title: Former Assistant Dean Sentenced To 36 Months In Prison For Million-Dollar Embezzlement From Essex County Graduate School

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former assistant dean of an Essex County graduate school was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in prison for defrauding her former employer of more than $1.3 million, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Teresina DeAlmeida, 59, of Warren, New Jersey and her co-conspirators, Rose Martins, 44, of East Hanover, New Jersey, and Silvia Cardoso, 61, of Warren, NJ, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in Newark federal court. “The defendant abused her position of trust as an assistant dean to orchestrate an elaborate embezzlement scheme for more than a decade. In doing so, she and her co-conspirators stole more than $1.3 million intended to benefit the school and its students. My office is committed to relentlessly prosecuting those who commit financial frauds.” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger “By choosing to utilize her position for illicit profit, Teresina DeAlmeida chose to enrich herself first and serve the students of the University last,” stated Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “Financial fraud like this will not be tolerated and IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out and investigate these financial crimes.” “Trust is an intangible thing, a faith that people who have access to large sums of money won't steal it. DeAlmeida took funds meant for students at the university and did so for more than a decade,” FBI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Nelson I. Delgado said. “Students and most average citizens cannot see into finances of institutions, to question where it's going and why it's missing. The FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners have the tools to investigate wrongdoing and hold accountable those who don't think anyone will notice $1.3 million is missing.” “I am proud of the contribution of OIG Special Agents in holding former Assistant Dean DeAlmeida accountable for her criminal actions. Her willful diversion and theft of funds that were intended for the school and its students was completely unacceptable,” said John Carlo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Regional Office. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of Federal education funds.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Between 2009 and July 2022, DeAlmeida, Martins, and Cardoso conspired to fraudulently misappropriate more than $1.3 million from their former employer, a graduate school of a university in Essex County, New Jersey. During the scheme, DeAlmeida was an assistant dean responsible for financial functions, and Martins served as her assistant. Cardoso, DeAlmeida’s sister, was also employed by the graduate school in a support staff role. The defendants used a variety of methods to defraud the university. For instance: • Beginning in 2009, DeAlmeida directed a graduate school vendor to pay Martins and Cardoso as though they worked for the vendor, even though they did not perform any services. DeAlmeida and Martins then caused the vendor to submit false invoices to the graduate school over the course of approximately four years to reimburse the vendor for the amounts fraudulently paid to Martins and Cardoso. • From 2010 through 2022, DeAlmeida and Martins directed graduate school vendors to order hundreds of thousands of dollars of gift cards and prepaid debit cards the co-conspirators used for their personal benefit, and then to submit fraudulent invoices to the school purporting to be for goods and services that were never provided. The co-conspirators also misused DeAlmeida’s school-issued credit card to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from the school’s bookstore. DeAlmeida routinely fraudulently approved these charges and Martins forged the signatures of other employees on internal approvals. • In 2015, Martins opened a shell entity called CMS Content Management Specialist LLC. Although CMS never rendered any services to the graduate school, Martins submitted, and DeAlmeida approved, fraudulent invoices totaling more than $208,000. • The co-conspirators also used DeAlmeida’s school-issued credit card to make tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized personal purchases. For example, DeAlmeida and Martins used the card to make over $70,000 in purchases at an online retailer shipped directly to their homes, including woman’s shoes, smart watches, and bed linens. DeAlmeida and Martins fraudulently altered certain receipts before submitting them to the school for payment. In addition to the prison term, Judge Neals sentenced DeAlmeida to 2 years of supervised release and ordered restitution of approximately $1,397,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Internal Revenue Services, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark; and special agents of the Department of Education, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge John Carlo with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Silane and Aja Espinosa of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.


title: Former Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Multimillion Dollar Scheme to Defraud COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Program

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Richard Hebert, Jr., age 57, of Harvey, Louisiana, to 84 months in federal prison following his conviction for making a false statement to a bank in connection with numerous fraudulent applications that he filed to obtain funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Court further sentenced Hebert to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered him to pay $2,450,639.93 in restitution to the United States Small Business Administration. Previously in the investigation, the United States seized a significant share of the proceeds from the offense, as well as a residence in New Orleans, and three vehicles, including a 2013 Ghost Rolls Royce, a Lexus ES 350, and Ford F-250. According to court documents, between April of 2020 and July of 2020, Hebert submitted at least 12 fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of seven different companies to five different banks seeking more than $4.2 million in PPP loan funds, that were designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On these applications, Hebert made false representations regarding his businesses and their operations. In support of these fraudulent applications, Hebert created false tax forms and other documents, which included the real personal identifiable information of people to facilitate his crime. Hebert’s pandemic fraud scheme caused a loss of more than $2.4 million. United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe stated, “This strong sentence is a testament to the significant crime that this former law enforcement officer committed. Hebert was trained to serve and protect but instead he took advantage of a government safety net program to line his own pockets during the worst pandemic in over a century. Prosecuting pandemic fraud is a high priority for our office and we will continue to use every resource available to investigate and prosecute those who commit this type of crime. I want to commend our prosecutors and the team of agents for their diligent work in bringing this defendant to justice.” This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica M.P. Thornhill, who also serves as the Deputy Chief of the Economic Crime Unit, M. Patricia Jones, who also serves as the Appellate Chief, and Brad Casey. Anyone with information about allegations of pandemic fraud can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine

body_text: United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Marco Godinez, age 36, of Houston, Texas, to 60 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. The Court further sentenced Godinez to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on November 8, 2022, Godinez was pulled over by an Iberville Parish law enforcement officer for a traffic violation. He voluntarily consented to a search of his vehicle after being advised that he would receive a traffic warning violation. During the search of Godinez’s truck bed, officers found five kilograms of cocaine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jene C. Clayton.


title: Colorado Man Sentenced to 22 years for Kidnapping Employee from Michael Bloomberg’s Ranch

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHEYENNE⎯ U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Joseph Beecher, 51, of Craig, Colorado to 264 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow, for the kidnapping of a woman from Michael Bloomberg’s ranch in February 2022. Beecher was convicted of kidnapping, carjacking, using/carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and transportation of stolen firearms following a three-day trial that ended on Aug. 28 with a guilty verdict. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Beecher lived and worked at an apartment complex in Craig, Colorado. In the early morning hours of Feb. 2, 2022, Beecher was informed by his employer that his services were no longer needed. Beecher broke into his employer’s home and stole two firearms, including a Bushmaster AR-style rifle. Beecher then drove to a ranch in Colorado owned by Michael Bloomberg, intent on killing Mr. Bloomberg, but finding only a female employee present on the property. Beecher took the woman hostage at gunpoint and forced her to drive him to various locations to locate and kill another media mogul in Colorado. Unable to find his second target, Beecher eventually forced the woman at gunpoint to drive him to the Stage Coach Motel in Cheyenne, where Beecher could rest and figure out his next criminal act. In the early morning hours of February 3, 2022, SWAT officers with the Cheyenne Police Department rescued the woman and arrested Beecher at the motel. The woman was physically unharmed. Beecher was indicted on March 17, 2022, and pleaded not guilty on March 21, 2022. The FBI, Cheyenne Police Department, Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Craig Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Vierbuchen prosecuted 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN Case No. 22-CR-00028


title: Miami Importer Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Evade U.S. Tariffs on Chinese-Made Truck Tires

