title: Shaw man sentenced to prison for illegal firearm  possession while selling drugs

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: Aberdeen, MS – A Shaw man was sentenced today to more than seven years in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. According to court documents, Javarrea Gilford, 31, had been observed selling drugs from a parked car outside of a convenience store in Shaw, Mississippi. When Gilford drove away, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop to investigate the suspected drug trafficking. Gilford fled from officers, wrecking his car in the process. When Gilford ran from the scene of the wreck, law enforcement observed him toss a 9mm pistol into the brush and the officers immediately recovered the gun. Investigating officers also found illegal narcotics in Gilford’s vehicle. Gilford is a previously convicted felon. Gilford pled guilty in September 2024 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The latter charge carries a mandatory sentence of five years consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Gilford was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to a total of 87 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Gilford was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals. “The defendant is a previously convicted felon who has committed yet more crimes, and he has more than earned the sentence imposed by the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep criminals off of our streets and firearms out of their hands.” “This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement at every level to holding offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of our communities. The combined efforts of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, and federal partners highlight the importance of collaboration in combating violent crime and drug trafficking in our state. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Mississippi and make our neighborhoods safer,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. This case was investigated by the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Straw purchaser sent to prison after purchasing 58 firearms for another

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 29-year-old Mexican resident has been sentenced for her role in straw purchasing firearms to export to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Martha Padron pleaded guilty Sept. 11 to making false statements during a purchase of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Padron to serve 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Padron communicated with another to purchase firearms so that the firearms could be exported to Mexico. The court also learned Padron purchased 58 firearms from 2021 to 2023. On many occasions, she crossed from Mexico into the United States, purchased the firearm and returned to Mexico the same day. On or about May 2, 2022, Padron falsely claimed on required forms to reside in the United States. However, the investigation revealed Padron lived in Mexico and often crossed into the United States to purchase firearms. Further investigation revealed the ongoing nature of Padron’s criminal activity She will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore Parran III and Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.


title: Licking Man Indicted for Child Sexual Exploitation

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Licking, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of a minor as well as illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms. John P. Weaver, 42, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. Today’s indictment charges Weaver with one count of using a minor victim to produce child pornography from Jan. 22 to Feb. 5, 2024, and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Weaver is also charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Weaver allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine and two Hi-Point pistols on Feb. 29, 2024. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Weaver has two prior convictions for possessing a controlled substance as well as prior felony convictions for stealing a motor vehicle, burglary, stealing, and resisting arrest by creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to any person. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Pulaski County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Texas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Great Falls man admits trafficking fentanyl pills in community

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

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls man today admitted to distributing fentanyl and other drugs in the community while he was on state probation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Michael Shawn O’Neill, 59, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. O’Neill faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2025. O’Neill detained pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that on Sept. 4, 2023, O’Neill, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed thousands of fentanyl pills for redistribution, as well as four firearms, methamphetamine and heroin. O’Neill was arrested on Sept. 4, 2023 on a warrant for traveling outside of the district without permission. An investigation led to searches of his vehicle and residence. Law enforcement found 6,500 fentanyl pills, meth, U.S. currency, four firearms and 1,300 rounds of ammunition in his vehicle and additional fentanyl pills and U.S. currency in his residence. Later, officers located heroin and U.S. currency in a backpack retrieved from O’Neill’s vehicle. O’Neill told law enforcement he drove to Spokane to get his supply and believed he was one step away from the Cartel through a third party. He also said he had just spent $12,000 in Spokane on the drugs found in his backpack. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Russell Country Drug Task Force, Montana Probation and Parole and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Maui Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Jose Elias Camacho, 34, of Maui, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 144 months in prison for trafficking in fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death. Camacho previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in June 2024. Camacho admitted that in August 2020, he sold five fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to a 24-year-old man, who ingested the pills and overdosed. First responders revived the victim and transported him to the hospital for further treatment. The victim discharged himself later that day and contacted Camacho to buy more pills. Camacho admitted knowing the victim had just been hospitalized. Despite this knowledge, Camacho sold the victim five more pills. The following morning, the victim was found dead at his home. An autopsy report indicated that he died of a polydrug overdose. A medical toxicologist who later reviewed the case determined the victim would not have overdosed and died but for the fentanyl Camacho distributed to him. Camacho admitted that he continued to distribute the pills after learning of the victim’s overdose death. On October 2, 2020, members of the Maui Police Department working in an undercover capacity set up a deal to purchase approximately 50 pills from Camacho, who was arrested as he left his house to conduct the transaction. Police searched him and his home and found approximately 400 light blue pills bearing the marking “M 30” and designed to resemble prescription oxycodone. The pills were tested by a lab and were found to contain fentanyl. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, fentanyl manufactured by Mexican drug cartels is the main driver behind the ongoing epidemic of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that in 2022, national overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) comprised 73,838 of the 107,941 lives lost to drug overdose deaths. The DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment further notes that fake oxycodone pills present a particular risk—both because 7 in 10 fake pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl and because users are often unaware that the pills contain fentanyl at all. “Camacho knew the deadly risk of selling illegal narcotics, and in particular, he knew the heightened risk associated with the tragic death in this case. Even after learning of the victim’s death, Camacho continued to sell a large quantity of the lethal pills, endangering a great number of lives,” said United States Attorney Connors. “This sentence sends a powerful message that dealers whose products contain lethal doses of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, will face severe consequences for contributing to the scourge of overdose deaths on our community.” The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maui Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Michael Albanese prosecuted the case.


title: Two Men Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl in Pocatello

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: POCATELLO – Andrew George Haney, 41, of Torrance, California, and Anthony Michael Stratton, 35, of Pocatello, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, in May 2023, Stratton provided Haney with the money to transport 2,000 fentanyl pills from California to Idaho. Haney obtained the multicolored pills and concealed them in candy boxes. The Pocatello Police Department, a member of the BADGES Task Force, initiated a traffic stop on a car Stratton and Haney were traveling in and located the pills, which were later determined to contain fentanyl. Haney was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye on April 23, 2024, to 70 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Stratton was sentenced by Judge Nye to 44 months in federal prison on December 5, 2024. Stratton’s sentence will be served concurrent to a 5-year fixed sentence (plus 10 years indeterminate) from a Bannock County fentanyl distribution case. Once released from his state sentence, Stratton will serve a 3-year term of federal supervised release. U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigation by the Pocatello Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with further assistance from the Idaho State Police and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe H. McLane, a former Special Assistant United States Attorney, prosecuted the case as part of the Eastern Idaho Partnership. The BADGES Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that focuses primarily on drug trafficking crimes in Bannock County and throughout the region. This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in Eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction. The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to use the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts. This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 175 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 152 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 10,769 months (approximately 897.42 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 74.79 months (6.23 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 61.59 months (5.13 years) in federal prison. ###


