title: Texas Man Sentenced for Witness Tampering

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard Garza, 61, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced on June 12, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for tampering with a witness. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Garza to 66 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garza’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Garza was convicted after a jury trial in October 2023, of tampering with a witness. Evidence presented at trial showed Garza attempted to bribe a witness into testifying falsely on his behalf at his trial when both Garza and the witness were incarcerated in the Saline County Jail. Garza used a jail text messaging system to communicate with the witness. Garza had a relative put money on the witness’ texting account, and Garza purchased various jail commissary items for the witness, at the witness’ request, such as food and clothing items. All of this was done to get the witness to testify that Government witnesses lied about their dealings with Garza. The witness could not truthfully testify about this, because she had no independent knowledge regarding Garza’s dealings or lack of dealings with the other witnesses. At the time of trial, Garza was also charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and a separate count of witness tampering. Garza was acquitted on the second witness tampering charge, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the conspiracy charge. The conspiracy charge was later dismissed. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the Saline County Sheriff’s Department.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine & Gun Charge

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Dylan M. Johnson, 26, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 12, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Johnson to a total of 180 months’ imprisonment for both counts. There is no parole in the federal system. After Johnson’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On May 1, 2023, investigators contacted Dylan Johnson at a hotel in Lincoln. When investigators approached Johnson, he dropped multiple baggies containing suspected meth. Investigators arrested Johnson and searched his hotel room, where they located more meth in multiple baggies, about 5 grams of cocaine, empty baggies, a scale, approximately $550, and a heat sealer in the room. They also found a black Omni Hybrid AR-15 rifle and two magazines containing a total of 21 rounds. Johnson agreed to speak with investigators after his arrest. During the interview, Johnson admitted to knowing he was a convicted felon and that he purchased the firearm the day before his arrest to help protect himself during drug transactions. The meth was sent to the State Crime Lab. The total weight of the meth seized from Johnson’s person and hotel room was 388 grams, included 370 grams of meth actual. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Twenty-Six for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Federal grand jury has indicted 26 people in seven cases for the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine. United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Quavonte Pugh, also known as “Q,” “Q Man,” and “Brother,” age 28, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and 11 others were named in a 16-count superseding indictment charging them with the operation of a fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine trafficking enterprise that spanned from Las Vegas, Nevada to the Ohio Valley. The indictments were the result of a comprehensive investigation that included the execution of five federal search warrants at locations in West Virginia and Ohio on March 29. During the searches, officers seized controlled substances, firearms, and cash. The others charged in the Pugh indictment are Dalen Cage, 30, of Las Vegas, Nevada; James Galloway, 28, of Bellaire, Ohio; James Kidder, also known as “Jamey,” 47, of Martins Ferry, Ohio; Brady McKinley, 45, of Adena, Ohio; and Maria Cunningham, 46, Quamya Pugh, 25, Steven Aldridge, 26, Caviezz Cunningham, 29, Daryl Smith, 50, Tyrique Anthony Davis, 28, and Matthew Clemont, 31, all of Wheeling. “The Pugh organization caused significant amounts of illicit drugs to be trafficked throughout the region,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force worked closely with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s office and together they dismantled the group and disrupted the supply of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs to the area.” According to Ihlenfeld, the same grand jury returned six additional indictments alleging fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, as follows: Indictment Two : Rodrican M. Pavlick, also known as “Smooth” and “Rico”, of Cleveland, Ohio, Seanelle P. Whorton, of Benwood, West Virginia, and Josie M. Midcap, of Moundsville, West Virginia, for fentanyl trafficking in Marshall County; Indictment Three: Lawrence “Larry” Reagan and Jennifer Ann Miller, also known as Jennifer Reagan, both of Colliers, West Virginia, for methamphetamine trafficking in Brooke County and Hancock County; Indictment Four: Amanda Leigh Bush, James Adam Vipperman, Noah Andrew Blake, and Joseph Lee Wells, all of Moundsville, West Virginia, for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County; Indictment Five: Arrests pending of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County; Indictment Six: Arrests pending of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County; Indictment Seven: Arrest pending of one individual for methamphetamine trafficking in Wetzel County. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Nogay and Clayton Reid and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States. Investigative agencies include the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; the Wheeling Police Department; the Benwood Police Department; and the Belmont County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office. An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Newport News trio convicted for violent crime spree with multiple murders

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted three Newport News men yesterday on charges relating to a series of violent crimes that included several shootings and multiple murders. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least Jan. 16, 2017, through November 2017, Ronzel Monte Dixie, aka Bone or Bizzy, 31; Kwaimain Shy’de Redmon, aka Kwa, 30; and Meko Montez Brown Jr., aka Gangsta or 9-Ball, 26, along with others, carried out at least seven shootings, including multiple murders, four commercial robberies, three drug robberies, stole three cars, and engaged in two high-speed chases from police. During these robberies, the men were armed with various firearms including a .22 caliber Uzi-style firearm, a 1911 handgun, a Ruger P95 9mm pistol, and a stolen P9 Khar 9mm pistol. Victims included cellphone stores, drug dealers, gas stations/convenience stores, a correctional officer, and others. During most of the robberies, the men brandished and sometimes discharged their firearms. On Oct. 1, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and another person robbed a drug dealer during a home invasion of her apartment. The group brandished two firearms and took drugs, currency, and the victim’s Lexus sedan. On Oct. 12, 2017, Dixie and another person robbed a different drug dealer for bail money to secure a bond for Redmon, who had been arrested on of Oct. 11, 2017, while fleeing on foot from the Lexus automobile they had stolen during the robbery on Oct. 1, 2017. On Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie and Redmon summoned another individual to the Hoss’s Deli in Newport News because they had a problem with someone at the bar. They followed their target, who left Hoss’s Deli on a motorcycle, and Dixie fired a Ruger P95 from the passenger window of their vehicle, resulting in the victim’s death. Following the shooting, Dixie and Redmon rummaged through the victim’s pockets and took his wallet. Later on Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and the other individual approached the Happy Shopper convenience store in Hampton as it was closing. While demanding money, the third individual shot the store owner in the face. They proceeded to look through the store owner’s van for money and anything of value. Dixie then executed a store employee by shooting him in the back of the head while he lay face down in the parking lot. On Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another drug dealer, taking his P9 Kahr firearm. Approximately an hour later on Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and the other individual robbed an authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Hampton by brandishing the stolen firearm. On Nov. 8, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual shot and killed a man at 9:20 p.m., and then shot a correctional officer at 9:31 p.m. during an attempted robbery. Dixie boasted that he killed the first man because his nickname was “Wavy 10” and he wanted 10 bodies to his name. On Nov. 9, 2017, Brown and another individual robbed a Miller Mart convenience store in Chesapeake. Brown brandished the P9 Kahr firearm and stole money from the business. On Nov. 10, 2017, Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and another individual stole a Cadillac in Newport News. As Brown attempted to drive the Cadillac from the parking lot, he hit another vehicle. When the driver of that vehicle followed the Cadillac, Brown shot and killed him. An hour later, Brown attempted to rob a victim who was just getting home to his apartment. During the robbery, Brown fired the P9 Kahr at the victim, but missed. The gun jammed, however, and the victim returned fire. After Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and the other individual fled the scene, Dixie used the firearm to shoot and kill a homeless person, firing multiple rounds at the victim while exclaiming, “My gun does not jam.” On Nov. 11, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Newport News. A family with two young children was present at the time of the robbery. Dixie, Brown, and the other individual brandished the firearm and stole money from the business. Dixie was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Dixie faces a mandatory minimum of 38 years of incarceration and up to life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. Redmon was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Redmon faces a mandatory minimum of 17 years of incarceration and up to life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. Brown was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of obstruction of justice. Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 21 years of incarceration and up to life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. 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, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Mack Coleman, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Zlotnick, are prosecuting 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. 4:22-cr-74.


