title: Justice Department Announces Four Cases Brought by Election Threats Task Force

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force (ETTF) announced developments this week in four cases involving interstate transmissions of threats to election personnel and other victims. Teak Brockbank, 45, of Cortez, Colorado, pleaded guilty today to threatening a Colorado election official, and admitted to making other threats to an Arizona election official, a Colorado state judge, and federal law enforcement agents between September 2021 and July 2024. Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, Alabama, was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison for sending messages threatening violence to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix on Aug. 2-4, 2022, during and immediately following the Arizona primary elections. Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, Florida, was charged on Monday for allegedly sending a threat on Feb. 9 to an election official in addition to already pending charges for threats made to three other victims based on their political commentary in 2019 and 2020. John Pollard, 62, of Philadelphia, was charged on Monday for allegedly threatening on Sept. 6 to kill a representative of a Pennsylvania state political party who was recruiting official poll watchers. “As we approach Election Day, the Justice Department’s warning remains clear: anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face the consequences,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Over the past three and a half years, the Justice Department has been aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who threaten the public servants who administer our elections, and we will continue to do so in the weeks ahead. For our democracy to function, Americans who serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives.” “Threats to election workers are threats to our democratic process,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “No one should face violence or threats of violence simply for doing their job. The actions announced today make clear that we will not tolerate those who use or threaten violence in an effort to undermine our democratic institutions. To carry out their essential work, election officials must be free from improper influence, physical threats, and others forms of intimidation.” “Our elections are made by possible by the hard work and patriotism of election workers in communities across the country who are also our neighbors, relatives and friends, and they deserve to do this important work without being subjected to threats,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The fact that election workers need to be worried about their security is incomprehensible and unacceptable. While these four cases are examples of the kinds of threats election workers are unfortunately facing, these cases also represent the FBI’s dedication in holding accountable those who undermine our democracy with this conduct. The FBI and our partners on the ETTF will work tirelessly to charge and arrest those callous enough to make these threats and make sure they are held accountable. Free, fair, and safe elections are critical to our country and our democratic ideals.” “These defendants made serious threats of violence against members of the election community. Threats like these strike at the very heart of our democracy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The cases announced today underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to defending our democracy, safeguarding our elections, and protecting all election workers. Through the ETTF, the Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute all criminal threats against members of the election community.” The four cases were all brought by the ETTF. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they join the task force in its critical work. Under the leadership of the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . United States v. Brockbank (District of Colorado) According to court documents, Brockbank admitted to using three social media accounts to post messages threatening Colorado and Arizona election officials between September 2021 and July 2024. On Sept. 22, 2021, Brockbank posted the following message on social media: “[Election Official-1] . . . needs to- No has to Hang she has to Hang by the neck till she is Dead Dead Dead. There will be accountability for these peoples actions in Communist Colorado and it won’t be judges and it won’t be weakmided cops that bring it!!! It will be Me it will be You it Will be every day people that understand that there life does not matter anymore with the future our country has laid out before it.” As part of his plea, Brockbank also admitted to posting a message on Aug. 4, 2022 referring to election officials in Arizona and Colorado, stating: “Once those people start getting put to death then the rest will melt like snowflakes and turn on each other. . . . This is the only way. So those of us that have the stomach for what has to be done should prepare our minds for what we all [a]re going to do!!!!!! It is time.” In addition, Brockbank admitted to posting a message threatening a Colorado state judge on Oct. 2, 2021: “I could pick up my rifle and I could go put a bullet in this Mans head and send him to explain himself to our Creator right now. I would be Justified!!! Not only justified but obligated by those in my family who fought and died for the freedom in this country. . . . What can I do other than kill this man my self?” Brockbank further admitted to threatening federal law enforcement on July 13, 2024, posting: ““I believe every single FBI agent deserves to go explain themselves to our creator right away!!!! I am more than willing to send any/All of you there.” Finally, Brockbank admitted to illegally possessing multiple firearms and ammunition. “The security and sanctity of the American election system is core to the foundation of our Democracy,” said Acting United States Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We will prosecute people who threaten elections, election officials, or election workers to the fullest extent of the law.” Brockbank pleaded guilty today to interstate transmission of a threat. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Denver Field Office is investigating the case. Acting Deputy Director Jonathan E. Jacobson of PIN’s Election Crimes Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case. United States v. Ogstad (District of Arizona) According to court documents, on or about Aug. 2, 2022, Arizona held primary elections for federal and state officeholders, including a gubernatorial primary election that received nationwide media coverage. From the day of the election through on or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad sent multiple threatening direct messages to a social media account maintained by Maricopa County Elections. For instance, on or about Aug. 3, 2022, Ogstad stated: (1) “You did it! Now you are f*****.. Dead. You will all be executed for your crimes”; (2) F*** you! You are caught! They have it all. You f****** are dead”; (3) “You are lying, cheating m****** f******* . . . you better not come in my church, my business or send your kids to my school. You are f****** stupid if you think your lives are safe”; and (4) “You f****** are so dead.” On or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad also stated, “[Y]ou people are so ducking stupid. Everyone knows you are lots, cheats, frauds and in doing so in relation to elections have committed treason. You will all be executed. Bang f******!” ” In the course of his messages to the recipient, Ogstad transmitted an image of the character “Woody,” from the Toy Story film franchise, lying face down with an unidentified projectile in its back. “In this election season we honor and respect those public servants who enable Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “And we seek to protect all election workers from intimidation and harassment. Threats of violence, whether conveyed by words or deeds or pictures, will be met in this District with robust prosecution.” Ogstad was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine, after pleading guilty on July 25 to one count of interstate transmission of a threat. The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the FBI Birmingham Field Office. Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case. United States v. Kantwill (Middle District of Florida) According to court documents, from September 2019 to July 2020, Kantwill, a dentist, sent over 100 threats to various public figures via Facebook and Instagram messages, email, and text. As charged in the superseding information filed on Monday, those threats included a threat sent via email to an author, a threat sent via text to a religious leader, and a threat sent via Instagram to a television personality. From April 2022 to April 2024, Kantwill also sent at least seven additional threats to four public figures via Facebook, including a threat to an election official in another state on Feb. 9, when Kantwill wrote: “You are a degenerate c***. and you are now the target of our own investigation. Take note because liberal t***s like you get raped in alleys, by really big black guys that serve our cause. So, you t*** are going to get raped by at least 5 n*****s, and do nothing. You are the number 1 target, you degenerate t***.” “If you threaten someone with violence, we will take you at your word,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Law enforcement officers and members of my office will work together to hold accountable and federally prosecute individuals who threaten to injure or kill others.” Kantwill is charged with four counts of interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of PIN and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado. An information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States v. Pollard (Western District of Pennsylvania) According to the indictment, on Sept. 6, Pollard sent threatening text messages to Victim 1, a resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania. Victim 1 had previously posted online, in Victim 1’s capacity as an employee of a state political party, that Victim 1 was recruiting volunteers to “help[] observe at the polls on Election Day” and included Victim 1’s phone number. Pollard allegedly texted Victim 1 that he was “interested in being a poll watcher” and included Victim 1’s first name. Pollard then allegedly texted three threats to Victim 1: (1) “I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!”; (2) “Your days are numbered, B****!”; and (3) “GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!” “Threats of violence have no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This is no less true when those threats of violence are directed at individuals associated with our electoral process — in this case, someone seeking to organize poll watchers. This conduct will not be tolerated in our district, and we will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to prosecute these offenses with the full weight of the law.” Pollard was arrested on Monday and appeared in federal court in Philadelphia. He is charged with one count of interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of PIN and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ***** To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.