title: Firearms dealer pleads guilty; surrenders federal license

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has pleaded guilty to selling a firearm to a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ricardo Estevis Jr. was the operating officer of Rick’s Armory LLC in Laredo and admitted to illegally manufacturing firearms without a license. On Feb. 15, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at his home and business. It resulted in the discovery of at least 13 firearms that Estevis made in violation of several federal laws and was incompatible with his dealer-only federal firearms license. Estevis admitted making the firearms - some of which were illegal to make or possess without a special license - and had them for sale at his home business. After his arrest, Estevis surrendered his federal firearms license on behalf of the business and personally agreed to stop acquiring firearms inventory and transferring firearms to the public as of April 24. “Estevis abused the privilege of a federal firearm license by intentionally selling a pistol to a five-time convicted felon and by making illegal firearms and lying about it,” said Hamdani. “He pursued financial profits over the safety of our citizens. The protection of our communities from criminals with guns is one of my primary responsibilities, something I take very seriously.” U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Estevis faces up to 15 years for selling the pistol. The conviction also carrys up to $250,000 maximum possible fine. Estevis was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Laredo Police Department and the Webb County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case which is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods ( PSN ) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.


title: Owner of Medford Construction Company Sentenced for Tax Crimes and Making False Statements

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a tax fraud scheme that resulted in a tax loss of approximately $2,824,577 and making false statements about a fatal workplace accident. Mauricio Baiense, 57, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 18 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,824,577.45 in restitution to the United States. In April 2024, Baiense pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of failure to collect and pay over taxes, one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and one count of making false statements. In August 2022, Baiense was indicted by a federal grand jury. Baiense owned and operated Contract Framing Builders, Inc. (CFB), a Medford-based construction business. Baiense was responsible for filing CFB’s quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying IRS payroll taxes withheld from the wages of the company’s employees. From approximately 2013 through 2017, Baiense facilitated having approximately $11 million worth of checks drawn on CFB’s corporate bank account to purported subcontractors, which were in fact nominee entities controlled by him. Baiense then directed others to cash the checks at a check cashing business and used the money to operate an “off-the-books” cash payroll for CFB’s employees. Baiense did not report the cash wages to the IRS and did not pay employment taxes on wages paid to employees in cash. Baiense also assisted in the preparation of at least one fraudulent employment tax return that understated the actual wages paid to CFB’s employees. When questioned under oath at a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration interview regarding a fatal workplace accident pertaining to an employee of Baiense’s company, Baiense made false statements to a federal investigator - falsely claiming that the deceased employee did not work for him. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; Jeff Erskine, Acting Regional Administrator of the Department of Labor OSHA Region 1; Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security, OSHA Criminal Investigations Team, Region 1 and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit and Trial Attorney Thomas F. Koelbl of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.


title: Former United Medical Center Employee Sentenced for Criminal Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: WASHINGTON – Eleanor Flowers, 76, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for one count of criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult and attempted threats, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia. Superior Court Judge Deborah J. Israel sentenced Flowers to 24 months of probation . As part of the sentencing, Flowers must also stay away from the victim and is prohibited from working, volunteering, or participating in any activity involving the elderly, vulnerable, cognitively disabled, or children, to include activities in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors’ offices, urgent care, and daycare. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Flowers was employed as a Patient Sitter at United Medical Center, a hospital in Southeast Washington. On January 4, 2021, while attempting to change the soiled clothing of a 68-year-old patient under her care, Flowers struck the patient repeatedly with the hospital bed’s remote controller. The victim, who had previously suffered a stroke, was paralyzed on one side of his body, unable to speak, and classified as a “vulnerable adult” under D.C. Code § 22-932. The assault was captured on cellphone video by another Patient Sitter in the room, who witnessed the abuse. The video showed Flowers’ repeated strikes, causing visible distress to the victim. Flowers was terminated from her position following the incident, which was reported to hospital authorities and subsequently investigated by the D.C. Office of Inspector General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative partners with the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which is statutorily responsible for investigating and prosecuting District Medicaid provider fraud as well as abuse or neglect of residents in health care facilities and board and care facilities and of District Medicaid beneficiaries in noninstitutional or other settings. In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves and Inspector General Lucas commended the efforts of those who investigated and prosecuted the case, including the D.C. OIG Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They also acknowledged the contributions of Special Assistant United States Attorney Jason Facci, detailed from the D.C. OIG, who prosecuted the case. Studies show that for every incident of abuse reported to authorities, nearly 24 additional cases remain undetected. ( See https://ncea.acl.gov/prevalenceofeldermistreatment#gsc.tab=0 ). If you have information about individuals committing these types of offenses, please call the D.C. Office of the Inspector General at 202-724-TIPS [202-724-8477].


title: Cut Bank man admits assaulting teen on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man today admitted to assaulting a teenage girl and breaking her jaw in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Elijah John Bullcalf, 21, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Bullcalf faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 10, 2025. Bullcalf was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on May 25, 2023, Bullcalf assaulted the victim, identified as Jane Doe, who was 17 years old, at a residence in Browning, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The two got into an argument, and Bullcalf struck Doe in the face, breaking her jaw. Doe was treated the next day for the injury. About a month after the assault, Bullcalf struck Doe again in the same part of the jaw, causing pain and bleeding. In early 2024, Doe and her mother reported the assault to law enforcement, and Bullcalf admitted to the assault. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Palmer man sentenced to 25 years for attempted production of child pornography