title: Justice Department Secures More Than 500 Prosecutions Under New Firearms Statutes Enacted by Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department announced it has charged more than 500 defendants under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first standalone federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms. “Criminals rely on illegal gun traffickers and straw purchasers to obtain the weapons they use to harm our communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is using the new tools given to us in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to hold accountable those who fuel gun violence.” The BSCA was passed in the wake of the tragic mass shootings — including at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Topps Grocery Store in Buffalo, New York, and a house of worship in Laguna Woods, California — that, together with the gun violence experienced in our communities every day, reverberates through our families, communities, and entire nation. As the first significant gun safety legislation in decades, the BSCA provided powerful new tools to prosecute firearms traffickers and address gun violence. Some recent cases include charging five individuals in Texas for allegedly trafficking military grade firearms to a drug cartel in Mexico; a three year sentence in New Mexico for illegal sale of firearms, including machineguns, and the illegal possession and transfer of machineguns; and a 10 year sentence in Pennsylvania for unlawful possession, manufacturing, and trafficking of ghost guns sold as part of “hit kits.” The new statutes, 18 U.S.C. § 933 and 932, directly prohibit straw purchasing and firearms trafficking and significantly enhance the penalties for those crimes, providing for up to 15 years in prison. Criminals and prohibited individuals seek out straw purchasers, who lie about who is actually buying the firearm, because, by necessity, straw purchasers do not have a criminal history. The stronger penalty provisions enhance deterrence, signaling to potential straw purchasers and others involved in trafficking that these are serious offenses and not mere “paperwork violations” or victimless crimes. Although there is more to be done, reaching this milestone shows that federal prosecutors and agents, as well as our state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners throughout the United States, have been using these new authorities to take a monumental step in addressing gun violence.


title: Riverview Man Sentenced To 13 Months’ Imprisonment For COVID-19 Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Alexander Alli (39, Riverview) to 13 months in federal prison for conspiracy and wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $82,400, the proceeds of the fraud. Alli was found guilty by a jury on March 13, 2024. According to court documents, Alli and a co-conspirator submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Alli falsely represented that he had a business suffering injury due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the EIDL funds would be used only for business-related purposes, as specified in the loan applications. However, Alli’s business was no longer operational at the time his EIDL application was submitted and had ceased operations prior to the start of the pandemic. While Alli certified the EIDL funds would be used for his business, the evidence showed he spent the funds fraudulently. Alli’s false and fraudulent representations caused the SBA to approve and fund a total of $82,500 in EIDL funds. In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Former Kentucky State Prison Sergeant Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of Justice

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: A former Kentucky corrections sergeant, Eric L. Nantell, 48, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for one count of deprivation of civil rights for his failure to intervene to stop the assault of an inmate, two counts of obstruction of justice for misleading state investigators and one count of making false statements to a special agent of the FBI. Nantell was convicted after a four-day trial. Six other officers previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the assault and cover-up, and three of those officers testified for the government at trial. “As the vicious beating of a handcuffed, leg-shackled inmate unfolded, this defendant failed to intervene to stop the assault and then abused his power by obstructing the investigation into the crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This cover-up scheme failed. All seven officers who participated in the brutal assault of the inmate or the coordinated cover-up that followed have been brought to justice. The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officials who engage in misconduct at every level, including those who carry out unlawful assaults, those who fail to intervene to stop them and those who try to cover up the violations.” “Instead of protecting someone in his custody and care or supervising others under his command, he turned a blind eye to a brutal beating and then tried to cover it up,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That’s not law enforcement; that’s disgraceful criminal conduct. Fortunately, he now faces the consequences of his utter betrayal of responsibility and callous attempts to undermine genuine law enforcement.” “In this case, one inmate was betrayed by no less than seven corrections officers whose basic duty was to protect the civil rights of all the inmates under their supervision,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “With today’s sentencing, all of the officers who took part in the assault, and those who attempted to cover-up the truth, have now been held accountable. Everyone deserves protection under the law, and the FBI is proud to work with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky to hold any officer criminally responsible for violating the civil rights of a person in his or her custody.” According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Nantell, who at that time was a sergeant at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC), was supervising a routine prisoner escort procedure when three officers, two of whom were members of the prison’s internal affairs department, assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and isolated in a prison shower cell. Nantell was standing at the door of the shower when the assault began, and he watched the officers repeatedly punch and kick the inmate in the head and back. After silently observing the beating for more than 20 seconds, Nantell walked away while the officers continued to beat the inmate. Within hours of the inmate reporting the abuse, supervisors of EKCC and state detectives of the Kentucky State Police had opened an investigation. Nantell joined with other officers in a cover-up scheme to hide the truth. As part of that cover-up, he lied to officers of both agencies as well as a special agent of the FBI. The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky. -END-


title: Multiple defendants prosecuted on federal firearms, drug charges

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. “Keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited to possess them is vital in preventing violent crime in our community,” said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our citizens from illegal firearms.” The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns. Those indicted during the June term of the U.S. District Court Grand Jury include: Joshua Robert Ward , 44, and Jordan Beverly Howard , 37, both of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Methamphetamine and Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number; and, Anthony Orlando Jones , 34, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Also previously indicted: Howard Barkley , a/k/a “T-Bone,” 46, and Johnny Porter Sr., a/k/a “Unc,” 71, both of Waycross, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and other drug charges, while Porter also is charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include: Joshua Green , 35, of Ridgeland, S.C., was sentenced to 77 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found Green in possession of a pistol in a closed city park. Isaac C. Brown , 40, of Guyton, Ga., was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Georgia Ports Authority police conducting enhanced screenings at the Garden City Terminal found a pistol inside Brown’s truck in March 2023. Unique Haynes , 26, of Jacksonville, Fla., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Fentanyl, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. A co-defendant, Eric Massey, 29, also of Jacksonville, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Illegal Use of a Communication Facility. Haynes and Massey were charged in Augusta following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol. Jamario D. Owens , 24, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found Owens in possession of a handgun while investigating a reported disturbance. Thomas J. Fazio II , 41, of Grovetown, Ga, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. In May 2023, Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection intercepted suspected firearms silencers being shipped to Fazio, a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant. During a search of Fazio’s residence, investigators found multiple firearms including an illegal short-barrel assault-style rifle and an unregistered firearm silencer. Pedro Walker , 24, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers investigating a reported disturbance found Walker had been in possession of a pistol. The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. For more information from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473


title: Charity Founder And CEO Charged With Embezzling Millions From Organization And Tax Evasion