title: Bank fraud scheme sends Georgia man to federal prison for four years

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA — A federal judge today sentenced a Georgia man to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for a scheme that involved recruiting homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks at Montana financial institutions, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Akia Demetrius Hills, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in June to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court also ordered $226,500.69 in restitution. In court documents, the government alleged that Hills and others stole mail and checks, and then fraudulently used the identities of various individuals to cash fraudulent checks throughout Montana financial institutions. On May 10, 2019, Hills and others instructed a man to enter numerous banks to attempt to cash a fraudulent check. Eventually, one bank accepted the fraudulent check, which totaled $6,734. Hills traveled across the country to defraud banks and attempted to use homeless individuals to cash fraudulent checks at banks. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Indictment Returned in June 2023 Armed Carjacking

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Vincent Jones, 29, of Washington, D.C., was indicted today on charges of armed carjacking, armed robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for robbing the victim at gunpoint outside of a McDonald’s Restaurant, at 3901 Minnesota Ave. in Northeast D.C., in June of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to the government’s evidence, on June 16, 2023, the defendant and two accomplices approached the victim near the parking lot, pointed firearms at him, demanded that he “give it up,” and forcibly took his keys, bag, and cash. The defendant and one accomplice then fled in the victim’s vehicle while the third accomplice fled in a separate car. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Cocuzza and Jacob Green of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: California Man Charged with Weapon of Mass Destruction Offense in Connection with Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

body_text: A three-count federal grand jury indictment was returned today charging Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, California, with committing a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria in which several people were injured. McGuire’s arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 25 in the Central District of California. According to the indictment and criminal complaint, on Sept. 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were near the bomb when it exploded. Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel. Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe. McGuire told law enforcement he intended to re-enter the courthouse with the firearms in order to kill a judge. A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material. McGuire was charged with one count of using a weapon of mass destruction, one count of maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive, and one count of possessing unregistered destructive devices. McGuire has been in custody since his arrest in September, shortly after the attack. If convicted of all charges, McGuire faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch announced the case. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Alexandria woman pleads guilty to intentionally striking a victim with her car while fleeing the Fort Belvoir Exchange

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Alexandria woman pled guilty today to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. According to court documents, on Dec. 29, 2022, Alexis Amani Smith, 28, entered the AAFES Main Exchange at Fort Belvoir and began to steal several items of merchandise. Smith then walked past the final point of purchase with five items – perfume and earrings valued at $342.99 – without paying. After Smith exited the Exchange with the merchandise, a loss prevention officer (LPO) of the Exchange approached Smith, questioned her about her apparent theft of merchandise, and requested identification. A verbal altercation ensued. Smith placed the stolen merchandise on the floor, then quickly exited the Exchange and entered her vehicle in the Main Exchange parking lot. The LPO followed Smith to the parking lot to obtain the vehicle license plate number. While the LPO was standing directly in front of Smith’s vehicle, Smith accelerated the vehicle, striking the LPO’s knees and shins. The LPO placed her hands on the hood of Smith’s vehicle to maintain her balance while yelling for Smith to stop. Smith accelerated again, sending the LPO onto an adjacent vehicle and then onto the pavement. Smith continued to accelerate and left the Main Exchange. As a result of the vehicle strike, the victim suffered injuries to both her knees, her forearm, and her shoulder. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea. The Fort Belvoir Department of Emergency Services provided valuable assistance on this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Durham is prosecuting the case. Former Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Kyle Richardson and Margarita Pendarvis provided substantial assistance in the prosecution of the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-168.


title: Wilsonville Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Laundering More than $4.6 Million in Drug Proceeds