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Palmer man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison followed by a life term of supervised release for attempting to create child sexual abuse materials by hiding a cell phone in a bathroom at a local supermarket. According to court documents, Jesse Damon, 35, hid a cell phone and an attached external battery pack behind a vent in the family bathroom at a supermarket in Palmer in an attempt to create child pornography. An employee discovered the phone after noticing that the vent cover was loose. Supermarket employees opened the video recording application on the hidden cell phone and saw an individual, later identified as Damon, as he inadvertently recorded himself in the process of hiding the phone. Employees ensured the store surveillance cameras were recording the entrance of the family bathroom and notified law enforcement after the camera captured Damon attempting to recover the phone he had hidden. Law enforcement responded and contacted Damon after his return to the supermarket. A search warrant was issued for Damon’s electronic devices and law enforcement determined that he had secretly recorded a number of individuals, mostly adults, between May 21-24, 2022. Of the individuals captured in Damon’s attempts to create child sexual exploitation material, two were children under the age of 12. The investigation also revealed that Damon had also received and distributed “commercial” images depicting child sexual abuse through the use of digital applications such as Kik, Dropbox and Mega Link. At the time of his arrest in this case, Damon was on supervision following his prior conviction for possession of child pornography in 3:08-cr-00039-RRB-MMS. During the sentencing, the court recognized the bravery and strength of the victims in this case, and highlighted the defendant’s serious danger to the public through his recidivist actions. “Mr. Damon is a repeat offender who presented an escalating danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “I commend the vigilant supermarket employees whose swift actions played a crucial role in the successful investigation and prosecution led by the FBI and Palmer Police Department. My office remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting children in our community by working collaboratively to identify, investigate and prosecute those who seek to exploit vulnerable Alaskans.” The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Palmer Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Probation Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Prison Term for Former MPD Officer Who Sexually Abused a 15-Year-Old Girl

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Lucius Kearney, 52, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for sexually abusing a then 15-year-old girl from 2005 to 2006, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. Kearney was found guilty by a Superior Court jury on September 27, 2024, to one count of first degree sexual abuse of a child. In addition to the prison term, Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced Kearney to 10 years of supervised release. Kearney will also be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. According to the government’s evidence at trial, during the 2005-2006 school year, the victim, who was in the tenth grade, met the defendant, then a Fourth District Metropolitan Police Department officer, while doing a school project. The victim and defendant met at the Fourth District Police Station, and exchanged phone numbers and began communicating about the school project. Their conversations turned sexual, and ultimately the defendant engaged in sexual acts with the victim in his truck near a D.C. public library, where the victim was volunteering to complete her high school community service hours. The victim disclosed the abuse in 2020 after a random encounter with the defendant while he was on duty in the area where the victim lived. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those who investigated the case from Metropolitan Police Department. He also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including Paralegal Specialists Garcia Clarke and Veronica Yale; Victim Advocate Veronica Vaughan ; Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling; Intern Emily Moran, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen, who did the initial investigation and indicted the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Taylor and Richard Kelley, who prosecuted the case.


title: Washington Man Charged With Threatening Flight Attendants On An Airplane

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Washington, DC, man was arrested for threatening flight attendants during an incident in which he had to be restrained by flight crew and passengers while aboard a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, of Washington, DC, was charged by complaint in Newark federal court with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh in Washington, DC federal court, and was released. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On June 12, 2024, shortly before landing on a flight from Houston, Texas, Damtew removed his shirt; pushed his bare chest into a flight attendant, pinning the flight attendant against the aircraft exit door; shouted epithets and threats of physical violence; and punched an aircraft oven. Damtew then followed the same flight attendant to the rear of the aircraft, where he continued to shout threats and epithets and threw a cup of water. Another flight attendant requested assistance over the airplane’s public address system, prompting several passengers to assist in securing Damtew in flex cuffs in the last row of the plane until the flight landed at Newark. The charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Edward T. Cetnar, for its assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Jacobs of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 24-446 Defense counsel: Elizabeth Mullin, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Washington, DC damtew.complaint_0.pdf


title: Washington State Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Traveling to Oregon to Sexually Abuse a Minor He Met Online

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Washington State man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison today for traveling to Oregon to sexually abuse a minor he met online. Seth Lee Fabry, 34, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and 20 years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in April 2022, Fabry messaged a minor through Discord, a social media platform, after meeting on MeetMe, another social media platform. Undeterred by the minor’s age, Fabry engaged in explicit discussions with the minor and persuaded them to send sexually explicit images. In May 2022, Fabry traveled from Washington to Oregon two times and sexually abused the minor. On May 29, 2022, Fabry again traveled to the victim’s residence in Oregon but was met by the minor’s mother. She contacted law enforcement and Fabry was arrested. On October 4, 2022, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Fabry with sexually exploiting a child and traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation. Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former Postal Worker Admits Stealing Gifts Cards from the Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – A former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier on Tuesday admitted stealing gift cards from the mail. Joseph S. Wilkins, 56, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of embezzlement of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. Wilkins admitted stealing approximately 10 to 12 gift cards from customers’ mail between December 2023 and April 2024. Wilkins made personal purchases with the cards, which had a total value of approximately $500. The investigation began after someone in California mailed a Christmas card containing two Amazon gift cards to a home in Cape Girardeau. The card never arrived. An investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General revealed that Wilkins, a city carrier at the Cape Carrier Annex in Cape Girardeau, had used the gift cards. In a later interview, Wilkins told investigators that he manipulated customer mail to identify any gift cards inside. Wilkins is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2025. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.


title: Nevada Man Sentenced For Dumping Waste Into Cities’ Wastewater System And Lying To Investigators

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man was sentenced today for illegally discharging waste, collected by a business he managed, into a local wastewater treatment system, in violation of the Clean Water Act. Matthew Thurman, general manager of Environmental Resources Inc., doing business as Easy Rooter Plumbing (ERP), was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay a $680,000 fine and serve one year of supervised release for knowingly violating pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act. ERP was separately sentenced to three years of probation and a $680,000 fine. For years, ERP and Thurman orchestrated illegal discharges of grease waste and wastewater collected from food-service businesses into the wastewater treatment system of the cities of Reno and Sparks, Nevada. Local regulators warned ERP and Thurman regarding the illegal discharges, but when the scheme continued, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened an investigation. During the investigation, Thurman lied to federal agents and falsely blamed competitors for the illegal discharges. The actions by Thurman and ERP jeopardized the integrity of the wastewater treatment system, creating significant environmental risks and increased maintenance costs which were passed on to consumers. “This case underscores the importance of holding individuals and corporations accountable when they knowingly harm our environment and attempt to obstruct justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Violations of the Clean Water Act are serious crimes, and today’s sentencing sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.” “The defendant defrauded clients, exposed Nevada communities to contaminated sewage, and engaged in conduct that required taxpayer dollars to be spent on costly repairs," said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today's significant sentencing demonstrates that EPA will continue to bring to justice environmental criminals." “Nevadans depend on our clean water system for everyday life. By knowingly illegally dumping waste into the treatment system, the defendants jeopardized the quality of life of our citizens in violation of the Clean Water Act,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We will continue to prosecute these crimes and hold the violators responsible.” This case represents a collaborative effort among local, state and federal agencies to protect America’s water systems. EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division led the investigation with assistance from the City of Reno’s Utility Services Department-Environmental Control and the City of Sparks’ Environmental Control Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans for the District of Minnesota, formerly of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Keenan for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. ###