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging KEITH TAYLOR with defrauding a charity he ran by embezzling approximately $2.5 million in donations meant for low-income families and spending them instead on personal expenses including rent in a luxury apartment building in midtown Manhattan, food delivery services, cosmetic surgery, and lavish meals at some of New York City’s most expensive restaurants. TAYLOR was arrested today and will be presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Keith Taylor falsely claimed that donations to his charity would help working families with unexpected expenses that put them at risk of homelessness. Instead, Taylor allegedly took those donations to pay for his meals at upscale restaurants, rent for a luxury apartment in a Manhattan skyscraper, and even cosmetic surgery. Taylor allegedly defrauded the charity’s donors and unconscionably took money from the pockets of those most in need, and he is now facing federal charges for his alleged crimes.” IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “Taylor acted like a do-gooder, founding a charity meant to help underserved communities. But it’s alleged he later took this as an opportunity to victimize both his donors and his own charity by pocketing millions in donations to live a luxurious lifestyle. Today’s arrest means that Taylor can no longer allegedly exploit the kindness of others for his own gain, and he now faces the consequences of his alleged greed.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] KEITH TAYLOR founded a charity in 2002 that used a crowd-sourcing funding model to help low-income workers pay for unexpected expenses like medical bills or broken appliances. Its mission was to provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families that were living paycheck-to-paycheck who were faced with an unexpected crisis or expense that they could not pay. Between at least 2016 and May 2024, TAYLOR embezzled more than $2.5 million from the charity and its donors and used that money to fund his lavish personal spending. TAYLOR regularly dined at Per Se, Jean-Georges, Masa, and Marea in midtown Manhattan, sometimes as often as twice a day, spending more than $320,000 of charity funds at New York City restaurants and steakhouses. Funds donated to the charity paid over $300,000 of TAYLOR’s rent for a luxury apartment on the 30 th floor of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper. TAYLOR also used charity funds to buy himself expensive electronics, to pay over $100,000 to food delivery services, and to pay for his own cosmetic surgery. TAYLOR put over $270,000 of charity funds directly into his personal brokerage account. TAYLOR also routinely paid his other personal expenses from the charity’s bank accounts. TAYLOR attempted to hide his embezzlement of charity funds by creating a fake board of directors and claiming it had approved his personal spending. TAYLOR used the names of his acquaintances and falsely listed them on the charity’s website as board members. TAYLOR’s acquaintances who were listed as the charity’s board members included a bartender from Jean-Georges, a friend, and his house-cleaner, none of whom ever attended a board meeting or even knew that they had been listed on the charity’s website as board members. For at least the calendars years of 2017 through 2022, TAYLOR did not file personal income tax returns or pay income taxes on the income he received from the charity. * * * TAYLOR, 56, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison, and six counts of tax evasion, each of which carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the exceptional investigative work of IRS-CI and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office. This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca R. Delfiner and Eli J. Mark are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Founder And Former CEO Of Artificial Intelligence Company Charged With Securities Fraud

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ILIT RAZ, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Joonko Diversity, Inc. (“Joonko”), with securities fraud and wire fraud for defrauding investors and misleading them about core aspects of the company she founded, including the identity and quantity of Joonko’s customers and Joonko’s revenue. On May 24, 2024, Joonko filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Ilit Raz falsely represented key aspects of her company, Joonko Diversity, Inc., and fabricated documents to support those lies in order to obtain $27 million in investments. Raz’s now-bankrupt company allegedly left victim investors with millions of dollars in losses. Entrepreneurs tempted to artificially inflate revenues to solicit investments should be warned that this Office keeps a watchful eye of funding rounds and will continue to protect market investors.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Ilit Raz, the founder and former CEO of Joonko, allegedly defrauded her investors of more than $27 million by misrepresenting the esteem and scope of her clientele as well as grossly inflating the company’s revenue in forged financial statements. To garner fiscal interest in the company's innovative concept for diverse hiring practices, the defendant’s alleged recruitment methods relied on deception and mistruths rather than transparency and honesty. The FBI is dedicated to protecting our nation’s economic framework, especially from fraudulent schemes designed to ensnare stakeholders and pilfer their pockets.” According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] Joonko was a company that purported to offer an artificial intelligence-based product designed to help prospective employers identify and hire job candidates from diverse backgrounds. To induce prospective and existing Joonko investors to invest approximately $27 million in funding rounds in 2021 and 2022, RAZ made false claims regarding central aspects of Joonko’s business, including by falsely representing how many customers Joonko had at the time and falsely representing the identity of those customers. For example, RAZ falsely represented that Joonko’s customers included some of the world’s largest companies, including a credit card company, sports apparel brand, online travel company, and luxury fashion brand. In truth and in fact, and as RAZ knew, these companies were never Joonko customers. In addition to overstating the number of customers that Joonko had and the identity of those customers, RAZ also made false representations about Joonko’s actual and anticipated revenues. After RAZ made false and misleading statements regarding Joonko’s customers and revenue, several investors who received those statements invested in a series of funding rounds with Joonko. Specifically, on or about June 1, 2021, several investors, including venture capital firms, invested a total of approximately $10 million in a Series A round with Joonko. On or about June 2, 2022, several investors, including venture capital firms, invested a total of approximately $17 million in a Series B round with Joonko. In or about 2023, a Joonko investor (“Investor-1”) became suspicious about Joonko’s performance and requested certain information from Joonko, including bank statements. In response, on or about April 3, 2023, RAZ emailed Investor-1 a purported Joonko bank statement, which depicted that the company had an average balance of over $5,000,000. In truth and in fact, and as RAZ well knew, the bank records that RAZ emailed to Investor-1 were forged, and the actual bank records showed that Joonko’s true account balance was millions of dollars lower. Less than a week later, on or about April 8, 2023, RAZ emailed Investor-1 a set of purported purchase orders for Joonko customers. RAZ knew that many of the purchase orders she emailed to Investor-1 were fictitious, contained forged signatures, and were executed on behalf of purported customers that had no business relationship with Joonko. * * * RAZ, 38, an Israeli citizen, is charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Williams further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which today filed a parallel civil action against RAZ. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Burnett, Peter J. Davis, and Nicholas Folly are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Rantoul Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Deliver more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine

body_text: Urbana, Ill. – On June 10, 2024, a Rantoul, Illinois, man Artez L. Johnson, of the 300 block of South Marshall Street was sentenced to 252 months imprisonment to be followed by 7 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. In August 2023, Johnson was convicted of the offense following a federal jury trial held in front of United States District Judge Colin Bruce. At the trial, the government presented evidence establishing that on February 20, 2023, Johnson was pulled over during a traffic stop near the intersection of Maplewood and Grove Avenue in Rantoul, Illinois. Upon Johnson exiting the car, Rantoul police noticed a small bag of suspected cocaine on the driver’s seat. Officers searched the car and located approximately 330 grams of methamphetamine ice packed in three Ziplock bags in the center console. Johnson claimed ownership of the methamphetamine but claimed it was for personal use. The Government presented additional evidence that Johnson had sold methamphetamine to an individual for several months prior to Johnson’s arrest. Expert testimony was presented that 330 grams is a distribution amount, not a personal use amount. The statutory penalties for possessing with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of methamphetamine are 10 years to life imprisonment, at least 5 years supervised release, and a fine of not more than $10 million. The case investigation was conducted by the Rantoul Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Sullivan and Rachel Ritzer represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Mason County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jordan Lee Jobe, 30, of Leon, was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin. According to court documents and statements made in court, from about April 2022 to about September 25, 2022, Jobe and Edward Daniel Walker Jr. participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Leon area of Mason County. Jobe admitted to distributing heroin for Walker and transporting Walker to obtain heroin. On September 25, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 64 near Hurricane of a vehicle driven by Jobe. Officers searched the vehicle and found approximately 105 grams of suspected heroin and a firearm. Jobe admitted to intending to sell the heroin. Following the traffic stop, officers executed a search warrant that same day at a Barboursville motel room where Jobe was staying. Officer seized approximately 204 grams of suspected heroin, two firearms and $1,000 during that search. Jobe admitted to intending to sell the heroin, and further admitted that the cash was proceeds from previous drug sales. On March 31, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at a Durham Road residence in Leon, where they arrested Jobe and Walker. Officers seized approximately 135 grams of suspected heroin found at the residence and $2,000 on Walker’s person. Jobe and Walker each admitted to intending to sell the heroin. Walker, also known as “Jetty,” 39, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced on October 23, 2023, to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force West. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case. 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. 3:23-cr-40. ###


title: Justice Department Enters Agreement with the New York State Unified Court System to Resolve Title VI Language Access Review