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds as the chief money launderer for a drug trafficking organization operating in the Pacific Northwest and California. Jacqueline Paola Rodriguez Barrientos, 44, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. “We thank the coordinated efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners actively combatting these drug trafficking organizations and the damage they inflict on our communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “While people like Ms. Rodriguez Barrientos conceal the profits of drug enterprises, the losses fall on far too many Americans and their families,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “We will continue doing our part to expose the finances of criminal organizations.” According to court documents, beginning in fall 2021, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland began investigating a drug trafficking organization suspected of transporting counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and heroin from California into Oregon and Washington State for distribution. A parallel financial investigation led by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) revealed that Barrientos laundered money generated by the drug trafficking organization through the Mazatlán Beauty Salon in Tualatin, Oregon and by buying real estate that she converted into income-generating rentals. The real estate purchases were made with cashier’s checks funded by large cash deposits. Currency Transaction Reports generated by several banks showed that Barrientos made frequent cash deposits ranging from $10,000 to more than $373,000 into accounts held in her name or the name of her salon. These deposits totaled more than $3.5 million during a 9-month period in 2021. Since February 2021, members of the drug trafficking organization also purchased a total of nine residential properties in Oregon, Washington and Nevada with an estimated total value of more than $4.6 million. All nine properties were purchased outright with no mortgages. Barrientos used laundered funds to purchase eight of these properties. She then used third-party property management companies to rent these properties and received approximately $10,000 per month in rental income. On February 17, 2022, DEA agents arrested Barrientos and an associate at their Las Vegas residence. Agents found and seized two luxury vehicles, several loose receipts documenting high-end retail purchases, credit card statements documenting more than $16,000 spent on tickets to attend a professional boxing match, and other evidence memorializing the couple’s high-end lifestyle. On February 9, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Barrientos with conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. She pleaded guilty on July 31, 2024. Barrientos has agreed to forfeiture of the properties purchased with criminal proceeds as part of the resolution of her case. Some of the properties have been sold by the government; others are pending forfeiture and sale. The proceeds of forfeited assets are deposited in the Justice Department’s Assets Forfeiture Fund (AFF) and used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of other law enforcement purposes. To learn more about the AFF, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/afp/assets-forfeiture-fund-aff . This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS:CI, Tigard Police Department, and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Peter D. Sax, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by AUSA Katie De Villiers, also of the District of Oregon. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Chula Vista Man Admits Defrauding Investors of More than $4 Million

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Chula Vista resident Paolo Roberto Flores pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting he defrauded investors of more than $4 million through lies and deception. According to his plea agreement, Flores made false statements about the success of his prior investments and promised to do the same for new investors. He agreed to invest their funds in cryptocurrency and take 20 percent of any profitable trades. He also told potential investors that he had effective risk mitigation measures in place to limit potential losses. Flores sent frequent text messages to investors, purporting to document profits resulting from his cryptocurrency trading. Based on Flores’ claim of consistent profits, some clients decided to increase their investments. When his investments started declining consistently, Flores took multiple steps to conceal his losses from investors. He doctored account statements to falsely show profits that did not exist. For example, on July 8, 2022, Flores sent a screenshot to investors that purported to be an “Assets Overview” page from trading platform BYBIT. He had doctored the screenshot to show an overall asset amount of approximately 69.06515482 BTC (or approximately $1,502,431.64 based on the closing price of $21,753.83 for one BTC on July 8, 2022). In reality, the account had a nominal balance. Later, when investors tried to withdraw funds as Flores had promised, Flores falsely claimed that BYBIT had frozen the account in which investor money had been deposited. He provided a series of apparent screenshots of emails, which he claimed were his communications with BYBIT. Instead, he had secretly created a new account, then initiated a user request through BYBIT to disable the login for the new account claiming, “suspicious account activity.” After BYBIT blocked the account as requested, FLORES logged into the new account to get the error message. He provided the error message, “This account has been banned,” to the investors to support his fraudulent claim that BYBIT had banned the account. According to court documents, Flores obtained at least $4,781,248 from victim investors because of his false statements and fraudulent documentation. At least 15 people gave amounts from $50,000 to $1.6 million. Flores used the proceeds of his scheme to purchase a 2021 Tesla Model S and a 2022 Land Rover RR, which he boasted about on his Facebook page. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing those who commit fraud for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or fraud scheme, contact law enforcement for help.” “Mr. Flores willingly preyed upon investors who trusted him with their money,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “People should be able to confidently invest their hard-earned money in the way that they choose. If that confidence and trust are exploited by criminals aiming to commit fraud, investors should know that law enforcement will work tirelessly to bring to justice those responsible.” In addition to the investment fraud, Flores admitted that he attempted to commit mortgage fraud. In July 2023, Flores executed an application to refinance a Veteran’s Administration mortgage with Rocket Mortgage LLC in the amount of $1,086,000 for his residence. In connection with the application, Flores made false statements about his employment status and income, and supported those false claims by submitting fabricated pay stubs to the mortgage lender. Flores was ordered to appear for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz on January 23, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. If you believe you were a victim of this crime, you may contact the San Diego Field Office at (858) 320-1800, or the Victim Witness Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office at usacas-vw@usa.doj.gov. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie H. Chu. DEFENDANT Case Number 24CR2216-BTM Paolo Roberto Flores Age: 39 Chula Vista, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation


component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force (ETTF) announced developments this week in four cases involving interstate transmissions of threats to election personnel and other victims. Teak Brockbank, 45, of Cortez, Colorado, pleaded guilty today to threatening a Colorado election official and making other threats to an Arizona election official, a Colorado state judge, and federal law enforcement agents between September 2021 and July 2024. Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, Alabama, was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison for sending messages threatening violence to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix from Aug. 2-4, 2022, during and immediately following the Arizona primary elections. Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, Florida, was charged on Monday for allegedly sending a threat on Feb. 9 to an election official in addition to already pending charges for threats made to three other victims based on their political commentary in 2019 and 2020. John Pollard, 62, of Philadelphia, was charged on Monday for allegedly threatening on Sept. 6 to kill a representative of a Pennsylvania state political party who was recruiting official poll watchers. “As we approach Election Day, the Justice Department’s warning remains clear: anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face the consequences,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Over the past three and a half years, the Justice Department has been aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who threaten the public servants who administer our elections, and we will continue to do so in the weeks ahead. For our democracy to function, Americans who serve the public must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives.” “Threats to election workers are threats to our democratic process,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “No one should face violence or threats of violence simply for doing their job. The actions announced today make clear that we will not tolerate those who use or threaten violence in an effort to undermine our democratic institutions. To carry out their essential work, election officials must be free from improper influence, physical threats, and others forms of intimidation.” “Our elections are made possible by the hard work and patriotism of election workers in communities across the country who are also our neighbors, relatives and friends, and they deserve to do this important work without being subjected to threats,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The fact that election workers need to be worried about their security is incomprehensible and unacceptable. While these four cases are examples of the kinds of threats election workers are unfortunately facing, these cases also represent the FBI’s dedication in holding accountable those who undermine our democracy with this conduct. The FBI and our partners on the ETTF will work tirelessly to charge and arrest those callous enough to make these threats and make sure they are held accountable. Free, fair, and safe elections are critical to our country and our democratic ideals.” “These defendants made serious threats of violence against members of the election community. Threats like these strike at the very heart of our democracy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The cases announced today underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to defending our democracy, safeguarding our elections, and protecting all election workers. Through the ETTF, the Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute all criminal threats against members of the election community.” The four cases were all brought by the ETTF. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they join the task force in its critical work. Under the leadership of the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo . United States v. Brockbank (District of Colorado) According to court documents, Brockbank admitted to using three social media accounts to post messages threatening Colorado and Arizona election officials between September 2021 and July 2024. On Sept. 22, 2021, Brockbank posted the following message on social media: “[Election Official-1] . . . needs to- No has to Hang she has to Hang by the neck till she is Dead Dead Dead. There will be accountability for these peoples actions in Communist Colorado and it won’t be judges and it won’t be weakmided cops that bring it!!! It will be Me it will be You it Will be every day people that understand that there life does not matter anymore with the future our country has laid out before it.” As part of his plea, Brockbank also admitted to posting a message on Aug. 4, 2022, referring to election officials in Arizona and Colorado, saying: “Once those people start getting put to death then the rest will melt like snowflakes and turn on each other. . . . This is the only way. So those of us that have the stomach for what has to be done should prepare our minds for what we all [a]re going to do!!!!!! It is time.” In addition, Brockbank admitted to posting a message threatening a Colorado state judge on Oct. 2, 2021, saying: “I could pick up my rifle and I could go put a bullet in this Mans head and send him to explain himself to our Creator right now. I would be Justified!!! Not only justified but obligated by those in my family who fought and died for the freedom in this country. . . . What can I do other than kill this man my self?” Brockbank further admitted to threatening federal law enforcement on July 13, posting: “I believe every single FBI agent deserves to go explain themselves to our creator right away!!!! I am more than willing to send any/All of you there.” Finally, Brockbank admitted to illegally possessing multiple firearms and ammunition. “The security and sanctity of the American election system is core to the foundation of our Democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We will prosecute people who threaten elections, election officials, or election workers to the fullest extent of the law.” Brockbank pleaded guilty today to interstate transmission of a threat. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Denver Field Office is investigating the case. Acting Deputy Director Jonathan E. Jacobson of PIN’s Election Crimes Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case. United States v. Ogstad (District of Arizona) According to court documents, on or about Aug. 2, 2022, Arizona held primary elections for federal and state officeholders, including a gubernatorial primary election that received nationwide media coverage. From the day of the election through on or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad sent multiple threatening direct messages to a social media account maintained by Maricopa County Elections. For instance, on or about Aug. 3, 2022, Ogstad stated: (1) “You did it! Now you are f*****.. Dead. You will all be executed for your crimes”; (2) F*** you! You are caught! They have it all. You f****** are dead”; (3) “You are lying, cheating m****** f******* . . . you better not come in my church, my business or send your kids to my school. You are f****** stupid if you think your lives are safe”; and (4) “You f****** are so dead.” On or about Aug. 4, 2022, Ogstad also stated, “[Y]ou people are so ducking stupid. Everyone knows you are lots, cheats, frauds and in doing so in relation to elections have committed treason. You will all be executed. Bang f******!” In the course of his messages to the recipient, Ogstad transmitted an image of the character “Woody,” from the Toy Story film franchise, lying face down with an unidentified projectile in its back. “In this election season we honor and respect those public servants who enable Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “And we seek to protect all election workers from intimidation and harassment. Threats of violence, whether conveyed by words or deeds or pictures, will be met in this District with robust prosecution.” Ogstad was sentenced on Monday to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine, after pleading guilty on July 25 to one count of interstate transmission of a threat. The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the FBI Birmingham Field Office. Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case. United States v. Kantwill (Middle District of Florida) According to court documents, from September 2019 to July 2020, Kantwill, a dentist, sent over 100 threats to various public figures via Facebook and Instagram messages, email, and text. As charged in the superseding information filed on Monday, those threats included a threat sent via email to an author, a threat sent via text to a religious leader, and a threat sent via Instagram to a television personality. From April 2022 to April 2024, Kantwill also sent at least seven additional threats to four public figures via Facebook, including a threat to an election official in another state on Feb. 9, when Kantwill wrote: “You are a degenerate c***. and you are now the target of our own investigation. Take note because liberal t***s like you get raped in alleys, by really big black guys that serve our cause. So, you t*** are going to get raped by at least 5 n*****s, and do nothing. You are the number 1 target, you degenerate t***.” “If you threaten someone with violence, we will take you at your word,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Law enforcement officers and members of my office will work together to hold accountable and federally prosecute individuals who threaten to injure or kill others.” Kantwill is charged with four counts of interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of PIN and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado. United States v. Pollard (Western District of Pennsylvania) According to the indictment, on Sept. 6, Pollard sent threatening text messages to Victim 1, a resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania. Victim 1 had previously posted online, in Victim 1’s capacity as an employee of a state political party, that Victim 1 was recruiting volunteers to “help[] observe at the polls on Election Day” and included Victim 1’s phone number. Pollard allegedly texted Victim 1 that he was “interested in being a poll watcher” and included Victim 1’s first name. Pollard then allegedly texted three threats to Victim 1: (1) “I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!”; (2) “Your days are numbered, B****!”; and (3) “GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!” “Threats of violence have no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This is no less true when those threats of violence are directed at individuals associated with our electoral process — in this case, someone seeking to organize poll watchers. This conduct will not be tolerated in our district, and we will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to prosecute these offenses with the full weight of the law.” Pollard was arrested on Monday and appeared in federal court in Philadelphia. He is charged with one count of interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of PIN and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ***** An indictment or information is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/ . You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at tips.fbi.gov/home . Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.


