title: Mississippi District Attorney, Mayor of Jackson, and Jackson City Council Member Charged with Bribery and Other Offenses

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of Mississippi charging Hinds County District Attorney, Jody E. Owens II, 43; Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, 41; and former President and current member of the Jackson City Council, Aaron Banks, 47, all of Jackson, with participating in a bribery scheme to enrich themselves. Owens, Lumumba, and Banks are scheduled to make their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac in Jackson. “The indictment alleges that Jackson’s mayor, the district attorney in Jackson, and members of Jackson’s city council conspired to accept bribes in exchange for official acts benefiting purported real estate developers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Officials who abuse their positions of authority to enrich themselves undermine public confidence in government. The Justice Department is committed to restoring that confidence by working with its law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute public corruption.” “Leaders who are awarded the public’s trust should be focusing on the needs of the Jackson community, not looking to line their own pockets and benefit themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “As alleged in the indictment, from campaign donations generated through laundered money to stacks of cash bribes, the members of this conspiracy allegedly offered and accepted bribes in exchange for official acts. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting bribery and other forms of public corruption.” “Our citizens are entitled to decisions based on the best interests of the public, not corrupt public officials,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “No one is above the law, and the FBI is committed to ensuring that those who cross the line and violate the public’s trust are held accountable for their unlawful actions.” As alleged in the indictment, between approximately October 2023 and May 2024, Owens facilitated bribe payments to public officials in Jackson on behalf of two FBI undercover employees posing as real estate developers (the Developers) in exchange for at least $115,000 and the promise of future financial benefit. Owens instructed the Developers that, for their project to succeed, they needed to secure the support of certain public officials in Jackson through bribery. Those public officials included Mayor Lumumba, Councilman Banks, and former Jackson City Councilwoman Angelique Lee. Owens instructed the Developers how much, where, and when to bribe those officials. As part of the scheme, Mayor Lumumba accepted a bribe payment of $50,000 from the Developers in exchange for exerting his influence and taking official action relating to the Developers’ proposed project in downtown Jackson. As directed by Owens and Lumumba, the bribe payments were concealed as five $10,000 campaign-donation checks from third-party entities and individuals, including Owens. Lumumba then laundered that money through his campaign account before cashing out a portion of the payment. The indictment also alleges that, as part of the scheme, Councilman Banks solicited a $50,000 bribe in exchange for his votes in support of the Developers’ proposed project in downtown Jackson. Banks accepted an initial payment of $10,000 in cash, along with a promise to provide funding for the employment of a family member and a protective detail service. As part of the scheme, former Councilwoman Lee allegedly accepted a $10,000 debt repayment, $3,000 in cash, and a shopping trip worth approximately $6,000 in luxury goods in exchange for her votes in support of the Developers’ proposed development project in downtown Jackson. Additionally, the indictment alleges that, on May 22, an FBI agent approached Owens, identified himself as an FBI agent, and asked Owens about his involvement in the bribery scheme. During the interview, Owens made material false statements to the FBI agent. Owens is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering, and, if convicted, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge; three counts of federal program bribery, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each charge; one count of using a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of unlawful activity, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge; one count of honest services wire fraud, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge; one count of money laundering, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge; and one count of lying to federal officers, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge. Lumumba is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering, and, if convicted, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge; one count of federal program bribery, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the charge; one count of using a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of unlawful activity, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge; one count of honest services wire fraud, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge; and one count of money laundering, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge. Banks is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering, and, if convicted, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the charge, and one count of federal program bribery, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Nicholas W. Cannon and Madison H. Mumma of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles W. Kirkham and Kimberly T. Purdie for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Bergen County Man Admits Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man admitted distributing and possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Michael Kimmerle, 35, of New Milford, New Jersey pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court on Nov. 6, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From Aug. 24, 2021, through Aug. 7, 2022, Kimmerle distributed material containing video files of child sexual abuse, via a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program. Law enforcement used undercover online sessions to access the P2P program. During these sessions a user shared multiple video files of child sexual abuse from an Internet Protocol address traced to Kimmerle’s residence. During a Sept. 14, 2022 search of Kimmerle’s residence, law enforcement found over 600 thumbnail images containing child pornography on Kimmerle’s laptop, including images derived from video files Kimmerle previously distributed through the P2P file-sharing program. The count of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. The count of possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2024. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark. kimmerle.information.pdf


title: Co-defendant of an FBI Most Wanted Fugitive Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Thursday sentenced a man to 10 years in prison for exchanging cash and other items of value for sex with a 14-year-old girl. Theodore “Ted” John Sartori Sr., 64, provided cash, a car, a motorcycle, Christmas presents and vacations to a friend from 2013-2016 in exchange for access to the victim, beginning when she was 14 years old. The victim said in court that Sartori’s crime has caused “life-long trauma, hopeless relationships,” flashbacks, PTSD and low self-esteem. Sartori pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in August to a felony charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. As part of his plea, Sartori agreed to pay more than $25,000 in restitution to his victim. “I applaud our investigators and prosecutors for bringing Ted Sartori to justice. We hope his 10-year prison sentence will bring some measure of closure to his victim,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Because of the trauma the victim had to endure since she was a minor, we will never stop pursuing co-defendant Donald Eugene Fields II, who is one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.” Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case was investigated jointly by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, with assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting 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 the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Employee Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky . – A Frankfort woman, Brittany Joyce May, 35, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to her plea agreement, between July 2021 and May 2023, May was employed as an administrative specialist at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). As part of her duties, May initiated payments to providers who were eligible to receive the funding under certain adoption and foster programs. To do so, May input providers personal identifying information and banking information into the computer resource directory. To receive payments under these programs, providers submitted required paperwork to CHFS. Upon receiving the paperwork, May initiated payments, via a wire transfer, to the provider’s bank account. However, if providers did not submit the required paperwork or stopped receiving payments because their services had expired, May directed the funds that would have been paid to the providers to four bank accounts that she owned and controlled. To conceal her actions, May submitted false invoices to make it appear as if the provider requested payment. Knowing the system automatically sent notifications to the providers’ listed address indicating a payment had been made, May changed the providers’ addresses to new addresses not associated with them. From July 2021 to May 2023, May used the names and/or social security numbers of 45 providers in the computer resource directory to operate her scheme, and she further opened bank accounts using the personal identifying information of two providers. In total, May misappropriated $444,663.77 in funds and initiated more than 540 fraudulent wire transfers to bank accounts she owned and controlled. Under federal law, May must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence; and upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Division; and Lesley Allison, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Field Division, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the IRS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly Williams prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Allen County, Kentucky Man Sentenced to Federal Prison  for Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – An Allen County, Kentucky man was sentenced this week to 1 year and 3 months in federal prison for tax evasion. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents, John Paul Cates, 50, was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion. The Internal Revenue Service found that Cates evaded employment taxes due and owing by Trinity Steel Works, LLC, a corporation in Scottsville, Kentucky. Cates was also ordered to pay $811,312.14 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. The IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell prosecuted this case. ###


title: Repeat Offender Is Sentenced For Possession Of Firearms Fitted With Illegal Switches

