title: Cape Coral Man Sentenced To 46 Months In Federal Prison For Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Johnny Fior (48, Cape Coral) to 46 months in federal prison for wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,404,169.74, which were the proceeds of the wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction offenses. Fior had pleaded guilty on January 18, 2023. According to court documents, Fior committed the fraud by engaging in two different fraud schemes. With the first scheme, Fior convinced two individuals, by false and fraudulent pretenses, to serve as private investors/lenders for short-term balloon loans that were secured by mortgages on real properties in Lee County. To accomplish the scheme and give the investors the impression that their funded loans were secured by real property, Fior fraudulently filed fictitious mortgage deeds, promissory notes, and mortgage satisfactions. Additionally, Fior provided the investors interest-only payments to further delay repayment of the loans and requested loan repayment extensions to further prolong the scheme. Fior diverted the investors’ funds for his own personal use and none of the funds were used for their intended purpose. In the second scheme, Fior, in his role as a real estate closing agent, diverted funds intended to be used to pay off property sellers’ existing mortgages to himself during real estate closings. In furtherance of the scheme, Fior created and caused the creation of real estate settlement statements that falsely represented a seller’s mortgage was repaid during the real estate closing process. Additionally, Fior created fake and fictitious bank statements, lender correspondence, wire transfer records, cashier’s checks, deposit records, and shipment records that fraudulently represented a seller’s mortgage had been paid or that the mortgage pay-off funds were submitted. As a result of the second scheme, two separate title insurance companies suffered a total loss of approximately $977,330.23. This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling.


title: Fort Myers Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Federal Prison For Firearms And Narcotics Offenses

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Doumy Joseph (27, Fort Myers) to six years and nine months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The court also ordered Joseph to forfeit the firearms and ammunition he illegally possessed. Joseph had pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022. According to court documents, law enforcement stopped Joseph’s vehicle after discovering there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Before Joseph’s vehicle was towed, law enforcement conducted an inventory search of the vehicle. During the inventory search, a brown fast-food bag containing four circular crack cocaine cookies, weighing approximately 69.4 grams total, was found on the front passenger seat. A loaded Glock 9mm firearm was located in the vehicle’s center console. Law enforcement also searched the trunk of the vehicle and found a Smith & Wesson MP15 rifle, as well as assorted ammunition. Joseph admitted to purchasing the firearms found in his vehicle. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Palm Beach County Man Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For COVID Relief Fraud

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Al Clint LaRoche (43, Palm Beach County) to two years in federal prison for bank fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,078,652.50, which were the proceeds of the bank fraud. LaRoche had pleaded guilty on January 30, 2023. According to court documents, between April 2020 and April 2021, LaRoche submitted false and fraudulent First Draw and Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to a financial institution through a financial services and technology company based in Naples for his business – Bornwild, LLC. The loan applications contained numerous false representations and certifications, including Bornwild’s average monthly payroll, number of employees, and that the loan funds would be used for authorized purposes. To qualify for each PPP loan and in support of his fraudulent loan applications, LaRoche submitted fake and fictitious quarterly federal tax returns (IRS Form 941s) for Bornwild that contained false representations about the business’s quarterly payroll expenses. LaRoche’s false and fraudulent representations caused the PPP lender to approve and fund a First Draw and Second Draw PPP loan, resulting in the deposit of approximately $1,078,652 into bank accounts LaRoche controlled. LaRoche then used the funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of a Mercedes Benz SUV, jewelry, hotel and travel stays, various retail purchases, and more than $350,000 in cash withdrawals. This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling. In May 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 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 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 via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: U.S. Attorney Expresses Condolences for Fallen Cameron Police Officer, Honors Law Enforcement Partners During Police Week

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza recognizes the dedication, service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14 through Saturday, May 20. A livestreamed candlelight vigil on the National Mall in Washington D.C. will signify the start of the commemoration, Saturday, May 13 at 8pm EST. President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week in 1962 to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 each year, honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 226 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers nationwide died in the line of duty in 2022. “This is a week for all of us across the nation to recognize and appreciate the dedication of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “As the U.S. Attorney, I thank our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners in this district for their commitment to protecting our citizens and upholding the rule of law. We stand with them in solidarity and pledge to continue working together to build safer and stronger communities.” On Wednesday, a Cameron Police Officer was fatally shot by a subject while executing a search warrant in Cameron, south of Waco. The Milam County Sheriff’s Office identified the officer as Sergeant Joshua Clouse, a U.S. Army veteran who is survived by his wife and two children. “The loss of Sgt. Clouse is a difficult reminder of why we recognize Police Week and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and those who served by his side,” said U.S. Attorney Esparza. “We are grateful for his service and sacrifice in protecting his community. His memory should be forever honored.” For further details about National Police Week, visit NationalPoliceWeek.org , or learn more from the principal organizer of the week, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, at NLEOMF.org . ###