title: Leader of Middle Georgia Armed Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident with a prior federal conviction who is the leader of an armed drug trafficking organization based in Middle Georgia faces a maximum of life in prison for supplying large quantities of methamphetamine. Julian Derwayne Coker aka “Red” aka “Bread Red,” 43, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 22, and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to a maximum of life in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release and a $20,000,000 fine. The following codefendants have pleaded guilty and/or been sentenced: Jonathan Kelly McBride, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 23, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; Rodney Sentell Hardin aka “Rod,” 44, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Oct. 9, and faces 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; Lisa Nanette McNeer, 47, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Oct. 22, and faces 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine; and Erin Marie Jones, 49, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 5, and was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Sept. 5. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over this case. For those awaiting sentencing, the dates of their hearings will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Armed drug trafficking organizations promote violence and sow chaos in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is committed to disrupting criminal networks, reducing gun violence and building safer communities.” “The streets are safer, and Georgians can sleep a little easier knowing that these armed drug dealers are locked up and their days of peddling drugs in our communities are over,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “The FBI remains committed to combatting drug trafficking and taking armed violent criminals off the streets through our joint efforts with our law enforcement partners.” “Drug trafficking organizations disrupt society and poison our communities with violence and illegal drugs,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Their actions threaten the safety of the citizens of Georgia, and the GBI and our partners will not allow these organizations to go unchecked. This case is an example of this commitment to protect the communities of Georgia and hold criminals accountable.” According to court documents and statements made public in court, the FBI began investigating Coker’s drug trafficking organization (DTO) in 2022, which led to multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Coker and Hardin and other investigative actions. Sales of illegal drugs occurred on Feb. 13, 2022, and March 24, 2022, with Hardin selling methamphetamine he obtained from Coker to a confidential source. Coker sold methamphetamine to a confidential source five times between June and Sept. 2022 at locations in Macon. Wiretaps revealed that Coker was supplying methamphetamine to Hardin and other individuals. Agents executed multiple search warrants on Nov. 15, 2022, including at Coker’s residence on Forsyth Road. Agents found methamphetamine in pill and crystal forms stashed in an air fryer and a bag in the kitchen. The crystal methamphetamine weighed 11,166.01 grams and ranged in purity from 96% to 100%; the pressed pill methamphetamine weighed 79.87 grams. Agents found a 9mm pistol inside of a jacket embroidered with Coker’s alias “Bread Red” and seized $13,891. In all, Coker’s DTO is responsible for the distribution of dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine. Coker has a criminal history, including a prior federal controlled substance distribution conviction. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The case was investigated by the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Distribution Quantity of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Saginaw, Michigan man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine. According to public court documents, on three occasions in 2023 and 2024, Xavier Juwaun Williams, 24, sold or attempted to sell a total of more than 800 grams of methamphetamine. Williams transported the methamphetamine from Michigan to Burlington for distribution. After completing his term of imprisonment, Williams will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Nathan Neil Tyson, 25, distributed fentanyl to another person. That person died because they ingested the fentanyl Tyson gave them. Officers located marijuana, cash, and an extended firearm magazine at Tyson’s residence. In addition, when he was arrested, Tyson had a loaded firearm near him. After completing his term of imprisonment, Tyson will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill .


title: Davenport Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. According to public court documents, Devin Lee Ortiz, 32, received and searched for child sexual abuse material using his phone in July 2020. Ortiz’s phone had approximately 550 images of child sexual abuse material. Ortiz committed this offense while he resided at the residential reentry center in Davenport as the result of a 2013 conviction for lascivious acts with a child in the Iowa District Court for Scott County. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ortiz will be required to serve a 10-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Ortiz was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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: Charles City Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed a firearm as a prohibited person pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Dashaune Terrell Burns-Johnson, age 31, from Charles City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At the plea hearing, Burns-Johnson admitted that, on May 22, 2024, in Charles City he knowingly possessed a Taurus G3c, 9x19 mm pistol. At the time he possessed the gun, he knew that he had been convicted of a felony, domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury, second offense, and that he had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, specifically, domestic abuse assault. 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. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Burns-Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Burns-Johnson faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Charles City Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-2033. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Jury Convicts Michigan Man for Illegal Possession of Marijuana, Methamphetamine, and Using a Loaded Shotgun in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

