to register as a sex offender in Tennessee. After serving a period of incarceration for that conviction, McCarty absconded from Tennessee probation. He later moved to Wisconsin, but also failed to register as a sex offender here, in violation of SORNA. At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that this was McCarty’s second conviction for failing to register and stated that there was no excuse to justify his non-compliance. Judge Conley emphasized the importance of the sex offender registry and found that McCarty had been living “off the grid” without giving those around him the required notice. The charge against McCarty was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor prosecuted this case.


title: St. Petersburg Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing Controlled Substances With Intent To Distribute And Possessing A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Erik Barner (44, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Barner faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the drug offenses. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison on the firearm offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on February 22, March 1, and March 10, 2023, Barner sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with the St. Petersburg Police Department. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Barner’s home and vehicle. Officers seized four firearms and various ammunition that was dispersed throughout Barner’s home. In Barner’s vehicle, law enforcement located 176 grams of cocaine. Barner has prior felony convictions for possession of cocaine, throwing a deadly missile at or into an occupied vehicle, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and two trafficking in cocaine convictions. He is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 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: Columbus Businessman Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ga. –A Columbus, Georgia, resident admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison resulting from an investigation by GBI. Edward Sprouse Boyd, Sr., 49, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Oct. 24. Boyd faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by a maximum lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Boyd will have to register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2024. The defendant is not eligible for parole. “Our office will hold accountable those who possess, distribute or create child sexual assault material, content which profoundly harms kids,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend the GBI for their dedicated and ceaseless efforts to protect children and bring predators to justice.” “This case serves as a strong reminder of our commitment to protecting children from the atrocities of child sexual abuse. These acts against innocent children will not be tolerated in any capacity and our Child Exploitation & Computer Crimes Unit will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners for the protection of our children,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. According to court documents and evidence, the social media platform MeWe submitted several cybertips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) concerning uploads of suspected child sexual assault material (also known as child pornography). The matter was referred to GBI, which determined that the user of the MeWe account was Boyd. A search of Boyd’s MeWe account uncovered CSAM material, including images of fully nude minor females around the age of puberty with their breasts and vaginas exposed, as well as child-centric sexually explicit chats with other users. A search warrant was executed at Boyd’s home on Aug. 20, 2020. Eighteen electronic devices were seized during the execution of the warrant, to include a cell phone belonging to Boyd. A forensic examination of his cell phone revealed that it contained 5,047 images and 1,157 videos categorized as child abuse material plus 10,643 images and 1,013 videos categorized as child exploitative/age difficult. The images and videos were submitted by the GBI to the NCMEC to both confirm any previously identified minor victims and to enter any unidentified minor victims into their database for possible future identification. The NCMEC identified 125 image files and 30 video files, spanning 82 series. 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the GBI, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Court Sentences Selma Woman in Fountain Correctional Facility Methamphetamine Smuggling Scheme

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – On October 24, 2023, United States District Court Judge, William H. Steele, sentenced Haley Fuentes, of Selma, to 35 months imprisonment for conspiring to smuggle drugs into the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore. Documents filed with the Court established that on March 27, 2022, the co-defendant, Robert O’Brien Rivers, an employee of the Alabama Department of Corrections, entered state property to report for duty at G.K Fountain Correctional Facility. On this morning officers at the facility were performing searches of employees and employee vehicles as they arrived to work. During the search of Rivers’ food items, officers observed two black bowls containing frozen rice. Upon further inspection of the rice bowls, officers found black taped objects underneath the rice. The taped objects contained 244 grams of methamphetamine and 510 grams of marijuana. Court documents showed that Rivers knowingly received the drugs from people outside the prison to smuggle into an inmate in the prison and that he had done so on multiple occasions in the past. Fuentes and a third co-defendant, Jarvis Callens, had provided drugs to Rivers in the past to smuggle into the prison. On December 25, 2021, Fuentes and Callens were stopped by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy with 165 grams of methamphetamine they were attempting to bring to Rivers so he could smuggle it into the prison. Law enforcement did not know at the time the methamphetamine was bound for Rivers. Rivers was previously sentenced by the Court to 54 months imprisonment and Callens was previously sentenced to 168 months, for their roles in the conspiracy. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alabama Department of Corrections, Investigations and Intelligence Division, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.