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tomonta Simmons, 32, of Charlotte, N.C., was sentenced today to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The firearms were fitted with illegal machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) also known as “Glock Switches.” Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement. “Illegal guns in the hands of felons pose a serious threat to the community – a threat that is amplified when those guns are converted with devices capable of firing a hail of bullets in seconds,” said U.S. Attorney King. “My office will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities and send a strong message to those who disregard our federal gun laws and put innocent lives at risk.” “These conversion devices are illegal to possess and extremely dangerous,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “They pose a very serious threat and ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep them off our streets.” According to court documents and court proceedings, on June 21, 2022, CMPD officers located Simmons sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in a parking lot. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Simmons on outstanding warrants, he did not comply. Instead, Simmons abruptly pulled out of the parking lot and began to drive through a residential neighborhood at a high rate of speed. CMPD officers followed Simmons, and observed the defendant get out of the vehicle near a residence and approach the front porch. Officers arrested Simmons in the yard. Court records show that, after Simmons was arrested, CMPD officers retraced the path that Simmons took while he fled and located two handguns the defendant had discarded while driving. The first handgun was a 9mm caliber pistol, loaded with one round of ammunition in the chamber and fourteen rounds of ammunition in the magazine. The second handgun was a stolen 19x 9x19mm caliber pistol, loaded with one round of ammunition in the chamber and twenty-two rounds of ammunition in the extended magazine. According to court records, the ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch determined that both firearms had a Glock Switch device installed. The installation of the Glock Switch device allows a conventional semi-automatic Glock pistol to function as a fully automatic firearm. According to court documents, on September 12, 2022, CMPD officers attempting to arrest Simmons in connection with the firearms seized during the June incident located a rental vehicle driven by the defendant. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a semiautomatic pistol loaded with fifteen rounds of ammunition. Simmons has prior criminal convictions, including a federal conviction in the Western District of North Carolina for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. On February 9, 2024, Simmons pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Simmons is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and CMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shavonn Bennette of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Business owner admits to scheme to bribe Pharr Customs & Border Patrol official

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 49-year-old man has pleaded guilty for his role in a bribery scheme to give kickbacks to a U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) official in exchange for the official’s efforts to influence the award of lucrative federal contracts, announced U.S. Attorney Hamdani. Court documents charge Christopher Cassity aka Mac, Glenwood, Maryland, with one count of honest services wire fraud. As part of the plea agreement, Cassity admitted that between July 29, 2019, and Dec. 29, 2022, he and an information system security officer (ISSO) residing in Pharr carried out a bribery scheme. Cassity provided kickbacks to the ISSO in exchange for the officer’s influence in awarding CBP contracts to businesses that would subcontract with Cassity’s company, IVV Solutions. The ISSO specifically directed and pressured CBP contracting officials to select contractors from a preferred list, who bid on contracts to upgrade CBP’s information security system in various CBP facilities. The ISSO knew the contractors on his preferred list would subcontract with IVV Solutions to provide “independent verification and validation services.” Court documents reveal that Cassity’s business received approximately $814,570 in payments for CBP contracts during the bribery scheme. In exchange, Cassity made approximately 58 kickback payments to the ISSO, amounting to approximately $443,125. To conceal the scheme, Cassity falsely claimed that the ISSO conduits received payments for unnecessary and unperformed services, including translation services. Cassity is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 10, 2025. At that time, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Commissioner Matthew Klein of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) made the announcement as well. CBP OPR is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel and Trial Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Lee’s Summit Man Indicted for Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for producing child pornography. Markel Anthony Price, 34, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment alleges that Price used a minor victim to produce child pornography on Nov. 18, 2023. The indictment also charges Price with one count of possessing child pornography that depicts a prepubescent minor victim and a minor victim under the age of 12. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Burlington County Man Indicted for Firearms and Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man has been indicted for firearms and narcotics offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Cody Starr, 35, of Mount Holly, New Jersey, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a machine gun, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, four counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and four counts of engaging in the business of firearms trafficking without a license. Starr will be arraigned at a later date. According to documents filed in the case: From Oct. 13, 2022, through Nov. 8, 2022, undercover agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of firearms and methamphetamine with Starr at his residence. Agents purchased approximately 12 firearms from Starr, all qualifying as privately made firearms (PMFs). During four of the controlled purchases, Starr was armed with a firearm, including a PMF machine gun. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was conducted at Starr’s residence where over 50 PMFs, firearms magazines, ammunition, firearms parts, a 3D printer, and other firearms manufacturing accessories were recovered. On the criminal charges for drug distribution, Starr faces a potential maximum term of 20 years in prison, and up to a $1 million fine. The felon in possession of a firearm count carries a potential maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The possession of a machine gun count carries a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Each possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a mandatory minimum term of incarceration of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Each charge of engaging in the business of firearms trafficking without a license carries a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Camden Field Office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, New Jersey State Police, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Mount Holly Police Department, Evesham Police Department, and Pine Hill Police Department. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. starr.indictment.pdf


title: KC Man Indicted for Producing Child Pornography

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for producing child pornography. Leonardo Leon, 25, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Leon on Oct. 14, 2024. The federal indictment alleges that Leon used a minor victim to produce child pornography from Aug. 1 to Sept. 2, 2024. The indictment also charges Leon with distributing child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers were dispatched to Children’s Mercy Hospital shortly after midnight on Sept. 3, 2024, when a 15-year-old victim suffered a fatal drug overdose. In the course of their investigation, officers learned that Leon had been communicating on Instagram with the child victim’s best friend. This witness told officers that Leon was having sex with the child victim and, about a week after the child victim’s death, had sent her a video of them having sex. Investigators searched Leon’s Instagram account, the affidavit says, and found three video clips he had sent to the witness of himself engaging in sex with the child victim. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Businessman Pleads Guilty to Export, Tax Charges in Connection with Shipments of Other Sensitive Technology to Russia