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: View the press release in Yiddish here. The Justice Department announced today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New York State Court System, Office of Court Administration (OCA) to improve access to the Rockland County, New York, Drug Treatment Court for people with limited English proficiency (LEP). The department enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. Prohibited discrimination may include a failure to provide meaningful language access. “Ensuring equal justice under law means doing so in a manner that is fair, accurate and understandable for all, but that does not happen unless people involved in the judicial process can communicate with each other,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “People should not be penalized for their limited English proficiency and should receive the language assistance services they need to fairly participate in court proceedings and court-mandated trainings or treatment programs. This agreement stands as a model for ensuring access to the courts, including their programs and services, for all people, regardless of English proficiency, and outlines the actions needed to eliminate barriers for court users with limited English proficiency.” “Members of the community should not be denied meaningful access to court proceedings and programs offering alternatives to traditional sentencing because of their limited English proficiency,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “We thank the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and OCA for working with us to ensure that the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court is available to all eligible participants, and we hope that this memorandum of understanding can serve as a model for all courts in this district to ensure meaningful access to persons with limited English proficiency, in compliance with Title VI.” The Justice Department reviewed a complaint alleging that people with LEP could not participate fully in the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court because it did not provide meaningful language access. Shortly after this complaint, OCA became involved in the language access procedures for the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court and OCA ultimately assumed responsibility for the Court in March. Together with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, which ran the Drug Treatment Court prior to March, OCA took several affirmative steps to provide meaningful access for all Rockland County Drug Treatment Court users with LEP during the department’s review of this matter. Among other actions, OCA committed to provide interpreter services for all court proceedings at no cost and conducted outreach to Rockland County Drug Treatment Court stakeholders about meaningful access for people with LEP. Under the MOU, OCA will take a number of additional steps to ensure meaningful access for LEP participants in Rockland County Drug Treatment Court. These steps include translating all documents into Spanish, Creole and Yiddish, and into other languages by request, and securing treatment providers that will offer court-mandated drug treatment programs in a manner that provides meaningful access to people with LEP, at no additional cost to participants. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt . Information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at www.lep.gov . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ or with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York at www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights .


title: El Departamento de Justicia celebra un acuerdo con el Sistema Judicial Unificado del Estado de New York para resolver la revisión de acceso lingüístico al amparo del Título VI

body_text: El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un memorando de entendimiento (MOU, por sus siglas en inglés) con el Sistema Judicial del Estado de New York, la Oficina de Administración del Tribunal (OCA, por sus siglas en inglés) para mejorar el acceso al Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland, New York, para personas con un dominio limitado del inglés (LEP, por sus siglas en inglés). El Departamento hace cumplir el Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI), que prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color de piel y origen nacional por parte de beneficiarios de apoyo financiero federal. La discriminación prohibida puede incluir la falta de provisión de acceso lingüístico significativo. «La garantía de la igualdad de justicia en virtud de la ley se asegura de una manera justa, precisa y comprensible para todos, pero eso no sucede a menos que las personas involucradas en el proceso judicial puedan comunicarse entre sí», comentó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Las personas no deben ser penalizadas por su dominio limitado del inglés y deben recibir los servicios de apoyo lingüístico que necesitan para participar de forma justa en procedimientos judiciales y programas de formación o tratamiento exigidos por el tribunal. Este acuerdo sirve como modelo para garantizar el acceso a los tribunales, incluidos sus programas y servicios, para todas las personas, independientemente de su dominio del inglés, y detalla acciones que pueden ayudar a eliminar barreras para los usuarios de tribunales con un dominio limitado del inglés». «No se debe negar a los miembros de la comunidad el acceso significativo a procedimientos y programas judiciales que ofrezcan alternativas a las sentencias tradicionales debido a su dominio limitado del inglés», afirmó Damian Williams, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Sur de New York. «Agradecemos a la Fiscalía de Distrito del Condado de Rockland y a la OCA por trabajar con nosotros para garantizar que el Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland esté disponible para todos los participantes elegibles, y esperamos que este memorando de entendimiento pueda servir como modelo para todos los tribunales de este distrito para garantizar un acceso significativo a las personas con un dominio limitado del inglés, de conformidad con el Título VI». El Departamento de Justicia revisó una queja alegando que las personas LEP no podían participar plenamente en el Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland porque no proporcionaba un acceso lingüístico significativo. Poco después de esta queja, la OCA se involucró en los procedimientos de acceso lingüístico para el Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland y finalmente, la OCA asumió la responsabilidad del Tribunal en marzo. Junto con la Fiscalía de Distrito del Condado de Rockland, que dirigió el Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas antes de marzo, la OCA tomó varias medidas afirmativas para proporcionar un acceso significativo a todos los usuarios LEP del Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland durante la revisión de este asunto por parte del Departamento. Entre otras acciones, la OCA se comprometió a proporcionar servicios de interpretación gratuitos para todos los procedimientos judiciales y tomó acciones directas en cuanto a las partes interesadas del Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland sobre el acceso significativo para las personas LEP. En virtud del MOU, la OCA tomará una serie de medidas adicionales para garantizar un acceso significativo para los participantes LEP en el Tribunal de Tratamiento para Usuarios de Drogas del Condado de Rockland. Estos pasos incluyen traducir todos los documentos al español, criollo y yiddish, y a otros idiomas a pedido, y conseguir a proveedores de tratamiento que ofrecerán programas de tratamiento para usuarios de drogas exigidos por los tribunales de manera que proporcione un acceso significativo a las personas LEP, sin costo adicional para los participantes. Hay más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en a www.justice.gov/crt . La información sobre el dominio limitado del inglés y el Título VI está disponible en www.lep.gov . Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles vulneraciones de los derechos civiles en www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ o ante la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Sur de New York en www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights .


title: Depatman Jistis la Siyen yon Akò ak Sistèm Tribinal Inifye nan Eta New York la pou Rezoud Tit VI Evalasyon Aksè ak Lang

body_text: Depatman Jistis la te anonse jodi a siyati yon akò (MOU) ak Administrasyon Sistèm Tribinal Eta New York la, Biwo Administrasyon Tribinal la (OCA) pou amelyore aksè nan Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland, New York, pou moun ki gen konpetans limite nan anglè (LEP). Depatman an aplike Tit VI Lwa sou Dwa Sivil 1964 yo (Tit VI) "Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI)" ki entèdi diskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè ak peyi kote w soti bò kote benefisyè èd finansye yo. Entèdiksyon diskriminasyon an kapab gen ladan l pa rive bay aksè lengwistik nesesè. "Asire jistis ekitab dapre lalwa vle di aji nan yon fason ki jis, fyab e konpreyansif pou toutmoun, men sa pa rive sof si moun ki enplike nan pwosesis jistis la kapab kominike ak youn lòt, se sa Asistan Pwokirè Jeneral, Kristen Clarke, Divizyon Dwa Sivil nan Depatman Jistis la te deklare. "Yo pa dwe penalize moun akoz yo gen konpetans ki limite nan anglè epi dwe resevwa sèvis asistans lengwistik yo bezwen pou patisipe yon fason ki jis nan pwosedi tribinal yo ak fòmasyon oswa pwogram trètman tribinal mande ki pou fèt. Akò sa sèvi tankou yon modèl pou asire aksè nan tribinal, ki gen ladan l pwogram ak sèvis yo, pou tout moun, kèlkeswa konpetans anglè yo genyen, epi prezante aksyon yo kapab poze pou kraze baryè pou ki konparèt nan tribinal ak konpetans yo nan anglè ki limite." "Manm komite a pa dwe nye aksè nesesè nan pwosedi tribinal yo ak pwogram ki ofri altènatif nan santans tradisyonèl yo akoz konpetans yo nan anglè ki limite," se sa Pwokirè Ameriken an Damian Williams se sa li deklare pou Distri Sid New York la. "Nou remèsye Biwo Pwokirè Distri Rockland lan ak OCA paske y ap travay ak nou pou asire Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland lan disponib pou tout patisipan ki elijib yo, e nou espere pwotokòl akò sa kapab sèvi tankou yon modèl pou tout tribinal nan distri saa pou asire aksè nesesè pou moun ki gen konpetans limite nan anglè, nan konfòmite ak Tit VI la." Depatman Jistis la te revize yon plent konsèman moun ki gen konpetans limite nan anglè (LEP) pa kapab patisipe konplètmannan Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland lan paske li pa t bay aksè lengwistik nesesè. Yon ti tan apore plent lan, OCA te in enplike nan pwosedi aksè lengwistik pou Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland lan ak OCA te finaman pran responsablite pou Tribinal la an mas. Ansanm ak Biwo Pwokirè Distri Rockland lan, ki responsab Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg anvan mas, OCA te pase nan lòt etap pou bay aksè nesesè pou itilizatè ki gen konpetans nan anglè nan Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland lan pandan depatman ap revize dosye sa a. Pami lòt aksyon ki fèt, OCA te pran angajman pou bay sèvis entèpretasyon pou tout pwosedi tribinal yo gratis ak fè dyalòg ak pati enterese yo nan Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland lan konsènan aksè nesesè pou moun ki gen konpetans limite nan anglè (LEP). Dapre MOU, OCA ap franchi yon kantite etap anplis pou asire gen aksè nesesè pou patisipan ki gen konpetans limite nan Tribinal pou Trètman Dwòg nan Distri Rockland lan. Etap sa yo ap gen ladan yo tradiksyon tout dokiman yo an espanyòl, kreyòl ak Yidich, ak nan lòt lang sou demann, epi sekirize founisè trètman yo ap ofri pwogram trètman sou lòd tribinal la yon fason ki bay aksè nesesè pou ki gen konpetans limite nan anglè san sa pou koute patisipan yo yon santim anplis. Enfòmasyon siplemantè sou Divizyon Dwa Sivil yo disponib sou sitwèb li a nan www.justice.gov/crt . Enfòmasyon sou konpetans limite nan anglè ak Tit VI la disponib nan www.lep.gov . Manm popilasyon an kapab denonse vyolasyon dwa sivil posib nan www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ or with the U.S. Biwo Pwokirè pou Distri Sid New Yorkla nan www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights .


title: United States Enters Into A Memorandum Of Understanding With The New York State Office Of Court Administration Ensuring Access To Rockland County Drug Treatment Court For Participants With Limited English Proficiency

body_text: Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Kristen Clarke, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, announced today that the United States entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the New York State Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration (“OCA”) resolving its review of the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. Prohibited discrimination may include a failure to provide meaningful language access. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Members of the community should not be denied meaningful access to court proceedings and programs offering alternatives to traditional sentencing because of their limited English proficiency. We thank the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and OCA for working with us to ensure that the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court is available to all eligible participants, and we hope that this Memorandum of Understanding can serve as a model for all courts in this district to ensure meaningful access to persons with limited English proficiency, in compliance with Title VI.” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said: “Ensuring equal justice under law means doing so in a manner that is fair, accurate and understandable for all, but that does not happen unless people involved in the judicial process can communicate with each other. People should not be penalized for their limited English proficiency and should receive the language assistance services they need to fairly participate in court proceedings and court-mandated trainings or treatment programs. This agreement stands as a model for ensuring access to the courts, including its programs and services, for all people, regardless of English proficiency, and outlines the actions needed to eliminate barriers for court users with limited English proficiency.” According to the MOU and public filings and statements: In January 2023, this Office reviewed a complaint alleging that people with limited English proficiency (“LEP”) could not participate fully in the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court because the Court did not provide translation and interpretation services. Shortly thereafter, OCA became involved in the language access procedures for the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court and ultimately assumed responsibility for the Court in March 2024. This Office, in collaboration with the Civil Rights Division, worked with OCA and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, which operated the Drug Treatment Court prior to March 2024, to identify reforms necessary to ensure that all LEP individuals qualified to participate in the Drug Treatment Court had meaningful language access. During the review of this matter, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and OCA took several affirmative steps to provide meaningful access for Court participants with LEP, including committing to provide interpreter services for all court proceedings, conducting outreach to Rockland County Drug Treatment Court stakeholders, and identifying a local treatment provider to provide court-mandated treatment services in Spanish. Under the MOU, OCA will take a number of additional steps to ensure meaningful access for LEP participants in the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court. These steps include translating all documents into Spanish, Creole, and Yiddish, and into other languages upon request, publicizing the Drug Treatment Court program in these additional languages, and securing treatment providers that will offer court-mandated drug treatment programs in a manner that provides meaningful access to people with LEP, at no cost to participants. Information about Title VI and limited English proficiency is available at www.lep.gov . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations in the Southern District of New York at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights or with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . * * * Mr. Williams thanked the Civil Rights Division, Federal Coordination and Compliance Section, for its collaboration in resolving this matter. This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine S. Poscablo is in charge of the case.


title: Chicago man, woman charged in fraud scheme targeting North Pole business

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a Chicago man and woman with allegedly running a scheme to defraud a North Pole restaurant of over $128,000. According to court documents, from July to August 2022, Jacob Centeno, 39, and Amber Davila, 35, allegedly illegally obtained banking and identification information for the restaurant and restaurant owner by gaining access to their email. The defendants used this information and access to misrepresent themselves as the owner and divert proceeds from the owner’s bank account to a different account registered under a false identity that the defendants created and had access to. In total, roughly $128,246 was diverted to the defendants’ fraudulent bank account between Aug. 4 and Aug. 9, 2022. As part of the scheme, Centeno and Davila allegedly purchased over $41,000 worth of money orders from the fraudulent bank account over the course of multiple days in Chicago. They then deposited the money orders into their various personal and business accounts in aggregate amounts of less than $10,000. Finally, to further conceal their scheme, they withdrew money from a business account registered in their names and deposited it into their personal accounts. Centeno and Davila were arrested in Chicago on June 4 and are charged with one count of aggravated identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1028A(a)(1), one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1349, five counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343, one count conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1956(h), 18 U.S.C. §1956(a)(1)(B)(i), and eight counts of money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1956(a)(1)(B)(i). The defendants will make their initial court appearance on a later date. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft, which is served consecutive to any other sentence for their alleged crimes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office, FBI Fairbanks Resident Agency, FBI Chicago Field Office and North Pole Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Vosacek and Michael Heyman are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois provided significant legal support in this case. If you or someone you know might be a victim of fraud or other crime, you can report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov . An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### UPDATE: This release has been updated to no longer state that the indictment came back "today" and correct the year in paragraph three from "2024" to "2022" in the text.


title: Etazini Konkli Yon Pwotokòl Antant Ak Biwo Administrasyon Tribinal Yo Nan Eta Nouyòk La Ki Garanti Aksè Ak Tribinal Pou Tretman Kont Dwòg Yo Nan Konte Rockland Lan Pou Patisipan Yo Ki Genyen Yon Konpetans Limite Nan Anglè