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Today, Hector Samuel Esquijerosa, 52, a resident of Miami, pled guilty for his participation in a conspiracy to smuggle merchandise into the United States by means of false and fraudulent invoices presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency in charge of collecting import duties. According to court documents, between September 2018 and January 2023, Esquijerosa owned and operated two Miami-based companies in the business of importing tractor-trailer truck tires into the United States, Production Tire Company and Premier Trade Corporation. In court, Esquijerosa admitted that he conspired with others, including brokers, suppliers and wholesalers of truck tires located in China, Canada and the United Kingdom to evade anti-dumping and countervailing duties, or tariffs, applicable to truck tires manufactured in China that his companies illegally imported into the United States and sold to customers in the Southern District of Florida and elsewhere. In order to conceal the true origin of the imported truck tires, Esquijerosa and his co-conspirators caused the Chinese-origin truck tires to be transshipped to the United States through third countries, including Canada and Malaysia. Esquijerosa and his co-conspirators would then file, or cause to filed with CBP, documents that falsely and fraudulently represented that the Chinese truck tires originated in countries other than China. In many instances, Esquijerosa and his co-conspirators created two sets of invoices—one that falsely and fraudulently undervalued the truck tires and was presented to CBP for calculation of the appropriate duty, and the second that reflected the actual value of the truck tires. The scheme resulted in a loss of revenue to the United States in excess of $1.9 million. Esquijerosa pled guilty to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. A sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 24, 2025. Esquijerosa faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from CBP’s Automotive and Aerospace Center of Excellence and Expertise. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aimee Jimenez is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Raemy Charest-Turken is handling the forfeiture of assets in the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-cr-20436. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Sentencing in Shiprock Homicide Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Pine Hill man has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for a fatal stabbing of John Doe in 2023 during a gathering in Shiprock, New Mexico. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Kirtie Cohoe , 48, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, fatally stabbed John Doe during a gathering at a relative's home in Shiprock, New Mexico. During an altercation in the relative’s kitchen, Cohoe lost self-control and attacked Doe with a knife. After the incident, Cohoe fled the scene on foot, taking the weapon with him. The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations (NDCI) and the FBI found John Doe deceased at the home with multiple stab wounds. Cohoe was later apprehended in nearby woods, where he was found with blood on his clothing. The knife was recovered near Cohoe ’s wallet, and DNA analysis later linked Cohoe to the knife's handle. Cohoe has admitted to causing John Doe's death. Upon his release from prison, Cohoe will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Mark Probasco are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Nine Eastern District of New York Employees and One Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Receive the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Director's Award

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Seven Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), a Public Affairs Officer, a Victim Witness Specialist, and a former AUSA from the Eastern District of New York, were among those recognized by the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) as recipients of the 39 th Annual Director’s Awards. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated: “I am filled with pride and admiration for the honorees whose outstanding work has furthered the mission of our Office and the Department of Justice through aggressive, fair, and compassionate enforcement of the law, and dedication to crime prevention and reentry initiatives.” EOUSA Director Stephanie Hinds stated: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all the award recipients. This recognition is a testament to your hard work, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment for advancing the Department of Justice’s mission.” Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney – Civil Division AUSAs David Cooper and Dara Olds are recognized for their exceptional work defending the government’s interest in Campos, et al. v. Kijikazi . The case involved the Social Security Administration’s response to the global pandemic and the continuation of benefits for those in the Supplemental Security Income program. Superior Performance by a Litigative Team – U.S. v. UBS Securities LLC et al. AUSAs Michael Castiglione, Richard Hayes, Edward Newman, Bonni Perlin and former AUSA Melanie Speight, together with AUSAs Austin Hall and Andres Sandoval from the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agents Joseph Della Penna and Ines Cabral with the Federal Housing Finance Agency—Office of Inspector General, are recognized for reaching a $1.435 billion settlement to resolve claims that UBS made misrepresentations to investors in the sale of residential mortgage-backed securities. The settlement redressed UBS’s fraudulent conduct and serves to deter similar conduct in the future. Superior Performance in Prevention and Reentry Activities In support of the Office’s commitment to rehabilitation, community reintegration and reducing recidivism, the Reentry Team of AUSA Nomi Berenson, Public Affairs Officer Danielle Blustein Hass and Victim Witness Specialist Gladian Rivera guided the 2023 launch of the Eastern District’s Reentry Initiative. The groundbreaking initiative includes establishing the RAISE court, which is short for Reentry Assistance and Initiatives Supporting Everyone. Presided over by the Honorable LaShann DeArcy Hall, this court helps to provide resources to formerly incarcerated federal inmates identified as being at the highest risk of violence and recidivating. The team also conducts quarterly forums at Brooklyn House, the local federal Residential Reentry Center, in which returning citizens share their post-prison reentry experiences and service providers advise of available reentry services. In addition, the team has hosted reentry simulations for the Office and outside organizations to improve community understanding of the challenges encountered by individuals returning to society after incarceration. EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorney’s offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao . For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny .


title: Myrtle Beach Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for $1.2M Wire Fraud and Tax Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. —Troy Benjamin Bittner, 55, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that from November 2020 to December 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bittner was employed as a general manager at the Carolina Pines RV Resort in Conway. During that time, when it was not uncommon for guests to cancel reservations, he fraudulently generated $828,516.00 in customer refunds that were neither authorized nor requested by guests for completed reservations. After generating the fraudulent refunds, Bittner then wired the refunds to his personal bank accounts. Bittner also stole cash from the Carolina Pines RV Resort’s cloud-based point-of-sale system and documented it as refunds. In addition, in both 2020 and 2021, Bittner electronically filed with the IRS a Form 1040 in which he substantially understated his total income for calendar years 2020 and 2021, resulting in a total tax loss of $281,727.00. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Bittner to 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Bittner was ordered to pay a total of $1,219,894.72 in restitution. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Former Chief Executive Officer Of Grand Rapids Investment Firm Sent To Federal Prison For Fraud