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Ilya Kahn, a national of the United States, Israel and Russia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act for his role in a transnational, multi-million-dollar scheme to secure and illegally export dual-use semiconductors and other sensitive technology to Joint Stock Company Research and Development Center ELVEES (Elvees) and other entities in Russia. Elvees, one of the leading Russian developers of microchips, was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022 for contributing to Russia’s security services, military and defense sectors. Kahn also pleaded guilty to attempted tax evasion for failing to pay taxes on the illicit income he earned from the scheme. Kahn was arrested in January 2024. The guilty pleas took place before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. When sentenced, Khan faces up to 20 years in prison. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s National Security Division, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, New York Field Office, and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the plea. “Semiconductors and other advanced electronics are the lifeblood of Russia’s war machine, and Kahn’s circumvention of U.S. export controls was critical to Russia’s chip design and manufacturing capacity,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s plea marks a significant step in protecting the national security of the U.S. and our allies and partners abroad. We will continue to use all our law enforcement and national security tools to hold individuals and corporations accountable for flouting the law to aid sanctioned entities in Russia and elsewhere.” Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office for their assistance in this case. “Today’s guilty plea is another step towards stopping the illicit flow of technology to support the Russian war machine,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division. “The Department will continue to do all that we can to disrupt the illegal export of sensitive dual-use electronics to our adversaries and protect our national security.” “By operating front companies to illegally export dual-use semiconductors and other sensitive technology, Illya Kahn aided a hostile nation at the expense of the security of our nation. The FBI and our partners will continue to ensure individuals attempting to evade national security sanctions are held accountable in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “Working with our law enforcement colleagues, the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to investigate and dismantle sophisticated illegal procurement schemes that supply Russia’s war effort,’ said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson. “Today’s guilty plea should serve as another reminder that we will not tolerate violations of the sanctions imposed on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.” “Khan aided Russian military and intelligence agencies by conspiring to unlawfully transfer sensitive technology to Russia, even after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Further, he pocketed millions in this scheme, but just like Al Capone, Kahn needed to pay tax to the U.S. government on his ill-gotten gains. This guilty plea means Kahn can no longer aid a foreign government for profit, and he is sure to give much of that money back in forfeiture and what he owes in taxes. Yes, criminals must pay taxes, even on dirty money,” said Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York. Kahn is the owner of Senesys Incorporated and Sensor Design Association, which operated in California and Brooklyn, New York. Kahn operated these businesses — ostensibly involved in “security software development” and the testing of silicon wafers for military, avionics and space users — as fronts for a years’ long conspiracy to acquire and export sensitive and sophisticated dual-use electronics from the United States to Elvees in Russia. Many of these items required an export license for national security and anti-terrorism reasons, which Kahn did not obtain. Kahn also arranged for Elvees to continue to fabricate and import semiconductors after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These semiconductors can be used for, among other things, communications systems, GPS receivers and equipment for military unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones. In doing so, Kahn utilized a transnational network of front companies and bank accounts to ship those semiconductors to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, often arranging for the semiconductors to be sent to the U.S. and then re-exported to Russia via China and other locations around the world. In March 2022, the Commerce Department added Elvees to the Entity List, imposing a license requirement to export any item subject to the Export Administration Regulations to Elvees, and stating that it would review license applications under a policy of denial. Despite these sanctions, Kahn continued to work with Elvees. For example, in May 2022, Kahn emailed a Taiwanese manufacturer design guidance for an Elvees-branded microchip. Subsequently, Kahn shipped thousands of units of this microchip to a Hong Kong-based shipping company, and then to a company located in the mainland of the People’s Republic of China. Kahn noted in communications with the Hong Kong shipping company that he received a “call from Russia” about the PRC business to which he was directing the goods. Kahn’s export activity for the benefit of Elvees dates to at least 2012, and accounts under his control received more than $50 million from Elvees and related entities between 2012 and 2022. Of that money, Kahn channeled nearly $5 million for his personal use, which he did not report to the IRS and on which he did not pay income taxes. As part of his plea, Kahn agreed to forfeit $4,923,548.94 in ill-gotten gains and to pay an additional $1,892,816.00 in restitution to the IRS. Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force and the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Artie McConnell and Matthew Skurnik are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analysts Emma Tavangari and Mary Clare McMahon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Mantell of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters. The Defendant : ILYA KAHN Age: 66 Israel; Brooklyn, New York; Los Angeles, California E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-56 (S-1) (AMD)


title: Maryland Business Owner Pleads Guilty for Scheme to Bribe Texas-Based U.S. Customs and Border Protection Official

body_text: A Maryland man pleaded guilty today for his role in a bribery scheme to give kickbacks to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official in exchange for the official’s efforts to influence the award of lucrative federal contracts. According to court documents, Christopher “Mac” Cassity, 51, of Glenwood, was charged in a single-count criminal information with honest services wire fraud, pursuant to a written plea agreement. As part of the plea agreement, Cassity admitted that, between July 29, 2019, and Dec. 29, 2022, he and Public Official A, an information system security officer residing in Pharr, Texas, devised and executed a bribery scheme in which Cassity paid Public Official A kickbacks in exchange for Public Official A taking official action to influence the award of CBP contracts to businesses that would subcontract with Cassity’s business, IVV Solutions. Specifically, Public Official A directed and pressured CBP contracting officials to select contractors, who bid on contracts to upgrade CBP’s information security system in various CBP facilities, from a list of contractors that Public Official A knew would then subcontract with IVV Solutions to provide “independent verification and validation services.” According to court documents, Cassity’s business received approximately $814,570 in payments related to CBP contracts during the bribery scheme. In return, Cassity made approximately 58 kickback payments to Public Official A, totaling approximately $443,125. To conceal the scheme, Cassity transmitted the kickback payments by wire from IVV Solutions’ bank accounts to bank accounts in the name of conduits of Public Official A, which were controlled and used by Public Official A. Cassity is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas; and Assistant Commissioner Matthew Klein of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) made the announcement. CBP OPR is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.


title: Federal Employee Indicted for Covid Fraud

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Carolina woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for fraudulently obtaining a $20,000 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Lakeysha Day, 43, was charged with one count of wire fraud in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Day, an employee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, worked at the V.A. Medical Center in Columbia, Mo., at the time of the offense. According to today’s indictment, Day applied for a PPP loan for her business on March 20, 2021. The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. Day claimed to be a sole proprietor of a business which had an average monthly payroll of $8,000. The supporting documents she submitted claimed gross receipts or sales of $114,210, business expenses of $14,685 and a profit of $99,525. In reality, however, Day’s 2019 personal income tax return did not report income and expenses that were claimed in the loan application. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Day to forfeit to the government any property derived from the alleged fraud scheme, including a money judgment of $20,000. The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.


