title: Notorious Hacker Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison

body_text: WASHINGTON –Thomas Kennedy McCormick, aka “fubar,” of Cambridge, Mass., was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his role in the racketeering conspiracy to develop and distribute malicious software (malware) through an international computer hacking forum known as Darkode. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves of the District of Columbia and Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist, of the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates ordered 36 months of supervised release. According to court documents, McCormick, 30, was an administrator of Darkode, a criminal organization centered around an online, password-protected criminal forum where high-level international hackers and other cyber-criminals convened to develop, buy, sell, trade, and share hacking tools, information, and ideas. Before becoming a member of Darkode, prospective members were vetted through a process in which an existing member invited a prospective member to the forum to present the skills or products that he or she could bring to the group. Darkode members allegedly used each other’s skills and products to infect computers and electronic devices of victims around the world with malware and, thereby gain access to, and control over, those devices. McCormick was a long-term member of Darkode, eventually rising to the level of administrator. McCormick made and sold malicious software that stole users’ personal identifying information, banking account login in information, and credit card information. He also sold and brokered the sale of stolen credit cards and other financial account information. When his residence was searched, he had the stolen credit card information of almost 30,000 people in his possession along with numerous copies of malware. As part of McCormick’s guilty plea, he admitted his involvement in causing about $679,000 in financial losses through these offenses. McCormick was indicted on racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud charges. The racketeering conspiracy charge included conspiracy to commit bank, wire, and access device fraud, identity theft, hacking, and extortion. McCormick was also charged with five counts of aggravated identity theft. He was arrested on Dec. 10, 2018, at the FBI’s Washington Field Office in Washington, D.C. On March 3, 2020, McCormick pled guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering influenced corrupt organization and aggravated identity theft. Today, he was sentenced to 12 months for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering influenced corrupt organization followed by 6 months for aggravated identity theft. McCormick’s sentencing is the latest in this wide-ranging investigation. In July 2015, the Department of Justice originally announced the dismantling of Darkode, with charges filed against 12 individuals associated with the forum. The charges were part of a coordinated effort by a coalition of law enforcement authorities from 20 nations to charge, arrest, or search 70 Darkode members and associates around the world. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from Europol and their European Cyber Crime Center (EC3) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police Service (Scotland Yard). Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. Dominguez and Corbin A. Weiss and current Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Roman, working with the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, prosecuted the case. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance.


title: Harlem man sentenced to 18 months in prison for drive-by shooting of residence on Fort Belknap Indian reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS — A Harlem man who admitted to shooting into an occupied house in Fort Belknap Agency on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Tyree Daniel Doney, 22, pleaded guilty in June to assault with a dangerous weapon. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $3,900 restitution. In court documents, the government alleged that on Jan. 19, a man, identified as John Doe, was inside his residence with his family, including two children. John Doe heard multiple gunshots, and one bullet lodged inside his residence. John Doe feared that he or his family would be harmed from the drive-by shooting. Law enforcement learned that Doney was in the area at the time of the shooting, and Doney ultimately admitted to firing the gunshots into John Doe’s home. Doney did so, in part, because Doney was upset about a physical fight he had with John Doe four months prior. Officers recovered 9mm casings outside John Doe’s residence, 9mm casings inside Doney’s vehicle and the 9mm firearm inside Doney’s residence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining  more than $400,000 in COVID-19 Economic Assistance Loans

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – A Texas man pleaded guilty to illegally obtaining more than $400,000 in COVID-19 economic assistance loans. According to court documents, Ganiyu Abayomi Jimoh, 30, of Houston, Texas, conspired with others to commit wire fraud by opening numerous bank accounts in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties using other individuals’ personal identifying information, then fraudulently applying for multiple Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) through the Small Business Administration (SBA). In August and September 2020, Jimoh received four direct deposits from the SBA totaling $439,500. At the time of the instant offense, Jimoh was on federal bond out of the Southern District of Texas. Although Jimoh was from Houston, Texas, he traveled to Mississippi on multiple occasions to visit different banks. Jimoh could be seen on video surveillance of many of the bank transactions. Jimoh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis made the announcement. The United States Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization that expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Worcester Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man was arrested today for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Yoelfi Feliz, 27, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearms and ammunition. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today, Feliz was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 30, 2023. According to the criminal complaint, between June 2023 and October 2023, Feliz sold over 700 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Lawrence. Feliz also allegedly sold the cooperating witness two pistols, an AR-15 rifle, an AK-47 rifle and two privately made firearms, also known as “ghost guns,” along with ammunition. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Lawrence, Methuen and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the 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. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Latest Prison Sentence In Unprecedented Firearms Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Charles O’Bannon, 25, of Villa Rica, Georgia, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment for his role in a multi-conspirator firearms trafficking operation that flooded the City of Philadelphia with 292 guns over the course of five months. United States District Court Judge John M. Younge sentenced O’Bannon for his role in this unprecedented firearms trafficking operation, which involved hundreds of firearms being straw purchased from federal firearms dealers in Atlanta, Georgia, and then transported across state lines for resale on the black market in the City of Philadelphia. This fact pattern is known as the “iron pipeline.” Dozens of firearms have since been recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes and elsewhere. The conspiracy’s guns have taken the lives of two Philadelphians and used to perpetrate violent crime, including shootings, carjackings, and drug trafficking. Judge Younge had previously sentenced O’Bannon’s conspirators as follows: Edwin Burgos, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the leader of the Philadelphia side of the firearms trafficking operation, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. Fredrick Norman, 26, of Villa Rica, Georgia, the leader of the Atlanta side of the firearms trafficking operation, was sentenced to 99 months’ imprisonment. Ernest Payton, 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. Kenneth Burgos, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 75 months’ imprisonment. Roger Millington, 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. Stephen Norman, 25, of Villa Rica, Georgia, and brother of Fredrick Norman, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. “An important piece of our commitment to stopping the illegal flow of guns through the ‘iron pipeline’ is charging crimes like straw purchasing,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “The substantial prison sentences each defendant received in this case demonstrate that straw purchasing will carry significant consequences.” “The defendants in this case flooded 300 firearms onto the streets of Philadelphia, a city already plagued with gun violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric Degree. “We appreciate the support of the United States Attorney’s Office, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and members of our Firearms Trafficking Task Force, which allowed us to dismantle this firearm trafficking organization.” 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya T. De Souza.