title: St. Cloud Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

body_text: Orlando, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robert J. Potocnack (42, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the drug possession offense, and a consecutive minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison for the firearm offense. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 9, 2023. According to the plea agreement, in November 2022, Potocnack sold 224 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm to an undercover detective from the St. Cloud Police Department. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Cloud Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos. 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: Father and Son Convicted After Nine-Day Trial for a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal jury has convicted Scott Anthony Williams, age 45, of Laurel, Maryland and Taeyan Raymond Williams, age 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia yesterday for a drug trafficking conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Scott Williams was also convicted for conspiracy to destroy and conceal evidence related to these crimes. Both defendants were acquitted of charges related to the armed robbery, and kidnapping resulting in death of their marijuana supplier. The verdict was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore. According to the evidence presented at the nine-day trial, from approximately October 2017 until April 6, 2018, Victim 1 sold and distributed marijuana and marijuana products to Scott Williams (“S. Williams”), Taeyan Williams (“T. Williams”), their family members, and associates. S. Williams and T. Williams sold the products received from Victim 1 to other distributors for resale and to end drug users. The Williams’ also sold and distributed cocaine to Victim 1 for further distribution. As a result of various transactions between the Williams’ and Victim 1, T. Williams and members of his family, including S. Williams, became indebted to Victim 1. According to witness testimony, on April 6, 2018, Victim 1 planned to meet with T. Williams and S. Williams to discuss the debt that they owed to Victim 1, and to provide the Williams’ with marijuana and marijuana products. As detailed in trial testimony, shortly before that meeting, Victim-1’s supplier in California had a large shipment of marijuana and marijuana products delivered to Victim-1’s storage unit in Jessup, Maryland. The Williams’ were aware that Victim 1 had access to a large amount of marijuana and marijuana products. Trial evidence showed that on April 5, 2018, and April 6, 2018, Victim 1 retrieved controlled substances from his storage unit in Jessup, Maryland and stayed at a short-term rental property in Baltimore, Maryland. On the afternoon of April 6, Victim 1 traveled from Baltimore to Laurel, Maryland, where S. Williams lived. Location data reflects that at 1:32 p.m., Victim 1 was approximately 1.5 miles from Scott Williams’ residence. On April 6, 2018, at approximately 1:52 p.m., Victim 1 saved a note to a ledger and accounting of controlled substances that Victim 1 sold to T. Williams and monies paid or owed from him, which Victim 1 maintained in his email account. The government presented evidence that on April 7, 2018, S. Williams and other conspirators drove Victim 1’s vehicle to a Baltimore parking lot where they parked the vehicle, cleaned it, and then drove away in S. Williams’s rented car. Victim 1’s DNA and blood were later recovered from the rear bumper, lift gate, passenger side door frame, and trunk carpeting of Victim 1’s abandoned vehicle. Further, the evidence showed that between 8:37 p.m. on April 6, 2018, and 8:31 p.m. on April 8, 2018, S. Williams used Victim 1’s PIN number to enter the Jessup storage facility. Between April 8, 2018 and June 6, 2018, the defendants hid Victim-1’s drugs in S. Williams’ in Laurel. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home on June 6, 2018, they recovered large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as four firearms: a 9mm handgun; a 7.62 caliber-rifle; a .38 caliber handgun; and a .25 caliber handgun. A copy of Victim 1’s ledger was also found under S. Williams’ bed in the home. The body of Victim 1 was never located. Finally, the evidence also proved that between June 6, 2018, and his initial appearance on federal charges in January 2019, S. Williams sought to conceal and destroy evidence related to the ongoing investigation, including by asking an associate to delete information from his electronic storage account and phone. Scott and Taeyan Williams each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In addition, Scott Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to conceal and destroy evidence. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for Scott Williams on August 22, 2023, and for Taeyan Williams on August 23, 2023. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the Maryland State Police, the DEA, and HSI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah B. Grossi, William D. Moomau, and Michael C. Hanlon who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Tallahassee Man Indicted For Possessing Methamphetamine With Intent To Distribute

body_text: Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Brian Keith Coleman (33, Tallahassee) with possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. If convicted, Coleman faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. According to court documents, a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol found Coleman’s vehicle broken down on the shoulder of the interstate and, after a probable cause search of the vehicle, found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. The trooper also found half a kilogram of methamphetamine where Coleman had been when the trooper first arrived on scene. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Belkis H. Crockett and Tyrie K. Boyer.


title: New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – GENE JACKSON , age 53, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023 before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to violating the federal Controlled Substances Act announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, JACKSON admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Sentencing is set for August 16, 2023. JACKSON faces a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. The count of conviction also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Michael Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit oversee the prosecution.


title: Informational: Federal Court arraignments

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty: Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on May 12 was: Max Gaylord Stout, 35, of Billings, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and drug user and addict in possession of firearms and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Stout faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Stout was detained pending further proceedings. The Kalispell Police Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Crime Lab and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-62. Tracy Jean Bell, 50, of Beaverton, Oregon, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bell faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Bell was detained pending further proceedings. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula Police Department, Northwest Montana Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. PACER case reference. 22-23. Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on May 10 was: Mariana Tyler Wallace, 22, of Okanogan, Washington, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Wallace faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Wallace was detained pending further proceedings. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-55 Gregory Jacob Porterfield, 35, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Porterfield faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Porterfield was detained pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-54. Savas Christian Lewis Howard, 26, of Billings, on charges of theft from a federal firearm licensee, possession of stolen firearms and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Howard faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Howard was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Billings Police Department investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-53. Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on May 9 was: Marvin James Cole, 27, of Dodson, on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Cole faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Cole was released pending further proceedings. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. PACER case reference. 23-29. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Federal Jury Finds Venezuelan National Guilty Of Trafficking $21 Million Of Cocaine On The High Seas

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Hector Caballero (70, Venezuela) guilty of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as well as possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Caballero faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 21, 2023. Caballero and three others were indicted on November 30, 2022. According to testimony presented at trial, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted a panga-style “go-fast vessel” in the Caribbean Sea, about 100 miles north of the nearest point of land in Colombia. The vessel was suspected of drug smuggling because it had several fuel barrels and a tarp covering the deck, had no registration numbers on the hull and was flying no flag, was operating at a high rate of speed, and was sailing in a location where maritime drug smuggling by similar vessels is common. A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter and a USCG Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) were deployed from HNLMS Holland, a Dutch naval vessel patrolling in the area, to intercept the suspicious vessel. The helicopter and its crew were from the USCG Helicopter Interdiction Squadron (“HITRON”) unit based in Jacksonville and the LEDET boarding team was from the USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team South (“TACLET South”) based in Opa-Locka. The helicopter arrived on scene first and signaled the go-fast vessel to stop. The vessel continued at a high rate of speed, even after the helicopter deployed warning shots in front of the vessel. Ultimately, the helicopter successfully deployed disabling fire to the go-fast vessel’s two outboard engines, and the small boats from the Holland with the USCG LEDET boarding team arrived at the vessel. The boarding team found Caballero and three others onboard. The USCG determined the vessel to be without nationality, and therefore subject to U.S. jurisdiction. A search of the vessel revealed over 700 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $21 million, hidden under the fuel barrels and tarp on the vessel. The three others onboard previously pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing. Photos of the law enforcement boarding and cocaine below: This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo and Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Krebs.