title: Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More than 47 Combined Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FAYETTEVILLE – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial of Claude Dukes, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl pills in the Western District of Arkansas from November 2022 to June 2023. Evidence presented at trial showed that Claude Dukes, Jr ., of Newport, Arkansas, was identified as the source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by co-conspirator, Justin Ellis. Dukes was found to be responsible for over 400 grams of fentanyl distributed in the conspiracy through his own conduct and the conduct of co-conspirators. Co-conspirators Justin Ellis and Derrick Bradley pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl in Northwest Arkansas for their respective roles in the offense. The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills. “This case is an example of the outstanding results that are possible when dedicated law enforcement officers and agencies work together to dismantle drug trafficking operations,” said David Clay Fowlkes, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. “We are so proud to partner with our federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies to address this deadly controlled substance. Fentanyl continues to be an extreme danger to our communities in Western Arkansas. This drug trafficking operation was responsible for distributing significant amounts of this deadly substance in Western Arkansas. This sentence reflects the serious nature of their crimes and should send a strong message to others who would seek to smuggle and distribute fentanyl in Western Arkansas.” Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows: Claude Dukes, Jr. : age 42, Newport, Arkansas – Conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl– 300 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release. Dukes’ sentence was subject to enhanced penalties due to his status as a career offender. Justin Alexander Ellis : age 36, Fayetteville, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 172 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. Ellis’ sentence was subject to enhanced penalties due to his status as a career offender. Derrick Scott Bradley : age 43, Rogers, Arkansas – Distribution of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl – 96 months imprisonment and 3-year term of supervised release. U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration in Fayetteville investigated the case with assistance by the following agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Benton County Drug Unit, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Bentonville Police Department, Rogers Police Department, and the Newport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydney Butler Stanley, Kevin Eaton, and Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case for the United States. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former Licensed Counselor Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man, who had served as the president of the Texas Counseling Association, was sentenced in federal court to 28 years in prison for one count of sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, Adrian Scott Warren, 47, sent a private message over a dating application to an FBI-controlled undercover profile. The conversation transitioned to a messenger application where Warren stated he was interested in “young” and had been engaging in sexual contact with a minor male since the child was seven years old. Warren told the undercover agent that he wanted to meet up to engage in sexual activity and watch child sexual abuse material and offered to bring the child victim with him. On Aug. 4, 2022, Warren traveled to a hotel where he believed he was going to meet a nine year old child and engage in sexual activity. He instead was met by FBI agents who seized his cellphone. The following day, a Child Protective Services Special Investigator interviewed Warren, who identified the child victim and admitted that he had sexually assaulted the child. He also admitted to possessing child pornography depicting various children between the ages of 0 and 17 years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Warren was arrested Aug. 5, 2022, and indicted for one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to count one on Nov. 14, 2023. Following his 28 year imprisonment, Warren will serve a lifetime of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $140,840 to the victim impacted by the sexual exploitation charge, and $100,000 to 20 additional victims, whose images Warren possessed. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson 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 www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Businessman Pleads Guilty to Export and Tax Charges in Connection with Shipments of Sensitive Technology to Russia

body_text: Ilya Khan, 66, a national of the United States, Israel, and Russia, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act for his role in a transnational, multi-million-dollar scheme to secure and illegally export dual-use semiconductors and other sensitive technology to Joint Stock Company Research and Development Center ELVEES (Elvees) and other entities in Russia. Elvees, one of the leading Russian developers of microchips, was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022 for contributing to Russia’s security services, military, and defense sectors. Kahn also pleaded guilty to attempted tax evasion for failing to pay taxes on the illicit income he earned from the scheme. “Today’s guilty plea is another step towards stopping the illicit flow of technology to support the Russian war machine,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The department will continue to do all that we can to disrupt the illegal export of sensitive dual-use electronics to our adversaries and protect our national security.” “Kahn’s brazen, multi-million dollar scheme to illegally supply semiconductors to companies tied to Russia’s intelligence service and military was doomed to fail, due to the exemplary investigative work of U.S. law enforcement,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “The Department of Commerce and our partners remain laser-focused on disrupting the illicit procurement networks used to acquire the technology needed to power the Russian war machine.” “The illegal export of goods and technology to Russia is a threat to U.S. economic and national security,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Whether it’s commercial goods or military-use technology, illegal exports have the potential to cause significant harm. Ilya Khan’s conviction demonstrates the resolve of the FBI and its partners to protect our citizens and our country.” “Semiconductors and other advanced electronics are the lifeblood of Russia’s war machine, and Kahn’s circumvention of U.S. export controls was critical to Russia’s chip design and manufacturing capacity,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s plea marks a significant step in protecting the national security of the U.S. and our allies and partners abroad. We will continue to use all our law enforcement and national security tools to hold individuals and corporations accountable for flouting the law to aid sanctioned entities in Russia and elsewhere.” “Kahn’s multi-million dollar business threatened the national and financial security of our country,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “In addition to illegally exporting sensitive technology to entities in Russia, he circumvented our tax laws by not reporting his income or paying taxes on his ill-gotten gains. Uncovering financial crimes, especially those that look to weaken the stability of our country will continue to be a priority for our agency.” Kahn is the owner of Senesys Incorporated and Sensor Design Association, which operated in California and Brooklyn, New York. Kahn operated these businesses — ostensibly involved in “security software development” and the testing of silicon wafers for military, avionics and space users — as fronts for a years’ long conspiracy to acquire and export sensitive and sophisticated, dual-use electronics from the United States to Elvees in Russia. Many of these items required an export license due to national security and anti-terrorism reasons, which Kahn did not obtain. Kahn also arranged for Elvees to continue to fabricate and import semiconductors after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These semiconductors can be used for, among other things, communications systems, GPS receivers, and equipment for military unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones. In doing so, Kahn utilized a transnational network of front companies and bank accounts to ship those semiconductors to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, often arranging for the semiconductors to be sent to the U.S. and then re-exported to Russia via China and other locations around the world. In March 2022, the Commerce Department added Elvees to the Entity List, imposing a license requirement to export any item subject to the Export Administration Regulations to Elvees, and stating that it would review license applications under a policy of denial. Despite these sanctions, Kahn continued to work with Elvees. For example, in May 2022, Kahn emailed a Taiwanese manufacturer design guidance for an Elvees-branded microchip. Subsequently, Kahn shipped thousands of units of this microchip to a Hong Kong-based shipping company, and then to a company located in the mainland of the People’s Republic of China. Kahn noted in communications with the Hong Kong shipping company that he received a “call from Russia” about the PRC business to which he was directing the goods. Kahn’s export activity for the benefit of Elvees dates to at least 2012, and accounts under his control received more than $50 million from Elvees and related entities between 2012 and 2022. Of that money, Kahn channeled nearly $5 million for his personal use, which he did not report to the IRS and on which he did not pay income taxes. As part of his plea, Kahn agreed to forfeit $4,923,548.94 in ill-gotten gains and to pay an additional $1,892,816.00 in restitution to the IRS. Khan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The FBI Los Angeles Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Artie McConnell and Matthew Skurnik for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California assisted in the prosecution. Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force and the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine.