title: Stockton Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Travis Jordan Michael, 38, of Stockton, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, Michael distributed fentanyl for a Mexico-based drug trafficker who advertised drugs for sale on Snapchat. On April 16, 2021, Michael was stopped by an officer from the California Highway Patrol. After a narcotics-detection canine alerted to the presence of narcotics his Michael’s car, the CHP officer searched the car and found two pounds of methamphetamine and 4,000 fentanyl pills. During a later search of Michael’s residence in Stockton, officers found three pounds of methamphetamine and 9,000 more fentanyl pills. This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stanislaus Special Investigations Unit with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Justin Lee prosecuted the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Arizona Man Sentenced for Attempted Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Robert Frenchie McGriff, 44, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 10 years in prison for attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, from March through June 2019, McGriff began communicating with an individual he believed to be a minor female on Instagram. McGriff told the individual that he was a pimp and actively recruited her to work for him in Arizona as a prostitute. In June 2019, McGriff traveled by bus from Phoenix, Arizona to Turlock, California with the intent of retrieving the minor female in Turlock and transporting her to work for him as a prostitute. McGriff was thereafter arrested by law enforcement. This case was the product of an investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Prosecutions Unit and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys Whitnee Goins and Shea Kenny prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education


title: Bessemer Man Convicted in Elder Fraud Scheme

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Bessemer man has been convicted at trial in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples. The jury returned a guilty verdict against Terrance Alonzo Pruitt, 47, of Bessemer, after two days of testimony before U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco. Pruitt was convicted of two counts of wire fraud. According to evidence presented at trial, in September 2023, Pruitt executed a Power of Attorney over an elderly family member with dementia, without the victim’s knowledge or permission. Between September 2023 and December 2023, Pruitt devised a scheme to defraud the victim by becoming a joint account holder on the victim’s bank accounts, changing the address on the victim’s bank accounts from the victim’s address to his address, removing two payable on death (POD) beneficiaries from one of the accounts, and adding two POD beneficiaries to another account. Pruitt then transferred $550,000 in funds from the victim’s accounts to his personal bank accounts. Pruitt used some of these funds for his own personal benefit, and he moved $500,000 to a new bank account that did not include the victim as an account holder. When confronted, Pruitt told various, inconsistent stories attempting to excuse his conduct. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan S. Rummage and Brett Janich are prosecuting the case. Reporting from consumers about fraud and attempted fraud is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud, and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov . Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.


title: ST. CROIX MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUALLY COERCING A MINOR AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Juan Bermudez, 66, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson, III, to Coercion and Enticement and Possession of Child Pornography. On his conviction, Bermudez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “This case is a painful reminder of the inherent dangers the children of our Territory face every day. We must all work together as a community to report individuals committing sexual abuse. The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate and pursue justice for those who misuse their positions of trust to sexually abuse our children”, United States Attorney Smith said. According to documents filed in court, on May 1, 2023, Bermudez engaged in sexual intercourse with a minor victim who was over the age of 13, but under the age of 18 years. Bermudez filmed the sexual act on his cell phone. A search warrant executed on Bermudez’s cell phone revealed multiple images of child sexual abuse material of the minor victim. Court documents further revealed text messages between Bermudez and the minor victim wherein the minor victim asked for help to complete a task and Bermudez responded by asking when he was going to get the “Cookie”. Bermudez further declared that if he assisted the minor victim with completing the task, he “want some Cookie” for two days. When the minor victim pleaded for help from Bermudez, he made the minor victim promise that she would give him her “Cookie.” Bermudez admitted that when he used the term “Cookie”, he was referring to the minor victim’s vagina. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc. Homeland Security Investigations encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (800) 981-3030 or by calling (787) 729-6969.


title: Kearney Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Shelby Olson, age 46, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced December 10, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distributing 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Olson to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Olson is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On June 23, 2022, a confidential informant (CI) purchased 57.2 grams of meth from Olson. On June 30, 2022, the CI purchased 57.6 grams of meth from Olson. On July 7, 2022, the CI purchased 60.2 grams of meth from Olson. All purchases were audio and video recorded with a positive identification of Olson. The first purchase occurred in a commercial motor vehicle, and Olson was recorded smoking meth while he was driving. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Neurologist pays nearly $1M to settle false billing allegations for electro-acupuncture devices

body_text: HOUSTON – A 52-year-old Pearland man has agreed to pay $948,359.85 to resolve allegations he submitted false claims for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Dr. Basem Hamid is a neurologist and pain medicine doctor who practices in Houston. Basem Hamid MD PA is an entity Hamid used to conduct his medical practice. From Aug. 27, 2019, to Oct. 3, 2022, Hamid billed Medicare for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These are invasive procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. As a result, Medicare pays thousands of dollars per procedure. However, neither Hamid nor his staff performed these surgical procedures, according to the allegations. Instead, patients allegedly received devices used for electro-acupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimeters into patients’ ears and taping the neurostimulator behind the ear with an adhesive. All device placements took place in Hamid’s clinic, not a hospital or surgical center, and no incision was made on a patient, according to the allegations. Many patients claimed the adhesive came loose and the device fell off on its own accord within a few days. “Individuals suffering from chronic pain put their faith in skilled medical professionals to help them find relief and improve their quality of life,” said Hamdani. “Our federal health care system entrusts providers with the medical care of our country’s most vulnerable, and it is important for healthcare providers to give accurate information about the services they provide for reimbursement – not misrepresent those services in an attempt to increase their bottom line.” “When health care professionals submit false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare, they erode public trust and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “Dr. Hamid not only exploited Medicare for personal financial gain but also misled some of our most vulnerable citizens, according to the allegations. DHHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with DHHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura E. Collins handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Theodore Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Schemes and Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Theodore man was sentenced to 32 months in prison for a bank fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and a wire fraud scheme. According to court documents, Sean Donnell White, 30, engaged in various fraud schemes between 2020 and 2022. One of White’s fraud schemes involved stealing mail to obtain victims’ bank account and personal identifying information. White recruited a postal employee, Kristen Arieale Williams, to participate in the scheme. Williams illegally sold White an “arrow” key for $2,500 in cash. Arrow keys are government property and will open, among other things, all blue postal collection boxes in a particular geographic area. Law enforcement caught White using the key to steal mail from collection boxes outside the Bel Air Mall in Mobile in November 2022. White stole hundreds of pieces of mail using the key and committed numerous fraudulent bank transactions totaling at least $69,508.69 using counterfeited checks that he generated based on information he stole from the mail. White’s other fraud scheme was a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam. To carry out the scheme, White bought stolen identities from illicit dark web marketplaces online. Using those stolen identities, White opened Coinbase and associated bank accounts, both of which he controlled. White selected banks that he knew allowed accountholders to overdraw their accounts by as much as $35,000. White then overdrew several accounts, making cryptocurrency trades in the Coinbase accounts using the unsettled funds. White siphoned any profits from the trades into accounts he controlled. The victim banks suffered losses if White lost money on the trades. As part of this “Coinbase scam,” White obtained at least $210,000 in fraudulently derived criminal proceeds. In addition to the 32-month prison sentence, Judge DuBose ordered White to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment, and will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered White to pay $35,334.10 in victim restitution, a $210,000 money judgment, and $300 in special assessments. A federal jury convicted Williams of various fraud offenses in November 2023. Judge DuBose sentenced Williams to three years in federal prison and ordered her to pay victim restitution. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the USPS–Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. The Brewton Police Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration–Office of Inspector General provided substantial assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bodnar and Justin Roller prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.