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Gifford “Chip” Cummings, Jr. also was ordered to repay $5,755,477 to victims GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Gifford “Chip” Cummings, Jr., age 61, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and $5,755,477 in restitution for executing a scheme to defraud investor clients at Red Oak Capital. “Mr. Cummings deliberately cheated investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for his personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Financial fraud is a serious problem, and my office will not hesitate to prosecute fraudsters whose schemes inflict devastating financial harm on legit businesses and honest investors.” Cummings pleaded guilty to executing a scheme to defraud while serving as President and CEO of a Grand Rapids, Michigan investment firm. Cummings put $5 million of client money in an unauthorized investment in December 2019. The investment immediately began to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in value. When his business partners learned of the secret investment, they demanded that Cummings retrieve the money and return it to the firm. Instead of doing so, Cummings submitted altered account statements to make it appear that his unauthorized investment was performing better than it was to hide the mounting losses. Cummings also created a fake document purporting to show that he had sought the return of the investors’ money when in fact he had not. Ultimately, the firm was able to recoup only $761,522.90 of its initial investment. During the firm’s investigation of Cummings’ crime, it was discovered that he also failed to repay a $1,350,000 debt. Cummings made it appear as though the debt had been repaid when in truth, he had deposited that money into a bank account he controlled. “Today's sentencing of Gifford (Chip) Cummings, a former executive at a Michigan-based investment firm, highlights the FBI's unwavering commitment to addressing both financial and cybercrimes, especially those perpetrated by individuals in positions of trust,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “This case, involving wire fraud, unauthorized investments, and illegal access to computer networks, resulted in millions of dollars in losses. The investigation, spearheaded by the Detroit Field Office Cyber Task Force and the Grand Rapids Resident Agency, was crucial in securing a successful prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. The FBI remains steadfast in pursuing justice and safeguarding Michigan communities from those who exploit their trusted positions.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Davin Reust and Chris O’Connor prosecuted it. # # #


title: Wire fraud, extortion indictment highlights dangers of elder fraud

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: A Chinese national has been indicted for his role in a multi-state scheme that swindled more than $1 million by targeting senior citizens. Xiao Kun Cheung , 58, is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, Receiving the Proceeds of Extortion, and Possession of Controlled Substances, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a statutory penalty upon conviction of up to 20 years in prison and substantial financial penalties, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. “This indictment uncovers a financially devastating scheme that targeted seniors up to 92 years old. It represents just a fraction of the multitude of victims of elder fraud each year in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to protecting vulnerable citizens from the predation of scam artists.” Originally indicted in September, the superseding federal indictment returned in December by the Southern District Grand Jury alleges that Cheung was part of a conspiracy that targeted elderly victims in multiple cities including Savannah and Pooler, Georgia; Naples, Florida; and Cleveland, Tennessee. The conspirators initially contacted seniors through phone calls or pop-up messages on their computers, falsely claiming that the victim’s computer or financial accounts had been compromised. The conspirators, claiming to provide assistance to the seniors, then persuaded the elderly victims to withdraw large sums of money, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars to deliver to a conspirator for safekeeping by a government agency. Cheung was arrested in March while attempting to pick up approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler. As discussed in court documents and testimony, Cheung is a previously deported Chinese national illegally present in the United States. He currently is being held in federal custody awaiting further court proceedings. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), in 2023, victims older than age 60 represented the largest single age group targeted by fraud, losing more than $3.5 billion – an almost 11 percent increase from 2022, with more than $92 million in losses to senior victims in Georgia alone. The average dollar loss of each elderly victim was nearly $34,000. Significantly, law enforcement officials believe the amount of fraud is significantly higher than reported because many victims are embarrassed or afraid to report the crime. Scams commonly targeting older adults include: Government imposter fraud, in which individuals falsely claim to represent a government agency such as Social Security, the Internal Revenue Service, Medicaid, or local, state, or federal law enforcement, contact a person to “warn” them of alleged suspicious activity and take possession of money or other items of value from the victim for “safekeeping”; Tech support scams, with telemarketers claiming to help “hacking” victims, or notifying the victim of false lottery winnings or other prizes; and, Romance scams, in which scammers use dating sites, social networks, or chat rooms to contact older adults and build online relationships so the scammer can persuade the victim to send them money. To avoid falling victim to these and other scams, the Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative advises potential victims and their caregivers to: Accept computer or other technical support only from known, trusted individuals or from a person you’ve hired for that purpose; Scammers falsely claim you must act immediately; before taking any action to purportedly help a grandchild or other relative or friend, check with that person or that person’s relation by phone to validate the request; If a caller claims to be from an established organization such as a charity or law enforcement, look up the number of the organization independently and call them to verify the request; Consider it a red flag if the caller insists on secrecy. Never allow anyone to discourage you from seeking information, verification, and counsel from family or friends before making any financial transaction; The federal government will never call you on the phone to ask for personal information or to threaten you; Do not send money, gift cards, or wire transfers to anyone you’ve met only online; and, Do not click on links sent to you in unsolicited emails or text messages. Those who believe they have been, or who may know, victims of elder fraud are asked to call 911 in an emergency, or contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). Educational resources on elder fraud and abuse are available online at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice . This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Pooler Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darron J. Hubbard and Matthew A. Josephson.


title: Pediatric Dentist Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: ATLANTA - Paul Kim, a pediatric dentist, has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing thousands of images and videos of minors, including some 12 years old and younger, engaging in sexually-explicit activity. “Parents entrusted their children to Kim for pediatric care, while unbeknownst to them, he was amassing thousands of images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our Office is committed to prioritizing the prosecution of sexual predators who exploit and abuse children and to achieving a measure of justice for families impacted by these horrific sex crimes.” “This case is particularly disturbing because it is an example that child predators come from all walks of life,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentencing demonstrates that no person is above the law. Regardless of employment, wealth, or social status, the FBI will continue to seek out all individuals who seek to abuse children and victimize them through the downloading and possession of child pornography.” According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: An FBI investigation of Paul Kim resulted from a broader investigation into a commercial sexual exploitation ring which advertised and sold child pornography on several online platforms. FBI Special agents identified Kim as one of the suspected purchasers of the material. In December 2023, the agents executed a search warrant for Kim and his residence in Sandy Springs, Georgia, seizing approximately 30 electronic devices. The agents located about 1,948 images and 798 videos of child sexual assault material on these devices. Several videos in Kim’s possession depicted prepubescent girls forced to engage in sexual acts with adult males or objects. Paul Bogeun Kim, 31, of Sandy Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. to three years, two months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was convicted of possession of child pornography, after he pleaded guilty to the charge on August 23, 2024. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr. prosecuted the case. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Five Current and Former Correctional Officers and One Nurse Indicted for Federal Civil Rights Violations