title: Spokane Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison  For Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane Washington - Today, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Jody Lee Wallette, 36, of Spokane, Washington, to 20 years in federal prison for Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Rice also ordered Wallette to serve 5 years of supervised release following his release from prison. In pronouncing sentence Judge Rice told Wallette, “Your distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine kills people. The amount of drugs you had was atrocious.” According to court documents, in January of 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Wallette was selling fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine and was in possession of a gallon-size bag of fentanyl pills. A confidential informant was subsequently utilized to conduct two audio and video recorded controlled buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from Wallette in January and February 2023. During the January 2023 controlled buy, Wallette was captured on video holding a very large bag of crystal methamphetamine (below) in addition to the pound of methamphetamine he sold that day. In March of 2023, Wallette was federally indicted by a Grand Jury and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A short time later, Wallette was contacted during a traffic stop and arrested. During a search of Wallette’s vehicle, agents located several hundred more fentanyl-laced pills, methamphetamine, cocaine, a loaded firearm, multiple rounds of miscellaneous ammunition, body armor, several cellphones and more than $4,500 in cash. Also located in Wallette’s vehicle was information pertaining to Randy Coy James Holmes regarding the investigation into the shooting of an ATF agent in Spokane and discussing the identity of a suspected confidential informant in that case. The ATF and DEA also executed a search warrant at Wallette’s storage unit where they seized additional methamphetamine as well as numerous rounds of ammunition. According to court documents, Wallette is a multiple-time convicted felon, and in fact, qualifies as a federal “Career Offender” based on several prior significant drug trafficking convictions. “Mr. Wallette brought dangerous drugs into our community that put our neighborhoods at risk, stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am grateful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners to identify Mr. Wallette’s repeated drug trafficking activities, to prevent him from further distributing this poison, and to protect our families from drug-related violence.” At sentencing, Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard stated, “Mr. Wallette’s conduct was egregious. This was not a one-time instance. Mr. Wallette’s drug trafficking and violent conduct occurred over the past 20 years.” “Mr. Wallette knew his actions endangered our community and this sentence reflects that danger,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Firearms, fentanyl and methamphetamine are a losing combination that only harms society as a whole.” “Drug crime and gun violence too often go together, so I am gratified by our partnership with ATF and other law enforcement agencies as we confront this threat together,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This case is another example of our unified resolve to keep our community safe from drug poison and gun violence.” The case was investigated by the ATF and DEA Spokane Task Force consisting of DEA, HSI, USCBP and BIA. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Stephanie Van Marter.


title: Rochester man going to prison for 19 years for four home invasions targeting drug dealers

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Robert Forbes, Jr. a/k/a Ra Ra a/k/a Henny, 37, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, was sentenced to serve 228 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that between February 18, and March 26, 2020, Forbes participated, with others, in four separate home invasions in Rochester and Greece, NY. Forbes took part in planning, recruiting participants, obtaining, and providing information about the suspected presence of controlled substances and/or money derived from the sale of controlled substances in the residences, driving individuals to and from the residences, and providing a firearm to use. During some of the home invasions, individuals were restrained, pistol-whipped, and/or suffered injuries. Forbes was arrested April 1, 2020, on W. Ridge Road after a 13-minute car chase in the City of Rochester. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. # # # #


title: Buffalo man arrested on cocaine charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Piraino, 30, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that on November 1, 2023, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately two ounces of cocaine from Piraino for $2,300. During the exchange, Piraino discussed selling two or three kilograms of cocaine the following week. Piraino made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Two defendants charged in narcotics ring facing additional charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a second superseding indictment charging Joseph Zaso a/k/a Joey Cracks a/k/a Sosa, 39, of Buffalo, NY, and Kyle N. Lewis, 31, of Jamestown. NY, who were previously charged with multiple drug charges, with additional charges: • Defendant Zaso is charged with brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and document concealment of material fact, for allegedly lying on his monthly probation reports while under the supervision of U.S. Probation. Zaso faces a mandatory life sentence. • Defendant Lewis is charged with narcotics conspiracy and minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the second superseding indictment and previously filed indictments, between September 2018, and May 26, 2022, defendant Zaso organized and managed an illegal narcotics ring in the Jamestown and Buffalo areas. Zaso conspired with Lewis and others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, utilizing residences at 12 Locust Street and 110 Fairview Avenue in Jamestown and 48 Laurel Street in Buffalo for their drug trafficking activities. Zaso is accused of selling heroin to an individual identified as B.K., causing serious bodily injury. Zaso and Lewis are currently detained. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The second superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Denver Men Sentenced on Charges of Distributing Narcotics

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Robert Adam Ross, a/k/a “Chicago,” age 42, and Jeremy Ford Moore, age 39, both of Denver, Colorado, were sentenced to 103 months and 96 months (respectively) in federal prison following their convictions on federal narcotics charges. According to the plea agreements and the facts as determined by the Judge at sentencing, the defendants possessed and distributed significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Denver area. Ross and Moore traveled to Arizona where they sourced the drugs. The drugs were then transported into Colorado through various means, including U.S. mail and via a commercial bus line. Following a proactive investigation which included the seizure of drugs contained in U.S. Mail parcels sent from Arizona to Colorado, as well as numerous undercover buys of narcotics, agents conducted a takedown operation in November of 2022 which resulted in the seizure of several firearms, approximately 15,000 additional fentanyl pills, and $4,990 in U.S. currency. “Illegally-trafficked fentanyl has destroyed countless lives and caused thousands of deaths in Colorado alone,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. “Thankfully, the drugs seized by our law enforcement partners will never make it to the street.” USPIS Denver Division Inspector-in-Charge Bryan Musgrove said, “United States Postal Inspectors are dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of trust placed in the US Mail. We will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs, including those who illegally use firearms to further their criminal enterprise which impacts the safety of our postal employees and postal customers. We thank our law enforcement partners for working with us to combat these crimes in hopes of making our communities a safer place to live and work.” “The distribution of guns and drugs by the hands of violent previously convicted felons is exactly what leads to violent crime in our communities, and precisely what ATF targets with our federal partners,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “We are grateful for the seamless partnership with the USPIS that led to a swift dismantling of their criminal operation reducing violent crime in Colorado and beyond.” United States District Court Judge Charlotte S. Sweeney sentenced the defendants on November 9, 2023. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United State Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley Giles handled the prosecution of the case. Case Number: 22-cr-344-CNS


title: Six Arrested for Conspiracy and Operation  of An Illegal Cockfighting Gambling Business

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Edward Caspino, 46, of Waianae, William Caspino, 48, of Waianae, Lavern Joseph, 71, of Waianae, and Kerilyn Keliinoi, 31, of Waianae were arraigned today on a four-count Indictment returned by a federal grand jury on October 26, 2023. All four pled not guilty, and trial was set for January 17, 2024. Two other defendants, Fauston Aragon, Jr., 65, of Pearl City, and Howard Unebasami, 80, of Waianae, are expected to appear later this week. Counts 1 and 2 of the Indictment charge all six defendants with conspiracy and the operation of an illegal gambling business. According to the Indictment, the defendants conducted, financed, managed, supervised, directed or owned an illegal gambling business at a property in Waianae. The group allegedly hosted multiple, large-scale chicken fights, called “derbies,” at the property between June 2020 and March 2023, that involved gambling on the fights, as well as other unlawful games of chance. Count 3 charges Edward Caspino with the operation of illegal game rooms. If convicted, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release of up to three years on each of Counts 1, 2, and 3. Edward Caspino also made an initial appearance today on a separate Criminal Complaint in which he is charged with three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to the Criminal Complaint, on three occasions in July 2021, Edward Caspino distributed approximately one pound of methamphetamine to an individual working with federal law enforcement. Each of these counts carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years incarceration, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The charges in the Indictment and Criminal Complaint are merely accusations, and each of the charged individuals is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. The charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese.


title: Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to 96 Months for Sexually Abusing Multiple Female Inmates

body_text: A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) correctional officer was sentenced today to 96 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing multiple female inmates and making false statements while he was a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Dublin, California. Andrew Jones, 36, of Clovis, California, pleaded guilty to the charges on Aug. 17. Today’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. “The egregious sexual abuse that took place at FCI Dublin was disgraceful and tragic, and the Justice Department will not rest until we have eliminated such misconduct from the Federal Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “As the defendant’s guilty plea and today’s sentencing demonstrate, FBOP employees who abuse their positions of authority and assault those in their custody will be held to account.” “Jones participated in a culture of sexual abuse of female inmates at FCI Dublin that included the Warden, the Chaplain, and other employees, and he like them has now been held to account for his heinous acts,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Justice Department Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG). “The DOJ Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate this type of egregious criminal conduct, and we will do everything within our authority to pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse.” “The defendant's conduct, sexually abusing inmates and threatening violence to keep them silent, is sick and reprehensible,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Today’s sentencing comes amid relentless efforts to prevent abuse and misconduct by corrections personnel entrusted with the care and protection of others. The FBI will continue to work with partners to ensure the physical safety and civil rights of all individuals and hold accountable any public servant who abuses a position of trust.” “This ongoing investigation has unearthed evidence regarding the criminal activities of numerous employees at the Federal Correctional Institution at Dublin,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “So far, seven correctional officers have been convicted of felony conduct involving sexual abuse of female inmates and an eighth employee has been charged with similar conduct. To be clear, this investigation is not over – correctional officers at FCI Dublin are trusted to secure the safety of inmates at the institution; the Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable any correctional officer who violates that solemn responsibility.” According to his plea agreement, Jones was employed as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin where he supervised prisoners who worked in the Food Services Department. Jones admitted that, between July 2020 and June 2021, while he had supervisory and disciplinary authority over all the female prisoners, he received oral sex from, and/or had sexual intercourse with, three female prisoners who worked for him in the FCI Dublin kitchen. Jones admitted that he sexually abused these prisoners in multiple places near the FCI Dublin kitchen, including a staff bathroom, a warehouse, and a room where kitchen utensils were kept. In a memorandum filed in connection with Jones’ sentencing, the government argued that Jones “enforced silence and obedience” from the prisoners by using “violence and threats of violence.” The memorandum stated that “intimidation and insults on the one hand, and the flattery on the other, was aimed at cultivating pliant prisoners who Jones could abuse for his own sexual pleasure, while he remained safe in the belief that his misconduct would go unreported.” In sum, Jones pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward involving three inmates and one count of false statements to the DOJ-OIG. Jones is one of eight correctional officers to have been charged with federal crimes involving sexual misconduct at FCI Dublin in the past three years and the fourth to have been sentenced. To date, all the recent sentences for FCI Dublin guards convicted of sexual abuse of a ward and/or abusive sexual contact of a prisoner have resulted in sentences that are above the U.S Sentencing Guidelines. DOJ-OIG and thr FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Priedeman and Andrew Paulson for the Northern District of California prosecuted the cases, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slattery, Christine Tian, Claudia Hyslop, Leeya Kekona, and Kay Konopaske. FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the Department’s reform efforts.


title: Brothers sent to prison for operating $13M multi-state stolen goods enterprise

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – Two naturalized U.S. citizens from Lebanon residing in Houston have been sentenced for their roles in large scale organized retail crime schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Yasser Saleh Ouwad, 52, and his brother - Bilal Saleh Awad, 50, entered their guilty pleas Oct. 12, 2021 and Oct. 30, 2019, respectively, to conspiracy to transport stolen merchandise. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Ouwad to serve 41 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to forfeit over $260,000 from bank accounts representing the proceeds of the sale of the stolen merchandise. He must also pay a money judgment entered against him in the amount of $4,665,860 and restitution of $109,742 due to CVS Health and Walgreens. “The shifting predominance to online retailers drives the market for stolen goods at the expense of consumer safety and legitimate merchants,” said Hamdani. “Stolen over the counter medications and health products are often sold for a fraction of the retail price online but can be expired or subject to tampering. These schemes cause millions of dollars in losses to U.S. retailers by hiking up prices and creating an unsafe e-commerce market for consumers.” “The transnational criminal organization these two brothers led was responsible for the theft of more than $30 million in retail goods,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Organized retail crime on this scale results in consumers having to pay higher prices and can force businesses to close that provide essential goods and services to the community. HSI Houston will continue to work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle these organized theft groups and restore order to our communities.” “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protects consumers and patients by ensuring the medical products they use, whether they are by prescription or over-the-counter, are safe and effective. Selling stolen medical products puts all consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA - Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to work to protect the health of U.S. consumers and patients.” From June 2015 to March 2018, Ouwad and Awad engaged in high-level fencing operations involving multi-million-dollar, multi-state level criminal organizations. The brothers purchased stolen over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, diabetic test strips and health and beauty supplies for re-packaging and shipping. This criminal enterprise also employed “boosters,” primarily undocumented aliens from Central America, to steal OTC medication from large retailers around the United States. Boosters would then ship the stolen products back to Ouwad and Awad, who resold the stolen merchandise to third parties for a profit. Ouwad owned and operated GPS Wholesale Inc. which he ran from his warehouse in Houston where he would receive the stolen products. Ouwad and his associates would then remove anti-theft stickers and security labels, re-package them into pallets and ship the merchandise to wholesale companies in the New Jersey area. Awad ran a similar operation but would receive stolen merchandise at a CubeSmart Self Storage location in Houston. Awad also removed anti-theft labels and re-packaged the stolen OTC merchandise at his residence before shipping the product to a wholesale company in New York. Ouwad and Awads’ criminal enterprises resulted in over $13 million in losses to retailers between both charged schemes. Awad was previously sentenced on Sept. 5 by U.S. District Judge David Hittner to 41 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $322,550 to CVS Health and Walgreens. Awad also had a money judgment of $4,426,942 entered against him representing the illegal proceeds he received during the conspiracy. Awad must also forfeit a bank account with a balance of more than $460,000 and over $6,000 in stolen products law enforcement seized. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hittner noted that Awad managed a sophisticated scheme causing the loss of millions to retailers. Several co-defendants had also pleaded guilty and have received sentences ranging from 18-40 months. Ouwad and Awad were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. HSI and FDA – OCI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Richard Hanes prosecuted the case.


title: Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH – A federal jury convicted a Pittsburgh man today for possessing modified child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of child celebrities. United.States Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on two separate occasions, James Smelko, 56, of Pittsburgh, possessed pictures that digitally superimposed the faces of child actors onto nude bodies and bodies engaged in sex acts. Smelko possessed the pictures at his home in Pittsburgh, and law enforcement discovered the pictures during a search of Smelko’s computer. Smelko was then charged for possessing CSAM. While pending trial, Smelko was found to have violated his conditions of release by again possessing such images, after concerning searches and images were detected by court-mandated monitoring software on his cell phone. The jury convicted Smelko of two counts of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Mitchell and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. 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 www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Jury Convicts Felon with Violent Criminal Past for Illegally Possessing Gun

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A federal jury convicted a Valdosta, Georgia, resident with a lengthy and violent criminal history of illegally possessing a firearm after officers discovered an AK-47 style firearm during a domestic violence investigation triggered by a child attempting to protect his mother. Angelo Devon Williams, 35, was found guilty of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Nov. 14. The trial began on Nov. 13 before U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson at the federal courthouse in Macon. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2024, in Valdosta, Georgia. The defendant is not eligible for parole. “Angelo Williams not only has a violent criminal history, but he was illegally armed when a child bravely attempted to protect his mother,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We have zero tolerance for violent convicted felons who illegally possess firearms. Working with our law enforcement partners at every level, our office will continue to pursue these worthy prosecutions.” “The abhorrent behavior conducted by Williams, especially in the presence of a child, is shocking,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta office. “This conviction sends the message that the FBI and our partners are devoted to removing violent criminals from our neighborhoods to make them safer for law abiding citizens.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lowndes County, Georgia, 911 received a call from a child the night of July 26, 2020, who told the operator something related to his mother “was being hit.” The 911 operator called back and spoke to the next-door neighbor of the location where the domestic dispute was occurring; Valdosta Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to the scene. Officers found a woman standing outside of the residence who said that Williams allegedly assaulted her and had left the scene shortly before the officers arrived. The victim had significant scrapes, scratches, cuts and bruises on her body and face and a large knot in the center of her forehead. The victim told officers that Williams had allegedly taken the keys of the victim’s rental car and refused to give them back when she and her child asked. Williams allegedly pushed the child and began punching the victim. The altercation continued when the child ran to the next-door neighbor’s house and called 911. The rental car was full of Williams’ belongings, including his AK-47 style semi-automatic rifle. Williams has prior state felony convictions for robbery/carjacking in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and felony fleeing/attempting to elude in Hamilton County, Florida. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. This case 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. The case was investigated by FBI and the Valdosta Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Monica Daniels are prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kyrell Wells, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced November 14, 20223 in federal court in Omaha for felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United State District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Wells to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wells is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On August 11, 2022, Omaha Police Department gang officers observed Kyrell Wells enter Phillips 66 on 59th and Sorensen Parkway. Officers were aware he had several warrants. Officers entered the gas station and ordered Wells to put his hands up. Wells initially complied but then attempted to run. Officers took Wells to the ground and a handgun fell from Wells’ waistband, down his sweatpants, to his ankle. The gun was loaded with one in the chamber. The firearm was a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson. Wells is a convicted felon from a tampering with witness charge in November of 2021. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. ###


title: Woman Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine Through Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Teresa Martinez, 47, a Mexican citizen recently living in the Fresno, California area, was sentenced on November 15, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Martinez to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martinez’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On February 6, 2022, an Otoe County sheriff’s deputy pulled over a Ford Expedition near the Nebraska-Iowa border for a traffic violation. Martinez was the driver of the Expedition and Martinez’s daughter and co-defendant, Daisy Flores, was the passenger. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately eight pounds of meth and approximately four pounds of marijuana. Crime laboratory testing of the meth confirmed purity of approximately 89 percent. Flores has pleaded guilty to the same charge and is scheduled for sentencing on January 3, 2024. This case was investigated by the Otoe County Sherriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department assisted with testing of the methamphetamine.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Sudesh Rai, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 14, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for possession of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rai to 42 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rai’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Rai was ordered to pay $1,100 in special assessments. On June 1, 2021, Rai was interviewed in person by law enforcement in Omaha, Nebraska, in relation to a separate matter. During the interview law enforcement requested consent to seize and search Rai’s cell phone. Rai completed a Consent to Search Form. The data extraction and forensic review of Rai’s cell phone revealed four videos and two images of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Killing Bald Eagle

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Domingo Zetino Hernandez, 21, of Guatemala, was sentenced on November 14, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson sentenced Zetino Hernandez to time served. Zetino Hernandez has been in custody since March 20, 2023. Zetino Hernandez is subject to removal proceedings with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On or about February 28, 2023, law enforcement received a report of a suspicious vehicle located at the Wood Duck Wildlife Management Area, located in Stanton County, Nebraska. Law enforcement arrived at Wood Duck and approached the vehicle with Ramiro Hernandez Tziquin and Zetino Hernandez as the occupants. During the encounter, Zetino Hernandez admitted that he shot a bird and that it was in the trunk of the vehicle. Law enforcement obtained consent to search the vehicle and found one bald eagle carcass. Zetino Hernandez admitted to taking and possessing the bald eagle found in the trunk of the vehicle without being permitted to do so. Co-defendant Hernandez Tziquin remains at large. Hernandez-Tziquin, who was living in Norfolk, Nebraska, at the time of the incident, is believed to have fled the local area around the time his arrest warrant was issued, and to date has not been located. Hernandez-Tziquin may currently be living with family or associates in Nebraska, Texas, or elsewhere. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information regarding the current location of Hernandez-Tziquin. There may be a reward available for information leading to an arrest by calling 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or online at https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips . Callers may remain anonymous. This case was investigated by United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Nebraska Games and Parks Commission, and the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Bellevue Man Sentenced to 9 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charges

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Terrell C. Bass, 40, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was sentenced November 15, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bass to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bass’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. Bass also gave up any right or claim he may have had in over $61,000 in currency seized during the investigation. On February 18, 2022, Douglas County deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 18th and Vinton Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on a vehicle driven by Bass who deputies knew had a suspended driver’s license. Bass’s identity was confirmed, and a front seat passenger was identified as codefendant, Holly Fleming. A drug detecting canine was deployed and indicated to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed approximately 10.5 pounds of meth in two bags, one found on the passenger floor containing items indicating the bag belonged to Fleming, the other found on the back seat. That same day a search warrant was authorized for Bass and Fleming's North Omaha residence and served by FBI and OPD. The search of the residence revealed 16 pounds of meth, two firearms, and over $61,000 in cash. During a post arrest interview Fleming admitted to her involvement in drug dealing and claimed all the evidentiary items were hers. Cell phone search warrants were obtained for phones found during the search and revealed a video showing Bass assisting Fleming in removing a gas tank from a vehicle and removing packages of methamphetamine from within. Texts messages found in the phones revealed Bass was assisting Fleming with drug trafficking. A jail phone call between Bass and Fleming was discovered where Bass acknowledged that he assisted Fleming with drug dealing. Holly Fleming has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in connection with drug distribution and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2023. This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Omaha Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Months’ Imprisonment for Assault at Eppley Airfield

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Chol Magwit, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 15, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for interference with security screening personnel. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Magwit to 15 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Magwit will be required to complete a 3-year term of supervised release. On April 7, 2023, Magwit forced open two separate doors to restricted areas and made it onto the tarmac at Eppley Airfield. Magwit was tackled when he refused commands to stop his movement and before he made it to the active operating area. Magwit was then arrested. Magwit did not appear impaired and said he wanted to go to Egypt. During the arrest, Magwit assaulted an airport officer who had security duties within the airport, and bit the officer’s hand, penetrating the officer’s skin and causing him to require medical treatment. The assault interfered with the performance of the airport officer’s duties while undergoing treatment for his injuries. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the Omaha Airport Authority Airport Police.


title: Former USP McCreary Inmate Sentenced to Life in Prison for First Degree Murder

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — A man originally from New Orleans, but who was confined at United States Penitentiary McCreary, Kenneth Shaver, 45, was sentenced to life in federal prison on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, following his conviction for first-degree murder. According to evidence presented at Shaver’s trial, Shaver, his co-defendant Justin Boe, and the victim, Lance Cameron Smith, were federal inmates in custody at USP McCreary. Shaver and Boe assaulted Smith due to suspicion that Smith had cooperated with law enforcement. On February 4, 2015, Boe lured Smith into Boe’s cell, where Shaver was waiting for him. Per trial testimony, Smith was stabbed dozens of times and subsequently died from those wounds. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the United States Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Rosenberg prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Jury finds former federal defendant guilty of possessing firearms

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

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted Antoine Dwayne Riley, 37, of Columbus, with illegally possessing firearms after previously being convicted as a federal defendant in the Southern District of Ohio. Riley was convicted in 2009 of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition. According to court documents and trial testimony, on Nov. 13, 2022, officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to a domestic violence call on East 13 th Avenue in Columbus. Officers were informed that Riley had pushed down a victim and stomped on her face with his foot. Officers were told Riley may have a handgun. Riley was inside his room in the residence at the time and, for several hours, refused officers’ requests to open his door and exit. Riley eventually complied and was taken into custody. Officers cleared Riley’s bedroom and discovered two rifles: a 12-gauge shotgun and a multi-caliber rifle. Riley was indicted in June 2023. He faces up to 15 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the verdict returned on Nov. 14. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Rausch and Damoun Delaviz represented the United States in this case. # # #


title: Former Judge, Defense Attorney, Sentenced To Seven Years In Federal Prison For Possession Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A man who has served as a county judge, prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney was sentenced to federal prison for possession of child pornography. On Wednesday, United States District Court Judge Billy Roy Wilson sentenced Daniel Arthur Stewart, 54, of Fort Smith, to 84 months in prison with 10 years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. Stewart was originally indicted on January 8, 2019, on charges of attempting to entice a child to engage in sexual activity following an investigation into conduct that occurred between February 1, 2016, and March 19, 2016. On June 8, 2023, Stewart pleaded guilty to a superseding information that charged him with possession of child pornography related to the conduct. The investigation revealed that on February 1, 2016, a Faulkner County police officer with an undercover profile answered an ad posted on Craigslist. The ad was searching for contact with a “young guy” or “son.” The undercover profile was that of a 42-year-old male with a 13-year-old son. The undercover officer responded to the ad by inquiring if the poster was interested in “family play,” a term commonly used to describe sexual contact between family combinations such as father/son or mother/daughter. When the poster responded positively, the communication then continued on Kik, which is an online messaging platform. The poster’s contact photo was identified as Stewart. A sexually explicit conversation followed that led Stewart indicating he would reserve a hotel room in Fort Smith for the purpose of Stewart having sex with the 13-year-old on March 19, 2016. When Stewart entered the lobby of the Hampton Inn, he was taken into custody. Following Stewart’s arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and seized numerous electronic devices. On those devices, law enforcement found videos containing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving minors, including oral sex and anal penetration between minors and between minors and adults. Stewart previously worked in the Sebastian County prosecutor’s office before serving as Sebastian County District Court Judge in Fort Smith. Following his time on the bench Stewart also worked as a public defender for Crawford County and more recently for Sebastian County. The case was investigated by the FBI and Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Crews. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar Twitter: @EDARNEWS


title: Three Charged in $1.5 Million Conspiracy to Fraudulently Claim Tax Refunds

component: USAO - Tennessee, Middle

body_text: NASHVILLE – A federal grand jury returned an indictment last month charging Darwing Dubon-Castro, 32, and Josselyn Zamora-Carranza, 28, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Carlos Rodriguez, 22, of Antioch, Tennessee, with conspiracy to commit fraud and to defraud the United States and passing forged United States Treasury checks. Dubon was also charged with wire and mail fraud and aggravated identity theft related to the filing of fraudulent federal income tax returns, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. Defendants Zamora-Carranza and Rodriguez were arrested on October 26 and made appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Defendant Dubon-Castro was arrested and made his initial appearance yesterday. According to the indictment, from February 2019 to October 2023, the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain tax refunds from the IRS by filing tax returns using others’ stolen identities and false wage information. The indictment alleges that Dubon filed these tax returns with the IRS and directed the IRS to send the refunds to himself and his co-defendants. As a result of their scheme, the defendants defrauded the IRS of more than $1.5 million. After receiving the tax refund checks, Dubon, Zamora, and Rodriguez used forged identification documents so that they could cash the tax refund checks. During the execution of search warrants, federal agents found over 100 such false identifications. If convicted, Dubon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the fraud charges and a mandatory 2 years in prison for the aggravated identity theft, and Zamora and Rodriguez each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. All defendants also face a $250,000 fine on each count. This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell T. Galloway is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. #####


title: Russian and Moldovan National Pleads Guilty to Operating Illegal Botnet Proxy Service that Infected Tens of Thousands of Internet-Connected Devices Around the World

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Russian and Moldovan national pled guilty to three counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(5)(A) Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers. The FBI today revealed US law enforcement’s dismantlement of a botnet proxy network and its infrastructure associated with the IPStorm malware. According to online reports, the botnet infrastructure had infected Windows systems then further expanded to infect Linux, Mac, and Android devices, victimizing computers and other electronic devices around the world, including in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. In connection with the operation of that IPStorm malware and botnet proxy service, on September 18, 2023, Sergei Makinin, a Russian and Moldovan national, pled guilty to three counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(5)(A), knowingly causing the transmission of a program that intentionally caused damage without authorization to protected computers. Each count of conviction carries a statutory maximum of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. According to court documents, from at least June 2019 through December 2022, Makinin developed and deployed malicious software to hack thousands of Internet-connected devices around the world, including in Puerto Rico. Makinin controlled these infected devices as part of an extensive botnet, which is a network of compromised devices. The main purpose of the botnet was to turn infected devices into proxies as part of a for-profit scheme, which made access to these proxies available through Makinin’s websites, proxx.io and proxx.net. Through those websites, Makinin sold illegitimate access to the infected, controlled devices to customers seeking to hide their Internet activities. A single customer could pay hundreds of dollars a month to route traffic through thousands of infected computers. Makinin’s publicly-accessible website advertised that he had over 23,000 “highly anonymous” proxies from all over the world. Makinin acknowledged that he gained at least $550,000 from the scheme. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Makinin will forfeit cryptocurrency wallets linked to the offense. “This investigation shows that we will use every lawful tool at our disposal to disrupt cybercriminals, regardless of their location,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow. “This case serves as a warning that the reach of the law is long, and criminals anywhere who use computers to commit crimes may end up facing the consequences of their actions in places they did not anticipate.” “It is no secret that in present times, much criminal activity is conducted or enabled through cybernetic means. Cybercriminals seek to remain anonymous and derive a sense of security because they hide behind keyboards, often thousands of miles away from their victims,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The FBI’s cyber mission has been to impose risk and consequences on our adversaries, ensuring cyberspace is no safe space for criminal activity. This case is one example of how we are doing just that, and I’d like to thank the DOJ’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, and the FBI San Juan Cyber Team for their meticulous and relentless work in this case.” The scope of the law enforcement dismantlement was limited to disabling the defendant’s infrastructure and did not extend to the information of the owners and users of the computers. The FBI emphasizes the importance of keeping computers updated with the latest security patches and operating systems. The case was investigated by the FBI San Juan Cyber Team, with cooperation from the FBI legal attaché office in Madrid in coordination with the Spanish National Police-Cyber Attack Group; and the FBI Legal Attaché office in Santo Domingo, in coordination with the Dominican National Police-Interpol and Dominican National Police-International Organized Crime Division, and Ministry of the Interior and Police-Immigration Directorate. Valuable assistance was provided by the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA.net), including Bitdefender DRACO Team, Anomali Threat Research, and Intezer. The NCFTA is an alliance of business and law enforcement working together to disrupt cybercrime. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Jonathan Gottfried of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Senior Counsel Jane Lee and Jeff Pearlman of the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, with assistance from the Office of International Affairs. ###


title: Two Indicted for Separate Threats Against Judges

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: Two individuals have been charged with making threats against federal judges in the Northern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. First, Alice Marie Pence, 67, of Port Charlotte, Florida, was charged with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce and with intending to influence a federal official by threat. According to her indictment, Ms. Pence made a phone call in which she threatened to kill a U.S. District Judge with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the performance of his official duties. Second, Daniel Ray Garcia, 44, currently in Texas state prison in Midway, Texas, was charged with two counts of mailing a threatening communication. According to his indictment, Mr. Garcia mailed a letter threatening to kill or injure a different U.S. District Judge. Ms. Pence is scheduled to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, and Mr. Garcia made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno on Thursday, November 9, 2023. An indictment is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Ms. Pence faces up to 15 years in federal prison, and Mr. Garcia faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht is prosecuting both cases.


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To More Than 36 Years In Federal Prison For Producing And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle has sentenced Mark Peterson (30, Tampa) to 36 years and 8 months in federal prison for production and distribution of child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Peterson to forfeit electronic devices used during the offense and pay $22,419.44 in restitution. Peterson had pleaded guilty on May 23, 2023. According to court documents, between 2017 and 2018, through the social media application Facebook, Peterson enticed and coerced a 16-year-old victim to produce sexually explicit images and videos of herself. In 2020, through the social media application Discord, Peterson traded images and videos of children, including toddlers and babies, being sexually abused. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Minnesota Owner of Lighting Installation Business Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Minnesota man pleaded guilty yesterday for attempting to evade his federal income taxes by submitting an incomplete bankruptcy filing. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2000 until 2023, Robert Schlosser, of Prior Lake, owned and operated a business that installs Christmas lighting, special event lighting and decoration displays for its customers. In 2018, Schlosser filed for bankruptcy and listed the IRS as a creditor for his unpaid federal income taxes. As part of the bankruptcy, Schlosser was required to sign and file, under penalty of perjury, a bankruptcy petition and schedules providing information regarding his assets, income and other financial affairs. Schlosser attempted to evade the payment of his delinquent taxes by filing false bankruptcy schedules that concealed assets to hinder IRS collection efforts. In total, Schlosser admitted that his conduct resulted in a tax loss to the IRS of $429,848. Schlosser faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Thomas Flynn and Samuel Robins of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Colin Kreuziger of the U.S. Trustee Program.


title: Recidivist Cocaine Trafficker Convicted Of Sending Hundreds Of Kilograms Of Cocaine Hidden Inside Furniture

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction in Manhattan federal court of OMAR LOPEZ CASTRO for his participation in a cocaine trafficking scheme between 2018 and 2022. The jury convicted LOPEZ CASTRO following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel. Sentencing of LOPEZ CASTRO is scheduled for February 22, 2024. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The unanimous jury verdict holds Omar Lopez Castro accountable for his leadership role in a widespread cocaine trafficking organization that flooded the streets with hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine. After serving a 10-year sentence for a prior SDNY cocaine trafficking conviction, Lopez Castro returned to trafficking hundreds of kilograms of his cocaine, this time hidden inside of furniture. He now faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence for his crime.” According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment and the evidence presented in court during the trial: LOPEZ CASTRO was a member of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) that engaged in a cocaine-trafficking scheme between 2018 and 2022 involving the concealment of cocaine inside custom-built furniture. Between in or about September 2018 and October 2022, the DTO sent more than 30 shipments of cargo from Puerto Rico to the continental United States. The cocaine was concealed in more than approximately 80 custom cube-shaped coffee tables or other furniture. While the organization falsely represented that the cargo contained furniture, that furniture in fact concealed hundred-kilogram quantities of cocaine. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 350 kilograms of cocaine from four of the DTO’s shipments. In total, the DTO shipped approximately 4,500 kilograms of cocaine, worth at least $135,000,000 on the street. Many of the organization’s shipments were sent to addresses in the Southern District of New York including in Yonkers and the Bronx. Others were sent up and down the East Coast. LOPEZ CASTRO was a Puerto Rico-based member of the DTO who owned approximately 274 kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Soon after his release from federal prison from a prior conviction in the Southern District of New York for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York, LOPEZ CASTRO connected with other members of the DTO and hired the DTO members to ship his cocaine inside of custom-built furniture. All told, the street value of cocaine that LOPEZ CASTRO owned and trafficked was more than $8 million. * * * LOPEZ CASTRO, 48, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, was found guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute narcotics, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in this investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juliana N. Murray and Andrew Jones, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Jacqueline Hauck and Sabrina Jim Munoz, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: South Carolina Man Found Guilty of Obstruction and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man was convicted on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, of one felony and four misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Derek Cooper Gunby, 43, of Anderson, South Carolina, was convicted by a jury of one count of obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony, and four misdemeanor counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman will sentence Gunby on March 1, 2024. According to evidence presented during the trial, Gunby drove from his residence in South Carolina to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021. On the morning of January 6th, Gunby posted a photo of himself in fatigues traveling on the Metro, with the caption, “Up at Zero Dark Thirty to stop this steal.” Gunby attended the “Stop the Steal” rally and afterward headed toward the U.S. Capitol building. Gunby entered the restricted grounds on the west side of the Capitol at around 2:15 p.m. and approached the northwest stairs. Gunby narrated a recording on his phone stating, “I think that the building’s been breached. . . . We’re trying to head up and get in there. The scaffolding up there is just crawling with people and these steps, they’ve already made it up all the way up the stairs. And tear gas has been deployed over here. As Gunby made his way up the northwest stairs, he continued to narrate the scene, “We’re on the Capitol steps… and we are trying to storm the Capitol building. We’re taking the country back. You don’t get to do this to my country and not suffer consequences.” Gunby then made his way into the Northwest Courtyard, where he joined the crowd of rioters pushing their way into the Capitol building through the Senate Parliamentarian Door. As he moved closer and closer towards the building’s entrance, Gunby explained, “We’ve got some breaches in the Capitol building… in which I’m about to go, because enough is enough… We’re depending on Mike Pence to do the right thing in certifying this vote? No.” Gunby also encouraged other rioters in front of him to push their way into the Capitol building by shouting, “Push forward! Push forward!” At around 2:58 p.m., Gunby entered the Capitol building via the Senate Parliamentarian Door and recorded video as he moved further into the building. However, police positioned further down the hallway forced rioters out of the building. At approximately 3:01 p.m., officers pushed Gunby and the rest of the rioters back out of the Senate Parliamentarian Door. Immediately after his expulsion from the building, Gunby remained on Capitol grounds and made his way to the Upper West Terrace. From that vantage point, Gunby witnessed rioters and police clash below and joined in a “Police stand down!” chant. He then moved closer to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, closer to where the violence was taking place, and recorded additional video of the confrontations between police and rioters. Gunby remained on restricted Capitol grounds for well over two hours. Shortly after the riot, Gunby recorded a video while on the Metro. During the video, Gunby spoke for almost ten minutes about the riot and why he believed it occurred. Gunby stated, in part, that “We all pretty much surrounded the Capitol. We are at a point now in this country where they are going to listen to us, they have to listen to us” and “If the American patriot wanted to storm this Capitol, take over this building, and take care of all of Congress in there, they could do it. They could do it…” The FBI arrested Gunby on Aug. 10, 2021, in South Carolina. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. In the 34 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,200 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 400 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. ###


title: Former Oil City Resident Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Conviction of Robbery and Firearm Offenses

body_text: ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Oil City, Pennsylvania, plead guilty and has been sentenced to 96 months in prison on his conviction of Hobbs Act robbery and violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Mark Daniel Fenstermaker, 39. According to information presented to the court, on or about October 14, 2021, Fenstermaker committed a robbery of Spanky’s Tobacco World in Venango County, Pennsylvania and used or carried a firearm which was brandished in furtherance of the robbery. 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. Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Oil City Police Department, and Venango County District Attorney’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fenstermaker.


title: Missoula meth trafficker sentenced to 11 years in prison

body_text: MISSOULA — A Missoula man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found the drug in a backpack he had discarded was sentenced on Monday to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. Robert Dean Spearson, 40, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The government alleged in court documents that on Nov. 21, 2021, members of the Montana Violent Offenders Task Force attempted to arrest Spearson in Missoula. Spearson fled from officers and was found and arrested in an apartment. The apartment’s owner said Spearson has been in possession of a black backpack. Officers located the backpack and found approximately 77 grams of meth in separate baggies, a digital scale, empty small plastic baggies, a safe key, $660 cash, a laptop that listed Spearson as the user. An empty holster was attached to the outside of the backpack. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Missoula Police Department 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. XXX


title: Pine Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced that Tony Jake Jr. pled guilty to abusive sexual contact. Jake, 75, of Pine Hill, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to court records, on May 28, 2022, Jane Doe, a child under the age of 12, reported to her mother that she had been sexually assaulted by a man she did not know during a church service. Special Agents from the FBI responded and began interviewing individuals who had seen Jane Doe that day. One witness reported that they had noticed Jane Doe was not with the other children and when they went to find her, they found her with Jake and that Jane Doe was visibly upset. In his plea agreement, Jake admitted that he had approached Jane Doe, that he touched her inappropriately and that she was upset by his conduct. At sentencing, Jake faces any term of years up to life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-264


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Meeting Of The Western District's Health Care Fraud Working Group

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced a meeting of the Western District’s Health Care Fraud Working Group, which focuses on combating health care fraud in the Western District of North Carolina. The working group is a multi-agency team of federal and state investigators, analysts, auditors, and attorneys with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division, and the North Carolina Department of Insurance. At today’s meeting of the working group, U.S. Attorney King welcomed partner agencies and thanked agency representatives for their participation. “Today, we strengthen an important partnership to combat health care fraud in the Western District of North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney King. “As health care fraud schemes increase in scope and sophistication, we are vigorously responding to this escalating crime with innovative and well-coordinated investigative efforts to identify and prosecute fraud effectively and efficiently. I want to thank all the partner agencies for dedicating their resources and expertise to the working group. This is an important step in our fight to protect taxpayer dollars, shield government-funded health care programs from fraud and abuse, hold bad actors responsible for their misdeeds, and deter future misconduct.” The mission of the working group is to identify and bring to justice those who defraud the health care system and reduce the potential for health care fraud and abuse in the future. The working group focuses on the coordination of cases, information sharing, identification of trends in health care fraud throughout the region, staffing of all whistle blower complaints, and the creation of investigative teams so that individual agencies may focus their unique areas of expertise on investigations. Examples of joint investigations include false billings, COVID-19 fraud, violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and other schemes that victimize patients, health care providers, private insurers and government insurers, such as Medicare, TRICARE, and Medicaid. The working group also focuses on fraud committed by both corporate and individual defendants, including hospitals, telemedicine companies and providers, nursing home chains, pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers, durable medical equipment suppliers, individual physicians, therapists, and affiliated health care professionals. The working group builds upon existing partnerships between the agencies and its work reflects a heightened effort to reduce health care fraud and recover taxpayer dollars. If you suspect Medicare or Medicaid fraud, please report it by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), or via email at HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov . To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320 or fill out an online complaint form . TRICARE fraud can be reported here . Fraud against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system can be reported at www.vaoig.gov/hotline .