title: Four Alleged Fentanyl Traffickers Arrested in Connection to Army Spouse Death

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WACO, Texas– Four individuals have been arrested on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in fentanyl trafficking resulting in the death of the dependent spouse of a Fort Cavazos soldier. According to court documents, Julio Bonilla-Tirado aka “Falo,” 36, of Copperas Cove; Gilberto Hernandez-Marin aka “Joyto,” aka “Lento,” aka “El Viejo,” 28, of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico; Juan Cabral aka “Juanki,” 31, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico; and Adxel Romero-Flores aka “Axel,” 31, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico were allegedly responsible for transporting more than two pounds of fentanyl pills into the Central Texas area, some of which caused the death of a U.S. Army dependent spouse. Bonilla-Tirado was arrested by Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Copperas Cove Police Department in Copperas Cove on Sept. 14. Hernandez-Marin was arrested by the Puerto Rico Police Department on Oct. 8. Cabral was captured by the United States Marshal Service Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force on Oct. 19. Romero-Flores is currently incarcerated within the judicial system of Puerto Rico for an unrelated criminal offense and is pending transfer into federal custody. Bonilla-Tirado, Cabral, Romero-Flores, and Hernandez-Marin are all charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl resulting in death and unlawful communications. If convicted, each defendant faces a penalty of 20 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Maria Thomas for the Army CID Central Texas Field Office made the announcement. Army CID is investigating the case with valuable assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division; the Killeen Police Department; the Copperas Cove Police Department; and the Puerto Rico Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Tampa Armed Career Criminal Convicted At Trial For Possessing A Firearm And Ammunition

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ivan Lamar Vasquez (39, Tampa) has been found guilty, following a bench trial before United States District Court Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell, of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Lamar Vasquez qualifies for enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2024. Lamar Vasquez was indicted on February 21, 2021. According to evidence presented at trial, on October 26, 2020, members of the Tampa Police Department (TPD) executed a search warrant at Lamar Vasquez’s residence in Sulphur Springs. TPD officers observed Lamar Vasquez flee from the residence at the time of the search and apprehended him shortly thereafter. Inside the residence, officers discovered a loaded Keltec pistol bearing a latent fingerprint belonging to Lamar Vasquez. Lamar Vasquez’s DNA was also recovered from the firearm. At the time, Lamar Vasquez had multiple prior felony convictions for delivery of cocaine and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee, David P. Sullivan, and Callan L. Albritton. 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: Former Federal Corrections Officer Sentenced for Bribery

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A former federal corrections officer from Greenville, Mississippi, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in federal prison for bribery. According to court documents, from August 2017 to June 2018, Brian Jenkins, 39, accepted payment in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Federal Prison in Yazoo County, Mississippi, where he was employed as a corrections officer. Jenkins admitted receiving payments of just over four thousand dollars from inmates and others for delivering the contraband to inmates inside the facility. Jenkins was charged by criminal information and pled guilty to accepting bribe payments in exchange for bringing contraband items into the Yazoo City Federal Corrections Complex. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Sandra Barnes of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General made the announcement. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Dave Fulcher.


title: Tampa Man Indicted For Overdose Death

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Telvin O. Wright (26, Tampa) with distribution of a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl which resulted in an overdose death, and with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, Wright faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession with intent to distribute offense. The indictment also notifies Wright that the United States intends to forfeit any assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. According to the indictment, on February 9, 2022, Wright distributed a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl to an individual who died after ingesting the substance. On February 11, 2022, Wright possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.