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A two-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging five current and former correctional officers and one correctional nurse with federal civil rights violations. The indictment alleges that, on Aug. 6, 2023, former Garvin County Jail (GCJ) Sergeant Jennifer Baxter, former GCJ Deputies Alesha Danielle Ingram and Vincent Matthews and former GCJ Nurse Lynnsee Noel, while acting in their official capacity at the GCJ, in Garvin County, Oklahoma, violated the constitutional rights of a pretrial detainee, identified in the indictment as K.T., by being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious physical harm to K.T. at the hands of other inmates. This offense resulted in K.T. suffering bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that, on Aug. 6 and 7, 2023, Baxter, Ingram, Matthews, Noel and two additional jailers, current GCJ Sergeant Melissa Melton and current GCJ Deputy Paula Kelley, while acting in their official capacity, were deliberately indifferent to K.T.’s serious medical needs, willfully failing to ensure that K.T. was provided with necessary medical care. This offense resulted in bodily injury to K.T. and, ultimately, her death. If convicted, all defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma and Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office is investigating the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Julia Barry and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorneys Laura Gilson and Trevor Kempner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Second Member Of Multi-State Gas Pump Skimming Device And Fuel Theft Ring Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Identity Theft And Fraud Charges

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Luis Edel Trujillo Pena (29, Miami) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Pena faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count, up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy count and a minimum penalty of 2 years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count, and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendants defrauded. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Pena and his co-conspirators worked together to install skimmers on gas pumps at gas stations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Northern Florida, including the Florida Panhandle. The conspirators used the skimmers to illegally obtain credit and debit card account numbers connected with the purchase of fuel by customers at the gas pump. Using the account numbers stolen by the skimmers, Pena and his co-conspirators made counterfeit credit and debit cards. Pena then distributed the counterfeit credit and debit cards to his co-conspirators to purchase large amount of diesel fuel. During the conspiracy, Pena and others drove vehicles that contained a fuel bladder system. This system allowed the conspirators to fake pumping gas into the vehicle’s gas tank when in fact the diesel fuel was being pumped into the fuel bladder system. Analysis by law enforcement of fuel purchases, vehicle tracker data, gas station video surveillance, and real time surveillance of the conspirators determined that Pena and other conspirators drove to multiple gas stations throughout Northern Florida. After obtaining the gas, Pena directed the conspirators to offload the stolen fuel into 9,500-gallon tanker trucks at a fuel yard. The stolen fuel was then sold to a gas station associated with one of the co-conspirators. Deonelky Tabares Cid (36, Tampa) previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, six counts of access device fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft for his role in this case. He is pending sentencing. Deyvis Hernandez (37, Miami), Luis Ernesto Vigil Ochoa (32, Miami), and Isvaldo Guerra Perdomo (38, Jacksonville) are set for trial in January 2025. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, U.S. General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Healthcare Facility Services Provider to Resolve Citizenship Status Discrimination Claims

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it secured an agreement with Pennsylvania-based HCSG East LLC and its parent company, Healthcare Services Group Inc. (HCSG), a nationwide provider of housekeeping, laundry and food services for healthcare and nursing facilities. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that HCSG discriminated against non-U.S. citizens with permission to work in the United States when hiring at its Siler City, North Carolina, location, and engaged in unfair practices concerning work authorization documents because of a worker’s status as a non-U.S. citizen. “Employers cannot erect unlawful discriminatory barriers to work that exclude entire categories of workers with permission to work in the United States, based on citizenship status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold employers accountable when they violate our nation’s federal civil rights laws.” After conducting an investigation based on a worker’s complaint, the Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) concluded that HCSG discriminated against a worker by refusing to honor her valid document showing her permission to work because of her citizenship status. IER’s investigation also determined that HCSG had a policy of unlawfully refusing to hire certain workers who had permission to work but were not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents — such as persons granted asylum or refugee status by the federal government — at its Siler City location from at least February 2022 to at least December 2022. Under the settlement, HCSG will pay a civil penalty to the United States, and provide backpay to an affected worker. The agreement also requires HCSG to train its personnel on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)’s requirements, revise its employment policies, broadly recruit workers, avoid unnecessary English-language requirements in its job ads and be subject to departmental monitoring. The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers from asking for specific or unnecessary documents because of a worker’s citizenship, immigration status or national origin when checking permission to work. IER is responsible for enforcing the INA’s anti-discrimination provision. This law prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices ; and retaliation and intimidation . Find more information on how employers can avoid discrimination in recruitment, hiring and employment eligibility verification on IER’s website. Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video . Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify), or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge . The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); email IER@usdoj.gov ; sign up for a live webinar; watch an on-demand presentation ; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Sign up for email updates from IER.


title: El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con un proveedor de servicios para centros de atención médica para resolver acusaciones de discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo con HCSG East LLC, con sede en Pennsylvania, y su empresa matriz, Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HCSG), un proveedor nacional de servicios de limpieza, lavandería y alimentos para centros de atención médica y enfermería. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que HCSG discriminó a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. con permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos cuando estaba contratando para su sucursal en Siler City, North Carolina, y participó en prácticas injustas relacionadas con los documentos de autorización para trabajar debido al estatus de ciudadanía de una no ciudadana de los EE. UU. «De acuerdo con la ley, los empleadores no pueden construir barreras discriminatorias para el trabajo que excluyan a categorías enteras de trabajadores con permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos, tales como a residentes permanentes legales, en función exclusivamente de su estatus de ciudadanía», declaró Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá responsabilizando a los empleadores que vulneren las leyes de derechos civiles de nuestra nación». Después de llevar a cabo una investigación basada en la queja de una trabajadora, la Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés), de la División de Derechos Civiles, concluyó que HCSG discriminó a una trabajadora al negarse a respetar su documento válido que mostraba su permiso para trabajar debido a estatus de ciudadanía. La investigación de la IER también determinó que HCSG tenía una política de negarse ilegalmente a contratar a ciertos trabajadores que tenían permiso para trabajar pero que no eran ciudadanos o residentes permanentes legales de los EE. UU., tales como personas con asilo o estatus de refugiado otorgados por el gobierno federal, en su sucursal en Siler City desde al menos febrero del 2022 hasta al menos diciembre del 2022. En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, HCSG pagará sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y le ofrecerá pagos retroactivos a la trabajadora afectada. El acuerdo también requiere que HCSG capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés), que revise sus políticas de empleo, que reclute a trabajadores de manera más amplia, que evite requisitos innecesarios de inglés en sus anuncios de empleo y que se someta a la supervisión departamental. La disposición antidiscriminación de la INA prohíbe a los empleadores solicitar documentos específicos o innecesarios por motivos de la ciudadanía, el estatus migratorio o la nacionalidad de origen de un trabajador a la hora de comprobar su permiso para trabajar. La IER es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Esta ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión; prácticas documentales injustas ; y represalias e intimidación . Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación en los procesos de contratación, reclutamiento y verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar en el sitio web de la IER. Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto. Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia . El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a IER@usdoj.gov ; inscribirse a un seminario en línea en vivo; visualizar una presentación a la carta; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés and español . Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde la IER.


title: Pike County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Jonancy, Ky., woman, Sasha Adkins, 37, was sentenced on Thursday, to 135 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. According to her plea agreement, on June 16, 2023, law enforcement seized approximately 360 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 28 grams of fentanyl, $4,975 in cash, and 12 firearms, from Adkins’ residence. Adkins possessed the methamphetamine and fentanyl and intended to distribute the drugs. Under federal law, Adkins must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Marion County Man Sentenced To More Than 11 Years For Attempting To Entice A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Joseph Raymond Morin (51, Ocala) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Morin entered a guilty plea on September 5, 2024. According to documents and evidence presented in court, between May 3 and June 26, 2024, Morin communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. Morin engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent. Ultimately, Morin was arrested when he traveled to a pre-determined location in Marion County to meet with the fictitious minor to engage in sexual activity. Morin has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior federal conviction for a firearm offense. “Today’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting children from online predators,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners at all levels, are dedicated to working tirelessly to rescue children.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc.


title: Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced and Ordered to Pay Restitution for Social Security Fraud

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on December 5, 2024, to 30 months of probation and ordered to pay $95,100 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on William Moriarty, 72, of Pittsburgh’s Central Northside neighborhood. According to information presented to the Court, Moriarty was employed and received income during the period August 2010 through May 2018 from a home healthcare company owned by a family member while also receiving disability benefits from the SSA. He repeatedly failed to inform the SSA of his employment, ensuring his receipt of at least $95,100 in disability payments to which he was not entitled. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Olshan commended the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moriarty.


title: Clinic Owner And Doctor Indicted For Scheme To Distribute Controlled Substances

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Tampa residents Bridget Luzod (42) and Victor Silva, MD (79) with one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, 19 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, and 19 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances using a registration number issued to another person. If convicted on all counts, Luzod and Silva each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Luzod and Silva that the United States intends to forfeit any money or asset traceable to proceeds of the offenses. According to the indictment, Luzod was the owner and primary operator of Thrive Medical Clinic, an alternative medicine clinic in South Tampa that she opened in September 2018. Although Luzod portrayed herself as a doctor or nurse to her patients, she had only a Florida basic x-ray machine operator license, which expired in 2018 and which Luzod did not renew until March 2024. She was not licensed to practice medicine in Florida and did not have a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number to prescribe controlled substances. Around March 2020, Luzod hired Dr. Silva to serve as Thrive’s medical director. Silva did not examine Thrive’s patients, diagnose them, prescribe treatments, or review their medical files. Instead, from 2020 to 2024, Luzod paid Silva a monthly stipend, and in return, Silva allowed Luzod to use Silva’s credentials and DEA registration number to treat her patients, friends, and family members with controlled substances – including Adderall, testosterone, hydrocodone, and phentermine. Luzod regularly forged Silva’s signature or used a rubber stamp to affix it to prescriptions. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Health, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.


title: York Resident Charged with Distributing and Possessing Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of York, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The three-count Indictment named Israel Washington, 33, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, Washington distributed material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor on March 31, 2022, and April 6, 2022, and possessed such material on March 7, 2024. The law provides for a sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years of imprisonment on each of the distribution charges and up to 10 years of imprisonment on the possession charge. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney William Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. 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 (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Ennis meth trafficker sentenced to 12 years in prison

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA — An Ennis man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine after law enforcement found two pounds of meth and approximately 50 firearms in his residence was sentenced on Dec. 5 to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today. The defendant, Jason Michael Hoover, 47, pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute meth. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen presided. “Hoover’s drug trafficking conduct was especially dangerous, not only because of the amount of meth involved, but also because of the large number of firearms found in his residence. Hoover used guns as currency to distribute and receive meth. With this sentence, the firearms will no longer be on our streets and neither will Hoover,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said. The government alleged in court documents that in July 2022, law enforcement identified Hoover as a suspect in storage unit thefts in Gallatin County. The investigation led to a search in February 2023 of Hoover’s residence, where officers found Hoover and co-defendant Gabriel Boe, attempting to hide in a laundry room. Officers observed a plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine adjacent to Hoover and Boe. After obtaining a second search warrant, law enforcement located more than two pounds of meth near where Hoover and Boe had been found. Officers also located approximately 50 firearms. Hoover told law enforcement he distributed meth and received guns in exchange and that he would trade guns and receive meth. Boe is pending sentencing for his conviction in the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force 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: Aliquippa Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Cocaine

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a drug trafficking charge, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. James Louis Peronis, 60, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab on December 4, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, beginning in May 2021, local, state, and federal law enforcement conducted a joint investigation into Peronis related to cocaine trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Peronis would obtain kilogram quantities of cocaine in Ohio and distribute those drugs in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Peronis as he entered the Western District of Pennsylvania from Ohio, with a consensual search of Peronis’s vehicle resulting in the seizure of nearly two kilograms of cocaine. Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program in Beaver County conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Peronis.


title: Oldsmar Man Pleads Guilty To Producing And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse And AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Justin Ryan Culmo (40, Oldsmar) has pleaded guilty to three counts of production of child sexual abuse material, one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material, one count of possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count of production of child sexual abuse material that is an adapted or modified depiction of a minor. Culmo faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Culmo produced child sexual abuse imagery involving children as young as infants and toddlers, and produced thousands of images of child sexual abuse using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Culmo possessed approximately 85,00 images of child sexual abuse material, 845 videos of child sexual abuse material, and 8,500 AI-generated images of child sexual abuses. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: South Hampton Roads drug trafficker sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, from June 2020 to January 2021, Adam Donley Greenberg, aka Adam Brandon, 39, obtained methamphetamine for redistribution from Michael Wade Kozak, 57, who resided in the Atlanta area. Kozak used FedEx to ship meth from Georgia to Greenberg in Virginia, and Greenberg used Cash App and other means to pay Kozak. Greenberg and Kozak used a social media app to communicate and arrange shipments and payments. On Nov. 11, 2020, Greenberg received a meth parcel from Kozak through FedEx at an apartment in Norfolk. On Nov. 14, 2020, narcotics detectives with the Chesapeake Police Department located Greenberg among several individuals in room 616 at a hotel in Norfolk and took him into custody on an outstanding warrant. During a search of the room, the police discovered 85.24 grams of meth hidden behind a wall painting. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-88.


title: Twenty-Five Charged in Connection with Multi-State Fentanyl and Cocaine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Twenty-five individuals have been charged in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine with activity that spanned across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Over 2.3 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, 300 grams of cocaine, six firearms and approximately $400,000 was seized during the investigation. “Communities across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are safer today because of this takedown that dismantled a sophisticated and large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in plain sight. We allege that these defendants exploited addiction for personal profit and with full knowledge that the drugs they were peddling could be lethal. They allegedly raked in $20,000 a day at the expense of the lives and safety of people suffering from drug addiction,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case should send an unmistakable message: together with our federal, state and local partners, we will not allow drug traffickers to profit while our communities suffer, and we are committed to disrupting these criminal enterprises.” “Fentanyl and cocaine are causing tremendous damage to our communities,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of Massachusetts. The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs in order to profit while endangering the lives of others." The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and have been apprehended. Six defendants remain at large and remain under seal: 1. Yulial Cuello-Reynoso a/k/a “Sonny,” 33, of Leominster; 2. Yordania Abel Rivera a/k/a “Mommy,” 33, of Leominster; 3. Jorge Vizcaino Vizcaino a/k/a Yeison Vizcaino Vizcaino a/k/a “Jason” a/k/a “Libreta” a/k/a Yeikel Perez-Tejeda, 24, of Boston; 4. Rafael Concepcion a/k/a “Menor,” 34, of Boston; 5. Alinson Joel Ortiz Arias, 32, of Boston; 6. Axel Brea Baez, 25, of Boston; 7. Denly Soto-Tejeda, 25, of Manchester, N.H.; 8. Yeiron Vizcaino Vizcaino a/k/a “Boli,” 28, of Boston; 9. Alberto Gonzalez, 36, of Boston; 10. Luis Guerrero, 25, of Lawrence; 11. Mariela Cuello Reynoso, 30, of Boston; 12. Elisbania Tejeda-Soto a/k/a “Lisbania,” 25, of Boston; 13. Rubert Adrian Jimenez a/k/a “Soga,” 24, of Boston; 14. Adrian Suncar-Gonzalez, 38, of Boston; 15. Johangel Mejia-Hernandez, 22, of Boston; 16. Francisco Tavarez Contreras, 43, of Boston; 17. Santo Franco-Sanchez, 42, of Brookline; 18. Carlos Abel Rivera, 34, of North Smithfield, R.I.; and 19. Anthony Cuoco, 43, of Barnstable. According to the charging documents, in March 2022, law enforcement began an investigation into a large-scale drug dispatch service operating in and around Boston. Over the course of the investigation, undercover drug purchases and intercepted communications established that the defendants allegedly distributed fentanyl and cocaine throughout eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Specifically, it is alleged that the drug trafficking organization is led by Yulial Cuello-Reynoso, who operated a drug customer order telephone and employed distributors and stash house operators to process, store and distribute narcotics. The organization allegedly distributed approximately $20,000 worth of drugs per day and maintained multiple stash locations simultaneously. The organization also allegedly employed a color-coding system to differentiate between the drugs (fentanyl, crack cocaine and powder cocaine) it sold and frequently concealed drugs in socks within the engine compartments of cars driven by distributors. Some of the defendants openly discussed the dangers of the drugs they were distributing. For example, when referring to drug customers, Tejeda-Soto allegedly stated in an intercepted call, “Those people like the stuff that kills them.” During the course of the investigation, over 2.3 kilograms of fentanyl and 300 grams of cocaine was seized. In addition, approximately 12 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, six firearms and approximately $400,000 was seized during searches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. 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 . U.S. Attorney Levy, DEA Acting SAC Belleau and Michael Cox, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department made the announcement. The Massachusetts State Police; The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted in the investigation. Special assistance was provided by the Arlington and Medford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit, is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Court Orders North Carolina Pharmacy to Pay $500,000 Penalty and Enters Injunction to Prevent Filling Illegal Controlled Substance Prescriptions

component: Civil Division

body_text: A federal court ordered an Elkin, North Carolina, pharmacy to pay a $500,000 penalty and enjoined the pharmacy and its pharmacists from dispensing controlled substances, including opioids, without taking steps to help ensure the drugs will not be abused or diverted. The consent decree resolves a complaint filed by the United States on Nov. 27, which alleged that Elk Pharmacy Inc., Larry Irwin, the pharmacy’s owner and pharmacists Susan Baker, S. Jason Couch, Beth Pence and Lori Wyble filled prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The complaint alleges that the defendants dispensed prescription opioids while disregarding numerous “red flags” — that is, obvious indications of drug abuse, drug diversion and drug-seeking behavior. For example, according to the complaint, the defendants filled dangerous combination prescriptions; filled prescriptions for long-term, high-dose opioids that exceeded known recommendations for treating pain; filled prescriptions for patients who appeared to be “shopping” for doctors or pharmacies; and filled prescriptions written by prescribers known to be suspected of illegal prescribing, including one doctor who the North Carolina Medical Board had barred from prescribing controlled substances. “Pharmacists have a duty to help protect consumers from the life-threatening dangers of controlled substance abuse,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to hold medical professionals accountable when they fail to fulfill that duty.” “Pharmacists are trained professionals who cannot simply rubber-stamp doctors’ prescriptions,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “They have an independent responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are for a legitimate medical purpose.” “The pharmacists at Elk Pharmacy Inc. had a corresponding responsibility, along with the prescribing practitioners, to only dispense prescriptions for a legitimate medical purpose,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the DEA Atlanta Division. “The DEA will continue to pursue healthcare providers who are not in compliance with mandatory regulations.” The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The injunction entered by U.S. District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder for the Middle District of North Carolina prohibits the defendants from filling certain “red flag” prescriptions and requires the defendants to fill other orders only after receiving documentation justifying the prescriptions. The government was represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Donald R. Lorenzen of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Crawford for the Middle District of North Carolina, with substantial assistance from DEA Diversion Investigator Heidi Crater and Intelligence Analyst William J. Morris of the DEA Greensboro Resident Office’s Diversion Group. For more information about the enforcement efforts of the Consumer Protection Branch visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Anchorage man sentenced to 4.5 years for cyberstalking