body_text: Damian Williams, Pwokirè Etazini an pou Distri Sid Nouyòk la, ak Kristen Clarke, Pwokirè Jeneral Adjwen Divizyon Dwa Sivil Depatman Jistis la, te anonse jodi a Etazini te konkli yon Pwotokòl Antant (“MOU”) ak Sistèm Tribinal Inifye Eta Nouyòk la, Biwo Administrasyon Jidisyè a (“OCA”) ki rezoud analiz li sou konfòmite Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg Konte Rockland la ak Tit VI Lwa 1964 sou Dwa Sivil yo, ki entèdi diskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, ak orijin nasyonal nan men benefisyè asistans finansye federal. Diskriminasyon ki entèdi an gendwa gen ladann yon enkapasite pou bay yon aksè lengwistik ki enpòtan. Pwokirè Etazini an Damian Williams te di: “Yo ta dwe refize manm kominote a yon aksè enpòtan ak pwosedi jidisyè yo e ak pwogram yo ki ofri yon altènativ ak kondanasyon tradisyonèl yo akòz konpetans limite yo nan anglè. Nou remèsye Biwo Pwokirè Distri Konte Rockland la ak OCA paske yo te travay avèk nou pou asire Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg Konte Rockland lan disponib pou tout patisipan ki elijib yo, e nou espere Pwotokòl Antant sa a ka sèvi kòm modèl pou tout tribinal nan distri sa a pou asire yon aksè enpòtan pou moun ki gen konpetans limite nan anglè, nan konfòmite ak Tit VI.” Pwokirè Jeneral Adjwen an Kristen Clarke te di: “Asire yon jistis egalit devan lalwa vle di fè sa nan yon fason ki jis, egzat ak konpreyansib pou tout moun, men sa ap rive sof si moun yo ki enplike nan pwosesis jidisyè a ka kominike youn ak lòt. Moun pa ta dwe penalize pou konpetans limite yo nan anglè yo epi yo ta dwe resevwa sèvis asistans lengwistik yo bezwen pou yo patisipe san fòs kote nan pwosedi jidisyè yo ak fòmasyon tribinal oswa pwogram tretman la mandate. Akò sa a reprezante yon modèl pou asire aksè ak tribinal yo, ansanm ak pwogram ak sèvis li yo, pou tout moun, kèlkeswa konpetans yo nan anglè, epi li esplike aksyon ki nesesè yo pou elimine baryè pou itilizatè tribinal yo ki gen yon konpetans limite nan anglè.” Dapre Pwotokòl Antant lan ak fichye epi deklarasyon piblik yo: An janvye 2023, Biwo sa a te revize yon plent ki te pretann moun ki gen konpetans limite yo nan anglè ("LEP") pa t kapab patisipe totalman nan Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg Konte Rockland la paske tribinal la pa t bay sèvis tradiksyon ak entèpretasyon. Yon ti tan apresa, OCA te enplike l nan pwosedi aksè lengwistik yo pou Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg Konte Rockland la epi li te finalman pran responsablite pou Tribinal la nan mwa mas 2024. Biwo sa a, nan kolaborasyon ak Divizyon Dwa Sivil yo, te travay avèk OCA ak Biwo Pwokirè Distri Konte Rockland la, ki t ap jere Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg la anvan mas 2024, pou idantifye refòm ki nesesè yo pou asire tout moun LEP yo ki kalifye pou patisipe nan Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg la te gen aksè lengwistik ki enpòtan. Pandan revizyon dosye sa a, Biwo Pwokirè Distri Konte Rockland la ak OCA te pran plizyè mezi pozitif pou bay patisipan nan Tribinal yo ki gen LEP yon aksè enpòtan, sa gen ladan l angajman pou founi sèvis entèprèt pou tout pwosedi jidisyè yo, reyalize aktivite sansibilizasyon ak patisipan yo ki nan Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg Konte Rockland la, epi idantifye yon founisè tretman lokal pou bay sèvis tretman tribinal lan mandate an panyòl. Dapre Pwotokòl Antant lan, OCA pral pran yon kantite mezi adisyonèl pou garanti yon aksè enpòtan pou patisipan ki gen LEP yo nan Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg Konte Rockland lan. Etap sa yo gen ladan yo tradiksyon tout dokiman yo an panyòl, kreyòl, ak yiddish, ak nan lòt lang sou demann, fè piblikasyon pwogram Tribinal pou Tretman kont Dwòg la nan lòt lang sa yo, epi chèche founisè tretman ki pral ofri pwogram tretman kont dwòg tribinal mandate yo nan yon fason ki bay yon aksè enpòtan ak moun ki gen LEP yo, san patisipan yo pa peye anyen. Enfòmasyon sou Tit VI ak konpetans limite nan anglè disponib nan www.lep.gov . Manm piblik la gendwa rapòte potansyèl vyolasyon dwa sivil yo nan Distri Sid Nouyòk la nan https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights oswa avèk Divizyon Dwa Sivil Depatman Jistis la nan www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . * * * Mesye Williams te remèsye Divizyon Dwa Sivil lan, Seksyon Kowòdinasyon ak Konfòmite Federal la, pou kolaborasyon li nan rezoud pwoblèm sa a. Se Inite Dwa Sivil Biwo an nan Divizyon Sivil la ki ap jere dosye sa a. Asistan Pwokirè Etazini an Christine S. Poscablo se responsab dosye a.


title: Los Estados Unidos Firma Un Memorando De Entendimiento Con La Oficina De Administración De Tribunales De Nueva York Para Garantizar El Acceso Al Tribunal De Tratamiento De Drogas Del Condado De Rockland Para Participantes Con Dominio Limitado Del Inglés

body_text: Damian Williams, el Fiscal Federal del Distrito Sur de Nueva York y Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Adjunta de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, anunciaron hoy que los Estados Unidos firmó un Memorando de Entendimiento (“MOU”) con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (“OCA”) del Sistema Judicial Unificado del Estado de Nueva York, la cual soluciona su revisión del cumplimiento del Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas del Condado de Rockland con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 , que prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color y origen nacional por parte de los beneficiarios de asistencia financiera federal. La discriminación que se prohibe puede incluir el no proporcionar un acceso sustancial al idioma. El Fiscal Federal Damian Williams dijo: “A los miembros de la comunidad no se les debe negar un acceso sustancial a los procedimientos judiciales y a los programas que ofrecen alternativas a las penas tradicionales debido a su dominio limitado del inglés. Agradecemos a la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Rockland y a la OCA por cooperar con nosotros para garantizar que el Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas del Condado de Rockland esté a la disposición de todos los participantes elegibles, y esperamos que este Memorando de Entendimiento pueda servir como modelo para que todos los tribunales de este distrito garanticen un acceso sustancial a personas con dominio limitado del inglés, de conformidad con el Título VI”. La Fiscal General Adjunta Kristen Clarke dijo: “Garantizar la igualdad de justicia ante la ley significa hacerlo de una manera que sea justa, precisa y comprensible para todos, pero eso no sucede a menos que las personas involucradas en el proceso judicial puedan comunicarse entre sí. Las personas no deberían ser penalizadas por su dominio limitado del inglés y deberían recibir los servicios de asistencia lingüística que necesitan para participar de manera justa en los procedimientos judiciales y en las capacitaciones o programas de tratamiento exigidos por el tribunal. Este acuerdo es un modelo para garantizar el acceso a los tribunales, incluidos sus programas y servicios, a todas las personas, independientemente de su dominio del inglés, y describe las acciones necesarias para eliminar las barreras para los usuarios de los tribunales con un dominio limitado del inglés”. Según el MOU y las presentaciones y declaraciones públicas: En enero de 2023, esta Oficina analizó una queja que alegaba que las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (“LEP”) no podían participar plenamente en el Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas del Condado de Rockland porque el tribunal no brindaba servicios de traducción e interpretación. Poco después, la OCA se involucró en los procedimientos de acceso lingüístico para el Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas del Condado de Rockland y finalmente asumió la responsabilidad del Tribunal en marzo de 2024. Esta Oficina, en colaboración con la División de Derechos Civiles, trabajó con la OCA y la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Rockland que operaba el Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas antes de marzo de 2024, para identificar las reformas necesarias para garantizar que todas las personas con dominio limitado del inglés que califican para participar en el Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas tuvieran acceso sustancial al idioma. Durante la revisión de este asunto, la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Rockland y la OCA tomaron varias medidas positivas para brindar acceso sustancial a los participantes del Tribunal con dominio limitado del inglés, incluido el compromiso de brindar servicios de interpretación para todos los procedimientos judiciales, realizar actividades comunitarias con las partes interesadas del Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas del Condado de Rockland, e identificar un proveedor de tratamiento local para brindar servicios de tratamiento ordenados por el tribunal en español. Según el MOU, la OCA tomará una serie de medidas adicionales para garantizar un acceso sustancial a los participantes con dominio limitado del inglés al Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas del Condado de Rockland. Estos pasos incluyen traducir todos los documentos al español, creole y yiddish, y a otros idiomas previa solicitud, publicitar el programa del Tribunal de Tratamiento de Drogas en estos idiomas adicionales y conseguir proveedores de tratamiento que ofrezcan programas de tratamiento de drogas ordenados por el tribunal de una manera que proporcione acceso sustancial a personas con dominio limitado del inglés, sin costo para los participantes. La información sobre el Título VI y el dominio limitado del inglés están disponibles en www.lep.gov . El público puede denunciar posibles violaciones de los derechos civiles en el Distrito Sur de Nueva York en https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights o en la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia en www.civilrights.justice .gov/report/ . * * * El Sr. Williams agradeció a la División de Derechos Civiles, Sección de Coordinación y Cumplimiento Federal, por su colaboración para resolver este asunto. Este caso está siendo atendido por la Unidad de Derechos Civiles de la Oficina en la División Civil. La encargada de este caso es la Fiscal Federal Adjunta Christine S. Poscablo.