title: Prince George’s County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Robbery

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Marquis Hayes Henderson, 24, Laurel, Maryland, to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department. According to the guilty plea, Henderson and four other co-conspirators met on April 29, 2022, at a Clinton-Maryland storage lot before driving a stolen vehicle to a nearby convenience store. Henderson brought and pointed a firearm at an employee outside of the store before ordering the worker to go inside and lay down in one of the aisles. Meanwhile, another co-conspirator entered the store with a power tool and broke open the store’s ATM. The second co-conspirator worked with a third co-conspirator to take $35,020 in cash from the ATM. The trio joined the other two co-conspirators who were waiting in the stolen vehicle before fleeing. 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 Barron commended the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Rosenthal and William D. Moomau who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Worcester Police Department and City of Worcester, Massachusetts

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today the findings from its pattern or practice investigation into conduct by the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, and the Worcester Police Department (WPD). According to the findings, the City of Worcester and WPD engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Specifically, as detailed in the investigative report, the Justice Department finds that: WPD uses excessive force, including unjustified uses of tasers, police dogs and strikes to the head. Officers rapidly escalated minor incidents by using more force than necessary, including during encounters with people who have behavioral health disabilities or are in crisis. WPD’s use of excessive force violates the Fourth Amendment. WPD has allowed certain officers at times to engage in outrageous government conduct and violate the constitutional rights of women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade by engaging in sexual contact while undercover as part of official investigations. This violates the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause. The department’s investigation also describes serious concerns about some credible reports that officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest and engaged in other sexual misconduct; and concerns that WPD lacks adequate policies and practices to respond to and investigate sexual assaults by officers and others. Finally, the department raised concerns that WPD engages in racially discriminatory policing. Deficiencies in policies, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to the city and WPD’s unlawful conduct. “Our comprehensive investigation revealed that the Worcester Police Department uses excessive force and has allowed undercover police officers to engage in sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This is the first time the department has issued a pattern or practice finding involving sexual misconduct by officers. We look forward to working with city officials to institute reforms that build on their own preliminary efforts but that will fully bring an end to these unlawful and unconstitutional practices. The Justice Department is committed to standing firm against sexual misconduct in all its forms.” “Excessive force and sexual misconduct at the hands of officers who took an oath to serve and protect deeply diminishes the public’s trust in its sworn officers” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The actions by certain officers who engaged in this conduct are not a reflection of the many hard working and ethical officers at the WPD who did not engage in such misconduct or the thousands of police officers around the Commonwealth who serve with honor every day. While the findings announced in today’s report are serious and sobering, today we start a new chapter. We look forward to working with the City of Worcester and the new leadership of the Worcester Police Department to implement reforms that will prevent these kinds of incidents from reoccurring.” The Justice Department opened this investigation on Nov. 15, 2022, pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. The investigation was conducted by career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. The report acknowledges the changes already made by the City and WPD and identifies additional remedial measures that the department believes are necessary to address its findings. The department is committed to working collaboratively with the City and WPD to address and remedy the harms the investigation identified. The department will also be seeking input from the Worcester community on remedies to address the investigation’s findings. Members of the public may submit recommendations by email at community.wpd@usdoj.gov or by phone at 617-275-8756. The Justice Department will hold a webinar at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, to provide more information about the findings. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please email community.wpd@usdoj.gov to register. Information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt . Information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is available at www.justice.gov/usao-ma .


title: Jacksonville Felon Sentenced To More Than  Seven Years For Illegally Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Emanuel Toney Cuff (24, Jacksonville) to seven years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Cuff entered a guilty plea in September 2024. According to court documents, on February 20, 2024, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were on patrol when they observed Cuff commit multiple traffic violations on a bicycle. While conducting a records search, an officer found an arrest warrant for Cuff and placed him under arrest. During a search of Cuff, officers found a loaded .40 caliber pistol with a large-capacity magazine hidden in Cuff’s waistband, five small bags of dipentylone, a small bag of marijuana, and $185 cash in varying denominations. Cuff was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including armed carjacking, carjacking, and robbery by sudden snatching. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Career Criminal Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Two Indianapolis Businesses

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Alonzo Wiatt Sansbury, 56, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to commercial robbery and attempted commercial robbery. According to court documents, on May 17, 2024, Sansbury committed an attempted robbery at a Dollar Tree near North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana. During the attempted robbery, he used fear and threatened force to attempt to rob the establishment. The robbery was captured on video surveillance. Just a few hours later that same day, Sansbury committed an armed robbery at Big Lots near North Allisonville Road. Sansbury robbed the establishment using an object he insinuated was a gun, threatened violence, and obtained an unspecified amount of cash. The robbery was also captured on video surveillance. Sansbury has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1989, including convictions for burglary, theft, and robbery. He was discharged from parole for a prior robbery conviction less than a year before he committed the robberies charged in this case. “For more than two decades, this criminal has repeatedly demonstrated his utter disregard for the law or the safety and security of others,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Repeat, violent criminals are a top target for federal prosecution, and face significant punishment in federal court. I commend the FBI, IMPD, and our federal prosecutor for ensuring this menace to Indianapolis neighborhoods will be off our streets for the next decade.” FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate who prosecuted this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Westland Man Sentenced For Role In Armed Robbery Of Albion Hydroponics