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to four and a half years in prison and three years’ supervised release after he was convicted by a federal jury on Nov. 21, 2024, of cyberstalking a woman for four years. According to court documents, between 2016 and 2020, Rolando Hernandez-Zamora, 41, stalked the victim, his partner at the time, using location tracking applications, text messages, video calls, and other means. Evidence presented at trial showed that from April 29, 2020, to May 27, 2020, Hernandez-Zamora called the victim 1,317 times. Hernandez-Zamora justified his behavior by falsely accusing the victim of cheating on him. In 2020, the harassment extended to some of the victim’s work colleagues and family members and included threats of violence. Hernandez-Zamora’s harassment of the victim continued even after she obtained a protective order. As a result of his threats, the victim’s workplace went into lockdown for multiple days from late April to early May 2020. Hernandez-Zamora was arrested at the end of May 2020 after he evaded the police for two days. Hernandez-Zamora was convicted by a federal jury of the same crime in June 2024. In August 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez of the District of Oregon was assigned to the case following the resignation of former Judge Joshua Kindred and granted Hernandez-Zamora a new trial. Judge Hernandez presided over the November 2024 retrial, where Hernandez-Zamora was convicted again by a different federal jury. In handing down the sentence, the court emphasized the extraordinary seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the significant steps he needs to take to change his behavior in the future. “Mr. Hernandez-Zamora’s actions were dangerous and destructive, causing immeasurable harm on those affected,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “The victim in this case displayed extraordinary bravery by coming forward, and I hope this sentence brings a measure of closure. My office stands firm in our commitment to holding accountable anyone who endangers public safety or threatens violence.” “The defendant’s years-long cyberstalking and eventual threats of violence are serious crimes that can disrupt lives, incite fear, and pose significant risks to the community,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “As demonstrated in this case, those who seek to harm others through intimidation or violence, will be held accountable for their actions.” The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Seth Beausang prosecuted the case. ###


title: Brockton Man Convicted of Defrauding Pharmaceutical Company Takeda of $2.3 Million Dollars

body_text: BOSTON — The boyfriend of a senior level employee in the technology operations group at the multinational pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) was convicted today by a federal jury of setting up a fake consulting company that billed Takeda for services it never actually provided. Samuel N. Montronde, 39, was convicted of three counts of wire fraud by a federal jury in Boston. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2025. The jury acquitted Montronde of one count of wire fraud conspiracy. Montronde was arrested and charged in January 2023 along with his girlfriend Priya Bhambi – a former senior employee in the technology operations group of Takeda. The two were later indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023. “Today’s jury verdict makes it crystal clear that greed and deception have serious consequences. Mr. Montronde and his girlfriend exploited her senior-level position at Takeda to line their own pockets, stealing millions to bankroll a luxury lifestyle—complete with a high-end Mercedes and a multi-million-dollar condo in Boston’s Seaport. I commend Takeda for reporting this fraud to the authorities promptly. As a result, both culpable individuals have been convicted and held accountable for this egregious breach of trust and the government was able to seize assets with an estimated value of over $1.5 million. This case sends two strong messages – first, there are very serious consequences for executives who exploit their positions to line their own pockets and second, for companies who are victims of embezzlement, law enforcement stands ready to do whatever it can to recoup stolen funds and hold individuals accountable for fraud.” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This office will not hesitate to hold accountable those who exploit trust and steal to fund their own extravagance.” “Samuel Montronde would do anything for love, including setting up a phony consulting company to help his girlfriend embezzle $2.3 million from Takeda so they could live lavishly, well beyond their bank accounts,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. We are pleased with the jury’s verdict.”. In 2022, Montronde and Bhambi orchestrated and executed a scheme to defraud Takeda of at least $2.3 million in payments for purported consulting services by submitting fabricated invoices on behalf of a sham consulting company. Bhambi had previously engaged in the same fraud using a different sham consulting company, resulting in payments from Takeda totaling nearly $300,000 for consulting services that were never provided. In February 2022, Montronde, in coordination with Bhambi, incorporated a fake consulting firm, Evoluzione Consulting LLC (Evoluzione). Later, Bhambi created a website for Evoluzione with false information, including fabricated blog posts, to make it appear that Evoluzione was a legitimate consulting business. After incorporating Evoluzione, Bhambi, in coordination with Montronde, submitted a statement of work to Takeda and caused Takeda to sign a master services agreement with Evoluzione and issue a purchase order to Evoluzione for consulting services with a total cost of $3.542 million. Then, between March and May of 2022, Bhambi and Montronde fabricated and submitted five separate invoices to Takeda for services that Evoluzione had not performed, each in the amount of $460,000. The defendants also created a fictional employee “Jasmine” to handle communications with Takeda. When questioned by Takeda employees, Bhambi made false representations regarding the services purportedly provided by Evoluzione. Before discovering the scheme and terminating Bhambi, Takeda, relying on these false representations, paid all five of the invoices to business accounts opened by Montronde in the name of Evoluzione. In June 2024 , Bhambi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. On Oct. 30, 2024 , she was sentenced to 46 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. Bhambi was also ordered to pay $2,585,480 in restitution. In total, Bhambi and Montronde defrauded Takeda of $2.3 million in payments to Evoluzione for services not provided. The couple used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a Mercedes-Benz Model Class E, a diamond engagement ring, freightliner trucks, a $1.9-million 2-bedroom condo in Boston’s Seaport District and a $50,000 wedding venue deposit. These assets are now subject to the Court’s forfeiture order. U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Takeda provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie A. Wright and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is handling the forfeiture matter.


title: Operator of Sober Homes Pleads Guilty to Fraud Schemes Involving Sober Home Client, Mortgage Fraud and Mass Save Program and COVID-19 Business Loans