title: די פאראייניגטע שטאטן גייט אריין אין אן אפמאך-מעמאראנדום מיט דער ניו יארק סטעיט אפיס פון געריכט אדמיניסטראציע צו פארזיכערן צוטריט צו ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט פאר באטייליגערס מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש

body_text: Damian Williams, דער US אדוואקאט פאר דער דרום דיסטריקט פון ניו יארק, און Kristen Clarke, די אסיסטענט גענעראל פראקוראר פון דער יוסטיץ דעפארטמענט'ס בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע, האבן היינט געמאלדן אז די US האט זיך ארייגעלאזט אין אן אפמאך-מעמאראנדום ("MOU") מיט דער ניו יארק סטעיט פאראייניגטע געריכט סיסטעם, אפיס פון געריכט אדמיניסטראציע ("OCA"), צו לייזן דער איבערקוק פון דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכטס אויספאלג פון טיטל VI פון דער בירגערגעריכט אקט פון 1964, וואס פארבאט דיסקרימינאציע אויפן גרונט פון ראסע, פארב, און נאציאנאלע אפשטאם קעגן באקומערס פון פעדעראלע פינאנציעלע הילף. פארבאטענע דיסקרימינאציע קען כולל זיין פארפעלן צו צושטעלן באדײטפולע שפראך צוטריט. US אדוואקאטDamian Williams האט געזאגט: "מיטגלידער פון דער קאמיוניטי זאלן נישט ווערן אפגעזאגט באדײטפולע צוטריט צום געריכט פראצעס און פראגראמען וואס באטן אָן אלטערנאטיווען צו טרעדיציאנעלע אורטייל צוליב זייער באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש. מיר דאנקען דעם ראקלענד קאונטי דיסטריקט אדוואקאטס אפיס און OCA פאר מיטארבעטן מיט אונדז צו פארזיכערן אז די ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט איז גרייט פאר אלע בארעכטיגטע באטייליגערס, און מיר האפן אז דער אפמאך-מעמאראנדום וועט דינען אלץ א מאדעל פאר אלע געריכטן אין דעם דיסטריקט צו פארזיכערן באדײטפולע צוטריט צו מענטשן מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש, אין צושטימונג מיט טיטל VI." אסיסטענט גענעראל פראקוראר Kristen Clarke האט געזאגט: "פארזיכערן גלייכע יוסטיץ לויטן געזעץ מיינט דאס צו טאן אויף א יושרדיגן אופן, גענױ, און פארשטענדליך פאר אלעמען, אבער דאס געשעט נישט נאר אז מענטשן וואס געפונען זיך אין דער געריכט פראצעס קענען קאמוניקירן איינער מיטן אנדערן. מענטשן זאלן נישט געשטראפט ווערן צוליב זייער באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש און זאלן באקומען די שפראך הילף סערוויסעס וואס זיי נייטיגן זיך, צו קענען זיך באטייליגן יושרדיג אין געריכט פראצעדורן און געריכט באפוילענע טרענירונג אדער היילונג פראגראמען. דער הסכם שטייט אלץ א מאדעל צו פארזיכערן צוטריט צום געריכט, אריינגערעכנט געריכטליכע פראגראמען און סערוויסעס, פאר אלע מענטשן, נישט קוקנדיג אויף זייער קענטשאפט פון ענגליש, און צייכנט אן די אקציעס וואס נייטיגן זיך כדי אוועקצונעמען די פארשטעלעכצער פאר געריכט נוצערס מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש. לויט די MOU און פובליק איינגעבנס און דעקלעראציעס: אין יאנואר 2023, האט דער אפיס איבערגעקוקט א קאמפלעינט וואס טענה'ט אז מענטשן מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש ("LEP") קענען זיך נישט אינגאנצן באטייליגן אין דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט ווייל דער געריכט האט נישט צוגעשטעלט קײן איבעזעץ און אויסטייטש סערוויסעס. באלד דערנאך, האט OCA זיך ארייגעמישט אין דעם צוטריט צו די שפראך פראצעדורן פאר דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט און סוף כל סוף האט איבערגענומען די פאראנטווארליכקייט פארן געריכט אין מארץ 2024. דער אפיס, בשותפות מיט דער בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע, האט געארבעט מיט דער OCA און די ראקלענד קאונטי דיסטריקט אדוואקאטס אפיס, וואס האט אנגעפירט דעם דראג באהאנדלוג געריכט פאר מארץ 2024, צו אידענטיפיצרן נייטיגע רעפארמען צו פארזיכערן אז אלע LEP מענטשן וואס קוואליפיצירן זיך צו באטייליגן אין דעם דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט זאלן האבן באדײטפולע צוטריט צו שפראכן. בשעת'ן איבערקוקן דעם ענין, האט דער ראקלענד קאונטי דיסטריקט אדוואקאטס אפיס און OCA אנגענומען עטליכע פירמאטיווע טריט צו צושטעלן באדײטפולע צוטריט פאר געריכט באטייליגערס מיט LEP, ארײנגערעכנט זיך אונטערנעמען צו צושטעלן אויסטייטש סערוויסעס פאר אלע געריכט פראצעדורן, זיך פארבונדן מיט ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט פאראינטערעסירטע צדדים, און אידנטיפיצירן א לאקאלע היילונג פראוויידער צו צושטעלן גערוכט-באפוילענע היילוג סערוויסעס אין שפאניש. לויטן MOU, וועט די OCA אננעמען נאך שריט צו פארזיכערן באדײטפולע צוטריט פאר LEP באטייליגערס אין דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט. די שריט זענען כולל איבערזעצן אלע דאקומענטן צו שפאניש, קרעאל, און אידיש, און נאך אנדערע שפראכן אויב פארלאנגט, מפרסם זיין די דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט פראגראם אין די צוגעגעבענע שפראכן, און פארזיכערן היילונג פרוויידערס וואס וועלן אנבאטן געריכט-באפוילענע דראג היילונג פראגראמען אויף אן אופן וואס שטעלט צו באדײטפולע צוטריט צו מענטשן מיט LEP, אומזיסט צו באטייליגערס. אינפארמאציע וועגן טיטל VI און באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש איז דא צו באקומען אויף www.lep.gov . מיטגלידער פון דער פובליק קענען באריכטעווען מעגליכע בירגעררעכט פארברעכנס אין דער דרום דיסטריקט פון ניו יארק אויף https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights אדער מיט דער דעפארטמענט פון יוסטיץ'ס בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע אויף www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/ . * * * Mr. Williams האט באדאנקט די בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע, פעדעראלע קאארדינאציע און אויספיר אפטייל, פאר זייער מיטארבעטן צו לייזן דעם ענין. דער קעיס ווערט באהאנדלט דורך דער אפיס פון בירגעררעכט טייל אין דער ציווילע דיוויזיע. אסיסטאנט US אדוואקאט Christine S. Poscablo איז דער ממונה אויף דער קעיס.


title: Four Additional States Join Justice Department’s Suit Against Apple for Monopolizing Smartphone Markets