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Andrew Curtis Williams participated in the February 2020 Crime GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Andrew Curtis Williams, 27, of Westland, Michigan, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for his role in two separate offenses relating to the February 2020 armed robbery of Albion Hydroponics in which a gun was used to physically assault a store employee and place him in restraints. “This crime was extremely dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “No one should fear violence while simply doing their job. These are serious crimes, and my office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are held accountable and our communities are safe from violent crimes.” Williams previously pleaded guilty in August 2024. According to court documents, Williams admitted to being part of a conspiracy to rob Albion Hydroponics on February 10, 2020. He also admitted to the separate offense of brandishing a firearm while committing the robbery. During the robbery, William’s co-defendant Kyle Lynn Carson, 28, of Jackson used a firearm to strike the victim of the robbery with a gun. Carson previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 months in prison for his role in the offense. An unknown third man participated in the robbery. Anyone with information about this person should contact the Grand Rapids Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 616-301-6100. “Tis the season for gun violence accountability. As such, the upcoming holidays just got a little bit more joyful. Everyone deserves to feel safe as they try to provide for themselves and their families,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir . “Mr. William’s greed and actions represent “the worst of the worst” in our community. In the end, accountability matters. The moral of this story is simple: if you use an illegal firearm to commit violent acts, you most certainly should pack your bags for a very long stay in federal prison.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey is prosecuting it. # # #


title: Felon Who Pointed a Ghost Gun at Police Officer Returned to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who pointed a firearm at a police officer less than two months after he was released from federal prison was sentenced on December 2, 2024, to seven years in federal prison. Daytrell Washington-Roby, age 26, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 1, 2024 guilty plea to possession of ammunition by a felon. Information from sentencing showed that Washington-Roby was previously convicted of possession of a firearm by a user of a controlled substance and sentenced to federal prison in January 2020. He was released from prison on December 22, 2023. On February 18, 2024, a concerned citizen called 911 to report a man choking a woman in a car in Waterloo; Washington-Roby and his girlfriend. A police officer located Washington-Roby in the area of the call shortly thereafter. Washington-Roby raised his arms, pointing a firearm at the police officer. Washington-Roby then threw the loaded firearm into the backyard of a residence. The firearm was an un‑serialized “ghost gun.” Washington-Roby was on federal supervised release at the time. Washington-Roby was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Washington-Roby was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for his possession of ammunition offense. He was also sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment in his previous federal firearm case for which he was on supervised release, which was imposed consecutively to the 60-month term of imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Washington-Roby is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file numbers are 24-CR-2021 and 19-CR-0047. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Lancaster Drug Traffickers Sentenced to a Total of 27 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tyre Amahdikeem Brooks, 23; John Matthew Railey, 36; and Ricky Shane Underwood, 43, all of Lancaster, were sentenced to a total of 27 years federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges. Evidence presented to the court showed the three men conspired together in the Lancaster area to distribute methamphetamine beginning in January 2020. In June 2020, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Brooks. In July 2020, Brooks was arrested on outstanding state drug trafficking warrants. He was in possession of a loaded AR-15 style assault rifle, a 9mm pistol equipped with an extended ammunition magazine, and a quantity of methamphetamine. In 2022, Brooks was also arrested in Rock Hill for possessing firearms and unlawful narcotics. In January 2021, Railey was found with nearly an ounce of 99% pure methamphetamine during a domestic incident. The following month, Railey sold a quantity of methamphetamine to Lancaster County narcotics investigators during an undercover controlled buy. In February 2021, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. Investigators searched Underwood’s home a few days and found more methamphetamine and a firearm. In March 2023, investigators made another controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. A second search was made of Underwood’s home and more methamphetamine, and another firearm were found in the home. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the case. Brooks pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. Railey was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Underwood pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Taylor and William K. Witherspoon are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Federal Jury Convicts Registered Sex Offender on Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A federal jury swiftly returned a guilty verdict on Friday, December 6, 2024, delivering a second conviction to a Cranston registered sex offender, who possessed child pornography while on supervised release following his earlier conviction by this Office for child pornography offenses, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. In December 2016, David A. Skally, 65, was convicted of possessing and accessing with the intent to view child pornography, and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. It was during this period of court-ordered supervision that he committed his current crimes. On Friday, Skally was convicted following a four-day trial on charges of access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography. “Undeterred by his prior conviction, this defendant chose to continue in a course of conduct that victimized and contributed to the horrific abuse of children,” remarked U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “This Office is likewise undeterred in its determination to stand up for the most vulnerable among us, and with this verdict, we have ensured that the public will be kept safe from this defendant for years to come.” “Despite a previous federal conviction and prison time, Skally chose to again seek out child sexual abuse material knowing full well the harm it causes to children and the legal consequences he would face. A federal jury has found Skally guilty and he is once again facing significant time in federal prison,” said HSI New England’s Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI works every day with our partners in Rhode Island to keep children safe and ensure predators are brought to justice.” According to evidence presented by the government at trial, Skally underwent three examinations by a member of his sex-offender treatment team between June 5, 2020, and April 5, 2021, as part of his court-ordered supervision. During the course of those examinations, Skally admitted to viewing sexually explicit images of children “over ten times” after his release from prison while on supervised release. Further, Skally admitted some of the images he viewed depicted children 11 years of age or under engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Additional evidence showed that Skally engaged in repeated efforts to avoid monitoring software and other safeguards required during his term of probation. Subsequent investigation and a forensic examination of Skally’s computer ultimately discovered several images of child pornography, including images of adults engaged in sexual activity with prepubescent victims. The jury ultimately concluded that Skally both possessed and accessed child pornography with the intent to view it, and specifically found that at least some of the material in question involved prepubescent children under the age of twelve. Skally is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors; by virtue of his prior conviction, Skally is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ronald R. Gendron and Denise M. Barton, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and John P. McAdams. This case, investigated by the U.S. Probation Department and Homeland Security Investigations, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc ###


title: Five Guatemalan Human Smugglers Charged in U.S. for 2021 Mass Casualty Event in Chiapas, Mexico