title: Madras Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Madras, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Jefferson County, Oregon. Wyatt Franklin Powell, 61, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on October 28, 2023, a Warm Springs Police Department (WSPD) officer responded to a report of erratic driving. During the traffic stop, the officer smelled a strong chemical odor consistent with narcotics. A second WSPD officer with drug detection dog arrived to assist and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers located methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, a BB gun, drug paraphernalia and a digital scale in Powell’s vehicle. On February 22, 2024, Powell was charged by criminal information with one-count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty on July 2, 2024. This case was investigated by the FBI and Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Member Of Violent 764 Terror Network Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Sexually Exploiting A Child

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: LANSING, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Richard Anthony Reyna Densmore, 47, of Kaleva, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually exploiting a child. Densmore pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, part of a broader indictment that charged him with other child exploitation offenses. U.S. Attorney Totten announced the sentence at a press conference this afternoon with Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matt Olsen and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Marriott, Detroit Field Office. “This case represents a new and depraved threat against our kids and our communities: violent online extremists who manipulate their minor victims to commit self-harm and create sexually explicit images,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten . “While we will always fight to hold criminals like Richard Densmore accountable, we want to prevent this crime as much as possible. Parents: please talk with your children about this threat; monitor their social media use; and let them know they can always come to you if they mess up.” “Richard Densmore will spend the next 30 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a child and for his role in creating 764’s online networks that coerced children into recording themselves engaging in self-harm, sexually explicit acts, and violence” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland . “No child should have to experience this heinous abuse. The Justice Department will ensure that criminals engaged in this depraved conduct are held accountable in a court of law.” “This defendant orchestrated a community to target children through online gaming sites and used extortion and blackmail to force his minor victims to record themselves committing acts of self-harm and violence,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray . “If you prey on children online, you can’t hide behind a keyboard. The FBI will use all our resources and authorities to arrest you and hold you accountable.” Densmore is a member of 764, a network of violent extremists who seek to normalize the production, sharing, and possession of child pornography and gore material to desensitize and corrupt youth toward future acts of violence. Members of 764 gain notoriety by systematically targeting, grooming, and extorting victims through online social media platforms. Members demand that victims engage in and share media of self-mutilation, sexual acts, harm to animals, acts of random violence, suicide, and murder, all for the purpose of accelerating chaos and disrupting society and the world order. Densmore, known as “Rabid,” became notorious in the 764 network by creating online “Sewer” communities on Discord where members recruited children—including by infiltrating online gaming sites that children frequent—to cut themselves and engage in graphic sexual acts. Densmore boosted membership in “Sewer” by advertising livestreams of children engaging in self-mutilation (“cutshows”) and sexually explicit activity “on cam.” He threatened victims to cut themselves by telling them, “I have all your information. I own you. . . . You do what I say now kitten.” Densmore kept child pornography and bloody images of “Rabid,” “Sewer,” and “764” carved into victims’ limbs, in some cases with razor blades and boxcutters nearby. Densmore also sexually exploited children. In October 2022, Densmore unsuccessfully tried to persuade a minor girl, Jane Doe, to send him an explicit picture with “Rabid” written on her bare chest. When she expressed discomfort with that request, Densmore contacted another Discord user and paid him Nitro, a form of Discord currency, to help secure a sexually explicit picture of Jane Doe. Densmore’s efforts were successful and Jane Doe, at the request of the other Discord user, sent Densmore and the user a nude video of herself with “Rabid” written on her chest. Attached to this release is a copy of the government’s sentencing memorandum in this case, which provides further details. “Today's sentencing of Richard Densmore, who sexually exploited and victimized children, reaffirms the FBI's steadfast commitment to bringing to justice those who harm our youth,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan . “This case is a powerful reminder that there are severe consequences for those who prey on children. With the unwavering dedication of the FBI in Michigan, the support of our law enforcement partners at the Manistee County Sheriff's Office, and the determined prosecution by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan, we are resolute in our mission to eliminate sexual predators from our communities. We will not rest until we ensure the safety and well-being of our youth across Michigan.” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten reiterated that parents and caregivers should understand and monitor their children’s online activities. They should also look for unexpected packages, as members of these abuse and extortion networks are known to send children razor blades, sexual devices, gifts, and other materials to use in creating online content. The FBI further advised the public to take a number of precautionary steps, including: Looking for fresh cuts, bruises, wounds, and scars in unusual patterns; Looking for sudden behavior and appearance changes; Being attentive to children wearing long sleeves or pants in unusual circumstances; Monitoring children’s online activity and discussing the risks of sharing information and content; and Running frequent online searches of family and children’s information to help identify and prevent the spread of personal information on the internet. If you are worried about someone who might be self-harming or is at risk of suicide, please consult a health care professional or call 911 in the event of an immediate threat. The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Townshend for the Western District of Michigan prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. ###


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced To 12 Months’ Imprisonment For Fleeing Police

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 6, 2024, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Mugabe Baker, age 37, an illegal alien residing in Sullivan County, New York, to 12 months’ imprisonment for fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer. Judge Mariani also ordered Baker to serve one year on supervised release after the conclusion of his prison sentence. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on September 18, 2022, a National Park Service Law Enforcement Officer observed Baker speeding in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Rather than pulling over, Baker sped away from the Officer. Baker’s vehicle reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour and he nearly missed hitting two pedestrians while traveling through villages in New Jersey and New York. The responding Officer eventually terminated pursuit and Baker was later identified as the offending driver through investigation. The matter was investigated by the National Park Service with assistance provided by the Kingston, Pennsylvania Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Federal Employee Charged with Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An employee of the federal government has been charged with possession of child pornography. Joshua E. Peccia, 46, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint filed under seal in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The complaint was unsealed and made public today following Peccia’s arrest and initial court appearance. Peccia remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Peccia is employed as an operations support specialist in the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The federal criminal complaint charges Peccia with one count of possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Peccia uploaded eight videos of child pornography to the Verizon Cloud on Dec. 19, 2023. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Peccia’s residence and seized cell phones, computers, external hard drives, digital cameras, and USB media storage devices. Investigators found 630 videos of apparent child sexual abuse material on Peccia’s cell phone, along with 1,600 potential images and videos of child sexual abuse material. The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department and U.S. Secret Service. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Wilbur Theatre Enters into Agreement to Ensure Communication Accessibility