title: Fort Myers Felon Convicted For Unlawfully Possessing Loaded Rifle

body_text: Fort Myers, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Javonte Keyon Whitfield (25, Fort Myers) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Whitfield faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Whitfield had been indicted on February 9, 2022. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, shortly before 1:30 A.M. on May 14, 2021, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) were alerted to multiple gunshots near the intersection of Linhart Avenue and Evans Avenue in Fort Myers. While investigating the origin of the gunfire, the officers spoke with an occupant of a duplex on Evans Avenue, who denied hearing any gunshots and claimed that he was alone in the residence with his three young children. Shortly thereafter, in direct contradiction to what he just told officers, six adult males—including Whitfield—and three young children exited the residence. Officers observed that one of the men was suffering from a gunshot wound, and EMS was summoned. When the residence was later searched, FMPD personnel located seven unsecured firearms, dozens of rounds of ammunition, and cocaine. From under the bed in one of the two bedrooms of the residence, FMPD recovered a loaded NORINCO SKS rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine. Subsequent forensic analysis of that firearm determined that a latent fingerprint lifted from the metallic bayonet of the rifle belonged to Whitfield, a previously convicted felon who had been released from prison less than five months earlier. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Simon R. Eth and Patrick L. Darcey. 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.


body_text: NEW ORLEANS – SEAN MARTIN , age 56, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023 before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court records, MARTIN admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute over a kilogram of heroin, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). Sentencing is set for August 16, 2023. MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release. The count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Michael Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution.


body_text: Mattawamkeag Man Sentenced to 4+ Years for Role Methamphetamine Trafficking, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm BANGOR, Maine: A Mattawamkeag man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor today for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Bruce McAlpine , 33, to 58 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. According to court records, between May and July 2018, McAlpine conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. A coconspirator was obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine from Florida and distributing to locations between Bangor and Houlton. McAlpine agreed to use his home as a storage location to assist in the methamphetamine distribution efforts. In July 2018, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted a search warrant of McAlpine’s residence and recovered more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine and multiple firearms. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. ###


title: Michael Richard Lynch, Former CEO Of Autonomy Corporation, Makes Appearance In Federal Court To Face Conspiracy, Fraud Charges

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Michael Richard Lynch, the former Chief Executive Officer of Autonomy Corporation, was extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States to face charges in the Northern District of California, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp; and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Darren Lian. Lynch, 57, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was charged in a 17-count superseding indictment on March, 21, 2019. He made his initial appearance before the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, United States District Judge, who ordered the defendant released to home confinement in San Francisco upon his posting a $100 million bond. The superseding indictment alleges Lynch and Stephen Chamberlain, Autonomy’s former Vice President of Finance, engaged in a scheme to defraud purchasers and sellers of Autonomy securities, including Palo Alto-based Hewlett-Packard Company (“HP”), about the true performance of Autonomy’s business, its financial condition, and its prospects for growth. Prior to October 2011, Autonomy was a company with dual headquarters in San Francisco and Cambridge, England. In 2010, about 68% of Autonomy’s reported revenues came from the United States and other countries in the Americas. HP announced on August 18, 2011, it was acquiring Autonomy through a wholly owned subsidiary, Hewlett-Packard Vision B.V. According to the superseding indictment, between 2009 and 2011, Lynch and Chamberlain, and other co-conspirators, (1) artificially inflated Autonomy’s revenues by backdating written agreements to record revenue in prior periods; recorded revenue on contracts that were subject to side letters or other contingencies that impacted revenue recognition; and improperly recorded revenue for reciprocal or roundtrip transactions; (2) made false and misleading statements to Autonomy’s independent auditor about transactions allegedly supporting the recognition of revenue and other items in Autonomy’s financial statements; (3) made false and misleading statements to market analysts covering Autonomy about Autonomy’s true performance and the nature and composition of its products, revenues and expenses; (4) made false and misleading statements to Autonomy’s regulators in response to inquiries about its financial statements; (5) made false and misleading statements that Autonomy was a so-called “pure software” company while concealing the fact that Autonomy engaged in hidden, loss-making resales of hardware separate from its sale of appliances; (6) made false and misleading statements about Autonomy’s alleged sales of original manufactured equipment or “OEM” licenses; and (7) intimidated, pressured and paid off persons who raised complaints about or openly criticized Autonomy’s financial practices and performance. As part of the alleged scheme to defraud, Autonomy issued materially false and misleading quarterly and annual financial statements which the defendants allegedly provided to HP during the time that HP was considering whether to purchase Autonomy. The superseding indictment alleges that Lynch and Chamberlain caused Autonomy to make materially false and misleading statements directly to HP regarding Autonomy’s financial condition, performance, and business during the negotiations between HP and Autonomy leading up to the August 18, 2011, announcement by HP to acquire Autonomy for approximately $11 billion. The superseding indictment further alleges that Lynch and Chamberlain conspired to commit offenses against the United States, the objectives of which were, among other things, to cover up, conceal, influence witnesses to, and otherwise obstruct investigations of the scheme to defraud. In sum, the superseding indictment charges Lynch and Chamberlain with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; fourteen (14) counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343; and one count of conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. The superseding indictment charges Lynch with an additional count of securities fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1348. Chamberlain appeared before the Court on February 4, 2019, and has pleaded not guilty to all counts. The superseding indictment against Lynch and Chamberlain merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and Lynch and Chamberlain are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, for each count of wire fraud and for the count alleging conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 5 years on the count of conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. The maximum penalty for the securities fraud count against Lynch is 25 years in prison. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Leach and Adam A. Reeves are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Beth Margen, Kathy Tat, and Megan Pagaduan. The prosecution is the result of an investigation involving the FBI, IRS-CI, and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in the United Kingdom to secure the arrest and extradition of Lynch to the United States.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to  Violating the Federal  Controlled Substances Act

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FERMIN RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA , age 24, a resident of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. According to court documents, on September 27, 2022, RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA traveled from Dallas, Texas to a Super 8 motel in Covington, Louisiana carrying approximately five kilograms of fentanyl. Based on information obtained through investigation, Homeland Security Investigations agents and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies encountered RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA upon his arrival at the motel. Agents then searched his luggage and discovered five kilograms of fentanyl. As to each count to which he pled guilty, RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case was investigated by the United States Homeland Security Investigations and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Krebs Resident Sentenced For Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeffery Owen Freeman, age 54, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 235 months for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charges arose from an investigation by the Krebs Police Department, the McAlester Police Department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. On November 13, 2021, law enforcement officers conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Jeffery Freeman, a felon, in possession of several baggies containing a total of 192.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, and a loaded Sig Sauer, Model P365, 9x19 mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Freeman was on probation supervision at the time of his arrest. On July 19, 2022, Jeffery Freeman pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a violation 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). “This is yet another example of the outstanding partnership and collaboration between the DEA, law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The arrest of Mr. Freeman has undoubtedly made our communities safer and prevented the further destruction that methamphetamine can bring to our neighborhoods” said Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Field Division. “The defendant has a long history of drug and firearms offenses, and the 235-month sentence imposed should send a clear message that dealing illegal drugs will not be tolerated in the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee. Jeffery Freeman will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.


title: Two St. Paul Men Indicted for Assaulting a Federal Agent

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Two St. Paul men have been indicted for conspiracy and assault of a federal law enforcement officer, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on March 30, 2023, Dion Darnell Miller, 27, and Aaron Maurice Admir Harris, 29, conspired with each other to assault, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement agent, who was engaged in their official duties, by use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, namely a 9mm Taurus Model semi-automatic handgun. The indictment charges Miller and Harris with one count of conspiracy to assault a federal law enforcement officer, one count of assault upon a federal law enforcement officer, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The defendants made their initial appearances on April 3, 2023, in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung. They were ordered to remain in federal custody pending further court proceedings. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Ramsey County Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Cleveland Man Convicted of Armed Bank Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CLEVELAND - First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler announced that a federal jury convicted Randall Hines, 32, of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during the bank robbery, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 11, 2023 in Cleveland following a four-day trial before Judge David A. Ruiz. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hines entered the Huntington Bank in Brooklyn, Ohio dressed in a turtleneck, covid mask, beanie, and hoodie in an attempt to conceal his identity and distinct neck tattoos. However, video surveillance from the bank and a nearby business captured Hines’ car parked a few blocks from the bank. Hines was arrested three days later and a search of his car revealed, tucked under the bench backseat, the gun Hines’ used in the bank robbery, loaded with ten rounds of ammunition. The jury also was resented with additional evidence obtained from Hines’ cellular telephone which established his movements before and after the bank robbery. Hines will be sentenced on September 7, 2023 before Judge David A. Ruiz. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Cleveland, Ohio, the Brooklyn, Ohio Police Department, the Parma Police Department and the Orange Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryson N. Gillard and Aaron P. Howell.


title: Methuen Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Steal  Firearms from New Hampshire Gun Stores

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Methuen man was sentenced today in federal court for conspiring to steal firearms from three different New Hampshire gun stores, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Johariel Quezada, 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliot to 24 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Quezada’s restitution hearing has been scheduled for August 9, 2023. Quezada and his two co-defendants, William Mejia and Ethan Ayala, were indicted on June 13, 2022. On January 5, 2023, Quezada pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Mejia pleaded guilty to similar charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2023. Ayala is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2024. “Stolen firearms often fuel the gun violence that has become far too common in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Stopping the flow of stolen firearms into our communities remains a top priority of this office and we will continue to seek serious sentences for these very serious crimes.” “Keeping guns from being stolen and used to commit further crimes remains a top priority for ATF,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson. Between August 29, 2021, and October 4, 2021, Quezada conspired with others to steal firearms from three New Hampshire Federal Firearms Licensees. During the course of the conspiracy, 43 firearms were stolen from Milford Firearms in Milford, Second Amendment Arms in Windham, and MacPherson Firearms in Brentwood. Multiple stolen firearms were recovered from Quezada’s residence. Videos recovered from Quezada’s phone showed numerous stolen firearms and admissions of his involvement in the conspiracy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Andover Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, the Haverhill Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem (NH) Police Department, the Somersworth Police Department, the Saugus Police Department, the Wellesley Police Department, and the Windham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy 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. ###


title: Adair County Resident Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bryan Udale Jones, 63, of Stillwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, which is punishable by not less than thirty years imprisonment. Government prosecutors alleged that beginning in 2003 and continuing until 2010, the defendant engaged in sexual acts with a child who had not yet attained the age of 12. As a part of the plea allocution, the defendant also admitted to sexually assaulting three other children, all less than 12 years old at the time of the abuse. The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Jones was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Anthony C. Marek represented the United States.


title: Hulbert Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Offense

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeramey Dill, age 34, of Hulbert, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Use, Carry, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On May 3, 2021, during a violent argument, Dill pulled a handgun and discharged his weapon multiple times. The victim sustained a non–life threatening gunshot wound to his leg and Dill fled the scene before deputies arrived. Investigators recovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings from the scene. Dill was arrested at his residence the following day by investigators serving a search warrant and confessed to the shooting. Dill pleaded guilty to the offense on October 28, 2021. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy to foster trust and legitimacy in our communities, support community-based organizations that help prevent violence, set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and produce measurable results. The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City. Dill will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.


title: Former Boston Woman Arrested for Failing to Surrender to Serve Federal Sentence

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former Boston woman who was sentenced to federal prison in 2021 has been arrested for allegedly failing to surrender to serve her sentence. Yris Sanchez, 51, was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2022 for failing to appear to serve a federal sentence and was arrested in Laredo, Texas on March 18, 2023. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today, Sanchez was held pending further court proceedings on this charge and until she serves her prior sentence. According to court documents, Sanchez used the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to apply for and use various U.S. passports and at least one Massachusetts Real ID driver’s license. Sanchez also used this person’s identifiers to apply for and use accounts with various banks, including Citizens Bank and Santander. In addition, Sanchez also used a different identity to obtain another U.S. Passport. Sanchez has previously been arrested under multiple identities. In May 2020, Sanchez was convicted of misusing a passport and was sentenced to 15 months of prison. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanchez requested release on conditions and to self-report to serve her sentence. The Court granted this request and released Sanchez on an appearance bond. It is alleged that, following several extensions of her self-report date, Sanchez failed to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons in June 2021 to serve her sentence. In July 2021, the Court forfeited Sanchez’s secured appearance bond and entered a further default judgment of $47,500 against Sanchez. The charge of failure to surrender provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence on this charge will be served consecutively to the sentence imposed on her prior case. 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 Rachael S. Rollins; Brian Kyes, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely, Chief of Rollins’ Criminal Division, is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Concord Man Sentenced for Defrauding Investor

body_text: BOSTON – A Concord man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for defrauding an investor of $72,000. Eric Lyons, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to six months of home confinement and 100 hours of community service. Lyons was also ordered to pay $72,000 in restitution and placed on probation for two years during which he is prohibited from working as an investment advisor. On Nov. 2, 2022, Lyons pleaded guilty to one count of investment advisor fraud. Between 2015 and 2017, Lyons participated in the operation of multiple investment funds, including the Synchrony Value Fund LP. Lyons defrauded an investor by allowing for the distribution of that investor’s gains, as well as a portion of their underlying investment, to other investors. The defrauded investor eventually liquidated their position in the fund, receiving approximately $72,000 less than the amount to which they were entitled. United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of Rollins’ Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Cottonwood County Farmer Pleads Guilty in $19 Million Organic Grain Fraud Scheme

body_text: ST PAUL, Minn. – A Cottonwood County man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, between 2013 and 2021, James Clayton Wolf, 65, a certified organic farmer, engaged in a scheme to defraud grain purchasers by selling them non-GMO grains falsely represented as organic. In his guilty plea, Wolf admitted purchasing conventionally farmed grains from a supplier and reselling the grains labelled as organic. The scheme netted profits of more than $19.6 million, which Wolf used to purchase real estate, vehicles and farm equipment, and investments. As part of the agreement, Wolf will forfeit all the proceeds of the fraud. Wolf pleaded guilty earlier today before U.S. District Judge Judge Katherine M. Menendez to one count of wire fraud. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Lewis, Craig Baune, and Quinn Askew are prosecuting the case.


title: Laguna Man Charged with Second Degree Murder

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Cody Allen Charlie was charged with three counts of murder in the second degree. Charlie, 36, of Laguna, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma, appeared in federal court today for a detention hearing and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. According to an indictment, on Aug. 7, 2022, Charlie was allegedly driving on I-40 near mile marker 130 when he hit another car from behind, pushing it off the interstate, onto the shoulder, and causing it to roll over. All three occupants of the car were killed in the accident. After the crash, Charlie allegedly fled the scene on foot. The crash occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Laguna Indian Reservation. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Charlie faces up to 33 years in prison. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. # # # 23-104


title: Human Smuggler Sentenced to 101 Months for Causing Crash That Killed Passenger

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Andres Urias-Soto, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 96 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Because Urias-Soto was on supervised release for the offense of transporting illegal aliens for profit when he committed this offense, Judge Hinderaker imposed a sentence of 5 months consecutive for the violation of supervised release. Urias-Soto pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Resulting in Death and admitted to violating a condition of supervised release. On June 17, 2021, Urias-Soto agreed to drive to Lukeville, Arizona, to pick up undocumented non-citizens who were present illegally in the United States. Urias-Soto was to be paid to transport them to another location within the United States. On that same date, United States Border Patrol agents observed Urias-Soto pick up two suspected undocumented non-citizens from a gas station and drive northbound on State Route 85 towards Interstate 8. When Border Patrol agents activated their lights and sirens to conduct a traffic stop, Urias-Soto sped up, failed to yield to the agents, and eventually reached speeds up to 110 miles per hour. Shortly thereafter, Urias-Soto lost control of the vehicle and crashed in the desert. One of the passengers succumbed to his injuries. The surviving passenger also sustained injuries. The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Sells, in coordination with Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol, Ajo Station, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Arturo Aguilar, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 21-cr-01933-JCH-EJM RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-069_Urias-Soto # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown and Staff Mourn the Passing of Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Juneau

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown and the staff of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana mourn the passing of Senior United States District Court Judge Michael J. Juneau and issue the following statement: “Judge Michael J. Juneau was a great American jurist and the consummate professional on and off the bench exhibiting textbook judicial temperament, especially when faced with tense situations during litigation. While in private practice, he was well known and respected throughout the state for being highly skilled in complex civil litigation. Although his time with us on the bench in the Western District of Louisiana was brief by Article III federal judge standards, it was impactful, and he will be missed. The employees of the Western District of Louisiana’s United States Attorney’s Office will keep his wife, Becky, and their children, lifted in prayer and our thoughts during this difficult time.” # # #


title: Executive Director of Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education  Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Federal Funding

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – Yesterday, Doris Joann Gilmore, 61, from Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to federal program theft and failure to submit payroll taxes collected from employees, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. According to the plea agreement and other court records, Gilmore was the Executive Director of the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (ALACTE) in Montgomery, Alabama. The ALACTE serves as an advocate on issues affecting Alabama’s career and technical education programs. During the period in question, between 2020 and 2022, the ALACTE received federal grant funds through various state agencies. As the organization’s director, Gilmore was responsible for budgeting, approving payments, and developing and disbursing payroll funds. She also prepared and filed federal and state tax returns, payroll tax returns, and Forms W-2. Although the total timeframe for the criminal conduct was not specified in court documents, Gilmore specifically admitted to embezzling ALACTE funds during the 2020 calendar year and failing to send payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that were withheld during the first quarter of 2022. The plea agreement states that Gilmore’s crimes caused a total loss of $2,832,486.30. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, Gilmore will face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution. The FBI, IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil is prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Uses Civil Forfeiture to Recover $95,325.29 for Fraud Victim

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: Jackson, Miss. – On May 10, 2023, U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden entered Final Judgment of Forfeiture against $95,325.29 in U.S. Currency seized from a Merchant and Marine Bank Account, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca. According to the Verified Complaint for Forfeiture in Rem filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Merchant and Marine Bank Account had been set up by a conspirator in a business email compromise scheme (BEC) to receive fraud proceeds. A BEC is a sophisticated scam, often targeting businesses involved in wire transfer payments. The fraud is carried out by compromising and/or “spoofing” legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques. It causes employees of the victim company (or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions with them) to transfer funds to accounts the scammers control. The complaint was filed Feb. 27, 2023, alleging that on August 31, 2020, the victim’s husband received an email from the title company handling the couple’s closing on the purchase of a home. This email was legitimate and contained accurate wiring instructions, but on September 1, 2020, the victim received a second email with false wiring instructions. The spoofed email appeared to be from the couple’s title company and listed the account to which the funds were to be transferred as a Merchant and Marine Bank Account, which a conspirator had opened on August 31, 2020. The victim followed the instructions in the fraudulent email and wired funds into the Merchant and Marine Bank Account. On September 2, 2020, the victim realized the fraudulent email after receiving a call from the title company about the closing costs. By that time, a conspirator had already sent a wire transfer, purchased a cashier’s check made payable to herself, and made a sizable cash withdrawal. The victim’s husband contacted Merchant and Marine Bank, which froze the remaining funds in the account and placed a stop payment on the cashier’s check. On March 20, 2023, the victim filed a claim in the civil forfeiture proceeding and filed a subsequent answer, in which she explained that she had been the victim of the fraud scheme. The U.S. Attorney’s Office entered into a Stipulated Settlement Agreement with the victim and asked the Court to enter a Final Judgment ordering the return of the $95,325.29 to the victim and canceling the interests of any other person or entity. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The USAO Asset Recovery Unit team led by AUSA Clay B. Baldwin handled the matter. The Government would like to thank Merchant & Marine Bank for its cooperation in this matter. Business Email Compromise schemes can be prevented. Here are some tips: • Independently obtain mortgage payoff statements and confirm with verified and trusted sources. • Independently verify the authenticity of information included in correspondence and statements. • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all email accounts. • Routinely change passwords. • Routinely monitor email account access, check for unauthorized email rules and forwarding settings. • Restrict wire transfers to known and previously verified accounts. • Pay using checks when the information cannot be independently verified. • Have a clear and detailed Incident Response Plan. For more information visit the Secret Service’s Preparing for a Cyber Incident page. To learn more about the Secret Service and efforts to combat Business Email Compromise fraud, please click here .


title: Arizona Man Indicted  for Shipping Fentanyl to Southern Oregon

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Medford has returned an indictment charging a Phoenix, Arizona man with mailing large quantities of fentanyl to Southern Oregon. Luke Austin Montgomery, 24, has been charged with three counts of attempting to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, in late 2022, law enforcement learned Montgomery had been shipping counterfeit oxycodone pills suspected to contain fentanyl from Phoenix to Southern Oregon. Soon after, investigators arranged the purchase of 1,000 counterfeit pills from Montgomery. The same day Montgomery fulfilled the order, he shipped an additional 10,000 pills to a second Southern Oregon address. Montgomery concealed the counterfeit pills in over-the-counter pill bottles packaged among various toiletries. Investigators later obtained videos Montgomery had allegedly created and used to sell the counterfeit pills on social media. On May 9, 2023, Montgomery was arrested in Arizona. Today, he was ordered detained pending transfer to the District of Oregon. Attempting to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl is punishable by up to 40 years in federal prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, five years’ supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Nationwide “Felony Lane Gang” Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tyrone Parker Jr., age 23, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin J. McConville made the announcement. Parker Jr. admitted that he was involved in a fraud scheme known as “Felony Lane Gang” between 2018 and 2020. Parker Jr. and his co-conspirators traveled across the country breaking into cars, often targeting those parked by women at locations such as health and fitness centers, daycares, and parks. Parker Jr. and other members of the conspiracy stole debit cards, credit cards, checkbooks, and photo identifications in these “smash-and-grab” vehicle thefts, and they used these stolen items to commit bank fraud by recruiting women to impersonate the smash-and-grab victims and cash checks in drive-through bank lanes. The recruited check cashers were almost always suffering from an addiction to drugs and were provided payment at least partially in narcotics. Parker Jr. also helped rent cars that he and other members of the conspiracy used to travel around and commit their crimes. Parker Jr. admitted that the loss amount from the conspiracy attributable to him is approximately $81,737. The charges to which Parker Jr. pled guilty carry a minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 30 years, a fine of up to $1.25 million, and a supervised release term of up to 5 years. Parker Jr. will be sentenced on September 13, 2023. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Parker Jr. was one of nine men charged in a 13-count indictment for their roles in the scheme . Keyshawn Arnold, age 25, of Schenectady, New York; Gary Grier, age 37, of Fort Lauderdale; Joshua Mallory, age 37, of Fort Lauderdale; Terrell McDonald, age 32, of Troy, New York; Robert Natson, age 37, of Fort Lauderdale; and Tyrone Parker Sr. (the father of Tyrone Parker Jr.), age 40, of Fort Lauderdale, previously pled guilty. The remaining co-defendants are: CEDRIC LYNCH, a/k/a “City,” a/k/a “C,” age 37, of Orlando, Florida; and RANDALL TAYLOR, a/k/a “Gucci,” a/k/a “Guwop,” age 37, of Fort Lauderdale. The two defendants awaiting trial are each charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and they are scheduled for trial in federal court in Albany on July 10, 2023. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants whose cases remain pending are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the FBI Westchester Resident Agency of the New York Field Office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Albany, Miami, and Salt Lake City, and Resident Agencies in Savannah, Georgia, and Portland, Maine, and from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by numerous law enforcement agencies, including, within New York, the New York State Police; Columbia County Sheriff's Office; Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; Warren County Sheriff’s Office; and the police departments of the Town of Bethlehem; Glens Falls; Gloversville; Greenburgh; Greece; and Watervliet; and elsewhere, Connecticut State Police; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Georgia State Patrol; Illinois State Police; Massachusetts State Police; Broward County, FL Sheriff’s Office; Northern York County, PA Regional Police; Southern Chester County, PA Regional Police; Utah County, UT Sheriff's Office; and the police departments of Auburn, MA; Bath, ME; Biddeford, ME; Bozeman, MT; Brunswick, ME; Caernarvon Township, PA; Chester Township, PA; Cinnaminson, NJ; Darien, CT; East Norriton Township, PA; Easthampton, MA; Greenwich, CT; Lower Moreland Township, PA; Manheim Township, PA; Portland, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Saco, ME; Salisbury, MA; Sanford, ME; Scarborough, ME; Somersworth, NH; South Portland, ME; St. George, UT; Syracuse, UT; Tinicum, PA; Towamencin, PA; Tewksbury, MA; Wakefield, MA; Yarmouth, ME; and York, ME. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McCrobie, Michael F. Perry, and Paul Tuck are prosecuting the case.


title: Watertown Man Sentenced to 144 Months for Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Conner Spells, age 24, of Watertown, New York was sentenced yesterday to serve 144 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for the attempted enticement of a minor he believed was 10 years old and for distribution of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. When Spells pled guilty he admitted that, in October 2021, he exchanged multiple sexually explicit messages online with an undercover officer to arrange a sexual encounter with a 10-year-old child the undercover officer purported to have access to and could provide for sex. Spells also admitted that, during his text message communications with the undercover officer, he distributed child pornography to the officer and traveled from the Watertown, New York area to the Binghamton, New York area as arranged for the sexual encounter. Spells’s case was investigated by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is 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 better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Arizona Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Transporting Victim for Prostitution

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 12, 2023 SAN DIEGO – Ashton Jordan was sentenced in federal court today to 108 months in prison for transporting a woman from Nevada to Arizona to California in order to cause her to engage in prostitution. Jordan was arrested in Arizona in November 2021 on sex trafficking charges following his indictment by a federal grand jury. He first came to the attention of law enforcement in July 2021 when the victim escaped from Jordan at a hotel in downtown San Diego. She reported at the time that Jordan had used violence against her to cause her to stay with him and prostitute herself for his financial benefit. Jordan was on probation at the time of his offense. Jordan pleaded guilty in November 2022. In his plea agreement, Jordan admitted that he brought the victim to San Diego with the intent that she would be engaging in prostitution. During the time that Jordan was with the victim, he further admitted that he was physically violent with her on multiple occasions in order to cause her to engage in prostitution. “I applaud the bravery of this victim,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The defendant’s reprehensible actions have forever impacted her life, and for that he will pay a high price. We will never relent in our pursuit of justice for victims.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their excellent work on this case. “Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today’s sentencing is another example of our commitment to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors get a fresh start. I’m thankful to all of our partners on the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their collaboration and I’m proud of our office’s work to help uplift vulnerable Californians. When we work together, we get results. At the California Department of Justice, we’re always ready to answer the call when it comes to standing up for public safety.” “Jordan preyed on, manipulated, and exploited his victim for his own financial gain—he showed zero regard for human life,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “Sex trafficking happens every day, and it often occurs in plain sight. When you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it to law enforcement. FBI San Diego will continue to collaborate with our partners at every level to hold accountable all who believe a living being can be reduced to a dollar amount.” Jordan has been detained in custody since his arrest in November 2021. At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Court Judge Dana M. Sabraw not only imposed the 108-month prison sentence, but also ordered Jordan to serve 10 years of supervised release following his release from custody. DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr2649-DMS Ashton Tylon Amir Jordan Age: 28 Phoenix, AZ SUMMARY OF CHARGES Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine AGENCY San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of: Federal Bureau of Investigation California Department of Justice California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole California Highway Patrol ICE/Homeland Security Investigations National City Police Department San Diego City Attorney’s Office San Diego County District Attorney’s Office San Diego County Probation Department San Diego County Sheriff’s Department San Diego Police Department United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California


title: Inmate Convicted of Running Drug Distribution Scheme While in Prison

body_text: Montgomery, Alabama – Yesterday, a federal jury found Johnnie Page Lott, 41, from Mobile, Alabama, guilty of conspiring to sell methamphetamine in an Alabama prison and conspiring to launder drug money, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in early 2020, Lott was an inmate at Kilby Correctional Facility in Montgomery. Correctional officers suspected Lott was involved in illegal activity and began listening to recordings of calls Lott made from prison phones. The recordings revealed that Lott had numerous conversations concerning the sale of drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids called “Flakka,” within the prison. The subsequent investigation showed that Lott would have drugs brought into the prison, then he utilized other inmates to distribute them throughout the facility. The trial evidence revealed that on May 24, 2020, a correctional officer spotted an inmate with a suspicious bulge in his clothing. The officer searched the inmate and found a package of what turned out to be methamphetamine. Later on, Lott made a phone call and discussed with a co-conspirator the confiscation of the drugs. The jury also heard evidence that Lott was coordinating payments for the sale of his illegal drugs with his co-conspirator. On numerous occasions, Lott and the co-conspirator spoke about the amount of money the drug enterprise generated and, on one occasion, boasted about having an “$11,000.00 weekend.” They also discussed the co-conspirator paying cash for a $27,000.00 vehicle. When DEA agents executed a federal search warrant on the home of the co-conspirator, they found nearly $130,000.00 in cash. Federal agents also seized the co-conspirator’s financial accounts, totaling approximately $60,000.00. Following the May 11, 2023, verdict, Lott faces a sentence 10 years to life in federal prison. The Alabama Department of Corrections' Law Enforcement Services Division and the DEA investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric M. Counts, Kevin P. Davidson, and Mark E. Andreu are prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against California Rental Property Manager and Owners

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the manager and the owner of a rental property in Los Angeles for engaging in sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Abraham Kesary sexually harassed female tenants at 445 S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles since at least 2012. According to the complaint, Kesary offered housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual acts, made unwelcome sexual comments and advances to female tenants, entered the homes of female tenants without their permission, and subjected female tenants to unwelcome sexual acts. The lawsuit also names M&F Development LLC, the owner of the property, as a defendant. “No one should be subjected to demands for sex, sexual comments or propositions in exchange for safe and affordable housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “A home is a place of refuge; not a place to be subjected to degrading and unlawful harassment. The Justice Department is committed to vigorously enforcing the Fair Housing Act and holding landlords and housing providers accountable when they sexually harass their tenants.” “Mr. Kesary allegedly abused his power as a property manager to sexually harass and victimize vulnerable tenants for years,” said U.S Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “Sexual harassment is a violation of the Fair Housing Act, and the Justice Department will do everything in its power to seek justice for victims of discrimination and harassment.” The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Abraham Kesary or M&F Development LLC, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, select option 1 for English or option 2 for Spanish, select option 2 for sexual harassment, then select option 5 for English or option 4 for Spanish to leave a message. Individuals may also email the department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or submit a report online . Reports also may be made by contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online . The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 31 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.7 million for victims of such harassment.


title: Wilmington Man Federally Indicted for Possessing Over a Kilogram of Cocaine

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Wilmington man with possession of over a kilogram of cocaine with intent to distribute it. According to the indictment and statements made in open court, Aaron Cephas, a/k/a “Ace,” age 41, was the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. On April 10, 2023, surveillance officers saw Cephas moving bags into and out of a house in Newark, Delaware, and thereafter getting into a Jeep and driving to the 800 block of West 5 th Street in Wilmington. Law enforcement officers stopped the Jeep there, finding Alprazolam pills and $1,000 on Cephas’ person and over 80 grams of cocaine in the Jeep. Agents subsequently searched the house in Newark where Cephas had been seen and found approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, $27,000, and a loaded handgun magazine. Cephas is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge for the Philadelphia Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement. The Wilmington Department of Police assisted with the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-43. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.


title: Former Mental Health and Community Residence Facility Director Sentenced for Financial Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult and Elderly Person