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Remote video URL View the indictment here. View U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani's video recorded remarks here. An international enforcement operation today resulted in the arrest of five Guatemalan human smugglers linked to the Dec. 9, 2021, mass casualty event in Chiapas, Mexico, where a semi-trailer truck containing at least 160 migrants — many of whom were Guatemalan nationals — crashed, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 people and injuring over 100 more. The operation was the result of coordination between the Justice Department and Guatemalan authorities and marks the third anniversary of the tragic event. At the request of the United States, Guatemalan law enforcement acted on provisional arrest warrants for Tomas Quino Canil, 36; Alberto Marcario Chitic, also known as Alberto De Jesus, 31; Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, also known as Osvaldo ZQ, 24; and Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, 42. A fifth Guatemalan national, Jorge Agapito Ventura, was arrested at his residence in Cleveland, Texas. All five Guatemalan nationals have been indicted in the Southern District of Texas in connection with the investigation. According to the indictment unsealed today, from October 2021 to February 2023, the defendants conspired with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of migrants from Guatemala though Mexico with the intended destination of the United States. The defendants allegedly recruited Guatemalan migrants, collected payment, and arranged for travel to the United States. In some instances involving the smuggling of unaccompanied minors, the defendants provided scripts and instructions on what to say if apprehended. Some of the migrants recruited by the defendants died or suffered serious bodily injury as result of the Dec. 9, 2021, crash. “The Justice Department is holding accountable the individuals who we allege preyed on vulnerable migrants and are responsible for this heinous crime that resulted in the deaths over 50 people and injured over 100 more. Human smugglers should heed these charges and arrests as a warning: you will be held accountable for your deadly crimes,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Since we launched Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) more than three years ago, we have secured more than 330 domestic and international arrests and more than 275 convictions on smuggling offenses, as well as significant jail sentences and substantial forfeitures. We will continue to work across agencies and across borders to stop the scourge of human smuggling.” “Today, the alleged perpetrators of an abhorrent crime — one that resulted in the senseless deaths of more than 50 migrants and the injury of more than 100 others — are being held accountable, thanks to the investigative work of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents and our federal and international partners,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The tragedy that occurred three years ago today in Chiapas is further proof that human smugglers are ruthless, callous, and dangerous — intending migrants should not believe their lies. DHS will continue to disrupt and dismantle illegal human smuggling operations and help bring those who perpetrate such horror to justice.” “The indictment unsealed today alleges that the defendants conspired to smuggle Guatemalan migrants, including minors, to the United States, and that some of these migrants died when the tractor trailer they were riding in overturned in Chiapas, Mexico,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement — on the three-year anniversary of the victims’ deaths — demonstrates the Criminal Division’s commitment to holding smugglers accountable, no matter where they may be, for their indifference to human life in their callous pursuit of profit. I am proud of the outstanding work by the prosecutors and investigators of JTFA, and I am grateful for our partnership with the Guatemalan authorities, whose assistance was essential in this investigation and prosecution.” “Three years ago today, in Chiapas, Mexico, a place known for natural wonder and cultural richness, a scene of unimaginable tragedy unfurled,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “Our investigation into this catastrophic event that killed over 50 people, including children, signifies the unwavering commitment of the Southern District of Texas to hold those who engage in human smuggling accountable, irrespective of where their actions or the resultant harm occur. While this crash transpired beyond our borders, it is imperative that the pursuit of justice transcends those boundaries. Today, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring that those allegedly responsible for exploiting the vulnerabilities of families seeking refuge and opportunity face the full force of the law.” “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, along with our law enforcement partners from JTFA, worked tirelessly to investigate, locate, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger. “Now, three years later, I proudly stand with our colleagues from the Justice Department to announce that we have made these apprehensions. HSI remains committed to dismantling human smuggling networks that exploit and mislead migrants, often subjecting them to dangerous and abusive conditions. These illicit organizations profit by preying on vulnerable populations, and HSI works assiduously to disrupt their operations. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of our law enforcement partners in the United States, Guatemala, and Mexico for their invaluable work to bring this investigation to fruition.” HSI’s Global Investigation Group in Washington D.C. investigated the case in partnership with HSI Guatemala and HSI Mexico. Valuable assistance was provided by HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit; the Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center; Operation Sentinel; U.S. Border Patrol; Liberty County Constable, Precinct 6; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Houston; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division; and Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) and Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT). The Justice Department thanks Guatemalan and Mexican law enforcement officials, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation. Trial Attorney Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from HRSP Latin American Specialist/Historian Joanna Crandall. The indictment of these defendants is the result of the coordinated efforts of JTFA. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with DHS, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona, and Southern District of California. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by OPDAT, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, OIA, and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 330 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 275 U.S. convictions; over 225 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Cinco traficantes de personas guatemaltecos acusados en Estados Unidos del siniestro masivo en 2021 en Chiapas, México