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office reached an agreement with the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, resolving a complaint that the theatre violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide a reasonable accommodation to a group of individuals with hearing impairments. The Wilbur Theatre is a performing arts theater located in the heart of Boston’s theater district. According to the complaint, the Wilbur Theatre failed to provide a group of individuals with hearing impairments an American Sign Language interpreter, or another communication aid or service, for a concert at the Wilbur Theatre. Federal law, including the ADA, prohibits public and private entities from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires places of public accommodation to take necessary steps to ensure that they communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. “It is vital that individuals with communication disabilities have equal access to public accommodations, like theaters and other businesses, and this office will continue to ensure that civil rights are protected” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.” We encourage individuals who believe that their disabilities have not been accommodated to contact our office to see whether legal action may be warranted.” This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anuj Khetarpal of the Civil Rights Unit. The Civil Rights Unit was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. The Wilbur Theatre fully cooperated with the United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights . For more information on the ADA, please visit www.ADA.gov .


title: Three Indicted for Roles in Drug Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – Three men have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges in connection with the distribution of cocaine in Central Massachusetts. Luis Sastre Pagan, 37, of Puerto Rico and formally of Southbridge; Eric Rivera, 31, of Southbridge; and Miguel Lopez, 27, of Southbridge, were all indicted on one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. Lopez was also indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. Sastre Pagan was arrested in Puerto Rico, released on conditions and ordered to appear in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts by Nov. 20, 2024. Rivera and Lopez appeared in Boston for initial appearances. According to charging documents, from in or about April 2023 through April 2024, the three men allegedly conspired with each other and others to knowingly and intentionally distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Lopez was previously charged by criminal complaint for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and unlawful possession of a machine gun. According to the complaint, Lopez was in possession of a package containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine and a Glock 19 pistol with a Glock conversion attached. The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. On the charge of conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, Sastre Pagan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The unlawful possession of a machinegun also provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA Puerto Rico and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: 25 Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Killed One Co-Worker and Injured Two Others

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Vincent Hemphill, 63, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in D.C. Superior Court to a total of 300 months in prison for killing an 80-year-old colleague and attempting to kill two others at a warehouse owned by the Washington Air Compressor Rental Company, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Mr. Hemphill pleaded guilty on September 6, 2024, to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of assault with intent to kill, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Erik Christian ordered Hemphill to serve 11 years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on October 12, 2023, Hemphill was at work at the Washington Air Compressor Rental Company’s warehouse, located at 1800 4th Street Northeast, Washington, DC. The defendant was directed by his work supervisor, Brian Jefferson, to move an air compressor. Hemphill did not immediately retrieve the requested air compressor and Mr. Jefferson, again requested, over the loudspeaker system, that he retrieve the air compressor. The defendant carried a large metal shovel to Brian Jefferson’s office and hit Mr. Jefferson in the head with it while Mr. Jefferson was seated at his desk and unable to move due to a prior injury to his foot. At the time Hemphill attacked Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Jefferson could not move around without the use of a scooter. The defendant then chased Charles Short, one of his co-workers, and, as Mr. Short tried to escape from him, Hemphill began to hit Mr. Short with the shovel. Hemphill continued to strike Mr. Short with the shovel repeatedly after Mr. Short had collapsed to the ground. The defendant then turned his attention to Jacob Othman, another co-worker, and hit Mr. Othman with the shovel. Mr. Othman was able to take the shovel away from Hemphill and began to run from the defendant but collapsed to the ground. Hemphill chased after Mr. Othman with a sledgehammer and struck Mr. Othman with the sledgehammer. The defendant then returned to where Mr. Short was lying on the ground and hit Mr. Short with the sledgehammer in the back and head area. Jacob Othman suffered from lacerations to his head and serious injuries to his shoulder. Brian Jefferson suffered from serious lacerations to his head, a brain bleed, a concussion, and a fractured jaw. Mr. Short suffered from severe lacerations to the head and facial area, orbital fractures, and a fractured mandible. Mr. Short succumbed to his injuries and died on January 22, 2024. The complications sustained from the assault precluded Mr. Short from returning to his baseline health and the manner of his death was ruled a homicide. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Lauren Galloway, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Phoenix Man Sentenced To More Than 19.5 Years In Prison For Selling Fentanyl That Killed Mesa County Inmate

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: GRAND JUNCTION – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jeremiah Robinson, 44, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 235 months (more than 19.5 years) in prison, to be followed by four years of supervision, after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. According to the plea agreement and information presented at sentencing, Robinson was a longtime drug dealer and six-time convicted felon operating in Phoenix. Prior to May 2022, Robinson had repeatedly sold drugs to Efrain Velez, a drug dealer who traveled from Mesa County, Colorado, to buy from Robinson. On May 7, 2022, Robinson sold bulk fentanyl and methamphetamine to Velez and two associates, Vanessa Vasquez and Anna Munday, in Phoenix. As the trio made their way back towards Mesa County, law enforcement intercepted their vehicle and discovered the drugs. During the traffic stop, Velez and Vasquez hid drugs on their persons and smuggled them into the Mesa County Detention Facility. Once inside the jail, Munday and Vasquez further distributed the drugs to inmates. On May 20, 2022, Karlie Locke gave one of the pills sold by Robinson to another inmate, who died of fentanyl intoxication. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), two milligrams of fentanyl can kill the average American; seven out of ten DEA-tested pills contain at least that amount. The four other conspirators in this case have been separately charged for fentanyl distribution resulting in death under the case number 22-cr-00232-GPG. Vannessa Vasquez has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment and Karlie Locke has been sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment. Anna Munday and Efrain Velez are pending sentencing. “Jeremiah Robinson valued the profit from his drug trade over the lives of his customers,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “Wherever you operate, if you sell drugs that make their way into Colorado, our office will find you and hold you accountable.” United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Rocky Mountain Division and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey K. Graves, Jennifer Springer, and former Assistant United States Attorney Jeremey Chaffin prosecuted the case.


title: Marlborough Woman Indicted for Stealing Almost $200,000 from a Keene Non-Profit