body_text: A man with four prior felony convictions was convicted by a jury today, after a 3-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. Caleb Root, age 44, from Concord, Michigan, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance – marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance – methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about 3-hours of jury deliberations. Evidence in the case revealed at about 3:00 am, on May 23, 2023, a uniformed police officer, of the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, on routine patrol in a marked police car saw a pickup truck, pulling a box trailer, driving toward him on Hamilton Blvd. As the officer and the truck passed, the truck behaved suspiciously by: (1) the motorist changed course (by using a parking lot as a throughfare); (2) drove away from the officer; and (3) drove into a residential neighborhood in an attempt to lose the officer. After observing the truck’s behavior, the Officer positioned himself, to observe the motorist’s travel. The truck eventually exited the neighborhood and returned to its original line of travel. The Officer initiated a traffic stop for using a parking lot as a throughfare. The driver refused to roll the window down all the way to talk to the officer, then lied to the officer claiming he did not have an ID and could not remember his own birth date. Eventually the driver identified himself as Caleb Root, and admitted lying to the officer, and to being a convicted felon. At this time, law enforcement officers looked into the truck – from the outside – and, in plain view, saw marijuana. Root was arrested, the truck and trailer searched, and about 4 pounds of marijuana, a loaded shotgun, and more than 12 grams of pure methamphetamine were found inside. Root was released from custody the next day, and on July 22, 2023, he was stopped for speeding in Adair County, Iowa. Root was stopped for speeding, 90 in a 70-mph, upon approach, the officer detected the odor of marijuana. Root again provided a false identification to the officer. Further investigation led the officer to locate more than 1 pound of marijuana and 1 gram of methamphetamine. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Root remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Root faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, and 3-years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-4041. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cedar Rapids Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison

body_text: A man who sold methamphetamine and unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced today to more than 14 years in federal prison. Julius Anthony Montgomery, age 39, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 17, 2024 guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance following a conviction for a prior serious drug felony. Evidence at the sentencing hearing demonstrated that four times in January 2023, Montgomery sold methamphetamine. On January 26, 2023, law enforcement officers searched his home in Cedar Rapids. Montgomery, another adult, and six minor children were home at the time. When Montgomery realized that law enforcement officers had arrived, he tried to escape out the upstairs window with a firearm. Ultimately, he surrendered to officers. Inside his house and car, officers found over seven pounds of ice methamphetamine, his firearm, and over $2,000 in drug proceeds. Montgomery has prior federal felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school after having been convicted of a felony drug offense, and for possession of ammunition by a felon and drug user. Montgomery was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Montgomery was sentenced to 169 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Montgomery is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the United States Probation for the Northern District of Iowa. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-44. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: LeFlore County Resident Sentenced For Distribution Of Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joe Soriano III, age 55, of Poteau, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the District 16 Drug Task Force. On February 6, 2024, Soriano pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on January 5, 2023, and January 12, 2023, Soriano was captured on video selling a total of 50 pills containing Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Soriano will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.


title: Norfolk Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gustavo Araiza, Jr., age 28, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced October 23, 20224 in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Araiza, Jr. to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Araiza, Jr. is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. An undercover officer was utilized to purchase drugs directly from Araiza, Jr. On September 27, 2023, Araiza Jr. agreed to sell one pound of methamphetamine and 100 fentanyl pills. Araiza, Jr. met the undercover officer in his vehicle with a black backpack. Araiza, Jr. removed the drugs from the backpack and sold them to the undercover officer. On October 5, 2023, law enforcement arranged the undercover officer to purchase three pounds of methamphetamine and 100 fentanyl pills. The drug transaction took place in the undercover officer’s vehicle. The undercover officer provided Araiza, Jr. $12,500.00 in prerecorded drug fund money. Law enforcement executed a search warrant where Araiza, Jr. was staying and arrested him with all of the $12,500.00 buy money. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Possessing Bald Eagle

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ramiro Hernandez Tziquin, age 22, of Guatemala, was sentenced on October 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson sentenced Hernandez Tziquin to time served. Hernandez Tziquin has been in custody since June 6, 2024. Hernandez Tziquin is subject to removal proceedings with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On or about February 28, 2023, law enforcement received a report of a suspicious vehicle located at the Wood Duck Wildlife Management Area, located in Stanton County, Nebraska. Law enforcement arrived at Wood Duck and approached the vehicle with Hernandez Tziquin and Domingo Zetino Hernandez as the occupants. During the encounter, Zetino Hernandez admitted that he shot a bird and that it was in the trunk of Hernandez Tziquin’s vehicle. Law enforcement obtained consent to search the vehicle and found one bald eagle carcass. Hernandez Tziquin admitted to possessing the bald eagle found in the trunk of the vehicle without being permitted to do so. Co-defendant Zetino Hernandez was sentenced to time served on November 14, 2023, for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This case was investigated by United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Nebraska Games and Parks Commission, and the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 11 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Juan Martinez Arroyo, age 22, of Mexico, was sentenced on October 23, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Martinez Arroyo to a total of 132 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martinez Arroyo’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On August 17, 2023, a trooper stopped a vehicle traveling east bound on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County, Nebraska, for following too closely. The driver was identified as Martinez Arroyo and the passenger was identified as co-defendant, Edwin Correa Miranda. Each defendant gave conflicting stories on their travels and a drug dog was requested at the scene. The dog made a positive alert to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle was conducted and inside of the trunk, troopers found a duffle bag containing 11 packages that later tested positive for meth. The State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed the meth weighed a total of 24,777 grams. A loaded Ruger handgun and a magazine containing five rounds were also found under the passenger seat. Co-defendant Edwin Correa Miranda is set for sentencing on November 7, 2024, before United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Norfolk Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tremain Monroe, age 30, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced October 23, 20224 in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Monroe to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Monroe is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Monroe will also forfeit $4,200.00 in United States currency and a 2019 Dodge Ram truck to the United States as drug proceeds. On March 28, 2023, Monroe was involved in providing fentanyl to a victim who overdosed but was revived by Narcan. Law enforcement then purchased M-30 fentanyl pills from Monroe on two separate occasions in April 2023. On May 3, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Monroe’s residence. Law enforcement seized 221 fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, and over 5 pounds of methamphetamine. Monroe admitted to using and selling fentanyl pills and was aware of the methamphetamine. Law enforcement also located $4,200 in U.S. currency and the 2019 Dodge Ram truck was also used to facilitate Monroe’s narcotics dealings. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