body_text: Remote video URL Vea la acusación here. Vea las declaraciones videograbadas del fiscal Alamdar Hamdani here. Una operación internacional de aplicación de la ley resultó hoy en el arresto de cinco traficantes de personas guatemaltecos vinculados al siniestro masivo del 9 de diciembre de 2021 en Chiapas, México, donde un camión semirremolque que contenía al menos 160 migrantes, muchos de ellos ciudadanos guatemaltecos, se estrelló, provocando la muerte de más de 50 personas e hiriendo a otros más de 100. El operativo fue resultado de la coordinación entre el Departamento de Justicia y las autoridades guatemaltecas, y marca el tercer aniversario del trágico suceso. A solicitud de Estados Unidos, las autoridades guatemaltecas de aplicacion de la ley ejecutaron órdenes de arresto provisionales contra Tomás Quino Canil, de 36 años; Alberto Marcario Chitic, también conocido como Alberto De Jesús, de 31 años; Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, también conocido como Osvaldo ZQ, de 24 años; y Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, de 42 años. Un quinto ciudadano guatemalteco, Jorge Agapito Ventura, fue arrestado en su residencia en Cleveland, Texas. Los cinco ciudadanos guatemaltecos han sido acusados en el Distrito Sur de Texas en relación con la investigación. Según la acusación revelada hoy, desde octubre de 2021 hasta febrero de 2023, los acusados conspiraron con otros traficantes para facilitar el viaje de migrantes desde Guatemala a través de México con el destino previsto de Estados Unidos. Los acusados supuestamente reclutaron a migrantes guatemaltecos, cobraron y organizaron viajes a los Estados Unidos. En algunos casos relacionados con el tráfico de menores no acompañados, los acusados proporcionaron guiones e instrucciones sobre qué decir si eran detenidos. Algunos de los inmigrantes reclutados por los acusados murieron o sufrieron lesiones corporales graves como resultado del accidente del 9 de diciembre de 2021. “El Departamento de Justicia está haciendo rendir cuentas a los individuos que presuntamente se aprovecharon de migrantes vulnerables y son responsables de este crimen atroz que causó la muerte de más de 50 personas y heridas a otros más de 100. Los traficantes de seres humanos deben tener en cuenta estos cargos y detenciones como una advertencia: tendrán que rendir cuentas por sus crímenes mortales”, dijo el fiscal general Merrick B. Garland. “Desde que pusimos en marcha la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa (JTFA) hace más de tres años, hemos conseguido más de 330 detenciones nacionales e internacionales y más de 275 condenas por delitos de tráfico ilícito, así como importantes penas de cárcel y cuantiosas confiscaciones. Seguiremos trabajando con todos las agencias y a través de las fronteras para acabar con la lacra del tráfico de seres humanos”. “Hoy, los presuntos autores de un crimen abominable, uno que resultó en la muerte sin sentido de más de 50 migrantes y las lesiones de otros más de 100, están siendo responsabilizados gracias a la labor de investigación de los agentes del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) y nuestros socios federales e internacionales”, dijo el secretario de Seguridad Nacional Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “La tragedia ocurrida hoy hace tres años en Chiapas es una prueba más de que los traficantes de personas son despiadados, crueles y peligrosos, los migrantes no deben creer sus mentiras. El DHS continuará interrumpiendo y desmantelando las operaciones ilegales de tráfico de personas y ayudando a llevar ante la justicia a quienes perpetran tal horror”. “La acusación revelada hoy alega que los acusados conspiraron para contrabandear migrantes guatemaltecos, incluidos menores, a Estados Unidos, y que algunos de estos migrantes murieron cuando el camión en el que viajaban volcó en Chiapas, México”, dijo la subdirectora fiscal general Adjunta Principal, Nicole M. Argentieri, jefa de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia. “El anuncio de hoy, en el tercer aniversario de la muerte de las víctimas, demuestra el compromiso de la División Criminal en hacer rendir cuentas a los contrabandistas, sin importar dónde se encuentren, por su indiferencia hacia la vida humana en su cruel búsqueda de ganancias. Estoy orgullosa del excelente trabajo de los fiscales e investigadores de la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa, y estoy agradecida por nuestra asociación con las autoridades guatemaltecas, cuya asistencia fue esencial en esta investigación y proceso penal”. “Hoy hace tres años, en Chiapas, México, un lugar conocido por sus maravillas naturales y riqueza cultural, ocurrió una escena de tragedia inimaginable”, dijo el fiscal federal estadounidense Alamdar Hamdani. “Nuestra investigación sobre este evento catastrófico que mató a más de 50 personas, incluidos niños, significa el compromiso inquebrantable del Distrito Sur de Texas de hacer rendir cuentas a quienes participan en el tráfico de personas, independientemente del lugar donde se produzcan sus actos o el daño resultante. Si bien este accidente se produjo más allá de nuestras fronteras, es imperativo que la búsqueda de la justicia trascienda esas fronteras. Hoy reiteramos nuestro compromiso de garantizar que los presuntos responsables de explotar las vulnerabilidades de las familias que buscan refugio y oportunidades enfrenten todo el peso de la ley”. “Los agentes especiales de Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), junto con nuestros colaboradores de aplicación de la ley de JTFA, trabajaron incansablemente para investigar, localizar y detener a los responsables de este atroz acto”, dijo Katrina W. Berger, directora ejecutiva adjunta de HSI. “Ahora, tres años después, me siento orgullosa de estar junto a nuestros colegas del Departamento de Justicia para anunciar que hemos realizado estas aprehensiones. HSI mantiene su compromiso de desmantelar las redes de tráfico de seres humanos que explotan y engañan a los migrantes, frecuentemente sometiéndolos a condiciones peligrosas y abusivas. Estas organizaciones ilícitas obtienen beneficios aprovechándose de poblaciones vulnerables y HSI trabaja asiduamente para interrumpir sus operaciones. Quiero expresar mi sincero agradecimiento a todos nuestros socios de la aplicación de la ley en Estados Unidos, Guatemala y México por su invaluable trabajo para llevar a buen término esta investigación”. El Grupo de Investigación Global de HSI en Washington D.C. investigó el caso en asociación con HSI Guatemala y HSI México. Valiosa asistencia fue brindada por la Unidad de Contrabando de Personas de HSI; el Centro Nacional de Búsqueda de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza; Operación Centinela; Patrulla Fronteriza de Estados Unidos; Alguacil del Condado de Liberty, Precinto 6; Inmigración y Control de Aduanas, Operaciones de Ejecución y Remoción, Houston; Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Este de Texas, División Beaumont; y la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales (OIA) y la Oficina de Desarrollo, Asistencia y Capacitación de Fiscales en el Extranjero (OPDAT) del Departamento de Justicia. El Departamento de Justicia agradece a los oficiales de aplicación de la ley de Guatemala y México, que desempeñaron un papel decisivo en el avance de esta investigación. La abogada litigante Danielle Hickman de la Sección de Derechos Humanos y Procesamientos Especiales (HRSP) de la División Criminal y la fiscal federal adjunta para el Distrito Sur de Texas, Jennifer Day, están procesando el caso, asistencia sustancial de la historiadora/especialista latinoamericana de HRSP, Joanna Crandall. La acusación de estas personas es el resultado de los esfuerzos coordinados de la JTFA. El fiscal general Merrick B. Garland creó la JTFA en junio de 2021 para unir los recursos de investigación y procesamiento del Departamento de Justicia, en asociación con el DHS, para combatir el aumento de prolíficos y peligrosos grupos de contrabando y trata que operan en México, Guatemala, El Salvador y Honduras. La iniciativa se amplió a Colombia y Panamá para combatir el tráfico de personas en el Darién en junio. La JTFA está integrada por funcionarios de las Fiscalías Federales a lo largo de la frontera suroeste, incluidos los distritos sur y oeste de Texas, el distrito de Nuevo México, el distrito de Arizona, y el Distrito Sur de California. Numerosos componentes de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia, dirigidos por HRSP y apoyados por OPDAT, la Sección de Narcóticos y Drogas Peligrosas, la Sección de Lavado de Dinero y Recuperación de Activos, la Oficina de Operaciones de Cumplimiento, la OIA y la Sección de Delitos Violentos y Extorsión, brindan apoyo dedicado. La JTFA también depende de una inversión sustancial en materia de aplicación de la ley por parte del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, el FBI, la Administración de Control de Drogas (DEA) y otros socios. Hasta la fecha, el trabajo de la JTFA ha resultado en más de 330 arrestos nacionales e internacionales de líderes, organizadores y facilitadores importantes del tráfico de personas; más de 275 condenas en Estados Unidos; más de 225 sentencias de cárcel importantes impuestas; y decomisos de activos sustanciales. Una acusación formal es simplemente una alegación. Se presume que todos los acusados son inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad más allá de toda duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.