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Marlborough woman was indicted for embezzling almost $200,000 from Monadnock Peer Support (MPS), a mental health non-profit based in Keene, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces. Christine Allen, a/k/a Christine Nowill, a/k/a Christine Yardley, 50, was indicted on four counts of wire fraud. Allen is scheduled to appear in federal court at a later date. According to the charging document, Allen was the Executive Director of MPS. As Executive Director, she had full access to the non-profit’s finances, including its accounting records, bank accounts, checkbook, and debit cards. Between January 2021 and May 2023, Allen embezzled almost $200,000 from MPS. She used the stolen money on personal expenses, including Amazon purchases and renovations for her home in Marlborough. The fraudulent purchases included home and kitchen products, gaming equipment, hockey equipment, a meat cleaver, and a food dehydrator. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Eight Men Charged in Connection with Interstate High-End Car Theft Ring

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Eight men have been charged for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to steal luxury cars in New Jersey, New York, and elsewhere, and transport them across state lines, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Ahmad Franks, aka “Mahdi,” 24; Shaquan White, aka “QBandz,” aka “Q Bands,” 23; Nathan Braswell, aka “Troub,” 20; Ibn Bellamy, aka “YC,” 24; Zamir Wright, aka “GBz,” 20, all of Newark; Ryan Bowen, aka “Prob,” 26; Khyree Lawrence, aka “6,” 20, both of East Orange, New Jersey; and Mohammed Buhari, aka “Sakina,” 45, of Woodbridge, Virginia; are all charged by complaint with conspiring to receive, possess, or sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce. Franks is also charged with five counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. Bellamy is also charged with one count of possession of a stolen vehicle, and Buhari is charged with one count of sale, receipt, or possession of a stolen vehicle. Bellamy and Lawrence were arrested on Nov. 6, 2024, and made their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court. Buhari remains at large. The remaining defendants are already in custody on prior charges and will appear at a later date. “The defendants are charged with orchestrating a brazen conspiracy to steal high-end, luxury vehicles, targeting our community and profiting from their illegal activities,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “These charges underscore our commitment to work with all of our law enforcement partners to protect the community from the variety of crimes committed by those who seek to enrich themselves unjustly by victimizing our residents.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In November 2021, law enforcement began investigating a series of high-end car thefts and learned that the eight defendants, and others conspired to possess, receive, conceal, sell, dispose, and/or transport high-value stolen cars in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and elsewhere. Some of the stolen cars were used during the commission of other crimes, including the theft of additional cars, shootings, and a homicide. From November 2021 to July 2022, Franks exchanged photographs of at least 400 known or suspected stolen cars with at least a dozen conspirators. The 14 cars stolen by the defendants as alleged in the complaint have an estimated total value of at least $550,000. The conspiracy count carries a maximum term of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greatest. The charges of sale, receipt, or possession of a stolen vehicle and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle each carries a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; the Newark Police Division, under the direction of Director Fritz G. Fragé; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan; the Millburn Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gilfedder; and the Fairfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Anthony G. Manna, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York Police Department, the Port Authority Police Department, the Jersey City Police Department, the Tenafly Police Department, the East Brunswick Police Department, the Ridgewood Police Department, the Ramapo Police Department, the Spring Lake Police Department, the Paramus Police Department, the Woodbridge Police Department, the Edison Police Department, the Essex Fells Police Department, the East Orange Police Department, the West Caldwell Police Department, and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Megan Linares of the Criminal Division in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. franksetal.complaint.pdf


title: Porter resident heads to prison for producing child sexual abuse material

body_text: HOUSTON - A 44-year-old man has been sentenced for producing and distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Adam Michael Ohlsen pleaded guilty May 5. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has now ordered Ohlsen to serve 280 and 200 months for the production and distribution convictions, respectively. They will run consecutively for a total 480-month term of imprisonment. Restitution will be determined at a later date. During the hearing, the court learned how deeply and terribly this crime has affected the minor victim who suffered sexual abuse from Ohlsen. The court heard how the dissemination of the child pornography images depicting her being sexually abused will cause ongoing harm to the minor victim. Ohlsen was further ordered to remain on supervised release for the remainder of his life following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Ohlsen will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. The investigation began after authorities discovered Ohlsen was distributing child pornography in 2022 using a Russian image hosting website. Prior to executing a search warrant at his home, law enforcement found evidence he had sexually abused the minor victim and shared images of the abuse on an image sharing platform. Ohlsen confessed to the abuse and distribution. Ohlsen will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Lu prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Former Traveling Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Morphine

body_text: BOSTON – A former traveling nurse pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to tampering with morphine at a local rehabilitation facility. Loralie LaBroad, 54, of Hampton, N.H., pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product. U.S. District Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Feb. 21, 2025. LaBroad was charged by in September 2024. According to charging documents, while working as a traveling nurse assigned to a rehabilitation center, LaBroad tampered with two bottles of morphine on the medication cart she was assigned. LaBroad used a syringe to remove morphine from the bottles, injected another liquid substance into the bottles to replace the morphine she had removed, and returned the bottles to the medication cart. Investigators seized the bottles immediately after her shift and laboratory testing confirmed that the bottles each contained less than the declared concentration of morphine. The charge of tampering with a consumer product provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; and Robert H. Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of the Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Rapper Known as "Lil Zay Osama" Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Possessing an Illegal Machinegun

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Isaiah Dukes, also known as “Lil Zay Osama,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison to 14 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Dukes was indicted in January 2024 for possession of a machinegun, and pleaded guilty in May 2024. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Office (ATF), and Thomas G. Donlon, Interim Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the sentence. “The defendant knowingly carried a fully automatic weapon, a pistol with a switch device whose only purpose is to make a dangerous weapon all the more deadly – and then carelessly left that gun in the back of a rideshare,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentence serves as a warning that those who possess illegal guns, particularly with switches that convert those guns into machineguns, will be held accountable for their actions and for the danger they pose to our community.” “This sentencing highlights a crucial point: possessing a machine gun conversion device is illegal under federal law. Machine gun conversion devices exponentially increase the lethality of firearms and put our communities in serious danger. Every device removed from our streets represents lives saved and tragedies prevented. The ATF's primary goal is safeguarding the public from violent crimes, and the removal of these devices significantly contributes to achieving this mission. We are grateful to the ATF NY Joint Firearms Task Force, NYPD, and EDNY for their dedicated efforts in this endeavor. ATF proudly collaborates with our law enforcement partners to eliminate these dangerous devices from our streets and ensure public safety,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller. “Today’s sentence serves as a reminder to anyone who may bring an illegal firearm, especially one that has been modified to increase its lethality, into New York City: There are serious consequences for your reckless actions,” stated NYPD Interim Commissioner Donlon. “The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are fully committed to holding criminals accountable and ensuring the safety of our streets and communities for all New Yorkers.” As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum and other court documents, on September 29, 2022, Dukes carried a loaded Glock pistol affixed with a switch — a device that when attached to the back of a handgun like a Glock converts the firearm into a fully automatic weapon. Dukes was arrested after leaving the firearm in a rideshare vehicle that brought him from a luxury hotel in Manhattan to a recording studio in Queens. Law enforcement subsequently determined that the firearm could automatically fire more than one round with a single function of the trigger, rendering it a machinegun. Assistant United States Attorneys Gilbert M. Rein and Rebecca M. Schuman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman. The Defendant : ISAIAH DUKES Age: 27 Calumet City, Illinois E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-28 (NRM)


title: Convicted Drug Dealer Sent Back to Prison After Assaulting Domestic Partner

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A convicted drug dealer who violated the terms of his supervised release by brutally beating a domestic partner has been sent back to prison for 10 years, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Jose Negron-Cardona, 49, was convicted in 2008 in the District of Puerto Rico of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics and brandishing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. A U.S. District Judge in Puerto Rico sentenced him to a total of 211 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Federal offenders are often subject to a period of post-conviction supervision that can include various conditions, from abstaining from illicit drug use to meeting with a probation officer. Mr. Cardona’s conditions included a prohibition against violating federal, state, or local laws. After serving time in federal prison, Mr. Cardona was released and began his supervised release on May 27, 2020. On June 5, 2024, while living in Grand Prairie, Mr. Cardona viciously assaulted a domestic partner. Shortly after the assault, U.S. Probation Office filed a petition to revoke his supervised release. At a hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors argued that Mr. Cardona should be sent back to prison, calling the victim to the stand to testify. The victim testified that Mr. Cardona viciously assaulted her, prevented her from calling 911, and repeatedly struck her in the face until she lost consciousness. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade found by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Cardona had committed assault/family violence – a state offense that violated his conditions of supervision – and revoked his supervised release, sentencing Mr. Cardona to an additional 10 years in federal prison (five years per count, to run consecutively). “If this defendant thought he could savagely beat a woman without repercussion, he was sorely mistaken. While we take all violations of supervised release seriously, we are especially concerned by instances of domestic violence. For the next decade, his victim will be able to sleep soundly at night knowing he is once again behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. The Grand Prairie Police Department conducted the investigation into the assault. The United States Probation Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Winters and Ted Hocter argued for revocation and imprisonment.


title: Four Business Owners Indicted for Smuggling and Illegally Importing Tens of Millions of Dollars in Emissions Defeat Devices from Canada into Eastern Washington

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – On October 18, 2024, A federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging John Wesley Owens, of Manson, Washington; Joshua Wesley Owens, of Mapleton, Utah; their companies Diesel Truck Products, Inc. d/b/ DPF Delete Shop Inc., and Fulfillment Solutions & More, LLC; Kevin Paul Dodd, of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada; his companies Evolution Auto Performance and Evo Tunes Inc.; and Philip John Sweeney, of Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada; and his company KX Wheels, for a scheme to smuggle and illegally import tens of millions of dollars in contraband emissions defeat devices from Canada into the United States and to sell and distribute them throughout the United States, in violation of the Clean Air Act. Under the Clean Air Act, diesel trucks are required to maintain systems and components that limit harmful emissions of dangerous pollutants such as diesel particulates. Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. Heavy-duty diesel trucks are also required under the Clean Air Act to maintain an onboard-diagnostic system which monitors the functionality of the hardware emissions control components. In order to ensure that the required emissions control systems are functioning properly, if the system detects that an emissions control component is not working, or has been removed, it will ultimately put the truck into what is known as “limp mode,” which limits the top speed to as low as 5 miles per hour. Hardware and software designed to disable these emissions controls, commonly known as “defeat devices”, can greatly increase the emissions of these dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere, particularly impacting communities that are close to arterial roads and highways. The indictment alleges that the Owens, Sweeney, Dodd, and their companies conspired to violate the Clean Air Act and to smuggle contraband and illegal defeat devices into the United States. The indictment also charges the Owens and their companies with money laundering. According to the indictment, between December 2015 and November 2023, the Owens purchased more than $33 million dollars in illegal emissions defeat devices from Dodd, Sweeney, and their companies. The indictment alleges that Dodd, Sweeney, and the Owens smuggled and illegally imported these emissions defeat devices from Canada into Eastern Washington and then sold and distributed them to customers throughout the United States. According to the indictment, in the Summer of 2020, the Owens, following requests for information about their business from the Environmental Protection Agency, decided to shut down their business website and re-launch under a new name. In May 2020, Joshua Owens sent an email to Dodd and said, “In June I’m winding down this ‘legal entity’ and staring up another one. Feels like I’m on borrowed time with the EPA.” According to the indictment, in July 2020, Joshua Owens then started a new website, www.dpfdeleteshop.com, and new business name “DPF Delete Shop, Inc.” listing a business address in the Cayman Islands, and continued to use this website to import, sell, and distribute illegal defeat devices, despite repeated warnings that they were illegal. The indictment alleges that in February 2023, when a customer complained by email and threatened to report Josh Owens and DPF Delete Shop Inc. to the EPA, Josh Owens responded by email “We have all your info. You’ll be the guy we serve up on a silver platter to the EPA if it comes down to that.” The indictment further alleges that the Owens and Sweeney conspired to disguise the shipments of illegal emission control devices from Canada into Eastern Washington. In May 2022, Sweeney emailed John Owens and wrote, “John We have lots of ways that we can get stuff across the border, I will give you a call later I just need you to be complacent and how we do it and I don’t wanna do it over email.” According to the indictment, between 2017 and 2023, based on online sales data, the Owens and their businesses received more than $74 million in revenue through their online sales of emissions defeat devices to customers in the United States. “Safe and healthy air quality is critical for a thriving community. The Clean Air Act provides important safeguards that limit the amount of harmful emissions from diesel vehicles. Attempting to profit from evading pollution control systems puts the health and safety of everyone in our community at risk, especially children and individuals who suffer from asthma and respiratory illnesses,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws ensures a safer community for all families to live, learn, play, and work.” The conspiracy charges carry a maximum sentence of up to 5 years in federal prison, while the smuggling and money laundering charges have a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. This case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jacob E. Brooks, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendolyn Russell, are prosecuting the case. 2:24-CR-00140-TOR