title: Arizona Man Sentenced for 51 Pounds of Methamphetamine

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Xavier Olivas-Valenzuela, age 24, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced October 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Olivas-Valenzuela to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On July 31, 2023, the DEA Criminal Interdiction Unit was working at the bus station in Omaha, Nebraska, when they made contact with Olivas-Valenzuela. During the contact, Olivas-Valenzuela admitted to contraband in his bag. When investigators began to search his bag, Olivas-Valenzuela ran out the door. After a short pursuit, Olivas-Valenzuela was detained. A search of his luggage resulted in 51 pounds of meth being seized. A search that night of Olivas-Valenzuela’s phone showed that he was directed to stay at a residence in the 1700 block of N. 10 th Street. A search warrant was obtained for that residence. Investigators found Carlos Ruelas at the residence, along with 10 kilograms of cocaine and $68,460. Ruelas was sentenced on October 2, 2024, to a term of imprisonment of 46 months. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jerrod Lee Sharp, 41, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, was sentenced on Monday, October 21, 2024, to 30 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor. Sharp must also register as a sex offender. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 17, 2022, Sharp began messaging a woman located in West Virginia whom he believed to be the mother of two minor girls. Sharp repeatedly stated in his messages to the woman that he wished to engage in sexual relations with both girls, and that he wished to travel to West Virginia to meet them. Sharp exchanged over 1,600 messages with the woman. On July 30, 2023, Sharp flew from Oklahoma to Charleston, West Virginia, where he planned to meet the woman and the two minor girls. Upon his arrival in Charleston, Sharp was arrested by law enforcement officers. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) West Virginia Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. United States District Judge Joseph Robert Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Francesca C. Rollo prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-126. ###


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Firearm Offenses

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alfred Rogers, age 63, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced October 17, 20224 in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rogers to 180 months’ imprisonment for the drug count and to 300 months, consecutive, for the firearm offense for a total of 480 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rogers is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Rogers’ sentence was enhanced due to a prior serious felony drug conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Rogers will also forfeit $45,906.00 in United States currency to the United States as drug proceeds. On May 23, 2022, officers of the Omaha Police Department Narcotics and SWAT units executed a search warrant at a home in Omaha. Officers located Rogers at the home. During the search, officers located 428 grams of meth, 33 grams of cocaine, 1,968 grams of marijuana, and 95 fentanyl pills. Officers also located a 9mm handgun in the ceiling rafters and $45,906 in U.S. currency. Rogers was found guilty by a jury on July 18, 2024. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Debary Man Sentenced To Fifteen Months In Federal Prison For Dealing In Firearms Without A License

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Brandon Eugene Brooke (30, Debary) to 15 months in federal prison for dealing in firearms without a license. Brooke entered a guilty plea on May 22, 2024. According to court documents, between April 14 and October 10, 2022, Brooke purchased 69 firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs). Many of the firearms were identical and were purchased together or close in time to one another. On October 13, 2022, ATF agents questioned Brooke regarding his repeated purchases of identical firearms from FFLs. A search of Brooke’s phone revealed evidence of firearms dealing. Following the interview, ATF agents served Brooke with a “Warning Notice of Unlicensed Firearms Dealing in Violation of Federal Law.” In the Notice, Brooke was advised that his firearm transfers constituted dealing in firearms without a license. Brooke signed the Notice, acknowledging receipt, and was given a copy to retain. Following his acknowledgment of the Notice, Brooke continued to deal in firearms without a license, in violation of federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. 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: Man Arrested for Exposing Himself on an Aircraft

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A man was arrested and charged yesterday for allegedly masturbating and exposing himself within the view of two other passengers seated near him on board a flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Boston, Mass. yesterday. Krishna Kunapuli, 39, of India, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Kunapuli was arrested yesterday and will appear in federal court in Boston later today. According to the charging documents, Kunapuli allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward a female passenger on board an Etihad Airlines flight, including touching her hair and taking pictures of her without her permission. After a crew member intervened, Kunapuli returned to his seat. It is alleged that, later in the flight, two male passengers seated near Kunapuli noticed Kunapuli masturbating under a blanket and, at times, with his penis fully exposed. One of the passengers reported this conduct to a flight attendant who intervened and alerted law enforcement. The charge of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Federal Complaint Charges Chicago Man With Illegally Possessing Machine Gun Conversion Device

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

body_text: CHICAGO — A man has been charged in federal court with illegally possessing a machine gun conversion device in his Chicago residence last week. Federal law enforcement on Thursday executed a court-authorized search of LATAVION JOHNSON’s residence on the South Side of Chicago and discovered the conversion device in a tool bag in Johnson’s bedroom, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. When equipped to a firearm, the conversion device, also known as a “Glock switch” or “auto sear,” allows the gun to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. The complaint alleges that Johnson posted videos on social media showing himself possessing a firearm equipped with a conversion device. Johnson also allegedly posted a photograph of a conversion device next to a stack of $20 bills. The complaint charges Johnson, 22, with one count of possession of a machine gun, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. Johnson was arrested on Friday and remains in federal custody. A detention hearing is set for Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek Johnson’s continued pre-trial detention. The complaint and arrest were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Saqib M. Hussain. The ongoing investigation is being conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago . The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement hub that focuses exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois. The CGIC is an interagency collaboration that brings together - under one roof - federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and intelligence analysts to move quickly to investigate and prosecute violent crimes. Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is also a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods , the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. johnson_complaint.pdf


title: Killeen Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Import Meth through Del Rio