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Attorneys General of Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington today joined the civil antitrust lawsuit brought by the Justice Department, 15 states and the District of Columbia against Apple in March for monopolizing multiple smartphone markets in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. The department and its now expanded group of 20 co-plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the District of New Jersey. “We welcome the States of Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington, who join our existing coalition to restore competition in the smartphone markets that Apple has monopolized,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We look forward to litigating this important case alongside our state partners to deliver the benefits of competition to consumers, app developers, accessory makers and the American public.” View the amended complaint here.


title: Former Yukon Resident Turned International Fugitive Arrested in the United Kingdom more than 13 Years After Jury Conviction

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced that MEHRAN KORANKI , 63, formerly of Yukon, has been extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States. In late 2010, Koranki fled the United States following his criminal conviction at trial on mail fraud and money laundering charges. On February 2, 2010, a federal grand jury returned a 53-count Indictment against Koranki, charging him with numerous counts of mail fraud and money laundering. Between February 2005 and March 2006, Koranki owned and controlled two Oklahoma City companies which maintained, repaired, and sold computer networking components. The companies had extended warranty agreements with Nortel Networks, which allowed the businesses to receive replacements for broken or defective parts. In November 2010, evidence presented at a jury trial indicated that Koranki’s businesses received hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment through the warranty agreement, which they then sold for a profit, in a direct violation of the agreement. After four days of testimony, the jury found Koranki guilty of 48 counts of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering. After the jury returned the guilty verdicts, and prior to Koranki’s sentencing hearing, he fled the United States. In January 2011, Koranki sent a letter to the court that read in part, “I sincerely regret to inform you I am no longer in the United States and will not be attending the sentencing hearing.” Koranki has been a fugitive since that time. On September 30, 2013, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Koranki in absentia to serve 156 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $6,010,157.90 in restitution. Click here to read the original press release on the 2013 sentencing. In November 2015, the United States submitted to United Kingdom government officials an official request to extradite Koranki. On February 5, 2024, Koranki was arrested pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice, after traveling on a flight from Doha, Qatar, to Manchester, United Kingdom. Koranki subsequently consented to extradition, and, on June 3, 2024, the U.S. Marshal’s Service transported Koranki from the United Kingdom to the United States. “Those who seek to evade justice will eventually be apprehended and held accountable for their crimes” said U.S. Attorney Troester. “I commend the work done by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and United Kingdom authorities for their tireless efforts to bring this matter to a close.” “No matter how far you run, or how long you hide, the U.S. Marshals Service will exhaust all available resources in returning international fugitives to face justice in the United States,” said United States Marshal Johnny L. Kuhlman. “The arrest and extradition of this defendant is further proof of the U.S. Marshals ongoing commitment to locating fugitives around the world. The bottom line is … we never stop looking.” Today’s announcement is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the IRS Criminal Investigation. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and U.S. Marshals Service provided substantial assistance to secure Koranki’s arrest and extradition from the United Kingdom. The United States thanks United Kingdom law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance with Koranki’s arrest and extradition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott E. Williams prosecuted the case for the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry and Stan J. West assisted with Koranki’s extradition. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Ex-finance manager for Kalispell firearms manufacturer admits stealing approximately $159,000 in check scheme

body_text: MISSOULA —A Columbia Falls woman who managed books for a Kalispell firearm manufacturing business today admitted to stealing approximately $159,000 from the company in a check scheme, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. The defendant, Teri Anne Bell, 58, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Bell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Oct. 8. Bell was released pending further proceedings. In court documents, the government alleged that from May 2018 until about December 2021, Bell, while working as a finance manager for Falkor SID Inc., a firearm manufacturing and distribution business in Kalispell, stole from her employer. Bell was provided pre-signed checks to make payments to Falkor vendors and had access to Falkor’s bank account and its accounting software. In the fall of 2021, Falkor’s owners suspected Bell was stealing money from the company, and a financial audit determined that Bell completed 45 unauthorized transactions totaling $159,131 in Falkor funds. Bell wrote checks from Falkor to herself or her creditors and then edited the payments in an accounting system so that they appeared to be for legitimate business expenses. Bell used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including hotels in Las Vegas and at Quinn’s Hot Springs, payments to retail and liquor stores, collection agencies and streaming services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Reno Resident Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Coercion And Enticement Of A Child

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – A Reno resident was sentenced Monday to the mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to be followed by lifetime term of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a child. According to court documents, Carlos Heringer Concha (45), between December 20, 2022 and March 2, 2023, he communicated with a 14-year-old child on Discord. The chats revealed that Concha initiated sexual conversations, requested photos from the victim, and sent photos and videos of himself to the victim. On March 2, 2023, he traveled from Reno to Truckee, Calif., in order to meet and engage in sexual intercourse with the victim. He was arrested by law enforcement. Concha was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2023, and he pleaded guilty in February 2024, to one count of coercion and enticement. In a separate case in the Second Judicial District Court, on April 22, 2024, Concha was convicted of two counts of Luring/Attempting to Lure a Child with the Use of Computer Technology to Engage in Sexual Conduct for crimes he committed when he was on pretrial release for the federal case, and was sentenced on each count to 48 to 120 months imprisonment to run consecutive to each other. The sentence imposed in federal court was ordered to run partially consecutive to Concha’s state sentence. United States District Chief Judge Miranda M. Du ordered 84 months of his federal sentence to run consecutive to his state case. In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), Concha must register as a sex offender and keep the registration current. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement. The FBI, the Regional HEAT team, and the Truckee Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . ###


title: Bridgewater, Vermont Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Opioids

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 10, 2024, Law Zabriskie, 66, of Bridgewater, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a time-served sentence to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. As part of Zabriskie’s sentence, the Court also ordered Zabriskie to pay a $10,000 forfeiture money judgment. Zabriskie previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Tapentadol, a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as Tramadol, Carisoprodol, and Zolpidem, Schedule IV controlled substances. According to court records, beginning in or about 2019 through on or about June 29, 2021, Law Zabriskie and others became involved in receiving and redistributing controlled substances and misbranded pharmaceutical drugs. The substances typically were shipped from outside the United States and received in Vermont. Zabriskie and others maintained mailboxes in Vermont and elsewhere where they received packages containing controlled substances and misbranded drugs, and Zabriskie and others also received shipments at their residences in Vermont. These substances included pills containing opioids Tapentadol and Tramadol, as well as Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, among others. During the conspiracy, Zabriskie and others communicated using email and other electronic platforms to discuss shipping arrangements, customer payments, and marketing materials. Zabriskie and others then redistributed the controlled substances and misbranded drugs to customers throughout the United States, typically by U.S. mail. Some shipments were mailed from post offices in the District of Vermont. In June 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of one of Zabriskie’s coconspirators in Bethel, Vermont and seized about 14,449 pills containing Schedule II and IV drugs. Also in June 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Zabriskie’s residence in West Bridgewater, Vermont and recovered shipping material and approximately 15,000 Zolpidem pills concealed in packages of baked goods. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Rutland City Police Department. “The FDA is charged with ensuring that prescription drugs distributed to U.S. consumers are safe and effective. When criminals introduce prescription drugs into the U.S. that are not FDA-approved, they jeopardize the public’s health,” said Fernando McMillian, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office. “The FDA is committed to doing our part to disrupt and dismantle illegal prescription drug distribution networks, including those that import unapproved drugs from overseas and distribute those drugs with reckless disregard for the risk to all consumers’ health.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman and, previously, by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Boscia. Zabriskie was represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq.


title: Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: JAEDYN RIVERA, also known as “Jae Honcho,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 182 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang, including multiple shootings. Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson. According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020. The investigation revealed that Rivera and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders. Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. On January 24, 2024, Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and he admitted that he took part in four shootings of rival gang members in May 2021. Three individuals were injured during those shootings. On May 14, 2021, one victim was shot in the leg and torso, and on May 20, 2021, one victim was shot in the leg and another victim was shot in the back. Rivera has been detained since May 21, 2021. This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .