title: Hammond Woman Sentenced  for Theft of More than $44,000  in Social Security Funds

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MELISSA KING (“KING”) , age 54, of Hammond, Louisiana was sentenced on January 9, 2024 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry after previously pleading guilty to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. Judge Guidry sentenced KING to three (3) years of probation, payment of restitution in the amount of $44,696.00 to the Social Security Administration as well as payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court records, beginning in or around December 2016, and continuing until in or around March 2020, KING collected approximately $44,696.00 in Social Security Administration funds to which she was not entitled. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Sullivan County Heroin Dealer Sentenced To 200 Months In Prison For Overdose Of 26-Year-Old Woman

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that STEVEN JONES was sentenced to 200 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas for his distribution of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in the death of Jamie Elliott, a 26-year-old woman from Cochecton, New York. Today’s sentencing followed JONES’s guilty plea on November 29, 2021. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Steven Jones sold the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed Jamie Elliott, a 26-year-old mother. Even after Jones’s drugs killed Jamie Elliott, he continued to peddle dangerous opioids. This senseless tragedy could have been avoided, and we will continue to seek lengthy prison terms for those who poison others and add to the death toll of the opioid epidemic.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings: On June 1, 2018, the defendant sold fentanyl-laced heroin stamped “Dorney Park,” to Elliott, the mother of one of the defendant’s children. Ms. Elliott was found dead inside her bedroom the following morning. An autopsy conducted following Ms. Elliott’s death revealed that she had died from a lethal dose of fentanyl. New York State Police (“NYSP”) investigators recovered additional bags of “Dorney Park” fentanyl-laced heroin in Ms. Elliott’s clothing. Facebook Messenger messages reflected that Ms. Elliott had purchased narcotics from JONES the evening before her death. The day Ms. Elliott’s death was discovered, the defendant deactivated his Facebook account. But the defendant did not stop selling dangerous drugs. Shortly before his September 2, 2018, arrest the defendant obtained 500 more glassine envelopes of heroin for sale. * * * In addition to the prison term, JONES, 37, of Monticello, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the NYSP in connection with this investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Passaic County Man Charged with Embezzling $2.9 Million from Elderly Couple

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man was arrested today in connection with his role in embezzling approximately $2.9 million from an elderly couple, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Charles Gallo, 34, of Hawthorne, New Jersey is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In 2018 an elderly New Jersey couple hired Gallo to work as a part-time personal assistant at their residence. Gallo’s duties included managing the victims’ monthly bills and banking and assisting them with email and other computer/technology-related issues. From March 2022 through March 2023, Gallo, used his position to engage in a fraudulent scheme to misappropriate approximately $2.9 million from the victims’ accounts. Gallo accomplished this fraud by routinely using the victims’ ATM card to withdraw large amounts of money, opening a line of credit, cashing checks made payable to himself drawn on the victims’ bank accounts, and using the victims’ credit cards to purchase computer equipment, gaming systems, collectible items from online retailers, and other unauthorized transactions. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; and the Hawthorne Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Knepper, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Ridgewood Police Department under the direction of Chief Forest R. Lyons for its assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. gallo.complaint.pdf


title: Bemidji Man Charged with Sexual Assault on Red Lake Reservation

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Bemidji man has been charged with sexual assault on the Red Lake Reservation, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, Brent Lee Sigana, Jr., 25, knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a victim who at the time was physically incapable of declining participation in the act or communicating unwillingness to engage in the act. The indictment charges Sigana with one count of sexual abuse of a person incapable of consenting. Federal courts have recognized that this law includes sex acts with individuals who are “physically incapable” of declining or communicating unwillingness due to being asleep or as a result of intoxication. Sigana made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on January 5, 2024, before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby. Investigators believe there may be other victims relevant to this investigation. If you have any information about other potential victims, please contact the FBI’s Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Red Lake Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Nashville Man Sentenced to Nearly 14 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Heroin

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NASHVILLE – Antonio Daniels, 43, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 165 months, or nearly 14 years, in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. In July 2023, Daniels pled guilty to a four-count Indictment charging him with distributing, and possessing with the intent to distribute, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. On four separate occasions between November 2020 and January 2021, law enforcement officers, using a confidential informant, made controlled purchases of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin from Daniels near his residence on Lenore Street in Nashville. In total across the four sales, Daniels distributed approximately 61.3 grams of fentanyl, 394.5 grams of methamphetamine, and 7.2 grams of heroin to the confidential informant. “Fentanyl and other illicit drugs sold by this defendant are wreaking havoc in our communities and leaving carnage in their wake,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “Today’s sentence will remove this defendant from the streets for over a decade and is the latest illustration of my office’s commitment to holding fentanyl dealers accountable.” The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Crossville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Goldin and Ahmed A. Safeeullah prosecuted the case. #####


title: Hibbing Felon Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Hibbing man has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and illegal possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, in November 2022, Phillip Lamount Davis, 53, was found to be in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Law enforcement also discovered evidence of drug distribution and a firearm; a second firearm was found in Davis’s possession in June 2023. Because Davis has multiple prior felony convictions in Illinois, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The indictment charges Davis with one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court yesterday before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois, and a detention hearing has been scheduled for January 16, 2024, in Duluth. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Lake Superior Violent Offenders Task Force, in coordination with the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Baumel is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former San Francisco Resident Sentenced To Four Years In Prison For Crimes Related To “Ichioka Ventures” Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – William Koo Ichioka was sentenced to serve four years in prison and ordered to pay a $5 million fine for committing multiple felonies in connection with an investment fraud scheme involving cryptocurrencies and other investment vehicles. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Vince Chhabria, United States District Judge. Ichioka, 30, formerly of San Francisco and New York, pleaded guilty to five charges—wire fraud, two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false or fraudulent tax return, committing fraud in connection with the purchase and sale of securities, and engaging in commodities fraud—on July 12, 2023. According to his plea agreement, beginning in 2018, Ichioka operated a scheme in which he fraudulently raised tens of millions of dollars from over 100 persons and entities. Court documents describe how Ichioka held himself out as “self-made investor” with a “multimillion fortune” as he solicited investors by promising that their funds would be invested in various securities and/or commodities, including cryptocurrency, and cryptocurrency arbitrage, futures, and derivatives, and foreign exchange currency transactions. Ichioka began doing business under the name “Ichioka Ventures” in 2019 and represented to prospective investors that they would earn 10% returns every 30 business days, and that his investment and trading activities actually had been generating or had the ability to generate returns in excess of these amounts. Further, Ichioka created a website for Ichioka Ventures that allowed investors to create and login to accounts to invest, view balances and investments, and view transaction history. Ichioka admitted that, rather than invest his victims’ money as he promised, he instead commingled investor money with his own funds and used investor money to make purchases of luxury items (including luxury vehicles, watches, and other jewelry) and to fund his own personal expenses. Such personal expenses included his personal residence, restaurants and bars, grocery stores, taxi and car share rides, retail stores, gym membership fees, and online purchases. Moreover, Ichioka admitted that he and Ichioka Ventures did not actually earn 10% returns every 30 business days for his investors throughout the time that he represented that it did. Rather, he and Ichioka Ventures sustained losses from portions of funds that he did invest. Court documents describe that by the end of 2019—unbeknownst to investors—Ichioka had privately acknowledged that the “[c]ompany hasn’t made any money since we started.” “Ichioka lured his victims by falsely promising they would receive huge returns quickly on their investments,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins. “During the years that he ran his cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme, Ichioka managed to defraud more than 100 investors of tens of millions of dollars. Today’s sentence illustrates that lengthy prison terms await all those who seek to swindle investors in this district.” “Ichioka convinced unsuspecting investors to pour money into his bogus venture with false promises of legitimate profits. His deceitful financial scheme victimized more than 100 people, including his friends and family. I hope that today's sentence brings them some measure of justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue criminals who choose to commit financial fraud and hold them accountable for their crimes.” “Predatory financial schemes like Ichioka’s are not victimless, nor do they escape justice as evidenced by today’s sentencing,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley of the Oakland Field Office. “IRS CI Oakland Field Office Special Agents and investigative staff in conjunction with our federal law enforcement partners follow the money, and as a result, deliver cases that lead to just outcomes.” Ichioka admitted that he repaid existing investors with new investor funds to further perpetuate the fraud. Further, Ichioka agreed that he owes non-family investors in “Ichioka Ventures” at least $21 million as a result of the scheme, and additionally owes his family members over $40 million. Ichioka also admitted that he concealed and hid the scheme by doctoring financial documents to falsely overstate the value of assets (including bank, brokerage, and cryptocurrency exchange materials) and providing doctored documents to prospective investors, according to court filings describing Ichioka’s agreement to plead guilty. Ichioka also presented false statements of account to investors via the Ichioka Ventures website, failed to provide tax documentation to investors, and willfully failed to report income to the Internal Revenue Service in this scheme. On June 22, 2023, Ichioka was charged in an Information with one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; two counts of aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false or fraudulent tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2); one count of securities fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b), 78ff; 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5; and one count of commodities fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1348. Ichioka pleaded guilty to all five counts. In addition to the prison term and fine, Judge Chhabria also ordered Ichioka to serve five years of supervised release to begin after his prison term. A hearing is scheduled for February 20, 2024, before Judge Chhabria to determine issues related to restitution. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Cheng and Benjamin Kingsley with assistance from Megan Pagaduan. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the federal law enforcement agencies also thank the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, both of whom conducted separate parallel investigations into the defendant’s conduct.


title: Justice Department Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Oklahoma Landlord for Sexually Harassing Tenants

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Shevis “Don” Petties of Moore, Oklahoma, for sexually harassing female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Petties has owned, operated or managed residential rental properties in Oklahoma City, Forest Park, and Moore, Oklahoma, since at least 2016. “These women lived in fear every day that their landlord would enter their bedroom unannounced, film them in the bathroom, make lewd comments about their bodies and appearance and grope them,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing federal civil rights laws to ensure landlords are held accountable for unlawful and predatory behavior.” “Tenants have the right under federal fair housing laws to be free from unwanted sexual harassment and intimidation by their landlord in order to obtain or maintain housing,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Today’s civil complaint represents a significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to pursue justice and compensation for vulnerable female victims who have been subjected to civil rights violations.” The lawsuit alleges that Petties subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual contact and comments about their physical appearances; physically assaulted tenants; entered tenants’ bedrooms without consent; photographed and filmed female tenants in their bedrooms and bathrooms without their knowledge and permission and demanded that female tenants engage in sexual acts with him under threat of losing their housing. The lawsuit also names the current owners of the rental properties, TMH Group Inc, The Monarch House LLC, also known as Monarch House LLC, and Exceptional Service Company LLC as defendants. The lawsuit seeks money damages to compensate women harmed by the alleged harassment, a fine for the United States and a court order prohibiting future acts of discrimination and harassment. The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. It also prohibits sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment at rental properties owned or operated by Petties, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Justice Department by calling its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative at 1-844-380-6178, or by calling the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 405-553-8700. The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance works, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 38 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $11 million for victims of such harassment. The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting people from sexual misconduct. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Individuals may report discrimination in housing that violates the Fair Housing Act by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online . View the complaint here.


title: Three Individuals Plead to Staged Automobile Accident Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that both DIMITRI FRAZIER (“ FRAZIER ”), age 31, of Westwego, Louisiana; ADONTE TURNER (“ A. TURNER ”), age 25, of New Orleans; and TIFFANY TURNER (“ T. TURNER ”), age 52, also of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 10, 2024 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. January 10 th ’s guilty pleas bring the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to 47. According to court documents, on November 13, 2017, FRAZIER , A. TURNER , and T. TURNER intentionally struck a tractor-trailer in the area of Interstate 10 near Paris Road in New Orleans. FRAZIER , A. TURNER , and T. TURNER made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment in furtherance of their fraud . These defendants face up to five (5) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a fine of up to $250,000.00. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee is also applicable. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for April 10, 2024. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, all of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Former MPD Officer Found Guilty of Bribery in Scheme to Sell Personal Identifying Information of Traffic Crash Victims

body_text: WASHINGTON – Vincent Forrest, 35, a former patrol officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), was found guilty today for his role in a bribery scheme in which he unlawfully provided information contained in non-public police documents in exchange for cash payments, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. Forrest, of Washington, D.C., and Raquel DePaula, 43, of Beltsville, Maryland, were indicted by a grand jury in June 2021. A federal jury in U.S. District Court today found Forrest guilty of conspiracy, bribery, and making false statements. The Honorable Randolph D. Moss set sentencing for June 7, 2024. According to the government’s evidence, beginning in April 2019, Forrest accessed confidential information from MPD Traffic Accident Reports, or “PD Form 10s.” Forrest, in violation of his official duties, used his official access to MPD’s law enforcement sensitive database to review and record victim contact information from Traffic Accident Reports. The reports contained the names and contact information of individuals involved in traffic accidents. Forrest sent the victim contact information to DePaula using WhatsApp Messenger, an encrypted communications application. DePaula, who owned RD Legal Solutions, LLC, acted as a “runner,” using victim contact information to solicit for local attorneys in exchange for referral fees. DePaula reached out to the accident victims within days of their traffic accidents in violation of 22 D.C. Code Section 3225.14. Forrest met up with DePaula at various locations in the District and Maryland to receive cash bribes from her. Forrest and DePaula concealed their bribery scheme by, among other methods, communicating by encrypted application, meeting in person, and exchanging bribes in cash. DePaula pleaded guilty on October 6, 2021, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of bribery of a public official. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2024. DePaula has admitted paying Forrest between approximately $600 and $1,300 per week in exchange for the victim contact information. The evidence at trial showed that over the course of the scheme, she paid Forrest over $15,000 and receiving contact information for 2,316 traffic crash victims. DePaula and Forrest are the sixth and seventh defendants to be convicted in connection with the illegal sale of traffic crash reports by MPD officers. Previously, MPD Officer Walter Lee, MPD employees Kendra Coles and Aaron Willis, runners Marvin Parker and Michelle Cage pleaded guilty to related charges. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and MPD’s Internal Affairs Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua S. Rothstein and Madhu Chugh of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. ##


title: El Paso Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking Ex-Girlfriend

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of cyberstalking. According to court documents, Rashad Marquise Ray, 24, engaged in a course of conduct in which he sent numerous harassing messages to an out-of-state ex-girlfriend and her immediate family using several social media applications between Jan. 1, 2022 and July 26, 2023. On two occasions, FBI agents interviewed Ray and advised him to stop communicating with the victim. Following an interview with the agents in June 2023, in which he claimed he would voluntarily cease communications efforts with the victim, Ray sent approximately 200 more emails to the victim in less than one month. Ray was arrested Aug. 2, 2023 and has remained in federal custody. Ray faces up to five years in prison with a maximum fine of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Man Who Carried Out Machete Attack On NYPD Officers In Times Square On NYE 2022 Pleads Guilty To Terrorism Charges

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General of the United States, Christopher A. Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, announced today that TREVOR BICKFORD pled guilty to multiple counts of attempting to kill officers and employees of the U.S. Government and persons assisting them based on his jihadist attack using a machete-style knife against three New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022. BICKFORD pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “A year and one day ago today, this Office charged Trevor Bickford with attempting to murder three NYPD officers while they were on duty protecting the thousands of civilians who flocked to Times Square just over a year ago to celebrate the New Year with friends and family. Bickford targeted the iconic yearly celebration to carry out brazen acts of violence and hatred in the name of jihad. Bickford, as with countless others who have carried out acts of terrorism in support of misguided ideologies, is now going to spend lengthy time exactly where he deserves – in federal prison.” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “Last New Year’s Eve, Trevor Bickford attacked courageous NYPD officers protecting those celebrating in Times Square as part of his effort, as he later told law enforcement, to commit jihad in New York City. Today’s guilty plea should serve as a warning: terrorists who target and attack law enforcement and endanger the American people will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Trevor Bickford deliberately plotted to bring terror to the streets of New York by targeting law enforcement officers purely carrying out their oath to protect and serve. His plea today is a stark reminder of the threat terrorists, and those they inspire, pose to our country. In this case, as in all others, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with our partners, remain unyielding in fulfilling our mission to protect the American people.” According to the Complaint, the Indictment containing the charges to which BICKFORD pled guilty, and other documents and information in the public record: In December 2022, BICKFORD, a U.S. citizen and resident of Maine, traveled from Maine to New York City to, in his own words, wage jihad and kill as many of his targets as possible. After considering his options, researching his target location, and settling on his plan of attack, he packed a large machete-like blade and went to one of the most densely populated areas in the U.S. at one of the most densely populated times possible: Times Square on New Year’s Eve. BICKFORD then chose to ambush three NYPD officers, declared “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is great” that other radical Islamic extremists have similarly proclaimed while carrying out terrorist attacks, and attacked them with his blade, seriously injuring all three officers. One of the officers managed to shoot BICKFORD in the shoulder, halting his violent rampage. BICKFORD later declared that he carried out his attack to wage jihad and admitted that his goal was to kill as many military-aged men who worked for the U.S. Government as he could before himself becoming a martyr. The machete-style knife with a blade over a foot long that BICKFORD used to carry out his jihadist attack is shown below: BICKFORD spent months before the attack consuming materials espousing radical Islamic ideology — including materials promoting the Taliban and reflecting the teachings of Sheikh Abu Muhammad Al-Maqdisi, a prominent radical Islamic cleric who was a spiritual mentor of al Qaeda — and contemplating ways to wage jihad. As he immersed himself deeper into this propaganda, BICKFORD devoted himself to violent Islamic extremism and pursuit of the jihad that he would eventually unleash in the heart of New York City. In the months leading up to his attack, BICKFORD focused on traveling overseas to support the Taliban in Afghanistan or elsewhere. He planned to ally himself with the Taliban to fight against governments that, in his view, oppress Muslims, and to wage jihad against officials of governments that he believes are anti-Muslim, including the U.S. Government. Ultimately, BICKFORD decided that he would not travel overseas and instead turned his attention to an attack here in the U.S. After months of radicalization, this decision resulted in BICKFORD perpetrating his attack in Times Square on New Year’s Eve just over a year ago. Near the scene of the attack, law enforcement recovered a book from BICKFORD’s backpack with the following passage highlighted: “Fight in the Name of Allah and in the Cause of Allah. Fight against those who do not believe in Allah. Wage a holy war.” * * * BICKFORD, 20, of Wells, Maine, pled guilty to three counts of attempted murder of officers and employees of the U.S. Government and persons assisting them, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and three counts of assault of officers and employees of the U.S. Government and persons assisting them, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The charges carry an aggregate potential sentence of 120 years in prison. BICKFORD is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Castel on April 11, 2024. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”), which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and thanked the FBI’s Maine JTTF and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J.C. Hellman, Sarah L. Kushner, and Kaylan E. Lasky are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney D. Andrew Sigler of the Counterterrorism Section.


title: Kanawha County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Fraud Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kathy Darlene Strickmaker, 64, of Dry Branch, was sentenced today to one year and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $698,883.32 in restitution for bank fraud. According to court documents and statements made in court, Strickmaker was the administrative assistant for a Charleston business from 2006 to 2018. Strickmaker’s duties as administrative assistant included paying bills on behalf of the business, which maintained multiple accounts at a bank in Charleston, and managing the business’s payroll and accounts payable. From on or about January 15, 2015, through on or about November 21, 2018, Strickmaker devised a scheme to obtain money under the control of the business’s bank, defrauding the business and its bank to enrich herself and her son. Strickmaker admitted that she wrote at least 80 unauthorized checks drawn from the business’s bank accounts and forged her employer’s signature on them. Strickmaker further admitted that she made the unauthorized checks payable to herself, her son, and three of her son’s associates in amounts of between approximately $800 to $3,300. Once the unauthorized checks were cashed, the son would take the money. The victim’s loss amount totaled $698,883.32. “The defendant’s scheme endured for years and was executed frequently, resulting in a staggering loss for the victim business,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) for their the investigative work, and Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson for prosecuting the case.” United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-57. ###


title: New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Making False Oath  in Bankruptcy Matter

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEANNINE DUKES (“DUKES”) , age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 10, 2024 for making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to the bill of information, on November 19, 2021, DUKES knowingly and fraudulently made a false oath or account in or in relation to any case under Title 11 in a bankruptcy case. Specifically, DUKES failed to disclose that she had applied for a COVID-19 PPP Loan on May 18, 2021, and received approximately $20,527.00 in PPP funds on June 8, 2021. United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced DUKES to one year of probation, fifty hours of community service, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the U.S. Trustee, Region 5, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.


title: U.S. Attorney Hosts Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Southeast Raleigh

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Michael Easley and the Ship Outreach and Community Center hosted a Human Trafficking Awareness Training today to foster education and awareness of this crime. More than 150 individuals from law enforcement and local community service organizations were in attendance for the half-day training, which featured speakers from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and multiple community service organizations that provide support to victims of human trafficking. Attendees also heard from a survivor of human trafficking. “Raising awareness about human trafficking, a crime that often happens in plain sight, is vital to our efforts to stop it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are using every tool available to combat this heinous crime and want victims to know that there are resources available to support them.” “We are coming together to work towards ending human trafficking: Unite against the exploitation of lives, as every person deserves freedom and dignity,” said Pastor Christopher Jones of the Ship Outreach and Community Center. “Investigating human trafficking is a top priority for HSI throughout the United States and internationally. By taking a victim-centered approach, HSI is able to disrupt and dismantle these organizations that seek to exploit the most vulnerable of our society for their own financial gain,” said Kyle D. Burns, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, which covers both North and South Carolina. “Training such as this is paramount in our efforts to tackle human trafficking and encourages strong partnerships throughout both the private and public sector. HSI Charlotte is also proud to partner with the Washington, DC based Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT). The CCHT is HSI-led and is the first US government unified, inter-component coordination center for countering human trafficking and special agents will be on hand to discuss HSI’s strategies to combat human trafficking and support victims at this important event.” “As we recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Day around the world, it is important for everyone to be aware that no community is immune,” said Dawn Ferrer, Executive Director of A Safe Place. “It impacts men and women, boys and girls of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds and it is commonly interrelated with domestic violence, substance use and mental illness. In order to ensure survivors are identified and assisted in a trauma informed manner, we must all recognize the signs of this ‘hidden in plain sight’ crime as well as understand the most common vulnerabilities to help prevent victimization from occurring.” “Human Trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the world,” said Traci Klein, Executive Director of True Justice. “It has surpassed both drug and arms trafficking, and North Carolina is consistently ranked in the top 10 reported cases of human trafficking. It is a global epidemic that is happening right here in our local communities. We cannot sit by and expect others to abolish this heinous crime. There are numerous ways to get involved. Become aware of and share the warning signs, host an awareness event, and donate your time and talents to organizations fighting human trafficking. Together we make a difference.”


title: Vicksburg Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison  for Production and Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man was sentenced in federal court to serve a total of 50 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. According to court documents, beginning in January 2022, Samuel Boyd Slade, Jr., 43, produced images and videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Slade was ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution to victims and a $6,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. Slade was also ordered to register as a sex offender. United States Attorney Todd W. Gee and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Orench of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Lake Charles Man with Prior Felony Conviction Found with Nine Firearms at his Residence Sentenced to Time in Federal Prison

body_text: LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Jordan C. Soileau , 33, of Lake Charles, Louisiana , has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 110 months (9 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of an unregistered firearm silencer. According to information presented in court, on April 9, 2022, officers with the Lake Charles Police Department responded to Soileau’s residence following a complaint that he had attacked a female victim and beat her to the point where she lost consciousness. The violent attack had been caught on video, and the officers were able to identify Soileau as the abuser. The video showed Soileau punch the female victim and render her unconscious. He also threw the female onto the ground, at which point he kicked and struck her again and smashed her cell phone. Through the ensuing investigation, the officers also learned that the victim resided with Soileau. The evidence also indicated that Soileau had brought the victim back to their shared residence after the attack. The officers went to Soileau’s residence to further investigate the abuse, secure the victim, and ensure her safety. When they arrived, they encountered Soileau. While detaining him, the officers observed several firearms in plain view. Using this information, the officers obtained a search warrant for Soileau’s property, including his home and vehicles. The subsequent search of the residence and his vehicle resulted in the seizure of nine firearms, which included an Anderson Manufacturing, Model AM-15 semi-automatic rifle that had been outfitted with what appeared to be a silencer device and an auto-sear conversion device, allowing it to operate as a machinegun. Ammunition in various calibers and large capacity magazines were also seized. The investigation also uncovered evidence that Soileau had recently discharged one of the firearms in the home. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted further analysis of the firearms. The ATF’s investigation confirmed that the AM-15 operated as a machinegun and that the silencer and conversion device had not been registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. At the time of the incident, Soileau had a previous felony conviction for simple burglary in Calcasieu Parish and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. As a result of the evidence against Soileau, Judge Cain was able to depart upward from the pre-calculated sentencing guideline range. The case was investigated by ATF and Lake Charles Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Danny Siefker. # # #


title: East Glacier man sentenced to 41 months in prison for two separate assaults on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS — An East Glacier man who admitted to beating one victim and stabbing another victim in two separate assaults on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Jan. 10 to a total of 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Frank David Francis Boy, 25, pleaded guilty in 2023 to assault with a dangerous weapon and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury for separate incidents. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. In court documents, the government alleged that in the first assault, Boy was drinking alcohol with friends in East Glacier on Sept. 18, 2022. The group then went for a drive and ended up in Browning at a house party, where the victim, identified as John Doe lived. Boy and Doe arm-wrestled and then got into a wrestling match, which led to a disagreement. Boy and his companions were told to leave, but Boy refused. Boy’s companions pulled Boy from the residence, and as they were walking away, Boy turned around and began to engage with Doe. Boy walked toward Doe, who was backing up, and stabbed Doe several times in the shoulder and back areas. Doe was flown to a Great Falls hospital for treatment of injuries. In the second assault, the government alleged that on March 22, 2023, Boy and others were drinking alcohol and driving around when they drove toward East Glacier. The victim, identified as John Doe 2, was reclined in the front passenger seat and fell asleep. Another passenger told Boy that Doe 2 would assault her later and this may have initiated the assault on the victim. Boy stopped the vehicle in the middle of an intersection and began assaulting Doe 2, striking him repeatedly in the face and causing serious injuries. Doe 2 ultimately was flown to a Great Falls hospital for treatment of injuries. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted the cases. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigations. XXX


title: Two Men from South Louisiana Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of two South Louisiana men on child pornography charges. The two defendants and their charges are as follows: Bryan Anthony Foote , 50, of Westlake, Louisiana , has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 204 months (17 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, on a child pornography charge. Foote pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography on August 17, 2023. During the months of February and March 2022, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) learned through their investigation that Foote had received multiple images of minor females, all under the age of 18 years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. These images were sexually suggestive and had been exchanged for sexual gratification for both the sender and receiver. Foote admitted to receiving and possessing these images by using the internet. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Richmond. Brodie Carlton Thibodeaux , 35, of Church Point, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 180 months (15 years) in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for one count of receiving child pornography. Thibodeaux pleaded guilty to the charge on September 19, 2023. Law enforcement agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) began an investigation after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded by an individual. A search warrant was obtained and on February 10, 2023, law enforcement officers with the LBI and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations executed the search warrant at Thibodeaux’s residence in Church Point. Their investigation confirmed that Thibodeaux was the user of the account that had uploaded the images. As a result of the search of his residence, agents located and seized a cell phone from Thibodeaux’s bedroom. A forensic analysis of that phone confirmed that more than 100 still images and more than 100 videos containing child sexual abuse material were stored on the phone. Thibodeaux admitted to receiving these still and video images over the internet. The case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and LBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig R. Bordelon. These cases are part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . # # #


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal  Controlled Substances Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALFRED CLAY, age 59, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 10, 2024 after previously pleading guilty to both conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. CLAY was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, CLAY and other co-conspirators were responsible for distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin, within the Eastern District of Louisiana. During the investigation, law enforcement, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, seized over forty (40) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, six (6) kilograms of fentanyl, four and a half (4.5) kilograms of heroin, and nearly $700,000.00 in U.S. Currency and other seized property. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Felon Admits Robbing St. Louis Pizza Delivery Driver

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

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A convicted felon on Thursday admitted robbing a pizza delivery driver at gunpoint in St. Louis last year. Antione L. Shockley, 26, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to robbery and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Shockley admitted arranging to have Domino’s Buffalo wings and two pizzas delivered to a vacant home in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis on April 13, 2023. When the driver arrived, Shockley stepped out of a gangway and demanded the food at gunpoint. Shockley also admitted firing a handgun into the air in a school zone on June 24, 2023. After St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived, Shockley gave the handgun he was holding to a woman. He then pulled a stolen Ruger from his waistband and a rifle from inside his pants and dropped them on the ground. Shockley is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing firearms. After he was arrested and while he was being booked by police, Shockley struck an officer, injuring the officer’s head. As part of his plea agreement, Shockley has agreed to plead guilty to a gun charge and resisting arrest in St. Louis Circuit Court. Shockley is scheduled to be sentenced April 9. Both sides have agreed to recommend 10 years in prison. The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone is prosecuting the case.


title: Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Nonprofit Charity

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Benjamin Cisco, 31, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $871,288.34 in restitution for two counts of wire fraud. Cisco admitted to defrauding a disaster relief charity of $871,288.34 intended for suffering West Virginians. According to court documents and statements made in court, from about March 19, 2020, through about September 28, 2022, Cisco devised and executed his scheme to defraud the charitable nonprofit organization while employed as its finance and operations manager in Belle and Charleston. Through his position, Cisco had control over the victim charity’s finances and access to its debit cards and regularly worked with its accountant. Cisco’s duties included preparing the victim charity’s biweekly payroll, depositing payments into its bank accounts, and providing its board of directors with updates regarding its finances. Cisco admitted that his fraud scheme followed a two-step process. First, Cisco electronically transferred money from the victim charity’s debit cards to its account with the Flipcause crowd-funding platform, which recorded those transfers as donations. Second, Cisco electronically transferred money from the victim charity’s Flipcause account to his personal bank account, which he had falsely labeled as belonging to the victim charity. Cisco admitted to executing the fraudulent two-step process more than 100 times. These fraudulent transactions included electronic transfers from the victim charity’s Flipcause account to his personal bank account in the amounts of $4,724 on January 28, 2022, and $2,874 on May 6, 2022. Both transfers traveled in interstate commerce between Charleston, West Virginia, and California. Well-meaning individuals, seeking to assist the disaster relief charity, used the Flipcause portal to donate $3,861.94 to the victim charity. Cisco pocketed nearly all of those donated funds. The Court found that Cisco misrepresented acting on behalf of a charity during his scheme, citing that as a factor in today’s sentence. Cisco’s fraudulent scheme specifically caused at least $518,101.70 of loss to the victim charity. Cisco also admitted to defrauding the victim charity of an additional $285,626.64 in travel reimbursements he was not authorized to receive and $67,560 by purchasing gift cards with victim charity funds without authorization. The loss totaled $871,288.34. Cisco’s criminal conduct besmirched the reputation of the disaster relief charity, threatening to erode public trust and discourage potential donors. The discovery of Cisco’s scheme prompted the victim charity to put its operations on hold, pausing the replacement of eight bridges destroyed by flooding in southern West Virginia that provided families access to their homes. “After spending six years with the victim charity, Mr. Cisco knew the real-life consequences of disaster but still chose to misspend the victim charity’s money on personal expenses, household items, Lowe’s gift cards, and luxurious vacations to Disney World,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Mr. Cisco’s actions personified greed and the Court acknowledged that by giving him a sentence at the upper limit of the sentencing guidelines.” Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Today Mr. Cisco faced the consequences of his illegal actions,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. “Mr. Cisco diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars meant to help struggling West Virginians impacted by disaster for his own personal gain. Today's sentence sends the message that he can't escape accountability for his actions.” United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson, and Erik S. Goes, and Kathleen Robeson prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-25. ###


title: Justice Department Observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today commemorates National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and renews its commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, protecting victims, empowering survivors, and preventing the proliferation of these abhorrent crimes. In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Justice Department reaffirms that vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and other vulnerable persons ranks among its highest priorities. The Department remains resolute in its commitment to bringing the full force of the Department to the fight against human trafficking. “The Department launched our National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking to bring the full force of the Department to the fight against human trafficking,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Since then, we’ve taken sustained steps forward to make our anti-trafficking efforts stronger than ever. We have brought human traffickers to justice, dismantled trafficking enterprises, and empowered survivors to rebuild their lives. I am proud of the progress the Department has made. But there is still much more work left to do.” “Human trafficking is a vicious crime, one where the traffickers reap the profits and the victims bear the scars,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “While we recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month as an annual reminder of the importance of this fight, the women and men of the Justice Department are working 365 days a year to dismantle trafficking organizations, bring traffickers to justice, and empower survivors.” “Human trafficking deprives exceptionally vulnerable people of their rights to freedom, dignity, and equal protection of the law. Too often, human trafficking crimes go undetected because victims are afraid to come forward, so they remain in the shadows, fearful of defying their traffickers’ demands,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division remains relentless in our pursuit of justice for victims and survivors of these intolerable offenses. We must continue to build trust in vulnerable communities so those who are endangered, exploited, compelled, or coerced can safely come forward and share their personal testimonies. We will continue to honor and empower survivors and amplify their voices as we work to detect hidden trafficking crimes, hold human traffickers accountable, vindicate the rights of vulnerable victims, and secure justice for survivors.” The Justice Department’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking sets forth a comprehensive, multi-year strategy to enhance Department-wide efforts to combat all forms of human trafficking. Actions in 2023 to implement this National Strategy and to advance all aspects of the Department’s broad-based anti-trafficking mission include: Designation by the Attorney General of a National Human Trafficking Coordinator and a National Child Exploitation Coordinator to coordinate Department-wide and interagency implementation of strategies for countering human trafficking and child exploitation threats, respectively. Establishment of a Human Trafficking Working Group of U.S. Attorneys through the Attorney General's Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys and its Civil Rights Subcommittee . Formation of a specialized Human Trafficking Program Management Team within the FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit to develop and disseminate expertise and training on victim-centered, trauma-informed anti-trafficking strategies to FBI Field Offices nationwide and enhance coordination of human trafficking investigations, prosecutions, and victim services. Implementation of the revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance , including delivery of survivor-informed training to all relevant Department personnel on enhanced protections for vulnerable victims and specialized issues impacting human trafficking victims. Training of all Department Immigration Judges on detecting human trafficking victims and indicators in immigration-related proceedings through the Executive Office for Immigration Review . Expanded efforts to combat forced child labor, including: Leadership of the interagency Forced Labor Initiative Steering Group in conducting strategic assessments of forced child labor threats and guiding criminal forced labor investigations and prosecutions in relevant jurisdictions; Participation in the interagency Child Labor Exploitation Task Force and issuance of guidance to all Office for Victims of Crime grantees, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, on identifying, assisting, and referring victims of forced child labor and child labor exploitation; and Introduction of resolutions on combating forced child labor to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime Working Group on Trafficking in Persons Sustained efforts to combat child sex trafficking , including through: Release of the Department’s 2023 National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction ; Operations conducted by the FBI and federal, state, local, and Tribal partners over a two-week period that identified and located 59 missing children and 59 victims of potential federal or state sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, or related offenses, as well as 126 suspects and 141 potential adult victims of such offenses; and Issuance of an Office on Violence Against Women Training and Technical Assistance grant to implement the Building Capacity to Serve Youth Survivors of Sex Trafficking Project; youth sex trafficking grantees and service providers; deliver youth-centered, survivor-informed expertise; and enhance outreach to traditionally underserved youth populations including BIPOC, LGBTQI+, migrant youth, and youth with disabilities. Enhanced responses to human trafficking impacting Tribal communities through training, technical assistance, and coordination among Tribal, territorial, federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners, including through the Tribal Consultation on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women ; Not Invisible Act Commission ; National Indian Country Training Initiative ; and Strengthening Sovereign Responses to Sex Trafficking in Indian Country and Alaska program. Issuance of over $95 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office for Victims of Crime , as the largest federal funder of services for human trafficking victims and survivors, including grant funding for direct services and legal services and training and technical assistance to enhance grantees’ capacity to provide services to labor trafficking victims. National Institute of Justice -funded research and evaluation studies to inform evidence-based best practices involving multidisciplinary task forces, victim services, and responses to emerging forced labor and forced criminality threats. Continued collaboration among U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit , and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Sections to secure convictions, substantial sentences, and significant restitution awards in a wide range of human trafficking prosecutions nationwide . Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. Information on the Justice Department’s work to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . human_trafficking_prevention_month_recent_accomplishments.pdf


title: Eleven Members and Associates of Marion Gardens Jersey City Gang Indicted for Racketeering for Roles in Three Murders, Drug Trafficking Activities, and Other Crimes

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Eleven members of the Jersey City gang associated with the Marion Gardens Housing Complex were indicted today for their roles in a violent racketeering conspiracy and a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. The indictment charges Myron Williams, aka “Money,” aka “Tunchi,” 30, of Newark; Khalil Kelley, aka “Billski,” 24, of Jersey City; Herbert Thomas, 48, of Jersey City; Roger Pickett, aka “Zy Gz,” 23, of Jersey City; Andre Alomar, aka “Dre8,” 22, of Newark; Anthony Rogers, aka “MG,” 23, of Jersey City; Naim Richardson, aka “Ninicks,” 30, of Jersey City; Quaseame Wilson, aka “Qua Gz,” 27, of Jersey City; Javon Williams, aka “J45,” 26, of Jersey City; Jawaad Davis, 21, of Jersey City; and Keith Anderson, aka “Beef3,” 21, of Jersey City. “These charges are the most recent example of this office’s commitment to stopping violent crime in Jersey City and elsewhere in New Jersey. As we continue to demonstrate, we are tirelessly committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to bring to justice those who wreak havoc in our communities by allegedly committing senseless acts of violence. We commend the work of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s Gang Intelligence Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to utilizing all resources necessary to curb violent crime within our jurisdiction,” Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. “These indictments underscore the importance of working collaboratively with law enforcement at all levels to ensure our communities are safe for everyone. We appreciate our local, state, and federal partners for their efforts in seeing that justice is served in these matters.” “Acts of gang violence are a grim reminder of why investigating and combatting violent crime is a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners,” Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller said. “These charges demonstrate our continued commitment to protecting the public, and that alleged actions like this will not be tolerated. We are dedicated to working with our local and state partners to hold violent offenders accountable and secure the safety of our communities.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Myron Williams, Kelley, Pickett, Alomar, Rogers, Richardson, Wilson, Javon Williams, Davis, and Anderson are all members and associates of the neighborhood street gang associated with the Marion Gardens Housing Complex. Since 2020, they have committed numerous acts of violence, including three separate murders, on March 29, 2021, Nov. 20, 2021, and Nov. 1, 2022. On March 29, 2021, Kelley, Alomar, and other gang members lured a rival gang member outside by sending him Instagram messages pretending to be the victim’s fellow gang member. When the victim opened the door to his residence, Kelley and Alomar brandished firearms and Kelley shot the victim multiple times in the chest, killing him. Pickett and another gang member then picked up Kelley, Alomar, and the driver of the murder vehicle after they abandoned the murder vehicle in Newark. On Nov. 20, 2021, Myron Williams, Pickett, and other gang members lured a rival gang member outside by sending him Instagram messages pretending to be the second victim’s fellow gang member. Myron Williams and another gang member shot the victim when he opened the door to his residence. On Nov. 21, 2022, Davis facilitated the murder of the third victim by coordinating a narcotics transaction with the victim and an associate of the victim. When the victim and his associate arrived at the Marion Gardens Housing Complex to complete the narcotics transaction, Davis robbed the victim’s narcotics supply while Pickett and Wilson held the victim and his associate at gunpoint. After a struggle ensued, Pickett shot and killed the victim while his associate fled. Pickett and Wilson then fled the Marion Gardens Housing Complex in Pickett’s vehicle. Investigators observed and documented hundreds of narcotics transactions in and around the Marion Gardens Housing Complex during the months-long investigation. The investigation revealed that Thomas was the primary supplier of narcotics to the Marion Gardens drug trafficking organization. When Thomas, Myron Williams, Richardson, and Rogers, were arrested on March 17, 2023, they all possessed controlled substances packaged for distribution; Thomas also possessed a loaded firearm and both Myron Williams and Richardson possessed ammunition. In June 2021, eight other members and associates of the Marion Gardens neighborhood street gang were indicted on racketeering charges, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited investigators of the Gang Intelligence Unit of the Major Case Division of Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez and Chief of Detectives James A. Parker, and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked investigators of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, for their assistance. This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Count Defendant Offense Maximum Penalties 1 Myron Williams Roger Pickett Khalil Kelley Quaseame Wilson Javon Williams Naim Richardson Andre Alomar Jawaad Davis Anthony Rogers Keith Anderson RICO Conspiracy Life imprisonment; $250,000 fine 2 Roger Pickett Quaseame Wilson Jawaad Davis Hobbs Act Robbery 20 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 fine 3 Roger Pickett Quaseame Wilson Jawaad Davis Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence Life imprisonment; 10-year mandatory minimum; $250,000 fine 4 Roger Pickett Quaseame Wilson Jawaad Davis Causing Death with Use of a Firearm Life imprisonment; $250,000 fine 5 Myron Williams Roger Pickett Khalil Kelley Quaseame Wilson Javon Williams Naim Richardson Andre Alomar Jawaad Davis Anthony Rogers Keith Anderson Herbert Thomas Drug Conspiracy Life imprisonment; 10-year mandatory minimum; $10 million fine 6 Myron Williams Unlawful Possession of Ammunition 15 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 fine 7 Myron Williams Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances 20 years’ imprisonment; $1 million fine 8 Herbert Thomas Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition 15 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 fine 9 Herbert Thomas Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances 20 years’ imprisonment; $1 million fine 10 Herbert Thomas Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Life imprisonment; 5-year mandatory minimum; $250,000 fine 11 Naim Richardson Unlawful Possession of Ammunition 15 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 fine 12 Naim Richardson Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances 20 years’ imprisonment; $1,000,000 fine 24-014 mariongardens.sincidtment.pdf


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Being and Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA –MELVIN DANIEL VARGAS-REYES , 21, was sentenced on January 10, 2024 for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, VARGAS-REYES admitted to possessing a Hi-Point, nine-millimeter pistol as an illegal alien. VARGAS-REYES was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to (24) twenty-four months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Inmate in His Custody

body_text: A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 38, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of sexual abuse of a ward. “Today, Robert Smith pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a woman in his custody, in violation of the law and his sworn duty as a Federal Bureau of Prisons officer,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “This prosecution is the latest example of the Justice Department holding to account those who exploit their positions of authority within the Federal Bureau of Prisons and working to eliminate sexual assault from our prison systems.” “When officials inside our jails and prisons carry out acts of sexual violence against vulnerable women in their custody, they will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “There is zero tolerance for corrections officers who misuse their authority to commit egregious sex crimes, and that rule applies equally to those who work at federal prisons. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute sexual predators in correctional settings, while standing up for the civil rights of the survivors of these heinous crimes.” “As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, the Office of the Inspector General is committed to ensuring that Federal Bureau of Prisons employees who exploit their power and authority to sexually abuse inmates are brought to justice and held accountable for their heinous acts,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG). “Sexual abuse of prison inmates by federal corrections officers is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their authority and prey on vulnerable people they are sworn to protect and keep safe.” According to court documents, Smith worked as a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville (FCI-Aliceville), Alabama. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution. While acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with T.M., a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority. Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Also while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with R.R-L., a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. DOJ-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the Department’s reform efforts.


title: Serial Bank Robber Arrested After String of Robberies

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Justin Eric Lindsay, 28, was arrested Saturday morning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a string of bank robberies committed between August 12, 2023, and January 6, 2024. Lindsay was charged by federal criminal complaint with committing five bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery. The complaint alleges that, since August 2023, Lindsay has robbed five banks, including branches of Chase and U.S. Bank. According to the complaint, Lindsay would enter a bank and hand a teller a demand note for money. At four of the robberies, Lindsay claimed he had a gun, although no firearm was ever shown. On Saturday, Lindsay was arrested shortly after robbing a U.S. Bank branch in Mesa. A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The United States will have up to 30 days from arrest to seek an indictment of Lindsay. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Mesa and Tempe police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Goldberg, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 24-09042MJ RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-004_Lindsay # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: St. Louis Area Doctors Accused of Illegally Administering Ketamine, Health Care Fraud

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Two doctors from the St. Louis, Missouri area were indicted Wednesday and accused of illegally administering ketamine to patients and fraudulently billing Medicare for certain services related to a psychiatric clinic. Dr. Asim Muhammad Ali, 53, and Dr. Mohd Azfar Malik, 70, were each indicted on 22 felony counts: conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and to maintain a drug-involved premises, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 12 counts of illegal distribution of a controlled substance, seven counts of making false statements related to health care matters and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. The indictment says Dr. Ali, an internal medical specialist, defrauded Medicare when he falsely used Dr. Malik’s name and Medicare billing number to bill for health care services, including annual wellness visits. The indictment also says Dr. Ali illegally administered intravenous ketamine and a nasal spray version of the drug without authorization. Among businesses owned by Dr. Malik, a psychiatrist, was COPE Ketamine Clinic in south St. Louis County, the indictment says. COPE was created to provide intravenous ketamine infusions for serious mental health illnesses, such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Malik had a Drug Enforcement Administration registration authorizing him to administer controlled substances but not at the office suite housing COPE, the indictment says. He was also enrolled in the Spravato Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy Program (REMS), which authorized him to administer the prescription esketamine nasal spray Spravato. Spravato is used to treat treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions. Due to the risks of the drug, Spravato is only available through REMS and must be administered under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider who is onsite for at least two hours to monitor patients. Dr. Ali did not have a DEA registration and thus was not authorized to administer ketamine unless he was being directly supervised by and in the physical presence of a practitioner with a DEA registration, and only if the ketamine was being administered in a DEA-registered location, the indictment says. Dr. Ali was also suspended from participation in the Missouri Medicaid program in December 2020 and had a duty to report that to Medicare, it says. The indictment says he failed to do so and failed to fulfill his obligation to inform Medicare that he was providing services to Medicare beneficiaries through Dr. Malik's businesses. The indictment alleges that beginning in December 2020, Dr. Malik and Dr. Ali agreed that Dr. Ali would use Dr. Malik's DEA registration to administer ketamine infusions to patients without direct supervision by Dr. Malik and outside of Dr. Malik's physical presence. Dr. Malik knew that Dr. Ali could not lawfully dispense controlled substances, including ketamine, without Dr. Malik's physical presence and supervision, it says. Dr. Ali and Dr. Malik also determined that Dr. Malik could simply "say hi" to the ketamine patients, typically via telephone, as a purported justification for Dr. Ali handling their ketamine treatment, the indictment says. The indictment also alleges that Dr. Malik and Dr. Ali unlawfully stored ketamine and esketamine at COPE. “Our agency is committed to investigating medical providers who undermine our federal health care programs and the well-being of patients by submitting alleged fraudulent claims. This case serves as a reminder that health care professionals have a duty to bill for services and prescribe controlled substances responsibly”, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. "The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Program is dedicated to patient safety and oversight of all medical professionals registered with DEA,” said Diversion Program Manager Kim Daniels, DEA’s lead for the Diversion program in Missouri, Kansas and southern Illinois. “With the support of our enforcement partners, DEA will investigate to the maximum extent of our ability to ensure these individuals are prevented from risking lives within our communities.” The conspiracy charges each carry the possibility of a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine. The illegal distribution of a controlled substance charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. The false statements charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. The charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or a $500,000 fine. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric is prosecuting the case.


title: Craven County Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to More than 24 Years for Fentanyl and Firearms Possession

body_text: NEW BERN , N.C. – A Havelock man was sentenced today to 295 months in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On October 18, 2023, Xzavier Tylon Morris pled guilty to the charges. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Morris, 27, was stopped by deputies with the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) on February 1, 2022, to serve him with outstanding warrants for breaking and entering. During the traffic stop, deputies observed Morris and his passenger throw a bag out the window of their vehicle. The bag was recovered, and its contents were determined to be fentanyl. Morris was arrested for trafficking fentanyl and placed in the Craven County Detention Center. CCSO detectives began to monitor Morris’ outgoing jail calls and discovered that he was directing co-defendants Kimberly Smith and Kayakenee Oliver to move a safe containing drugs to Oliver’s residence in Havelock. In these recorded calls, Morris, Smith, and Oliver conspired to package the drugs for re-sale to a third party in order to try to raise bond money for Morris. CCSO detectives were able to secure a search warrant for Oliver’s residence and executed it just after midnight on February 3, 2022. During the search, detectives located a safe containing 139 grams of cocaine, 62 grams of fentanyl, 617 grams of methamphetamine, two 9mm pistols, and a digital scale. Morris, a validated 9-3 Bloods gang member, was later interviewed and admitted that the guns and firearms in the safe belonged to him and that he had been instructing Oliver and Smith how to package the drugs for sale. Michael Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-CR-61-FL-1.


title: Chicago Rapper "G Herbo" Sentenced for Role in Nationwide Fraud Conspiracy and Making False Statements

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Chicago-area rap artist was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for participating in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses across the United States and for making a false statement to a federal agent to conceal his involvement. Herbert Wright, 25, a/k/a “G Herbo,” was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years’ probation. Wright was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 each, as well as a $5,500 fine. In July 2023, Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official. Wright was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong, in connection with the alleged fraud conspiracy. Wright was subsequently charged with making false statements in May 2021 . “On social media, Mr. Wright boasted an extravagant lifestyle. He gave the impression that his use of private jets, luxury cars and tropical villas were the legitimate fruits of his booming rap career as “G Herbo.” However, his lavish lifestyle was shamelessly built on deceit and fraud using stolen account information that inflicted substantial harm on numerous businesses, leaving a wake of victims burdened with financial losses.” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case should serve as a stark reminder that breaking the law leads to prosecution and accountability, regardless of who you are, how many likes you rack up or how many followers you have.” Beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Wright and, allegedly, his co-defendants, conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real individuals – including the actual cardholders’ names, addresses, security codes and account expiration dates. Generally, because the payment card information was authentic, the defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed the fraudulent transactions and provided the goods and services to Wright and his alleged co-conspirators. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges with their card companies, who then charged back the transactions to the businesses and individuals, which consequently suffered losses in the amounts of the unauthorized transactions. According to court documents, Wright frequently asked Strong for a number of luxury goods or services, such as flights, vehicles (“whips”), or accommodation (“cribs”), which Strong allegedly often procured by fraud using the stolen payment card account information. This included: four private jet charters for a total cost of over $80,000; over $34,000 in exotic car rentals including a Mercedes Benz 5560 and a Cadillac Escalade; and over $14,500 for a villa rental in Jamaica for which Wright also requested that Strong provide vehicles and an additional credit card account for his incidentals. Wright also used fraud proceeds to travel to various concert venues and to advance his career by posting photographs and/or videos of himself on the private jets, in exotic cars and at the Jamaican villa on social media and in music videos. Additionally, according to court documents in November 2018, Wright falsely told a federal agent that he never worked with or was assisted by Strong; he never provided Strong any money; he never received anything of value from Strong; and he had no direct relationship with Strong. In fact, since at least 2016 it is alleged that Strong worked with and assisted Wright; Wright allegedly provided Strong money; Wright allegedly received valuable goods from Strong, including private jet charters, luxury accommodations and exotic car rentals; and Wright allegedly had frequent direct contact with Strong, including phone conversations, text messages and Instagram messages. Wright admitted, as part his guilty plea, that he was responsible for $139,878 in victim losses. Strong has pleaded not guilty. Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Federal Inmate Sentenced to Seven Months for Possession of Contraband Cell Phone

component: Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal inmate pled guilty to possession of a contraband cell phone at the Low Security Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina (“LSCI Butner”) and was sentenced to seven months in prison for the charge. The seven-month term of imprisonment is in addition to, and consecutive to, his current term of imprisonment. According to court documents, Antoine Stanfield, 42, an inmate previously housed at LSCI Butner at the time of the offense, was found in possession of a cell phone during a visual search by Federal Bureau of Prisons staff. The officer ordered Stanfield to turn over the contraband cell phone, at which time Stanfield attempted to destroy it. Inmates inside federal prisons are not permitted to possess cell phones, as they can compromise the safety and security of the institution by allowing inmates to have unmonitored communications with the outside community, which could provide inmates the opportunity to conduct further criminal activity. Stanfield’s conviction for possession of a contraband cell phone also makes him ineligible to earn time credits under the First Step Act, which allows federal inmates to earn up to 365 days off of their sentence for participating in eligible programming while incarcerated. Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Brooks Storus prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00122-M-KS.


title: New York Man Indicted for Stealing COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

body_text: NEWARK N.J. – A New York man was indicted today for conspiring to illegally obtain over $444,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jose Tavares, 35, of Bronx New York, is charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Tavares’ alleged conspirators, Yanira Abreu, 42, of Keasby, New Jersey, and Christopher Valerio, 33, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, have each previously pleaded guilty in the same scheme. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From July 2020 through February 2021, Tavares, Valerio, Abreu and others submitted false and fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) through fictitious online profiles that they created using personally identifiable information, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, of other individuals without their consent. Once the NYDOL processed and approved the fraudulent applications, Tavares and his conspirators obtained debit cards with illegally obtained funds totaling $444,738, which they used for personal gain. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso; special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The charge and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. tavares.indictment.pdf