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON –Latonja Dashawn Carrera, also known as Latonja Dashawn Martin, 48, of Camp Springs, Maryland, was sentenced today to twelve months incarceration, ten months suspended, and three years of probation for a felony charge of financial exploitation of a vulnerable or elderly adult in violation of D.C. Code §§ 22-933.01(a)(3) and 22-936.01(a)(1). The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Inspector General for the District of Columbia Daniel W. Lucas. According to facts admitted in her guilty plea, Carrera was the owner and administrator of M&M Residential Services, Inc., a Mental Health Community Residence Facility licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Carrera admitted that within a 16-day period in January 2019, she made five separate transactions totaling $3,090.14 from the bank accounts of a 73-year-old vulnerable adult under her care, which she in turn used to pay for her own personal utility and credit card bills. Carrera was arrested in December 2020, and pleaded guilty on December 6, 2022. In addition to the prison term and probation, D.C. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, ordered Carrera to undergo a mental health evaluation and pay $1,565.78 in restitution to the victim, in addition to a $100 fine paid to the victims compensation fund As a condition of probation, Carrera is also prohibited from serving in any fiduciary role for any individual other than her immediate family members. This prosecution is part of the Office’s wider efforts to combat crimes against seniors and vulnerable adults. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia launched an initiative to address the abuse and exploitation of older adults. The Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative at the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanded its response to criminal and civil violations targeting older adults. The initiative has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop and coordinate further its prosecution of these cases and enhance its overall support of older or vulnerable victims. The team consists of experienced prosecutors and victim advocates from across the Office, to include the Superior Court, Criminal, and Civil Divisions, as well as the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Initiative partners with the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which is statutorily responsible for investigating and prosecuting District Medicaid provider fraud as well as abuse or neglect of residents in health care facilities and board and care facilities and of District Medicaid beneficiaries in noninstitutional or other settings. This prosecution is indicative of the continued collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the D.C. Office of the Inspector General to investigate and prosecute cases of this kind. The government urges the public to provide tips and assistance to stop health care fraud. If you have information about individuals committing health care fraud, please call the D.C. Office of the Inspector General at 202-724-TIPS [202-724-8477]. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Inspector General Lucas commended the work of those who investigated and prosecuted the case from the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Office of Inspector General’s MFCU. They also acknowledged the efforts of Special Assistant United States Attorney Jason Facci, on detail from the Office of the Inspector General, who prosecuted the case, and MFCU Special Agent Jonathan Rich, who investigated the matter. They also recognized the work of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, which initiated this case, and the D.C. Adult Protective Services, which referred this matter for investigation.


title: United States Files Complaint Against Telecommunications Service Provider for Assisting and Facilitating Illegal Robocalls

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced a civil enforcement action against XCast Labs, Inc. for allegedly violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) by assisting and facilitating illegal telemarketing campaigns. According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, XCast Labs, Inc., provided voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services that transmitted billions of illegal robocalls to American consumers, including scam calls that fraudulently claimed to be from government agencies. These robocalls delivered prerecorded marketing messages, and many of them were delivered to numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry, failed to truthfully identify the seller of the services being marketed, falsely claimed affiliations with government entities, contained other false or misleading statements to induce purchases, or were transmitted with “spoofed” caller ID information. The complaint alleges that XCast Labs continued to allow its services to transmit these calls even after being alerted to their illegality. The complaint seeks monetary civil penalties and a permanent injunction to prohibit the defendant from future violations. “The Department of Justice is committed to stopping telecommunications providers from enabling unscrupulous telemarketers to bombard American consumers with illegal robocalls,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the FTC to enforce the Telemarketing Sales Rule.” “XCast Labs played a key role in helping telemarketers flood homes with unlawful robocalls, including robocalls impersonating the Social Security Administration,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “VoIP providers like XCast Labs that bury their heads in the sand when their customers use their services to break the law can expect to hear from the FTC.” A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence. The case is being handled by attorneys in the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, including Trial Attorney Zachary A. Dietert, in conjunction with staff at the FTC’s Division of Marketing Practices. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . For more information about the FTC, visit its website at https://www.FTC.gov .


title: Appraiser in Billion-Dollar Conservation Easement Fraud Scheme Pleads Guilty

component: Tax Division

body_text: A North Carolina land appraiser pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States as part of a syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme – involving inflated charitable contribution deductions based on a fraudulent appraisal value of a conservation easement on land – that claimed more than $1.3 billion in fraudulent tax deductions. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2008 to 2019, Walter “Terry” Douglas Roberts II of Shelby, North Carolina, conspired with others to defraud the United States by fraudulently inflating the value of the conservation easements upon which the tax deductions were based. Roberts became a licensed appraiser in 2007 and began providing appraisals of conservation easements that same year. From 2008 through 2019, as part of the scheme, Roberts fraudulently inflated the values of at least 18 conservation easements by, among other things, not following normal appraisal methods, making false statements, and either personally manipulating or relying on knowingly manipulated data, in order to reach a targeted appraisal value – communicated to him by coconspirators – that would result in the desired tax deduction amount. Roberts inflated some of his appraisals by at least 70%. The 18 conservation easements Roberts fraudulently appraised claimed approximately $466,961,000 in tax deductions, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $129,000,000. Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, and IRS Criminal Investigation Chief James C. Lee made the announcement. IRS-CI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Grace Albinson, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft, and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr., of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho, formerly of the Tax Division, also previously worked on this case.


title: District Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Assault with a  Dangerous Weapon and Gun-Related Charges

body_text: Defendant Threatened Victim With a Gun at a Metro Station WASHINGTON – Kalil Ameer Xavier Pitts, 31, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of simple assault, and one count of criminally negligent storage of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Michael Anzallo, of the Metro Transit Police Department. Kalil Pitts pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Erik P. Christian. Pitts will be sentenced on July 28, 2023. He faces up to five years’ imprisonment for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearms, up to 180 days’ imprisonment for simple assault, and up to 180 days’ imprisonment for criminally negligent storage of a firearm. According to the government’s evidence, on June 9, 2022, Kalil Pitts followed a former friend to the train platform at Brookland-CUA Metro Station in Washington, D.C., and threatened him with a handgun. The victim fled, but Pitts chased him through the station and started a fistfight. Pitts punched the victim multiple times, cutting the victim near his eye. The assaults were recorded by WMATA’s surveillance system. A week later, members of the Metro Transit Police Department executed a search warrant at the D.C. apartment of Kalil Pitts. Inside, police found a loaded handgun and a “ghost” rifle—both of which were accessible to two young children under the age of 10 years. Pitts was not permitted to possess the firearms due to a prior conviction and he did not store the firearms securely. In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Anzallo commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metro Transit Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the cases at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos A. Valdivia and Omeed Assefi, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.