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Killeen man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 264 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to attempt to import 7.86 kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico. According to court documents, Joshua Ruben Olivencia, 34, and other co-defendants were arrested at a hotel in Del Rio on Aug. 1, 2020, after an investigation revealed they were involved in a conspiracy to import methamphetamine from Mexico and distribute it in the United States. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 16 individual multilayered packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the door panels of codefendant Bibiana Ira Ortiz’s vehicle during a port of entry inspection. Olivencia had distributed methamphetamine in and around Austin, Killeen, Temple and Belton, and had employed a few distributors who worked in Austin and the surrounding areas. On July 31, 2020, he and codefendant David Ray Coplin traveled to Del Rio to meet Ortiz and another codefendant, Jimmie Troy Palmer III. Olivencia gave Palmer $18,500 to purchase methamphetamine in Mexico. Ortiz pleaded guilty on June 7, 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. Palmer pleaded guilty on July 21, 2021 to one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine and was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison. Coplin pleaded guilty on March 8, 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 31. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case. ###


title: Collier County Couple Plead Guilty To Six Figure Retail Theft Scheme

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Naples couple Richard Murtaugh (age 81) and Gail Murtaugh (age 77) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, beginning at least as early as September 2020, the Murtaughs engaged in a scheme to steal merchandise from big box retailers and grocers in Collier and Lee Counties, and to sell the stolen merchandise on their eBay store “dickandgail.” In 2021 and 2022 specifically, the Murtaughs were captured on store video surveillance stealing thousands of dollars worth of personal hygiene products, grooming supplies, nicotine products, teeth whitening and dental care supplies, over the counter medications, drill bits, and other merchandise from big box retailers and grocers in the Southwest Florida area. eBay records showed that between December 2020 and May 2022, the Murtaughs were paid $175,621.31 in profits by eBay for the sale of stolen goods. In April 2022, the United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant at the Murtaughs’ home on Isle of Capri in Naples, Florida. Inside the residence, postal inspectors located thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise appearing to be the same or similar to merchandise the Murtaughs had been observed stealing from various retailers. Additionally, the Murtaughs’ iPads were searched, which contained photos that matched the listing photos of stolen merchandise on the Murtaughs’ eBay store. As part of their guilty pleas, the Murtaughs have agreed to forfeit $175,621.31, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling.


title: U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs Appoints District Election Officer

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — United States Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Potterfield will lead the efforts of her office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 5 general election. AUSA Potterfield has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of South Carolina, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. United States Attorney Boroughs said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.” The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). United States Attorney Boroughs stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Potterfield will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 803-919-3092.” In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI Columbia field office can be reached by the public at 803-551-4200. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931. United States Attorney Boroughs said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.” Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and


title: St. Cloud Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison For Attempting To Entice A Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Daniel Michael Mohat (27, St. Cloud) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Mohat entered a guilty plea on July 2, 2024. He has been in custody since his arrest on January 5, 2023. According to the plea agreement, in August 2022, law enforcement engaged in an online undercover multi-agency operation based out of Nassau County, Florida, for the purpose of identifying and apprehending individuals using the internet to exploit juveniles for sexual activity. During the operation, Mohat contacted one of the undercover agents, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl, via social media. Over the course of several days, Mohat engaged in a sexually oriented conversation with the undercover agent. On multiple occasions, Mohat requested that the “girl” create explicit videos and pictures to send to him including videos depicting herself masturbating. This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Texas Man Indicted For Coercion And Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity And Receipt Of Child Sex Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging James Anthony Davila (20, Cleburne, TX) with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and receipt of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Davila faces a mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the coercion and enticement count, and a mandatory 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for receiving child sex abuse material. According to court documents, Davila met a 12-year-old girl online while playing a video game. The two continued to communicate and exchanged sexually explicit photos. Davila later drove from Texas to Florida to pick up the child and engage in sexual acts with her. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Midway (Florida) Police Department and the Johnson County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Owings Mills Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Receiving Stolen Cars Bound for Illegal Shipment to West Africa

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Chief Judge George Levi Russell, III, sentenced Maimouna Bagayoki, age 54, of Owings Mills, Maryland, to 42 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and $60,569.87 restitution, for Wire Fraud and Receipt of Stolen Motor Vehicles bound for illegal shipment to West Africa. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Port of Baltimore Director Adam Rottman of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Richard Worley; and Baltimore County Police Department Chief Robert McCullough. According to the plea agreement, in 2021, Bagayoko worked with others to bring stolen luxury vehicles into Maryland where they would be loaded onto large cargo shipping containers and taken to the Port of Baltimore. Then, using fraudulent documentation and paperwork, Bagayoko concealed the containers’ contents – Bagayoko emailed and texted the fake documents to the shipping company. The shipping containers were bound for West Africa. The value of the vehicles that were recovered was over $650,000, most of which were stolen from the homes of victims living in New Jersey and New York. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the HSI, CBP, Baltimore City Police and Baltimore County Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn, who prosecuted 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 www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Guilty Plea  of Fruitland Woman in Knife-Assault Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland woman pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of felony assault for assaulting and seriously injuring another woman with a pocketknife. According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, Richelle R. Upshaw , 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe with a knife (considered a “dangerous weapon” under federal law), and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe’s head and face. At sentencing, Upshaw faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Upshaw will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. She must also make criminal restitution to the victim of her stabbing. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Justice Department Launches Voter Assistance Resources for People Impacted by Recent Hurricanes and Severe Weather Damage

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched a webpage today compiling information to help voters in states impacted by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton to have access to the ballot. The hurricanes have displaced several thousands of people from their residences; disrupted vital services; closed schools, businesses and other places; slowed postal delivery; and destroyed important personal possessions, including photos and identification documents. In these online resources, the department focuses on the six states that were directly affected by recent hurricanes: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The site identifies and provides links to various state changes made to accommodate voters who have been displaced, lost their identification documents, have had polling sites moved or who are unsure where or how they can vote. It also provides contact information so that voters can reach local voting officials who can provide the most specific and up-to-date guidance. The Justice Department is also committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast their ballot free from discrimination and intimidation. Federal laws protect against voter intimidation, coercion and interference at every stage of the voting process. For additional information about voting and elections, including filing federal voting rights violations or threats against election workers, visit www.justice.gov/voting . Contact the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section through the internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 1-800-253-3931.