body_text: BOSTON – The operator of numerous sober homes in Massachusetts, who also operated insulation companies receiving funds through the Mass Save Program, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his involvement in four different fraud schemes involving sober homes in the Greater Boston area, the Mass Save Program, mortgage lenders and a federal loan program that assisted businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Daniel Cleggett, 38, of Kingston, formerly of Braintree and Quincy, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy; one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a mortgage lending business (mortgage fraud conspiracy); 25 counts of wire fraud; six counts of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering); and three counts of making false statements to a mortgage lending business. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 31, 2025. Cleggett was arrested and charged in March 2023 along with co-conspirator Nicholas Espinosa. Espinosa pleaded guilty to his role in the fraud schemes on Oct. 3, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2025. Cleggett was the founder of the sober home business A Vision From God LLC (AVFG). Established in November 2016, AVFG owned and operated sober homes in Boston, Wakefield, Quincy and Weymouth under trade names including Brady’s Place, Lakeshore Retreat and Lambert House. Espinosa managed the day-to-day affairs of Cleggett’s sober home business. Cleggett, Espinosa and a sober home client entered into a conspiracy to defraud a New York-based family trust that was paying for the client’s room and board at Brady’s Place, located in Quincy. Specifically, Cleggett and Espinosa overcharged the family trust for room and board by up to $12,500 per month by submitting false and fraudulent invoices to the family trust. Cleggett and Espinosa would then issue “refund” checks to the client in furtherance of the fraud scheme. From approximately October 2019 to December 2021, Cleggett personally, and through straw purchasers including Espinosa, purchased the three residential properties in Weymouth and Boston to use as sober homes. Cleggett, Espinosa and others submitted false information and fraudulent documentation including falsely representing that the three properties were intended to be purchased as primary residences when, in reality, each was intended to be a sober home. In addition to the sober home business, Cleggett operated numerous insulation contracting companies that participated in the Mass Save Program: Green Save Energy Corporation; Environmental Construction Objective Inc. (ECO); Green Giants, LLC; and Insulation Situation, LLC. Mass Save is a Massachusetts public/private partnership sponsored by gas and electric utility companies that funds energy conservation projects and improvements via energy efficiency funds charged to Massachusetts residents’ utility bills. Specifically, Green Save and ECO received millions of dollars for residential insulation work from a lead vendor company under the Mass Save program. From 2018 through mid-2021, Green Save and ECO fraudulently billed the vendor company for required permits that were not actually obtained. Green Save and ECO were ultimately terminated from participating in the lead vendor company’s program in June 2021, and Cleggett was banned from participating in the Mass Save program. In response to this, Cleggett, Espinosa and other co-conspirators formed Insulation Situation and Green Giants to enter as new lead vendors with the same company under straw owners. As a result, Cleggett obtained a total of $954,443 in payments from the company to Green Giants and Insulation Situation, despite him being banned from participating in the Mass Save program. Additionally, on April 1, 2020, Cleggett submitted three Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications to the Small Business Administration for AVFG, the Daniel Cleggett Sole Proprietorship and Green Save. Cleggett obtained a total of $794,900 in EIDL loans and advances. In the applications, Cleggett falsely denied involvement in illegal activity despite his involvement in the sober home wire fraud scheme and the mortgage fraud scheme involving one of his Weymouth sober homes. Cleggett’s Sole Proprietorship EIDL application was false because the Daniel Cleggett Sole Proprietorship did not exist. Despite certifying that EIDL proceeds would only be used for “working capital” for the entity seeking the loan, Cleggett used tens of thousands of dollars from the funds to pay for personal expenses including EZ-Pass bills, gym membership fees, pet expenses, airline tickets, car rentals, vacation trips to Yellowstone, Montana and Aruba, and thousands of dollars in hotel resort stays for Cleggett and his girlfriend – which included spa fees as well as a wine and caviar dinner, among other expenses. Cleggett also used Green Save EIDL funds for $37,997 in wedding expenses. The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making false statements to a mortgage lending business provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Kingston, Randolph and Quincy Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: KC Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal Firearm

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm. Keith T. Mims, also known as “C-Murder,” 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Mims was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions. On May 30, 2024, Mims pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Mims was approached by St. Joseph, Mo., police officers as he was walking on Belle Street in St. Joseph on Jan. 25, 2022. Mims ran from the officers, who engaged in a foot pursuit, resulting in Mims being tackled and placed in handcuffs. An officer searched Mims and found a loaded Bryco Arms .22-caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in Mims’s back pocket. The officer also searched a bag Mims was carrying, which contained 4.18 grams of pure methamphetamine, .45 grams of crack cocaine, and 10 pills. Mims told the arresting officers that he knew it was illegal for him to have a firearm due to his prior felony convictions. Mims said he needed the firearm for protection, and that he would “rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.” According to court documents, Mims has multiple convictions for possessing firearms and trafficking in narcotics and has spent the vast majority of the last 35 years either incarcerated or under a criminal justice sentence. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth W. Borgnino and Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, and the Sugar Creek, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Justice Department Statements on U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Ruling in TikTok, et al. v. Garland

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department issued the following statements from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on today’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in TikTok, et al. v. Garland : “Today’s decision is an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to collect sensitive information about millions of Americans, to covertly manipulate the content delivered to American audiences, and to undermine our national security,” said Attorney General Garland. “As the D.C. Circuit recognized, this Act protects the national security of the United States in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution. The Justice Department is committed to defending Americans’ sensitive data from authoritarian regimes that seek to exploit companies under their control.” “We welcome today’s decision,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “This ruling confirms that the law Congress passed — and the Justice Department’s work to defend it — have never been about restricting free speech but rather breaking the ties that bind TikTok to the regime in Beijing. This law protects Americans from the national security risks posed by the current ownership of TikTok in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution.”


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: WASHINGTON – Damani Lamont Carmon, 31, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms offense stemming from his possession of a loaded Glock firearm in April 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division; and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Carmon pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The Honorable James E. Boasberg scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 14, 2025. According to court papers, on April 30, 2024, uniformed MPD officers patrolling the 1800 block of Benning Road Northeast stopped Carmon’s vehicle for a traffic violation. After observing an open container of tequila in the vehicle, officers searched the car and recovered from its center console a Glock 23 .40 caliber firearm loaded with one round of ammunition in its chamber and thirteen rounds of ammunition in its magazine. Subsequent DNA testing and analysis linked the firearm to Carmon. Federal law prohibits Carmon from possessing a firearm because he is a previously convicted felon. Specifically, in 2021, Carmon was convicted in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of assault with intent to kill and carrying a pistol without a license, arising from a 2019 shooting at a gas station in Washington, D.C. Carmon was on supervised release for that offense at the time he possessed the firearm charged in this case. In September 2024, a federal grand jury empaneled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia returned an indictment charging Carmon with the April offense. Carmon has remained held without bond since his October 1, 2024, arrest. Carmon faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence imposed in this case will be determined by the Court after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case was investigated by ATF and MPD as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul V. Courtney and Kyle R. Mirabelli. 24cr425


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced this week to 8 years and 3 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. “Mr. Bobbitt earned every day of his eight plus year federal prison sentence,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “With a criminal history of felony convictions in nine state court cases dating back to 2001, his removal from the community benefits all citizens. I commend LMPD and the ATF for their continuing work in policing our Western District communities and making them safer for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.” According to court documents, Jaron Bobbitt, 39, was sentenced to 8 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing an Anderson Manufacturing, AM-15, multi-caliber pistol, and ammunition. On November 13, 2023, Bobbitt led officers on a foot chase through residential areas while armed with the AM-15 multi-caliber pistol. He repeatedly placed the officers’ lives in danger by pointing the weapon at them while running and was only apprehended after being struck by an officer forced to fire his weapon. Bobbitt was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On November 9, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. On November 9, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree. On January 16, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of escape in the second degree. On August 31, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property, theft of identity of another without consent, and criminal mischief in the second degree. On April 29, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of felon in possession of a handgun. On June 17, 2004, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, cocaine and tampering with physical evidence. On June 17, 2004, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property. On May 7, 2004, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property, receiving stolen vehicle, and tampering with physical evidence. On December 3, 2001, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of wanton endangerment in the first degree and receiving a stolen vehicle. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter prosecuted 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. ###